The prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine continues to cause a humanitarian disaster with no conclusion in sight. As the world watches the unjustifiable collapses and numerous fatalities from the fighting, the feeling of powerlessness extends far from the battle zones, affecting residents and immigrants alike. A mother-son duo who live in the surfing haven of Bali recently joined the surfers’ community to pursue their shared passion for catching waves.
However, recent news revealed the cross-road situation of the mother hanging as the war remains uncertain. In contrast to her older son, who went back to the war zone, the younger one discovered his feet in the water. When given the option to stay with one, the supportive mother stood back with the surfer while wishing well for the one from afar.
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Aspiring Ukrainian surfer enters the surfing community
Born in Ukraine, Sasha Smirnov learned how to surf from his surfer mother while living in Bali. The family of two brothers and their single mom lived in different places between Bukit Peninsula and the Ments. Sasha was training for surfing contests when an update abruptly changed their life. The mother of two decided to stay with the younger brother since her 17-year-old son, Daniel, registered for the ongoing Ukraine war.
The decision to go back to Ukraine had put the mother under strain. With a Russian passport, she was unable to obtain a Ukranian visa and was forced to stay in Indonesia with Sasha. Distressed by the helplessness of not staying together in the war-inflected country, she wished for Daniel’s safety. Being the youngest and closest to his mother, the two shared a love for the sport.
Shasha began surfing at age 2, and growing up, he often looked up to various surfing personalities for inspiration. The young surfer revealed that he admires the Youtuber channel “All Day Dylan.” The 13 years old renowned surfer and YouTuber reside in the Mentawais where Shasha lived, he told the tracksmag. Shasha seems to have been gliding over some waves in his leisure time over the years, and now it’s showtime time.
Surfing champ competes in contests
Shasha has already entered the competitions showing off his surfing skills. Previously, he participated in the under-16 division and was already defeating fellow teenage surfers in the heat. He was, however, utterly devastated for quite a while after his loss at the competition. More so, his mother critically analyzed his performance at Junior comp at Half Way, which took place over the weekend. Talking about pursuing a surfing career, she said, ” I’m not so sure.”
However, she continues to accompany him during surfing practices and even glides through the waves occasionally. With the backing of his mother and the surfing community, the brave surfer now awaits his next big surfing challenge. Despite his mother’s situation, his surfing ventures could really help cheer her up and young Shasha sure understands the assignment.
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Written by
Edited by
Purva Jain