Person to Person: Surfing offers a variety of health and wellness benefits

TELL us about yourself;

My name is Carlos Amaya Casas, I am originally from Peru and have been living in Cork since 2013. I have been surfing all my life.

I set up my first surf school in the early 2000s on the Costa Verde in Lima, Peru. I met my wife Orla in Lima back in 2008.

When I moved to Ireland, it took me a few years to acclimatise to the cooler weather and sea temperatures. 

I set up Pukana Surf Adventures in 2018. We are based at Garrettstown Beach where we offer surf lessons and rentals.

Where were you born?

I was born and spent my childhood in a small fishing village called Chiclayo.

Where do you live?

I live in Carrigaline but can mostly be found beachside or in the water at Garretstown Beach.

Family?

My wife Orla and I have three children, two boys and a girl. I have three sisters and a brother who live in Chile and Peru.

Best friend?

My eldest sister Vilma Amaya would be my closest friend, we regularly chat by phone, I hope one day that she will come visit us here in Cork.

Earliest childhood memory?

My childhood memory that stands out the most is playing on the beach all day, every day, with all the neighbours. Watching the fishermen come ashore with their catch of the day to be transported straight to the local markets.

Person you most admire?

The person I admire the most is my mother Margarita, who has worked tirelessly all her life supporting her family.

Where was your most memorable holiday? 

Earlier this year we went on a family holiday to Lapland, it was the most magical holiday and we all had an amazing time.

Nothing could have prepared me for the freezing artic temperatures, thankfully Orla had stocked up on plenty of thermals and woolly socks! 

I tried snowboarding for the first time, thinking it would be pretty similar to surfing, however it proved far more difficult than I had pre-empted!!

Favourite TV programme?

Whenever I do sit down to watch some TV, I generally navigate towards a good David Attenborough documentary or something on the Discovery Channel.

Favourite radio show?

Studio 92, a local radio station in Lima, is my go-to online for the latino hits, however, Red FM is what you will usually find tuned in on the car radio!

Your signature dish if cooking?

Spicy chicken wings on the BBQ, put in the middle of the table for all to enjoy!

Favourite restaurant?

Lobo del Mar is my absolute favourite seafood restaurant, unfortunately for me it is in Lima, Peru! I have been known to once or twice go by taxi directly from arrivals in Lima Airport straight to this restaurant!

Last book you read?

I am not one to sit and read a book.

Favourite song?

Not a favourite song, but I like to listen to traditional Peruvian music known as Cumbia.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I have tickets to go see Coldplay in September and am really looking forward to it.

Do you have a pet?

We have a dog called Max, he is a cocker/King Charles mix and he rules the roost!

Morning person or night owl?

Absolutely a morning person, always the first one up to sit and have a coffee before the day starts.

Your proudest moment?

My proudest moment is definitely when I see my students progressing at surfing, standing up on the board for their first time, showing determination and developing a love for the sport.

When they realise the benefits of surfing for themselves, returning each week or when the good waves roll in, they are there!!

Spendthrift or saver?

Save for a rainy day!

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

I believe schools should incorporate more watersports in general, utilising the wonderful coastline on our doorstep. Watersports are a fantastic option for kids who are not so keen on the team sports. Surfing is an excellent option as an individual sport offering a variety of health and wellness benefits.

What makes you happy?

Epic waves followed by a steak on the BBQ!

How would you like to be remembered?

As the Peruvian surfer who taught you how to surf and introduced you to one of the most epic hobbies on earth!

What else are you up to at the moment?

Preparing for the upcoming summer season, hopefully followed by an overdue trip back home to visit family. I am working on a project to commence guided surf trips along the Peruvian coastline hopefully in the near future. Giving surfers an opportunity to explore what the Peruvian coastline has to offer - sunshine, epic waves and good food!