Peter: The man and the sea

I’m Peter Vasas. The sea’s in my skin, and discipline’s in my muscles. I founded and run Sun and Surf Spain, a non-profit sports club that started life as a tiny business back in 2014 and, just last year, became an official club. We’re small, no frills—but every heartbeat is in sync with the waves.

From river currents to ocean swells

I grew up in Szeged, Hungary, with the Tisza River as the backdrop to my childhood. In the ’90s, I raced kayaks—water was my playground, my training ground, my escape. Then in 2010, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) crossed my path. One paddle stroke and I was hooked for life.

Between 2012 and 2016, I mostly raced in Marbella and on the local circuit, landing on the podium in 9 out of 10 races. But more than chasing my own victories, I started coaching others—and they began winning too. Still, the costs kept climbing, and chasing medals stopped being the main goal.

A dream finds its shape

In 2014, we opened a small gear rental shop. Before long, we were teaching kids water sports. Without even noticing, we were building Sun and Surf—not just a business, but a home for people who love the water. Over the years, through financial ups and downs, I’ve coached hundreds. I’ve never believed in crazy-high fees, so I kept prices low—and sometimes trained people for free. That’s when the idea for an affordable, open-to-all club took root.

Rising stars

Last year, two boys—Alfred and Kornel—hit the competition scene. Alfred dominated the under-14s. This year, the team’s grown:

• Sasha, under-8, already with four gold medals.
• Benji, under-10, with two silvers.
• Alfred, now under-16, ranked among the top three in Spain, with a medal collection that keeps growing.
• Kornel, in the Elite category, learning to battle in deep waters.

The older athletes train up to 12 times a week. The younger ones, three or four. Around 50 members, aged between 6 and 80, swim year-round. Our mission? Get kids and parents off the couch, connect them with nature, and—if they want—help them compete.

The Alfred story

Alfred’s different. At just 14, he made it to the A Final of the SUP Eurotour in Sancti Petri, rounding the first buoy alongside names like Donato and Shrimpy. He finished 17th overall in the adult category and took his own division with ease. He’s been on a board since he was four—first surfing and longboarding, then SUP. Two years ago, his dad (Daniel Gregory, our co-founder) and I decided it was time for him to compete. Today, he’s one of the best in Spain, with a technique that’s almost flawless.

Looking beyond the horizon

We run on a shoestring budget. We’re looking for members, local businesses, and individuals in Elviria, Marbella, to help more young athletes compete and to bring this sport into schools—with scholarships and training for those who need it. We want them to discover what good sport teaches: discipline, resilience, respect for nature, and for themselves.

Because once the sea claims you, it changes you—forever.