Nic von Rupp on his surfing, skincare and wellness evolution

The big wave surfer and Sisley Sisleÿum ambassador reflects on pushing his limits, redefining wellbeing and building skincare into his daily ritual

By Alex Duffy

Published: Aug 29, 2025

nic von rupp sisley — Nic von Rupp. Photography: courtesy of Sisley

NIC VON RUPP lives his life in two states: stillness and sheer chaos. As a big wave surfer, his sport balances patience and pressure – and it changes in an instant at the command of the ocean. It’s a skill von Rupp has mastered, after winning the Tudor Nazaré Big Wave Challenge 2024/25 in Portugal, where he rode two Guinness World Record-worthy waves rumoured to reach 98-feet. But coming down from the highs of big wave surfing and maintaining a mindful ritual is just as much of a challenge out of the water.

Here, Nic von Rupp shares his relationship with the ocean, his wellness philosophy and his streamlined skincare routine, as he joins Sisley as an ambassador for the new Sisleÿum men’s collection.

Esquire Australia: What drew you to big wave surfing, and why does it continue to thrill you?

Nic von Rupp: It’s that feeling of pushing limits. It’s raw. There’s fear, of course. But there’s also calm, clarity, and power. You feel alive in a different way – like you’re part of something way bigger than yourself. The ocean teaches you humility. Big wave surfing forces you to be present – you don’t have space for anything else. You’re dancing with chaos. It continues to thrill me because every wave is different, and there’s always another mountain to climb. My goal is clear: ride the biggest wave ever. That mission keeps me sharp.

How do you keep yourself focused in the water?

When you’re out there, the ocean is wild and it’s intense. Your heart is racing, but you’ve got to stay calm and trust your training. You embrace the fear and just go for it. A swell usually lasts two or three days, so you’re surfing non-stop. After that, I just want to eat well, rest and let the adrenaline pass. It’s all about switching off and coming back to yourself.

Have you always invested time in yourself and your wellbeing? Or, are you still finding your way?

I used to think wellness was just physical; training, diet and that kind of thing. But now, I see it’s more layered. It’s mental focus, emotional clarity, rest and discipline. I’ve grown into that. Surfing taught me the importance of staying in tune with yourself. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being consistent.

Breath work is huge for me, especially before big sessions. I train with long breath-holds under water to simulate wipeouts. I also stretch daily, cold plunge when I can, and keep my training functional with lots of legs, core and balance. Now, skincare is part of that routine too. Sisley has become a ritual that reminds me to reset.

How have the elements and extremes of big wave surfing influenced your perspective on skincare?

Honestly, I didn’t grow up thinking much about skincare. But over time, after surfing big waves and being constantly exposed to harsh conditions, I started to realise how important it is. You’re out there [in the waves] for hours getting hit by cold water, sun and wind, all of it. It takes a toll. You start noticing your skin drying out. Now, I take skincare seriously. It’s not just about looks, it’s about recovery, protection, and longevity. Sisley has helped me find that balance without complicating things. Skincare has become part of my routine, the same as stretching and breath work have. It’s part of taking care of the machine.

What do you look for in skincare? What steps do you use in the morning and at night?

I’m not the kind of guy who wants a 10-step routine – I like it simple but effective. Sisley works because it protects, hydrates and repairs, all in one. I use the Sisleÿum Purifying Cleansing Gel in the morning, and the moisturizer with SPF if I’m heading out early. At night, I’ll rinse off the day with the cleansing gel and apply the Sisleÿum Comfort Cream. It fits naturally into my day.