We’re excited to present this exclusive interview with one of the founders of Gran Canaria Frontón King, undoubtedly one of the best events in the world.
Besides being a fantastic organizer and working hard to grow this sport, he feels a deep passion for bodyboarding like very few others. At 44 years old, he still enjoys the ocean just like he did when he was a kid, especially on big wave days, because his favorite feeling is getting a good tube ride on the powerful waves of Gáldar.
He has been bodyboarding for 35 years and organizing sporting events for 18 years, making him someone completely dedicated to our sport.
Without further ado, here’s MAXIMO TORRES.
- We know you’ve been involved in various events besides Gran Canaria Frontón King for many years. Those who know you praise your immense passion and dedication to this sport. How did you get started as an event organizer?
My journey began, as you said, out of love for this sport. My main goal was to give the young people in my neighborhood who practiced this sport something to aim for in order to keep surfing and preparing to compete. My first competitions as an organizer took place in the Marinero neighborhood of San Cristóbal, with help from my great friend Javier Ceballos and all the locals in the area.
- How did you get started in bodyboarding, and what does it bring to your life?
I started this sport when I was only 9 years old. I’m from a neighborhood close to the coast, where there’s always been a lot of love for the ocean—bodyboarding, surfing, and traditional sailing, which I also practiced and even competed in for a few years since it’s a big native sport in the Canaries.
From a young age, I’d watch the local guys surf the waves at the San Cristóbal coast, and since many of them were my neighbors, I’d ask them to take me along to watch.
That’s how I fell in love with this sport, which I thank for leading me down a healthy path. I especially want to thank my adventure buddies and great friends Ramsés Díaz, Oliver, and Aurelio, with whom I have shared a wonderful childhood filled with countless stories. I feel lucky to have met thousands of people from different places around the globe, as this sport has given me the chance to travel all over the world to surf some of the best waves. In short, I owe this beautiful lifestyle to this exciting and wonderful sport called bodyboarding.
- When did you start dreaming about the Gran Canaria Frontón King, and who supported you in this project?
It all started after gaining experience organizing some bodyboarding events and a ton of motivation for the sport. One day, I was at home renovating with Javier Ceballos when I got a call from my friend Daniel Hernández, who’s also on the Gran Canaria Frontón King team. He told me that the IBA (the organization for the world circuit at that time) had disappeared and that there was no world circuit anymore. He asked if we could come together to hold an event at the Frontón—something Javier Ceballos and I had talked about several times before. I asked Dani what it would take to host an epic championship, he explained everything, and I relayed it to Javi who was right there with me, and he said GO FOR IT!!! So I made a few calls, and we got the incredible support of the renowned Jaky and his brand Dharma Company, along with Secretpoints from the great Richard Alemán and LINK Store from Daniel Hernández. We all teamed up to create an awesome crew, and that’s how the Frontón King was born in 2013.
- What’s your favorite wave in Gran Canaria?
I have many waves that I love, and these days I get super anxious if there are good days and I can’t surf them, haha. If I had to highlight one wave above the rest, not just in Gran Canaria but worldwide, since I’ve surfed many waves in different parts of the globe, it would be El Agujero in Gáldar, followed by Frontón, La Guancha, El Picacho, and Medio Ahogado, where I spent part of my childhood.
- Can you share a funny story or a special moment from one of the events you’ve organized?
One of the most memorable moments was back in 2016 when emergency authorities wanted to cancel the event because they issued a Red Alert for coastal phenomena, predicting crazy waves of six to eight meters on the coast of Gáldar, where the Gran Canaria Frontón King takes place. We were in disbelief; we didn’t get it at all! We had been waiting so long for these waves to have an epic event. After making a ton of calls and debating with the authorities to explain that we had been looking forward to these weather conditions for a long time, they finally gave us the green light, and we ended up having one of the best years of waves for the Gran Canaria Frontón King.
The funniest moment was when we got to the event expecting good waves, only to be greeted by flat water! Right after that, I asked Javier Ceballos to start his “ritual” at the lower part of the Frontón – a ritual he and I both know about, haha! Believe it or not, he started pumping out perfect sets, so the “ritual” totally works, haha!
- Where have you traveled to surf, and what have been your favorite spots on those adventures?
Luckily, I’ve traveled to many amazing places like Australia, Indonesia, South America, and Europe, but my absolute favorite has to be the Canary Islands.
- Is there a specific edition of the Gran Canaria Frontón King that you find more special?
For me, they’re all special since every year is a different challenge, both for the organization trying to impress competitors, sponsors, and the audience. But if I had to highlight one, I’d say the 10th anniversary edition since it was the celebration of the first decade of the Gran Canaria Frontón King.
- What does this event mean to you and the local bodyboarders?
For me and the locals, having an event of this caliber is a huge honor and privilege. Being able to compete at a world level right at home and demonstrating the incredible talent among locals is crucial. It all started thanks to them, with their support, participation, and commitment, especially seeing them among the best in the world — we have remarkable talent in the Canary Islands!
- Is there something you’d like to do in Gran Canaria that hasn’t happened yet?
I’d really like to establish a solid circuit where the grassroots of the sport are the main focus, featuring junior categories for both boys and girls, and help strengthen bodyboarding and keep it alive for the long haul.
- Tell us about your future projects as an organizer and a rider:
As an organizer, I honestly want to achieve the recognition that bodyboarding deserves. I have some projects I’d love to see come to life, like solidifying the San Cristóbal championship. As a rider, I want to keep enjoying the sport, sharing it with friends, and continuing to travel in search of new spots.
Share your thoughts on Gáldar and the area around El Frontón — its nature, people, and what makes this event so special for competitors and the global audience: What can I say about Gáldar?
For me, it’s a wonderful area, kind of like a big city since it has everything you need without leaving. The nature reflected in its coast and mountains is spectacular, and when it comes to waves, it might just be one of the best places in the world for bodyboarding, with lots of different high-quality and diverse waves. The locals are such great people — “I love the little critters” — and I have many friends there. I appreciate the folks who take care of and protect their area, and that’s what makes Gáldar special, along with the Gran Canaria Frontón King.
- Why do you recommend visiting Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is a dream island part of an archipelago of eight islands that are truly paradise — a spot in the world that offers a variety of opportunities, whether for tourism, food, or culture. It’s an ideal place for outdoor sports and also great for family visits. I love that visitors come to our land, BUT THEY SHOULD TAKE CARE OF IT AND RESPECT IT AS THE GEM THAT IT IS, then everyone will be welcome.
- Here’s your chance to give some shout-outs, thank your team, or just say what’s on your mind:
First off, I want to give a huge thanks to Javier Ceballos for being my buddy through all the events, trips, stories, and crazy adventures. Big thanks to the whole team at Gran Canaria Frontón King: Daniel Hernández, Christian Santana, Dani “Curro,” Richard Alemán and Moana Nui, Jesús de León, and Jonathan Vega, who’s my go-to guy and personal assistant when it comes to bodyboard events. They’ve all put up with me year after year so we can keep making these events happen. I also want to thank the locals at the Frontón, especially Néstor Pérez, Willy Luján, Ale “el Yuyo,” Pablo Hernández, Dailos Rodríguez, and Lionel Medina—there are so many more I’m forgetting to mention.
THANK YOU ALL because you guys are awesome!
A big shout-out to IBC for this interview, and thanks to all the public and private sponsors who support the Gran Canaria Frontón King, along with all the companies that help get it off the ground. THANK YOU!
From IBC, we want to thank MAXIMO TORRES and his team for making this amazing event happen and for helping so many people live their dreams.
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