In a new series, we love to portray our ocean-loving clan: surfers, cold water swimmers, beach cleaners – People of the Northsea. First off is Eva de Koning. Eva lives a hop, skip and jump from the sea. You might know her as the founder of Queens of the Northsea women’s surf competition. She also represents a few cool brands as an ambassador.
Tekst Alexandra Gossink
Beeld Josien Photography
Did you consciously choose to live by the sea, and how do you shape your life around it?
“I did choose to live in Scheveningen very consciously, so I could surf more and be close to the sea. I work as a freelance event manager. My season usually starts in February and ends in October or November. So, I’ve plenty of time to escape winters here to surf elsewhere.
I’ve tried building my life around surfing in the best possible way so that I can spend as much time in the water as possible. As much as time allows me – even a freelancer has obligations and commitments ;).”
As an ambassador, you represent a few outdoorsy and surf-related brands. When associating your name with a brand, what are your priorities, when do you say ‘yay’ or ‘nay’?
“Most important to me is that the brand makes conscious choices and considers sustainability. I get that it’s not always easy to make all the right choices and try to run a profitable business. But, if a brand’s not conscious at all or at least thoughtful about production and packaging, for example, I always say no.
I also really enjoy supporting small businesses. So, it's often a mix of bigger brands and smaller brands from people—often women—who have followed their passion and, for example, started a surf bikini line."
You've been organizing a women's surf competition, Queens of the Northsea, since 2023. How did the idea come about?
“After years of competing, I realized that surfing isn’t about winning or losing, but more about having fun in the water. I decided to stop competing and give something back to the community and the sport.
Why a competition just for women, you might ask? Compared to today, there were far fewer women in the water when I started surfing some twenty years ago. We were pretty much always in the same heat with the same few women.
These days way more ladies are surfing, but most have little to no experience competing. So why not let everyone experience the fun of competing? For many girls leaping to competition can feel intimidating. That’s what we’re trying to change with this event.”
More Eva?
Instagram: Eefdekoning / Queensofthenorthsea
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