Benjamin Perez
October 2021
Argentina – Spain – Indonesia
‘This is one of the questions that they ask me the most. Most people in Spain are surprised to see that you do not use a board that is usually seen on the street and I always tell that without the connection to Gochi this would not have been possible.’
You are sponsored by Puppets, an Indonesian board company. How did this happen?
Yes, it’s a cool story!! In Spain I met Gochi Estrella and he talked about this Indonesian brand and how did everything with a lot of passion and dedication. After a while they started to help me by sending me their incredible boards.
How do you know Gochi?
I met him one day skating on Macba through my friend Adriel who had previously filmed with him. Adriel introduced him to me and over time we became good friends.
What do you like best about Puppets Skateboards?
I like several things about the brand. The quality and shape of the boards, the designs and especially the way they take care of their riders.
What is people’s reaction when they find out that you ride for an Indonesian company?
Jajajaj. This is one of the questions that they ask me the most. Most people in Spain are surprised to see that you do not use a board that is usually seen on the street and I always tell that without the connection to Gochi this would not have been possible.
‘Without them, the progress of local people would be much more difficult! Never forget to support your friend brand.’
Have you noticed Puppets boards in Spain because of your story?
Not at the moment since the puppet decks are not in Spanish stores. I have no doubt that it will hit if off with the locals once they arrive in the country.
Have you ever been to Indonesia?
Unfortunately not but without a doubt it is on my list of places to visit soon!
Are there any local skate brands where you live?
Yes, the truth is that there are many national brands here in Spain as it should be in all countries. Without them, the progress of local people would be much more difficult! Never forget to support your friend brand (laughing).
You are from Argentina but now live in Spain. What is your story?
Yes, a long time ago we had a trip with my partner and when we arrived in Europe, a long process of thinking about whether to go home or not began. In the end, we took the difficult road to stay and grow from this experience. A very hard decision to leave the family, friends and culture though. Without a doubt, that is what we wanted to do.
What was the main reason for you to stay in Spain?
The more important reason it was to look for a better future where I could grow as a skater and as a person.
‘I was skating with friends in a “money” neighborhood. A police car tells us that we can’t be in this area wearing hats and skateboarding. We were scaring the residents.’
What goals do you want to achieve with your skateboarding?
The truth is that today, I no longer expect anything from skateboarding! I already gave to much of myself (laughing). I just enjoy skating day by day with the people who motivate me the most and everything else comes along.
What is your proudest moment so far?
The truth is, that there are many unforgettable moments about skateboarding but I think that the most important and decisive moment was to leave my small town in Argentina to go live in the capital. This led me to grow as a person and as a skater. Without that movement, I would not have generated anything that I am able to enjoy now.
Most fun story?
I was skating with friends in a “money” neighborhood. A police car tells us that we can’t be in this area wearing hats and skateboarding. We were scaring the residents.
Last question. If you could interview one person, who would it be and why? What would you ask?
The truth is, I had never thought about that. However, more than an interview, I would like to share a skate session or a coffee with people that I admire or do not know, such as Yoki from Puppets.
