Life and Surf-Forecast Hacks With Miguel Castrillón
I’ll never forget my first surfboard. It was a 6’7” that my Dad got by swapping a speargun he had found scuba diving.
Miguel Castrillón is a professional surfer who grew up on the far south coast of Spain. The hard-charging goofyfooter has made a name for himself for his ability in slabbing tubes and quality waves all over the world. Miguelito’s home, next to the Los Caños Natural Park, south of Cadiz isn’t one of the better-known European surf hubs, but its mix of empty beachbreaks, pointbreaks and the odd reef, has played a huge part in his smooth style and barrel riding ability.
Its more fickle nature also means predicting where the best waves are isn’t easy. Miguel has been using www.surf-forecast.com at home, and all over the world for the last few years, and swears by its accuracy. We caught up with Miguel to discuss the best part of the app, and his life in general.
What’s the first thing you check on surf-forecast?
The Energy
La energia.
How do you use the energy rating? What’s your range for surfing?
Between 800 and 1500 makes me stoked and when it passes 2500, that’s absolute happiness!
Entre 800 y 1500 me pongo feliz, y cuando pasa de los 2500 ya es felicidad absoluta!
What location/waves would be your picks for a surf alert?
El Palmar, Kandui and Australia in general. Right now, I have Fiji in mind too.
El palmar, kandui y Australia. Ahora mismo tengo fiji en mente también.
What are your best tips or hacks for the surf-forecast app?
Check out the direction of the swell first, as sometimes if a ton of energy comes from the wrong direction, it’s worthless.
Mira la direccion del swell sobre todo. A veces la energía si no viene de la dirección correcta no sirve de nada.
Best tips/hacks for surf forecasting in general?
I use Surf-Forecast for the energy and swell direction and then cross-check that against a few other sites for local winds. I don’t need anything else. It always works.
Mira surforecast para la energia y windy para el viento. Con esas dos ya no necesitas mas.
Where did you learn to surf?
I learnt to surf in Los Caños de Meca, Cádiz in southern Spain.
Do you remember your first wave?
Truth is, I don’t! I’ve been told it was with a skimboard when I was about 4 years old at home in Los Caños.
La verdad es que no ! Hahaha pero fue con un skiming en la playa de los caños de meca con 4 añitos.
And your first surfboard?
I’ll never forget it. It was a 6’7” that my Dad got by swapping a speargun he had found scuba diving.
Si claro! Fue un 6,7 que mi padre consiguió a cambio de un fusil de pesca submarina que se encontró un día buceando.
What’s the most scared you’ve ever been in the ocean?
Desert Point 2024, when I smashed my head on the reef and ended up unconscious.
Desert point 2024, cuando tuve mi accidente y me quedé inconsciente.
What are the dream conditions at your local?
2 metre swell, with an east wind.
2 metros, viendo del este
If and when that happens, who are you surfing with?
With my mates! I’m happiest when I'm surfing with any of my close friends.
Con mis amigos. Soy feliz estando con cualquier persona cercana a mi .
Can you give Specifics - wind, tide, swell height, direction and energy
That, I’m afraid, I’m going to have to keep a secret.
Esto prefiero no decirlo.
The best wave of your life?
Puerto Escondido.
When were you happiest?
I think I’ve always been happy, I’ve never regretted anything I’ve done. All I hope is to continue to be a happy man for many more years.
Creo que siempre fui feliz y nunca me arrepentí de nada de lo que hice. Asique espero seguir igual de feliz por muchos años mas.
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
My parents, my sister, my mate Natxo Gonzales. For the education they’ve given me and the person they’ve helped me become today.
Mi padres , mi hermana y mi amigo natxo. Por como me educaron y hacerme ser la persona que soy hoy en dia.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Cantabria 2016 when I shat in my wetsuit after eating a McDonalds ice cream.
Cantabria 2016 cuando me cagué en el neopreno por comerme un helado del macdonals 🤣🤣
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Watching videos of Skelton Bay Namibia and dreaming that I will get it good one day!
Ver videos de Namibia y soñar con cogerlo igual algun dia!
Where’s your happy place? Be it a location or a state of mind….
Faro de Trafalgar, Los Caños de Meca, Spain. Chacahua in Mexico and Double Island in Australia. There’s nowhere I’m happier than in these three places.
Faro de trafalgar en caños de meca, chacahua en mexico y doble island en australia. No soy mas feliz en ningun otro lado mas que en esos 3 sitios.
