Daria Fuchs by Kuno Egli
This season we launched a small collection with our HAE WOMEN for the first time and conducted interviews with our riders, which we would now like to present to you in full. Today it is Daria Fuchs ' turn. In her interview, the passionate snowboarder and surfer tells us how her first trip to Fuerteventura changed her life and sparked her thirst for adventure. She talks about the power of throwing yourself into the unknown, the joy of nature and the importance of flow - in the snow, in the water and in everyday life. With her creative energy, whether surfing or in projects outside of sport, she encourages others to follow their own heart's path and be guided by their dreams.
Which moment in your life – sporting or creative – has had the greatest impact on you? What comes to mind?
When I travelled to Fuerteventura at the age of 18 to try surfing, I immediately fell in love with the sport and was able to experience life outside the Swiss "matrix" for the first time. After that, I completed my training, worked for two months and then moved to the Canary Islands. Since then, I have spent the summer months surfing and the winters snowboarding. That one week on Fuerteventura shaped my life.
What does adventure mean to you and how does it influence your creative side?
For me, adventure means throwing myself into the unknown - whether it's a country whose language and culture I don't know, or discovering a new mountain or surfing spot. For me, adventure means excitement and stepping out of my comfort zone. This step teaches me to stay flexible and open.
How do you feel when you're standing on your board, whether in the snow or on the water? Are there creative parallels to these moments?
I think I have experienced pretty much every emotion on a snowboard and surfboard. It can change from frustration and fear to success and pure happiness within minutes. The best feeling is to be present and in the moment. Then I feel in the flow and connected to myself, the board and nature. This connection with the universal is probably the strongest and most beautiful feeling that I strive for.
Where do you get your creative inspiration from – whether on the mountain, at sea or in everyday life?
I like to be inspired in the moment and on site. Whether on the mountain or in the water - I love watching others and learning from them. If I particularly like a style, I concentrate on all the movements. I have been able to learn a lot and be inspired by observing.
How is your personality reflected in your style on and off the board as well as in your creativity?
Since I am a person with a lot of fire, I would say that this manifests itself as power in my style. I would also describe myself as a free spirit, because in the backcountry I like to rely on my intuition and creativity. I love standing on top of the mountain, freely thinking up my line and then riding. Whether on the water or in the snow - I love dancing with the elements.
Are there any projects outside of snowboarding where you particularly express your creativity?
As a trained hairdresser, I have always been able to express myself creatively in my career, which gives me a lot of joy. I love letting myself go and getting into a flow by making music with friends, dancing, taking photos, cooking and writing.
What makes you particularly proud of what you have achieved – athletically and/or creatively? This can also be professionally.
In a few weeks I will release my first self-portrait short film. The film is about snowboarding and surfing and bringing softness and tenderness to a harsh environment. I think the film is special and different and being lucky enough to be friends with Morgan Maassen has made it an artistic masterpiece.
How do you inspire other people (everyone, not just women) to follow their own path – be it through snowboarding, creative projects or simply in everyday life?
I follow my heart and I think a lot of people see that in me. I try to spend as much time as possible doing what makes me happy and not limiting myself. No matter how big my dream is, I believe that anything is possible if I really want it with all my heart. I hope to encourage people around me to follow their heart's path and not limit themselves.
