Nationality: Peruvian
Current Position: Occupational and Environmental Health
Education and work experience: I graduated with a degree in medicine from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru.
Medicine studies in Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, Brazil.
Worked in Urgencies and Emergencies for more than 10 years
Disaster Risk Management Applied in Health
Peruvian Soccer Federation(FPF) Doctor- Sport Medicine
Master in Occupational and Environmental Health
Previous Volunteer Work: Coming from a country with low health resources, I have done volunteer work around regions in Peru where there is no nearby medical care since I was a medicine student. It’s a harsh reality.
I have been to G-Land twice. At that time, no doctor was assigned, so I was invited to treat surfers. No surfers presented injuries or illnesses. A similar situation happened in Sumbawa. I always travel with my basic medical equipment and medicines.
You never know when you are going to be required.
Medical interests: I always try to experience different health areas. New knowledge and perspectives help me stay motivated.
In this part of my life and career, my goal is to apply all I have learned through these years about medicine to the needed patient. Truly, a smile from the patient or just a thank you is the best payment I can receive.
Local surf spot: Punta Hermosa, Lima.
What is your favourite surf destination: Peru’s north region and Indonesia.
Travel experience: In South America, Brazil, Chile, and all the Peruvian coast; in Central America, Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica; and in North America, California.
Also surfed in Canada’s British Columbia coast, Indonesia and the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu and Maui.
Tell us about your best surf trip ever: I remember a trip to G-LAND in August 2022. I spent two months, one swell coming after another, so solid and so deep in the barrel. I met good people in that opportunity.
Tell us about your worst surf trip ever: I never have a “bad one.” It is not easy to score on every trip, so I always follow the surf forecast before and travel with good friends. If there are no waves, try to find another activity, like learning more about the place’s culture, diving, swimming, or paddling. Just being in a different location is awesome.
What is the worst surf injury you have ever had to treat? I have had Contusions and cuts with my equipment, rocks, or reefs, but nothing worse. I remember a heavy situation(2001) in a 25-plus day, surfing Pico Alto in Peru. I got caught in the impact zone(five-wave set), which almost knocked me down. I was lucky to receive immediate attention.
The best thing about surfing is: It makes my day(even a short session).
What was the best advice you have ever received regarding surfing? Always keep calm because there is a wave coming my way.
My favourite surfer in the world and why: My favourite surfer is the one who respects everyone in the lineup, no matter his surfing skills. Talking about legends, when I started surfing, I admired Dane Kealoha’s power surfing and the stylish Mark Richards. Kelly Slater shows how a surfer can adapt to changes while still having high-performance surfing.
Mick Fanning and Dane Reynolds are complete surfers.
Current go-to surfboards? I like Channel Islands surfboards; I use a 5’9 rocket wide, 6’3 Bunny Chow, and a 6’5 Black and White for daily surf.
Using DHD boards too(3.0 sweet spot) and Lost boards ( pocket rocket)
Any other information you would like to add about yourself: Joining Surfing Doctors is a rewarding experience. It offers the opportunity to make professional surfing exchanges and to help keep the boys in the water.
