Supconnect Profile: Geovani Cerventes

Today we're talking with talented Mexico-born and Central Coast-resident paddle surfer, Geovani Cerventes, asking him a stream of hard and soft questions about his career and upbringing. As you can see from the images, he rips and is working hard to make his mark on the Stand Up World World Tour.

Question

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

Answer

I was born in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I grew up there and in Cancun, Sayulita, and the Central Coast of California: Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo.

Question

Can you tell us about when you first got your feet wet and decided to pursue a lifestyle in water sports?

Answer

My first time was when a couple buddies took me body boarding in Puerto Vallarta when I was 14. At the time, I was playing 3rd division professional soccer and had a great time playing but things got too overwhelming at home. To get away from it all, I decided to run away to Sayulita where I got into surfing. Surfing took over and eventually my 2nd division tryouts weren't so important to me because I fell in love with surfing. Shortly after, I moved to the Central coast of CA to pursue a career as a professional short board surfer.

Queston

When did you start Stand Up Paddling?

Answer

I started SUP in Sayulita 2 years ago. It wasn’t easy the first time, but that didn’t stop me from trying. I really enjoyed the new challenge, so I stuck with it and over time I got better and better.

Question

Where is your local paddling spot - can you tell us a bit about it?

Answer

In the winter, I SUP at home in Sayulita, Mexico. Sayulita is a beautiful, tropical place with clear skies, empty waves, and warm water that you can surf most of the year in your board shorts. In the summer, I travel to the Central Coast of California and SUP in Pismo Beach. The water is a lot colder in Pismo, surfing in wetsuits year-round. There are sharks and sea lions, and of course, epic waves.

Question

Where is your favorite SUP travel destination and why?

Answer

My favorite destination is my home in Mexico. We have one of the largest coasts in the world, starting from Baja California, down to Cabo San Lucas, Sayulita, Bahia de Banderas, Pascuales, Acapulco, and the beautiful Puerto Escondido. We also have a lot of rivers and lakes that you can SUP on.

Question

What is your training schedule like?

Answer

To train, I run and do crossfit 3 days a week. I juggle a soccer ball because it keeps me focused. Lastly, I spend as much time as possible in the water SUP surfing with my friend and Coach Mike Downey from Huntington Beach CA.

Question

Who do you enjoy following and watching in the SUP world today?

Answer

I really look up to Sean Poynter, ISA SUP World Champion 2013. He gave me my first 7'7" SUP Starboard in 2012. After that, I discovered how good he is and he’s been my inspiration and role model for SUP ever since.

Question

What gear do you use and who are your current sponsors?

Answer

I use a 7'3" x 3 3/4" x 26" squash tail board and a 7'3" x 4" x 25" fish tail board. Currently, I don’t have a board sponsor, but I am searching for one. My sponsors are:

• www.sayulita.com 
• Sayulita Surf Company
• KAVU clothing
• Blenders Eyewear
• Matador Restaurants 
• Seattle Washington
• www.sayulitabeach.com
• Ox Endurance Formula
• www.conundrumlaw.com
• Marlins Marine Services
• Bicicletas Mercurio
• www.cronosconstruye.com
• www.litibulife.com
• TikiwaxxDep. la Chiquita

Friends and family; shout out to Paul Brion, Blenders Crew, the 805 boys Coyote pack !!!! Also PBL (Pismo Beach Locals)

Question

What’s the best and worst thing about SUP today?

Answer

The best thing about SUP is that it’s one of the fastest growing sports in the world. You can SUP anywhere there is water: ocean, lakes, rivers, and even pools. There is no age restriction to SUP and it’s all about living an active and healthy lifestyle.
The worst thing about SUP is that even as the sport continues to grow, athletes don’t get the true recognition they deserve.

Question

What advice would you give people new to the sport of SUP?

Answer

I would recommend everyone to try SUP at least once! It’s so much fun; you can fish and dive off your board, spend time with friends and family, all the while living a happy, healthy lifestyle.

Tell Us Your Thoughts

• If you could have one superpower: Invisible
• Your guilty pleasure: Junk food
• Most embarrassing moment: One time I was competing and decided to run to my heat. My leash got caught around my legs and I tripped and fell on my face!
• Favorite dessert: Milk and cookies
• Favorite actors: Zach Galifianakis and Adam Sandler
• What annoys you the most? Traffic
• iPhone or android? iPhone
• Facebook or instagram? Both
• Favorite book or movie? Book: “The Secret.” Movie: “Life is Beautiful”
• Dogs or cats? Dogs

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