Life is Better When You Surf® - Kalle Carranza
This week we caught up with Kalle Carranza, GSI Dealer, Manager and Surf Instructor at Lanazul, a Surf Shop and Surf School in Saluyita Mexico.
Fun bit of trivia - Kalle was also the first ever Mexican on the cover of SURFER magazine in May 2003.
image supplied by Kalle Carranza
GSI: Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where you live and what you do at Lunazul.
KC: Born to a Finnish mom and Mexican dad. Born in Puerto Vallarta and grew up surfing Sayulita and Punta Mita. Surfed professionally for a decade, then moved to Finland for University. Moved back home to help my parents run the businesses. Currently focusing on Airbnbs, and running Lunazul Surf School.
GSI: What is the history of Lunazul?
KC: My mom and dad started it. Luna was my dad's second last name and Azul was his favorite color. Thus, Lunazul. They had a clothing shop in Puerto Vallarta but eventually rent got too expensive so they decided to set up their shop in Sayulita back in 1998, right when this little town started booming. Ever since then it morphed more into a surf school than a clothing store. Now I run the business.
image supplied by Kalle Carranza taken by Emi Gatica
GSI: What do you like about Sayulita?
KC: The easy access to the wave. The little town feel. The mix of people and cultures. The location and how it's nestled between the lush jungle and ocean.
GSI: How old were you when you learnt to surf? Where was it and who taught you?
KC: I was 9 when I stood up the first time on a board. No one really taught me. I taught myself to stand. There were no surf instructors. :)
GSI: How much has surfing shaped your life?
KC: Quite dramatically. It was my job. My ticket to travel. My way to see the world. And it shaped me physically and mentally into who I am today.
Surfermag cover by Aichner
GSI: What is the best tip you have for anyone learning to surf?
KC: Physical tip > Stay in shape and ride bigger boards to learn faster.
Mental tip > Try to enjoy being a beginner. It's the toughest sport in the world.
GSI: Tell us about a surf session that really sticks in your mind.
KC: One in Chile. We went on a trip with Surfer Mag. Aamion Goodwin, Otto Flores and myself met up with Ramon Navarro. We surfed crazy, stupid, giant, scary waves for 10 days. But on one day Ramon had a local contest he had to compete in, so we went to a wave that none of us had surfed. It was 8-10ft, so like 15-20ft faces and I caught the best biggest and longest barrel maybe of my life. And the local Chilean contest crew saw my barrel from a kilometer away. It was magical.
Surfer’s Journal cover taken by Aichner
GSI: What is your favourite surf spot?
KC: Not falling for that one. Let's say it's still a semi secret. :)
GSI: What do you like about dealing with GSI?
KC: How easy it is to get the boards and you have very decent prices with some amazing deals at times.
GSI: What is your favorite GSI board?
KC: The new batch of Critical Slide longboards. I like how they look.
GSI: Our company mantra is ‘Life is Better When Your Surf®'. How does that statement resonate with you?
KC: Surfing is part of my identity. It allowed me to travel the world and meet amazing people. It became a passion that has shaped me into the person I am today. Life IS better when you surf…I feel better mentally and more sane as it’s like a form of meditation. I feel better physically because it is the only workout I have done for years and the only one I enjoy. And I feel cleaner; the ocean washes many of my stresses away.
