Meet Gabe Nunez, he is one of our Mission Critical Brand Ambassadors. Gabe is a Professional Freerunner, Hollywood Stuntman, CEO of Tempest Freerunning, and, most importantly, a father.
We sat down with Gabe to find out how he blends being a dad with his impressive professional life. Check out our Q&A with Gabe, and leave us a comment below to let us know: How do you balance your professional aspirations with being a father?
--
How do you balance your career as a professional athlete/stuntman with being a father?
I'd be lying if I said anything other than "I don't know, I'm still figuring this out". My rule of thumb has been that I don't leave town for more than two weeks at a time anymore. My wife & I are fortunate to be able to bring our daughter with us to work for most days, aside from when I am working on set, so that has been a huge plus.
How do you stay connected with baby Naya while you’re on the road?
Two words, or maybe it's one... FaceTime!
What are some of the most important things you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a father?
That I am an emotional being! Ha, there's nothing like having a daughter to teach a man how to get in touch with his emotional side!
How do you spend quality time with Naya? What does play time look like at your house?
Play time at our house consists of dancing, hide n seek, daddy scaring Naya around each and every corner, reading books, playing with toys and putting toys away, and most importantly skateboarding outside & exploring her movement skills in the Tempest Academies!
How important is it for you to explore the outdoors with Naya?
That's probably the most important thing we do! Whether its walks, hikes, skating, car watching or star gazing, she loves being outside!
How engaged/aware is Naya when you two are out on adventure? Can you tell she’s having fun?
Absolutely engaged. She loves to point out things she recognizes like buses, motorcycles, airplanes, and the moon. She's also not afraid to scream and clap her hands when she's having fun on the skateboard or feeling accomplished for climbing onto something.
What have been some of the most memorable adventures you guys have gone on so far?
A family trip to Mexico when she was about 8 months old, exploring the Tempest academies and watching her test her limits on the trampoline, as well as the everyday skate sessions. I enjoy watching her experience new things no matter what they are!
What is your funniest fatherhood memory thus far?
It's gotta be watching her go from crying to smiling and dancing immediately when a Justin Beiber song comes on. She has the fever!
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming a new dad?
Creating our new normal. It's been difficult to create a regular schedule that allows me to do what I need to do for my own happiness/success while also doing what is needed to support my wife and daughter. I'm working on it, and have a feeling that I will always be working on it! Ha. That's probably my new life mission!
How does your parenting style differ from the way your father parented you?
Hard to say at the moment since I don't remember his parenting style when I was 1, but I assume I'm a bit more hands off in how I let her figure out the world. I'll have to ask him that!
What advice would you give to new fathers?
Don't lose who you are while trying to raise your child. So far my wife and I have been really good at trying to maintain our lifestyle and continuing to do things that we enjoy. The only difference is that now we are bringing our new little friend along! Remember the baby is coming into your life, not the other way around. We believe that happy people raise happy kids so we try hard to continue enjoying things that we did before having a child...
Last question, how would you rate your diaper changing skills?
I'm a diaper changing magician! Not sure that's something I need on my resume but what can I say? I've had lots of practice.
Comments (0)
Back to Blog