The Copa de los Andes Tarma 2011 is coming up this Thursday, October 27. We talked to Peru's Marisa Nuñez, #1 ranked downhill skateboarder in South America. She's a tough and very nice girl who's ready to take the number one spot again this year...

How'd you get into skateboarding?

It all began when I started riding a skateboard to get to class faster while in college.

And downhill?

I started downhill when I joined a group of guys in Miami, where I lived; the Miami Longboard Crew. We’d go out to practice in parking lots, I was 18 or so and little by little I gained more confidence and speed, then began to travel with them on competitions, not internationally but on local competitions across the U.S., Puerto Rico as well.

So you knew you'd want to take your hobby to a competitive level...

I began to feel confident and liked competing against other women so I kept on going and got sponsors who helped me travel to different places.

How many competitions have you participated in?

I’ve participated in about 10 competitions around the world and this will be my second time competing in Peru. Last year I came in first in the women’s side [in the Tarma IGSA 2010] and this year I’m going out to defend my title.

What do you like best about the sport?

I like pushing my limits, the adrenaline, the faster the better, and I love to travel, a lot, and meet with different people who share the same passion. The community of skateboarders is awesome; we like helping each other out and have a good time.

Any rituals, what music do you listen to beforehand?

I like listening to roots reggae because it relaxes me and just gives me good vibes.

How do you see the downhill and skateboarding community here in Peru?

The skateboarding community in Peru is great; everyone gives off such good energy and the talent is progressing immensely. Every year there’s more competitors, more talented individuals; the level is high up there. I think the foreigners coming down will have good competition this year.
 

We'll keep everyone updated on Marisa and the rest of the competitors at the Tarma competition!

For more info, check out her FB page.

Marisa riding fast in Argentina this year. (Photo: Marisa Nuñez Facebook page)

 

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