Gus Presa | the man behind the man!
by Jackie Dillon
While our whole way of life, thoughts, feelings and behaviour are currently undergoing some kind of evolution with this Covid-19 spread let’s have some time out and check in with our President of the World Waveski Surfing Association; Gus Presa. (Waveski Adventurers undertook this interview before the global shutdown.)
Gus is a dream to interview; frank, honest and one almost feels as though you’re sitting in the same room as him having a quiet chat over a couple of drinks and snacks. It was quite humbling writing about Gus and I’m sure many of you will take notice of the man behind the dark glasses; an unassuming personna but inside a man seeking perfection and excellence in whatever he pursues. Anybody following Gus on his facebook travels will see a person who is committed, driven and aspiring. So readers, grab a coffee, find a comfy chair and let’s step into Gus’s world.
Ok Gus tell us about yourself.
Where were you born and raised ie parents, brothers and sisters etc?
I was born in León in the North West of Spain in 1969. I have a sister, Mónica who is two years younger than me. My parents divorced when we were really young and we then moved to Ceuta, a Spanish city in the North of Africa, with my mother who worked in a government position.
I spent my school and high school years in Ceuta and returned to León for University, graduating with a degree in Geography. Fortunately, I was able to live with my grandparents as a student but I only go back there now for holidays.
Who had the greatest influence in your life growing up?
My mother! She stressed the importance of getting a formal education, enabling me to pursue great employment.
And of course, Tere, my wife. Tere has helped me a lot in my life, in terms of making the right choices and providing a good environment to develop my interests. (If your partner does not like waveski, you are done!)
Gus & Tere in their wedding ceremony
Did you play any sports growing up and if so, how successful were you?
Gus is a basketball coach accreditated
I have been playing basketball most of my life. There were official competitions until I left college, and after that, 3 on 3 and now, once a week just for fun.
I also have basketball coach accreditation’s, but my preference is to play rather than coach.
We won a regional title in 1991. It was small relative to how big basketball is but my memory of this success was the camaraderie of team mates and our coach. Great memories and mateship between the players and the coach.
How were you introduced into waveski surfing and when?
When I moved to Seville in 2002, I realized the beach was so close. What sport could I choose? Kitesurfing? I took some classes, but you need some gear and logistics are too complicated. Surfing? Why not, but the learning curve is not for me…
Gus very first waveski in 2005
Meanwhile I took some canoeing classes in the river, and by coincidence, I realized it was possible to get some waves in a kayak. So, in 2003 I bought a Sit on Top in 2003 and soon I moved to a waveski, just by coincidence. I was ready to buy a surf kayak, but I found something called ‘waveski’ on the internet, and ordered my first one, a ‘Rotomod Slide Master’ in 2005.
As there was no-one else around to teach me how to ride a waveski, I taught myself. As a means of learning and contributing back to our waveski community I have set up waveski.es which is my website showing the great, the not so great and all of my mistakes during my journey to where I am today.
What skis have you ridden?
The first one, my Rotomod Slide Master, was a production waveski with a lot of volume and single fin, and very good for beginners. Then, I ordered a KS Performance, shaped by Vincent himself. It was a big step ahead! My first custom one!
Third one, an Island (from EEUU), was a very fast one! Fourth, a Macski, shaped by Ian MacLeod. This shape has changed my surfing, along with the good advice.
And finally, my ‘magic carpet’, another Macski, shaped by Ant Stott; a small board I have tested in the Mentawais. It’s now my favourite one.
Gus surfing in Indonesia with his Macski
Are you sponsored?
‘Sponsored’ sounds too formal or professional. Let’s say I have great deals (sometimes discounts, sometimes gear for free) with Macski (for my last waveski), AòPaddles (paddle and fins) and BenWei (wetsuits).
Very importantly and not to be forgotten is the support by Nautico Folixa who have provided me with the canoeing license for the year. A big thanks to Ivan and Dani.
I am very honoured to be associated in anyway with all of these people. We share the same passion for the sport, and I consider them as friends.
What’s your greatest strength?
Perseverance!
Gus being persevering since very early :)
What’s your greatest weakness?
Intransigence. I should be more flexible sometimes.
What’s one thing about you that would surprise people?
My job and careers first and foremost. While I am very dedicated to the sport of waveski, my professional career as a geographer is what enables me to have this kind of life. I am really fortunate to have work life balance.
What’s your most treasured possession?
Anything material. Health! (and love!)
What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
To have balance between health, love and TIME for ourselves.
You’ve been president of the WWSA since 2016, what’s the journey been like and have you achieved what you wanted to in the role?
Gus Presa | WWSA President since 2016
It’s difficult to be president! The sport is so small in terms of numbers… Our organization is too virtual, too global, but we are lucky to have a signed agreement with the International Canoe Federation (thanks to you, Jackie, ‘cheers mate’).
I have been working following this path, and I am quite happy with some achievements, for example we are in their official calendar, and we can publish in their newsletter.
On the other hand, I have failed making our sport official in my own country. I have an excellent relation with a regional Canoeing Federation in Galicia, which helped us with WWST 2018, but could not make any deal, agreement or work with our National Federation. This is a shame for me.
- Talk us through your preparation for World’s 2020 as an athlete?
This year, I will be the youngest one in Grand Master Division, so I will focus my training improving my strength and physical condition, along with water time, and surfing every weekend I can.
As you know, a group of us went to the Mentawais (Wavepark) in October 2019. I feel I surf somehow different now, with more confidence, so I will try to keep the same training.
Mentawais Trip October 2019
Basically, I do not rest any day. They call it ‘cross training’ now… I run, I go to the gym, play basketball and surf on weekends. And it’s very important to get enough sleep and also have good nutrition habits.
This is part of a plan I started in 2016. So far, I have cut 12 kg and I feel great for my age! (51, in May). My best trick (it works) is not alcohol at all after my birthday, only water. I do not drink alcohol at all on work days, and only some good wine for weekends, but this “0,0 policy” for some months is magic!
What would you be saying to your younger self?
Keep learning everyday!
And finally
A couple of quick answer questions
1. Favourite book -> The Bridge on the Drina (Ivo Andric)
2. Favourite song -> Blue Monday (New Order)
3. Favourite movie -> Orange Clockwork (Stanley Kubrick)
4. Favourite food -> Cheese! (Tere says I am like a mouse!)
5. Favourite drink -> Red Wine (from El Bierzo, Spain)
Juan Sebástian Elcano
6. Most admired person (non athlete) -> The first one who completed the first circumnavigation to the Earth, named Juan Sebastián Elcano.
7. Most admired non waveski surfer athlete -> Michael Jordan (G.O.A.T.)
8. Most admired waveski surfer -> Rees Duncan (also G.O.A.T. for me)
Thank you Gus, all the very best and let’s see you out in the water very soon.
Jackie Dillon | Waveski Adventurers | kayaksurf.net
SOME of Gus favourite photos…
Gus and Tere in the Worlds 2018
