Hugo Pinheiro, from Portugal, needs no introduction. He is a 4x Portuguese champion and 5x European champion. Also, in 2006 he finished runner-up at the ISA World Surfing Games in California and placed 4th at the Pipe International. The man also pioneered the tow-out sessions all over Portugal and once went bodyboarding in Iceland with Mike Stewart.
A Vert Magazine exclusive | Photos by MTN, Hugo Silva & Red Bull Content Pool
It’s true Hugo hasn’t competed too much in the last few years (last national comp he entered was 3 years ago). At age 43 he decided to put an end to his competitive career, as mentioned exclusively to Vert Magazine. “I stopped competing! I stopped training specifically for this and it is no longer logical”, he says.
The Portuguese shredder immediately adds: “I stopped competing regularly a few years ago. Obviously, in a way I’m now making it official. Of course if an event with good waves arises in the future, a special edition kind of thing, by the way I hope there are many, because this is the way for bodyboarding; I’ll make an exception in order to proudly be a part of it.”
“I stopped competing regularly a few years ago. Obviously, in a way I’m now making it official”
So if the competition door closes, this only means the free surf door is now wide open for the European athlete. “I will always free surf and dedicate my life to it. Sometimes more constantly, other times less. Not long ago I went on a strike mission to one of the Azores islands searching for good waves. That’s the kind of thing I really like to do. This is the direction I want for the rest of my career as a bodyboarder. Traveling, sudden missions and wave exploration it’s what drive me these days. It’s the thing I like most about bodyboarding for sure”, explains the veteran.
For years Hugo Pinheiro had an important role in bodyboarding – inspiring others. When questioned about the future of his role in the sport, the answer was quite obvious: “I hope it will be the same: inspiring people to bodyboarding, young and old generations, and be involved in new bodyboard projects. I’m always available to be invited and to help in any way.”
“Traveling, sudden missions and wave exploration it’s what drive me these days”
To finish the fleeting chat we just need it to know what the future holds for him. “I don’t know”, he immediately replies without thinking too much. But then he adds: “At the time I’m more dedicated to my family, with some personal and family projects in hand. I think that’s my main focus at the moment, but I’m involved in other projects that go from electronic music to health and wellness, yoga and surfing. Basically I guess we adapt to life and to new opportunities. New challenges motivate me and I like to do them well in order to leave a cool footprint. That’s important.”
Well said, champ. The team wishes you all the best!
