Gabriel
Villarán
Peru
·
Surfing
Date of birth | July 12, 1984 |
|---|---|
Birthplace | Lima |
Age | 41 |
Nationality | Peru |
Career start | 2002 |
Disciplines | Surfing |
Yes, there is surfing magic in Peru and its name is Gabriel Villarán. Brave? Check. Contest results? Check. In 2008 he was the Peruvian national champion. He also scooped second at the Puerto Escondido QS event in the same year, as well as Best Tube in the Cabo Blanco Billabong Tube Riders event. In 2009, Gabriel came third at the ISA World Surfing Games in Costa Rica, an event he would later win at in 2014 when his home nation hosted.
Since then, he's continued to make a name for himself in South America and beyond. Gabriel is as friendly on land as he is aggressive in the water and has one of the best barrel styles you're ever likely see. He's not all about competition, of course – Gabriel loves an adventure, including trekking to a wave in the Vilcanota river in The Andes.