Kike Manero, aside from sharing a close relationship with Frank Sinatra (to my way) in the translation of his surname, is an excellent soul surfer and a lover of fine classic engines. He started in the world of carburetors at just 15 years old with a Seat 1430, pushing the needle with his friends through the streets of a quiet neighborhood in Vigo. Here is a short interview with this surf "tough guy." Photo: Clau What's your deal? You got me there. My deal is being a rebel, an unrepentant rascal, a procrastinator (pardon the word) ahead of my time. I often have the feeling that I already lived this life in the 50s and 60s alongside my friends Miguel Dora, Felipe Edwards, David Nuhuiwa, Jose Angel, Patricio Curren, Gregorio Noll, etc. But really, I am shy and humble, very humble, a good guy with a heart so big it doesn't fit in my chest. Buraka is your favorite wave; rumors say you have cartographic maps of the rocky bottom in that area. Is it true? Of course. I learned to surf it, and it's right next to my house. It cost me blood, sweat, and tears to master it, but with time and a lot of patience, we now enjoy a consolidated relationship where we both love and respect each other. Although I'm not one hundred percent faithful to it because I'm polyamorous; I cheat on it with El Canal, La Izquierda, Pantín, Nemiña, and a few others. But it's not just my favorite wave, it's MY wave, YOU HEAR????? MI-WAVE. And yes, it's true, those split-tongued rumors aren't wrong; I have ortho-graphic maps, yes, but not just of the area, of the whole estuary, MATE!!!! Photo: Lucremos Photo: Jose Mendiola Photo: Angel Fotosplino Is there any similarity between Buraka and Bukake? Please!! The question is offensive. NO!!! Of course not. Buraka bukake is an oxymoron in itself. I understand the lexicon confuses you, but they are two totally antagonistic terms. Let me explain: Buraka doesn't exist, it's a fallacy, an optical illusion; it's a fictional wave that I've been dreaming of since I discovered surfing and that I idealize in onanistic and oneiric dreams, but in reality, I made it up. Patos or La Calita at low tide are a thousand times better. And I don't know what bukake is, although it sounds familiar. Photo: Lorena Photo: Antonio Díaz Photo: Brardi Have you always surfed with boards that exceed your height by half a meter? No, when I started, there weren't many options to choose from like there are now, and the first board I had came up to my chin, but it only served to help me grasp surfing. I was young and reckless—well, I still am, both. And besides, I could carry it under my arm on my motorcycle to Patos. I also used to catch waves with a bodyboard when it got too difficult for the surfboard, as well as a windsurf board and a kayak, but I've been leaving those behind for lack of time. Even so, I haven't found anything that beats the sensation of sliding on a good, vintage '65 grand reserve longboard, for example. Photo: Nando Bares Photo: Nando Bares We know you're a lover of "vintage" when it comes to gas-guzzlers. Any major acquisitions? Either now or throughout your long life? (We're not calling you old) And even if you did, I wouldn't care. Well, let me tell you, I have a few little things, mostly from the 50s and 60s of the last century. Among my favorites are a '54 Mercedes SL300 Gullwing, a '65 Ford AC Cobra, a '68 Mustang GT 500, a '61 Porsche 356, a '57 Chevrolet Corvette, a '64 Ferrari 250 GTO, a '48 Chevrolet Woody, and a '57 Chevrolet Nomad Bel Air. For daily use, I've had an '88 Toyota Land Cruiser for a couple of years that's really livening things up for me. We'll leave you a few words to say hello or talk trash about whoever you want, no one is going to complain... Let's just say hello. To my friends Buyas, Yoyas, Alimaña, Callejero, Doc, Patro, 7-14, Lupe, Pedrito and Olguita, Kabubi, Bengala, Bob the Bad, and their respective partners. To Surfía (my sister) from Tenerife Kitesurf and to Kiko from surfgz for his help, to Juan Pardo, my favorite singer, and Viva Zapata!! They would be proud of me. To the whole crew from Pantín and Nemiña. And especially to Lito (Fidel Hot Sport), I haven't forgotten about you, you rascal!!! Also to Clau, Nando Bares, Lucre, Yago Baz, Arantza and Lorena, Angel Fotosplino, Pablo Martínez, Ziggy Action, Julio Valeiras, M. García, Brardi, and Mendi for the photos. And to you for remembering me. A kiss, my king. Photo: M. García Photo: Pablo Martínez Photo: Pablo Martínez
Kike Manero on my way
