Italian bodyboarder Simone Macera is releasing a new video called “Cuore Blu”, directed and edited by Sebastien Boulard, which showcases Mediterranean waves while delving into his personal bond with the sea. The film brings together the best images of his life, but also explores the different ways people relate to the sea – a place of profound reconnection; and is in fact a kind of gift to his friends and family. Get to know the history of this Livorno based passionate bodyboarder.

Photos by @elephantox / @seaboule / Palmerini / Barbieri / @ippelfilms / Carmignani / Tommasini

Tell us a little bit about your background…

I’m Simone Macera, I’m Italian and I was born and raised in Livorno, a city on the West coast, about three hours from Rome. I started going to the ocean when I was five years old, on and off, because I was also swimming competitively, which took a lot of my time. Back then, I tried both surfing and bodyboarding, but the very first time I rode a bodyboard was in ‘Korea’, a spot in Livorno. In the end, I chose bodyboarding because I felt it had a certain radicality that I couldn’t find in other sports, nor in surfing at the time in my city. I liked that it was more underground, with a different soul, and that really hooked me from the start.

“I chose bodyboarding because I felt it had a certain radicality that I couldn’t find in other sports”

What’s the bodyboarding vibe like in Italy?

The vibe is incredible, especially considering the limited number of waves we get. The core of Italian bodyboarding is definitely in Livorno, because we have a lot of suitable waves here. There are also small communities in Sardinia, Liguria, Lazio, and scattered around the country, but Livorno is the main hub. Sardinia is something else though: being an island, it receives constant swells, and because of its position, Livorno also benefits from a good number of those swells. For being in Italy, I feel pretty lucky with the waves we get here. The level is not super low, and in the past we’ve had some strong riders who really pushed things forward.

“I love Portugal (…) the Lisbon “jungle,” the constant cultural exchange, and the Portuguese people, with whom I feel a great connection”

Where can we find the best bodyboarding spots in Italy?

Livorno is definitely number one, it’s the heart of Italian bodyboarding thanks to the quality, quantity, and consistency of waves. But you can also find good waves in Liguria and Sardinia, which get an incredible number of swells. There are hidden gems here and there, but l would say that Livorno is the main reference point.

You lived in Portugal for a while. What do you enjoy the most?

I love Portugal: I love the people, the food, the waves, and I love Lisbon, which to me is one of the very few (maybe the only one) capitals in the world where you have an international city, rich in culture and history, but at the same time so close to the ocean. It’s not only about the waves, which are of course what I love the most, but about the country itself: the Lisbon “jungle,” the constant cultural exchange, and the Portuguese people, with whom I feel a great connection. The only downside is the rising cost of living, which makes it difficult for locals, especially students, to live in the city. But apart from that social issue, I completely love everything about Portugal.

“There are hidden gems here and there, but l would say that Livorno is the main reference point”

Best riders and spots in Portugal?

Portugal is unique because it offers an incredible variety of waves: heavy slabs, small technical waves, beach breaks, reef breaks, wedges, point breaks etc etc. For an athlete who wants to train and grow, it’s probably the most effective place in Europe.

As for the riders, right now I’d say the best is Steph Kokorelis: he’s one of the most stylish riders in the world, consistent in all conditions – small, big, lefts, rights and a cool guy. In the past, of course, legends like Manuel Centeno and Tó Cardoso have played a huge role.

When it comes to spots, there are countless options. Besides the lesser-known ones, which I obviously won’t say in an interview, among the most famous I would definitely mention Nazaré when it’s breaking close to shore, Supertubos, Guincho, and Costa de Caparica, plus a ton of insane slabs scattered along the coast. Personally though, some of my favorites are actually the underrated ones, where you can end up scoring the session of the year when you least expect it.

“In the last few years I’ve worked on keeping my body healthy and strong, because I love surfing and being in the ocean”

You’re working on a new project. How would you describe this new movie?

The project is called “Cuore Blu” (“Blue Heart”) and it’s a film I care deeply about. It’s not something new, it’s an idea I’ve always had: to collect the best waves of my life, many of which I kept aside, to create something that lasts over time. Nowadays everything needs to be posted immediately, and people forget so fast. But a film remains.

It’s also a gift I want to give to my family, my friends, my sponsors, and to my city, Livorno, which raised me and gave me the chance to discover the world through bodyboarding. The film will have a very cinematic and artistic approach, with the best waves but also a strong emotional and personal side.

What’s the best part of the movie?

I don’t think there’s just one best part. As a bodyboarder, of course I love the action sections, but from a cinematic perspective there are powerful moments that really convey emotion. It’s a balance between performance and art, and that’s what I love the most.

“I believe Seb is the best filmmaker for a project like this: he knows me, he knows the sport, and he can tell the story at the highest level”

When will it be released? Any premiere planned?

The first premiere will take place in Livorno on November 1st, in NTC (Nuovo Teatro delle Commedie – tickets available here) right after the Frontón King. Then we’ll have more premieres that will be confirmed over time.

The plan, together with Seb, is to bring the film around the world, to the most important festivals, to showcase not only bodyboarding but also the deep connection between Livorno and the ocean.

Why Sebastien Boulard for the edit?

It all started with Pride Bodyboards, my long-time sponsor. That’s where I met Seb and we immediately connected, not only on bodyboarding, but also on communication, art, and our vision of life. We’ve always shared similar ideas, and when I decided to do this project. I believe he’s the best filmmaker for a project like this: he knows me, he knows the sport, and he can tell the story at the highest level.

“Cuore Blu it’s a film I care deeply about. It’s not something new, it’s an idea I’ve always had: to collect the best waves of my life”

What’s like working with him?

Working with Seb is an absolute pleasure. He’s inspiring, intelligent, and creative, and there’s a natural understanding between us. We share the same vision, which makes everything flow easily, most of the time we don’t even need to explain things, we just get each other. For me, it’s been an incredible experience to go through this creative process with him, and I’m truly grateful not only to Seb but also to all my sponsors for believing in this project. Without their support, none of this would have been possible.

Any other future goals?

In the last few years I’ve worked on keeping my body healthy and strong, because I love surfing and being in the ocean. I’m 31yo now, so I’m starting to feel the age a little, but as long as my body allows me, I’ll keep pushing myself. I’d like to compete a bit more, maybe outside of Europe, and travel to Australia. I also want to create more live content, after having kept my best waves secret for this film, so I can share new and fresh projects with people.