ERIK PETRONI

Erik, the oldest of 4 children, has played a behind the scenes, yet very important role in the Never Quit tour.  His tireless efforts constantly kept all that know him, captivated and energized, and his vision is always focused on helping others and educating them as to how to avoid what happened to his amazing father.  After his father, Gerard, suffered a brain bleed, many doubted that he would be capable of making any positive progress. Fast forward 2 ½ years and due to Gerard’s go get-um attitude and the eternal optimism and drive of Erik and his family, the remarkable progress just keeps coming. The two words, Never Quit, perfectly describe the every day life and attitude of Gerard, his wife Reidunn, Sister Karina and his son Erik.

In 1970, Erik was born in the beach town of Pacifica California where he lived an outdoor filled life with his parents.  He moved with his family to the Canal Zone at the Isthmus of Panama when he was just 7 years old, where his father would become a Panama Canal ships pilot.  Erik’s world revolved around his father, his mother Reidunn, the ever loving home maker, his brother and sister and his new surroundings.  Erik lived in the most beautiful place on earth, a jungle town called Gatun, as well as the surrounding Canal Zone and country of Panama.  His life was one of exciting travel and adventure. He was constantly in the jungle, exploring caves, enjoying ship adventures with his father as well as surfing, fishing and diving.  At 18, Erik took off on his own journey around the world, spending time in the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Europe where he went hiking, surfing and adventuring. Each year Erik would spend roughly 8 months in Panama and 4 months traveling around the world seeking new adventures. Also at18, Erik was introduced to the newest family addition, Karina.  From the beginning, Karina was introduced to the same exciting adventures the family was so fortunate to experience every day.  

In the year 2000, when Erik was 30, just after the Jimmy Carter and the US Senate illegally gave away the U.S. Panama Canal and Canal Zone, he and his family moved from the Canal Zone and split their time between both Atlantic Beach Florida and Australia.  Of all the amazing roles that Erik has enjoyed, the one that he has treasured most is coaching his sister Karina and taking her on wild outdoor adventures.   

Erik will always look for opportunities to make you laugh and encourage you to enjoy and live life to its fullest. He is a master negotiator, can get you past third world authorities and is definitely the one you want on your side when in a jam.  In addition, he is an accomplished and talented photographer and videographer, creating exciting and successful marketing and ad campaigns for several large companies.   

Erik has traveled to 28 countries, speaks fluent Norwegian, English, and some Spanish.  He is 6’ 4”, blond and tan, fitting the profile of the typical surfer and free spirited traveler.  Erik would be the one to guide you around the planet in search of that next adventure as he himself is an accomplished surfer & traveler that has circled the world many times in search of his own explorations … in search of his own escapes.

Dad's first days back on the beach before he could walk, August 2007.
Dad's first days back on the beach before he could walk, August 2007.
Dad's first days back on the beach before he could walk, August 2007.
Dad's first days back on the beach before he could walk, August 2007.
Erik and mother Reidunn, Christmas 2005.

Fishing in Lake Gatun, Canal Zone.
Fishing in Lake Gatun, Canal Zone.