Leandro Usuna, better known as Lele, was born and raised in Mar del Plata, near Buenos Aires, Argentina. That’s a five-mile stretch of coast divided by dozens of piers that provide quality beachbreaks. With a keen father as a surfer Usuna was introduced to the waves at a young age and in the relatively small Argentinian surf scene was quickly was recognized as a huge talent.

By his teenage years, he had solid industry support, a successful junior career, and a desire to travel the world and compete against the world's best. He made an early name for himself on the North Shore of Oahu where his infectious personality and willingness to take on any wave that came his way gaining him peer respect. In 2011 one of his waves at Pipeline was nominated as a Finalist in Surfline’s annual Wave of the Winter contest.

Also known as El Grinch, Usuna took his considerable talent and ever-present smile to the Qualifying Series. He competed full-time for a decade from 2011, proving a dedicated and committed competitor, even if he never cracked the top 100.

All his experience and focus however paid off when he claimed a surprise berth at the Tokyo Olympics following a win at the 2019 Pan Pacific Games held in Lima. It was a huge result for both Usuna and the Argentine surfing community.

Instagram: @leleusuna