Background Information
Name: Gerd Serrasolses
Age: 27
Home location: Sort, Catalonia
Kayaking discipline: creek boating, extreme racing
Profession and educational background: Industrial Design Engineering degree
Years in sport of any kind: 14
What got you started in kayaking?
I watched the 1999 Slalom Worlds at La Seu when I was 11 and a few years after when I saw some paddlers on our local river I decided it was time to give it a go.
What is your biggest accomplishment in kayaking?
It is always nice to win competitions, paddle first descents… but my biggest and proudest accomplishment is to live for and from kayaking. I never thought it would be possible when I was a kid so I’m really happy about how my life turned out, it’s been a long way.
Sickline 2015 winning run
Gerd Serrasolses winning all roundsGerd Serrasolses crushing this years #adidassickline by winning all rounds. This is the winner´s run.
Posted by Sickline on Saturday, 3 October 2015
What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
I try to paddle new rivers and hard/technical whitewater as much as I can. This keeps me motivated and helps me get better. Also my Pyranha 9r makes kayaking easier and so much fun.
What would be your ultimate achievement?
To paddle and love kayaking as I do now in 25 years when I’m over 50… everyone’s goal in life is to achieve happiness and enjoy life so I hope I can do that!
How do you set your goals?
I think about what I want to do and achieve and what I have to do to make it happen. It is important to set the right goals, go step by step and work hard towards them, at the end its always worth it.
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Sometimes its hard to be on the road year round,
What is your favourite piece of kayaking kit?
My 9r and my Galasport paddle, they make me enjoy my paddling a lot more.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
So many… “listen to your body” for example…
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
I like Bob Marley’s “where there’s a will there’s a way”. Know what you want and make it happen.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
The World is full of inspiration; I love watching other athletes push themselves and take their sport to new heights. Inspiration is key to stay motivated and it comes from many places and all kind of people, movies, books… you just have to find the one that’s best for you and makes you get out there.
Serrasolses Brothers Highlight Reel 2015
If you could be anything besides a pro athlete, what would you be?
It’s a hard question because sport means so much to me… I’d be whatever I loved most, an environmentalist or something with animals like big cats would be cool.
Who is your favourite athlete?
I really like Usain Bolt, he’s the best and enjoys what he does like no one. His philosophy of life and attitude towards the sport, competition, training… is admirable, he’s always having fun and loving what he does.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’d like to thank my family for supporting me, my brother Aniol for being the best paddling paddler and an amazing inspiration, all my friends for all their support and good times and my amazing girlfriend Ali for always being there for me, helping me achieve my goals and making life a lot more fun and enjoyable. Stoked to share it with all of you, thanks!
And finally thanks to my sponsors who help me chase my dreams: Adidas, Pyranha, Galasport, Immersion research, Picky Bars, Watershed Drybags, Go Pro, SBP.
