Ten questions for... Solo Solinski, the surf pro

From the lowlands to the mountains: Martyn Van Soolingen, aka Solo Solinski, has been living in Engadin for over 20 years and is fully dedicated to the freestyle lifestyle. “When I found out you could ski and surf in the Engadin, I knew I had to go there.” Whether on snow or water, Solo loves the thrill of the board.

1) You come from Holland, which is very flat. What made you stay in the mountains, in Engadin?

Since I was five years old, I've been traveling to the Alps to ski during Christmas. I loved the mountains even back then and was always a bit sad when we had to go back to the lowlands of Holland. As a child, I knew I wanted to move to the mountains and teach skiing in winter. I studied sports in Holland to fulfill my dream. Later, when I lived in the Caribbean and learned you could ski and surf in Engadin, I knew I had to go there!

2) You live with your family at Camping Silvaplana. What appeals to you about that?

During my time as a ski instructor in winter and as a surf instructor in the Caribbean and USA in summer, as well as a judge on the kite and windsurf world tour, I traveled a lot but never made much money. About 20 years ago, the opportunity to work at the campsite arose, and I couldn’t pass it up. Living at Camping Silvaplana offers everything I love: direct access to the water and plenty of leisure activities like the freestyle garden, tennis courts, and beach volleyball. It’s perfect for my family too, as I live only minutes from work and my daughter can enjoy this paradise in her free time.

3) Would you describe yourself as a free spirit? What does freestyle mean to you?

I love life. I love sports... and freestyle sports! I also love nature. In this regard, life has always been good to me, and I am fortunate to live many of my early dreams today. Every sport I’ve tried, I’ve enjoyed in a freestyle way, even team sports. For me, it’s important that everyone involved has fun with the sport. That makes everything an adventure, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate. That’s freestyle for me.

4) How did you get into surfing?

My father loved sailing, but my mother was always afraid of sailing into the harbor. Then, at a boat show in 1978, they saw someone windsurfing and realized you don’t have to sail into a harbor for that. Thus began our family’s windsurfing journey.

5) What moments on the surfboard will you never forget?

The most unforgettable moments on the surfboard were in the big waves in Western Australia, the "tubes" in Bali, the small waves in Hawaii, tow-in surfing in Portugal, river waves in St. Moritz, and surfing with a legend in Santa Cruz.

6) What are your tips for those who want to learn windsurfing/foiling, kiting, etc.?

I’d recommend watching some YouTube videos first to get an idea of the sport. Then, take a lesson at an official water sports school. The passionate instructors will surely pass on their enthusiasm. After 3-5 days of lessons, you’ll quickly see if you like the sport. It’s even more fun if you try it with a friend! Finally, good equipment is crucial, even if you learn from friends.

7) What are your 5 favorite surf spots?

1. Lake Silvaplana: My home for 20 years. The Malojawind at 1800 meters is something special and a must for every summer! Although the wind isn’t the strongest, the lake offers perfect conditions for sports like kitesurfing and wing foiling.
2. Cabarete, Dominican Republic: I lived there for 10 years and loved the waves in the morning and the wind in the afternoon.
3. Cape Town, South Africa: Fantastic waves and wind, along with breathtaking scenery.
4. West Coast of Australia: Dreamlike waves, untouched nature, and a great climate.
5. Lake Como, Italy: An ideal place for surfing. It’s pleasantly warm and easily accessible from Engadin. Plus, I enjoy the "Bella Vita" there!

8) In winter, you work as a ski and snowboard instructor. Do you also spend time in the pipe or park?

Ever since I’ve been on the snow, I’ve looked for jumps, moguls, and little forest trails. When the first snow parks emerged, I spent a lot of time there. I love the jumps and I am always happy to share this passion with my ski pupils, young or old. That’s why I show them the park and off-piste skiing if they’re up for it. I also love watching the pros, which motivates me to try new tricks myself – as long as they’re not too extreme for my level. 🫣😜 Also, I’m so happy there’s finally a halfpipe in Engadin again!

9) What do you think is still missing in Engadin to make it even more attractive for freestylers?

An indoor freestyle hall. It’s great that we have so many opportunities to do freestyle activities outside, but on days when the weather isn’t great, there are fewer options for sports. The Serlas Climbing Park has a nice climbing hall and bowling alley, which I think is great. But an indoor trampoline park or an indoor ice rink would also be cool!

10) Will you play an active role in the Freestyle World Championship? Where can we find you in March 2025?

At the Freestyle World Championship in Engadin, I will take an active role as a starter in the slopestyle, halfpipe, and hopefully also big air disciplines. I’m looking forward to following all the competitions with my daughter and passing on my passion to her.