Before he was paddling into massive waves or diving deep beneath the surface in search of connection and challenge, Eric Nicholson was just a kid growing up in LA and Ventura County—SoCal born and raised. Rooted in a love for nature and a passion for pushing limits, Eric’s path has led him to big wave surfing, freediving, and a career as a field biologist and environmental consultant. Whether navigating powerful swells or advocating for ocean conservation, Eric’s life is a testament to living simply, vibing high, and honoring the natural world that fuels his soul.
Eric says, “I live for experiences that feed my soul and shatter my previous beliefs and self limitations, connecting deeply with the forces of nature and other epic human beings.”
Photo credit: Fred Pompermeyer
What sports/activities do you participate in?
Big wave surfing and freediving/spearfishing
Some causes/non-profits that you support?
Surfrider Foundation & The Nature Conservancy
If you had to eat one food/dish daily for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Carne asada tacos
Name a bacon-wrapped food or dish with bacon that you can't resist:
Bacon-wrapped lobster tails (the lobster I catch 🙂)
What’s one word or phrase that encapsulates the essence of your approach to life or work?
Passion
What is the last thing you Googled?
Surf spots in Peru
What’s the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
My current job – field biologist/environmental consultant
What's something most people don't know about you?
I'm half Asian – my mom was born in Taiwan.
If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
Gills. To breathe underwater, obviously...!! 🙂
What actor would play you in a movie?
Matthew McConaughey
Name a song you can sing every single word to:
"Starry Night" – The Expendables
One thing you can’t live without?
My son Dylan!!
What has been your biggest struggle and what advice do you have for someone facing the same struggle?
Becoming a father unexpectedly at 22 while on a surf trip in Nicaragua. As hard as it was, everything happens for a reason. All struggles are lessons. No mud, no lotus.
How do you stay motivated and focused during tough times, and what advice would you give to aspiring athletes who are struggling to stay on track?
Trust the process. The process is literally the dream.
How do you define happiness, and have you found it?
Yes. Happiness is living unapologetically, chasing passions, and sharing your gifts with the world.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about your sport?
That big wave surfing is just going straight on a big wave. It’s about catching giants with your own two hands, performing on them, and making it out clean.
What do you think is the most important lesson that sports can teach us about life?
Meeting the moment. Flowing with life. Staying calm through the chaos.
Tell us what we really wanna know... do you like your bacon:
Crispy & crunchy
Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
Follow Eric on Instagram: @e_nicholson
