Fifteen-year-old Lucas Wehle was born in Malaysia to a Malaysian mother and a German father, but grew up in Ericeira, about 30 minutes from Portugal’s capital, Lisbon.
Ericeira is also known as Europe’s surfer’s paradise. The call of the sea drew Wehle to life as a surfer.
Wehle dreams of one day representing Malaysia in surfing competitions, and he is on the right track after impressive results in Europe.
His mother, Petrina Reddy, has contacted Persatuan Luncur Ombak Malaysia (Surfing Malaysia), the recognised national governing body for surfing, bodyboarding, and stand-up paddling (SUP), to find out how her son can don the national colours.
“The association has invited me to compete in the monsoon competitions at the end of the year,” said Wehle, who has been surfing since he was five.
“I have qualified for the German and Portuguese National Championships after finishing in the top five of several European events, earlier this year.
“Both competitions are in October. Hopefully, I can do well. That will give me the confidence if we make it to Malaysia at the end of the year.”
Wehle trains under Axel Belino, who has nine other surfers under him. Many of his contemporaries dream of becoming professional surfers. Wehle is the only Malaysian in the group.
“My parents took my sister and I to Cherating (Pahang) over a year ago, and we realised that there is a surf culture in Malaysia,” said Wehle.
“I loved the vibe in the water and meeting the local kids, which fuelled my determination to represent Malaysia in international competitions.”
Although he has been in Ericeira for the past 10 years, Wehle is a “true Malaysian” as he can’t live without roti canai and mee goreng. There are no Malaysian restaurants nearby, but luckily for him, his mother is a good cook.
A keen athlete, Wehle loves football and skating. In his spare time, he goes spearfishing with his father, Mario.
Surfing was in the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines and will debut at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
“It will be a dream come true if I qualify for the Asian Games,” said Wehle.
