Frank Fernandez (Roller - 72 years old)
Frank Fernandez is a roller skater who, at 72 years old, has been skating since the 1960s. Aware of the risks and injuries, he comments that he plans to skate until the last day of his life. A true example of overcoming challenges and love for the sport.
The skatepark where he currently skates is located in front of the high school where he graduated in 1960. After graduation, he went to college, something unusual for someone like him who lived in a dangerous area. However, he discovered the importance of college; 34 years later, he would be working as an accountant for a company.
One day his wife asked him: "What will happen if you keep doing this for the rest of your life?" At that moment, Frank decided to leave everything behind to dedicate himself to what he loves and enjoys: skating.
"I believe that when I focus on doing something, I can do it. Many people tell me: you will get hurt and end up with a battered body, but I don't know, that's just how it is," he says. He knows he runs the risk of injuries, but that kind of determination characterizes him.
At 62, the doctor diagnosed him with breast cancer and recommended he stop skating. The only thought that crossed Frank's mind was: "I will keep skating until I die."
Eddie Hunter (Skiing - 88 years old)
Many know him as "The Wise Man" for his emotional story and connection with Banff National Park and Mount Norquay (Canada), places that have been his home all his life.
Eddie was born in 1926 and has been skiing at the Banff resort since then. He is a skier who expresses the sensations that the mountains have transmitted to his life, proudly sharing them with his children and grandchildren.
He describes himself as a piano, with 88 keys, some white and some black, but together they create melodies. Hunter affirms: "The mountain imparts teachings, gives you the wisdom to move forward, and be a better person."
Many people are unaware of the most beautiful sound of the mountain; few enjoy the silence at the summit, that place where it's just you and the mountain. "What I feel in the morning when I see the sun covering the mountains and making the snow shine, turning to see my children and grandchildren skiing, maturing, progressing, overcoming what I did; it makes me feel alive and happy."
The mountain gifts us with its peace, wisdom, and beauty, creating a romance between people and it. At 88, Eddie states: "Many things in life can be black or white, but it's just a matter of finding the melody between them, like a piano."
Gwyn Haslock (Surfing - 70 years old)
Meet the story of Gwyn Haslock, who started surfing as a child and became the first female surfing champion in the UK.
Now, at 70 years old, she still goes surfing two or three times a week in her homeland (Cornwall) and has no intention of stopping.
Her father always encouraged her from school to be persistent and take things calmly, to go with the flow. 70 years later, Gwyn states that every time she enters the sea, it's not to compete but because she feels it.
She and her brother learned to surf thanks to their father; the first boards they used were for gliding on the shores and learning to catch the waves, "you just got on and let the wave carry you."
Back then, wet suits were not used, and longboards would arrive later thanks to the coastguards.
Gwyn's first competition was in 1965, and she was the only woman in the competition, so she had to compete against men. Just two years later, she would become the first British surfing champion.
"I love getting on the board, feeling the wind, and letting the wave carry me; there's nothing like it."
In surfing, you have to be persistent with the waves; each one is different, just like things in life, you have to paddle to reach them. Gwyn now just wants to enjoy: "I know I don't have many years left, so I just try to go out and enjoy every moment I have."
Adventure is the best way to learn, awaken your adventurous spirit and start living.
Blog Author
DeAventura Team
