Watermanaketza
The Biobizz Foundation is dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and adaptive sports through various initiatives. By partnering with passionate ambassadors, the foundation reinforces its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. One of the key areas of focus includes reducing plastic waste through environmental initiatives like plastic collection, sea clean up, and beach clean-up events.
Our ambassador, Aketza Sánchez, epitomizes this mission through his extensive efforts. Aketza, also known as ‘watermanaketza’, embodies the essence of an adventurous spirit. Studying geology with the aspirations of a modern-day Indiana Jones, he spent many years as a lifeguard on the beach. His achievements include winning the acclaimed television program ‘Survivors’ and securing the title of European Surfing Champion twice, notably in kneeboard mode. Subsequently, he founded a multi-adventure company and surf school in Plentzia, where he thrived for a decade.
From a young age, Aketza felt a calling to educate, enriched by his family’s immersion in nature’s teachings. The aspiration to share his experiences globally has been a lifelong dream, which was realized a year ago through the generous support of the Biobizz Foundation. His endeavour in Mexico is to instill the values of nature in the local children. To achieve this, he coordinates various projects focusing on art, environmental stewardship, horticulture, sustainable development, and surfing.
His travels have taken him across the globe, leaving smiles in his wake. Despite a serious spinal injury sustained while surfing in 2014, which confined him to a wheelchair for a time, he persevered. Returning to his passion, Aketza joined Goazenup, a Stand-Up Paddle boarding (SUP) association, where he facilitates therapies at sea and advocates for environmental consciousness through educational talks and coastal clean-up initiatives.
These beach clean-ups and sea plastics collections are vital in reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste. Concurrently, he dedicates his time to mentoring young individuals voluntarily, fostering growth and empowerment within the community.
