We recently caught up with Encinitas local and Nixon team rider Kyan Yang to talk about his newest surf film, Burning Desire. From chasing swells and life on the road to the nutrition and training routines that keep him dialed, Kyan breaks it all down.
Check out the film and dive into the full interview right here.
Interview with Kyan Yang
Hey Kyan! Let’s get you introduced. Start with the basics. Name, age, hometown?
My names Kyan Yang. I'm 21 years old and live in Encinitas CA.
Your new film is titled Burning Desire. What’s the thought behind the name?
Growing up, my dad always told me that I could achieve anything as long as I have a burning desire for it. It was something his dad instilled in him as a kid and it’s been passed down as a reminder to me. It’s something I think about everyday as a person.
Describe the professional relationship you have with your dad. The film is centered around how he’s your filmer, coach, nutritionist, etc. but he’s also your dad. What’s it like having that balance with him?
It’s a unique balance for sure! We both try to treat each other as professional as possible when working/training together, but sometimes it’s hard to because we’re so close. There can be times where we have fun and joke around, but other times where we butt heads and argue with each other. There’s definitely a little bit of both which I think makes it a special kind of relationship.
You spend a good amount of time in the gym. What’s the workout that you look forward to each day and what’s the one that is always tortuous?
I get psyched on front squats and deadlifts where you’re pushing a bunch of weight. Most torturous ones got to be pistol squats or sled drags. Those things suck!
It's clear nutrition is a big part of your focus. What’s your go-to pre-surf meal? (or post surf?)
Pre and post surf meals are pretty similar for me. Basically anything with some protein, carbs, and veggies to help me fuel up.
If a surfer is looking to improve their surfing through fitness and nutrition, what’s one piece advice you would pass along? What should they start off with?
I would say to focus on your nutrition and what you’re eating. It’s important to understand what you're eating everyday and how it can affect your performance and how you feel. It’s crucial to know what to eat and how it will make you feel, not just as a athlete, but as a human as well.
There’s a part in the film where you call your dad on the phone to get ready for a strike mission. Where was that at? How was that trip?
That strike mission trip was to Mexico. We went for a week and got pumping waves everyday. It was special having my dad there, surfing and filming with me all day. I don’t think there’s many people who can just call up their dad and go on a surf mission with them, so I think that’s pretty rad.
What other areas did you travel to? How do those waves compare to your home sessions in Encinitas?
I shot the film in Mexico, Indonesia, and home. That was my first time in Indo and it lived up to my expectations. I ended up going last minute and solo traveled around for a month, scoring waves and meeting new people. The spots in Mexico and Indonesia are different from the waves at home in Encinitas, which makes it exciting to go travel to.
If someone is looking to put together a self-produced surf film like yours, what kind of advice can you give them?
Take the idea head on and enjoy the process. If you have an idea for a project, don’t be scared to invest in it and do it with your own flavor. I think the special thing with creating self-made films is the creativity you can have with it. No one is telling you what to do or how the project needs to be. It gives you the freedom to do what you like and make it unique. And yeah, it might take a little more effort in the process, but the pay off will be worth it.
The tunes are great in this film. How did you go about choosing the music?
Music in films is a make or break for me. I find a ton of music inspiration from old surf films and projects that I adore. It helps bring in new flavor that can be injected into the projects I create. For me, I aim for a track that has a similar vibe with the clips from a certain section. That makes it flow the best.
Describe your board quiver. What kind of set-ups are we on as of lately?
I’ve been trying a bunch of different board recently. It’s been enjoyable to learn more about surfboards and how they function. Every board is different from each other and that’s what makes them so special.
What’s your go-to Nixon watch? Do you have a preference on one for surfing as opposed to in the gym?
Ripper all day! It’s my favorite watch for any activity, whether it’s surfing or training. Sleek, light, and easy to use. Doesn’t get much better than that. It’s crucial to have watch that I can keep on all day and use in every single activity.
Thanks for chatting with us Kyan! What’s next on the agenda?
I’ll be home for a bit, training and staying in routine. I’ve got a few contests coming up in the next few weeks too, which will be fun as well!
