Luminox: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Pepe: I am a professional big wave surfer. I learned to surf at the age of 20, and now I am 31. In these 10 years, I have ridden waves from 1 meter to 25 meters high. I was born in the countryside of Dolores, Soriano, Uruguay. At 16, I moved to the capital to study, and at 20, a friend invited me to go surfing. After that, I dedicated myself fully to it, and each year I progressed to bigger waves, traveling around the world until I reached international big wave competitions.
Luminox: What do you do for a living, and where are you from?
Pepe: I work in farming with livestock and agriculture during harvest time, which lasts about 34 months a year. For the other eight months, I focus on big wave surfing around the world. Initially, that was my primary job until I became a professional surfer. However, I can't leave it behind today because it is part of my family's business and tradition.
Luminox: Can you talk us through your work in the community?
Pepe: In the community, I work in agriculture, which helps feed society. I also provide jobs as a professional surfer and a jet ski pilot, towing surfers into big waves and rescuing them in tense moments when needed. With all that I have learned from surfing, I help people who want to succeed both in and out of the water by teaching them my breathing and meditation techniques. These techniques involve holding your breath underwater and are beneficial for all types of people.
Luminox: What motivated you to take these actions?
Pepe: What motivates me is to live life to the fullest with compassion, focus, and a purpose, setting goals for personal growth every day. I refuse to stay in my comfort zone, and I aim to inspire everyone to do the same in order to build a better, more dynamic, and more social world—one that emphasizes sharing experiences rather than keeping them to ourselves.
Luminox: What challenges did you face whilst supporting your community, and how did you overcome them?
Pepe: One of the greatest acts of resilience I experienced was coming from the countryside and not knowing how to surf until I was 20, yet wanting to surf 25-meter waves. Everyone told me it was impossible; they said I had to be born in the water and that I needed generations of surfers in my family. They also claimed it would be financially impossible for me to cover the costs of traveling, lodging, jet skis, and boards in all the countries around the world. Therefore, I had to do what seemed impossible: reach the competitive level of big wave surfing while also working in something completely different to earn the money to achieve my goal.
Luminox: How do you stay resilient in the face of adversity?
Pepe: I always stayed focused on my thoughts and dreams, despite the chaos that appeared around me. I followed my heart and never abandoned that dream, which seemed impossible to everyone else but was possible in my mind.
Luminox: How has your community responded to your actions?
Pepe: My impact has been significant, as it made people realize that it is indeed possible for someone from the countryside, who didn't know how to surf, to ride 25 or 30-meter waves. It has encouraged people to believe that they can pursue their dreams, even when the conditions are not in their favor. If you want it badly enough, you can achieve it.
Luminox: What positive changes have you seen as a result of your efforts?
Pepe: The results have been many, from personal growth to changing relationships. Everything started to flow when I followed my feelings and my dreams. All is more easy all. Everything make sanse. There aren’t that many questions, but there is a lot to do and make it real. I feel grateful for life, and that's what I transmit to the world, making it a better place.
Luminox: How has this experience changed you personally?
Pepe: It has changed me in the sense of being more patient and waiting for the moments that each person encounters. In big wave surfing, it's not about when you want to go; it's about when everything aligns. You need to feel confident that it’s your turn, and that all the elements are connected for everything to turn out well. The same principle applies in real life: you must wait for the opportunity, be as prepared as possible, but in the meantime, you have to have patience and wait for the right moment.
Luminox: What advice would you give to others who want to make a positive impact in their communities?
Pepe: My advice is to follow your heart and what you truly feel with all your passion and focus. By doing this, you can set an example for others—not by telling them what to do or how to live their lives, but by being the person who makes yourself happy and positive in this world.
Luminox: How do you feel about being recognized by Luminox for your contributions?
Pepe: It feels very good that a company like luminox, with values and respect for the community, notices my professional and personal career. I look forward to being represented by them and to work together so we can show the world that dreams can indeed be fulfilled.
Pepe's pick: Pacific Diver, 44 mm, Diver Watch - XS.3135
