Trigger Point follows António “Bodecas” Saraiva, a Portuguese bodyboarder whose lifelong bond with Australia has shaped both his craft and his character. He chased swells, made friendships, and lived to the fullest the raw pulse of adventure. Straya wild coast is like a second home for him. A place where fear, freedom, and beauty collide. The film’s title reflects the instant when a decision defines the path forward.
Images by Ricardo Pina, Christina Gindl, Gonçalo Guimarães, Jay Maguire & António Saraiva
G’day, Bo! For those who have never heard of you, how would you describe yourself?
Bodecas: I’d say I’m a bit of a peaceful introvert who really values his own space, rhythm, and routines. Bodyboarding is my biggest passion, and I try to build a whole, balanced lifestyle around it. To keep my mind creative, I work as a filmmaker and photographer, both feed into each other. And on top of that, I’m a coffee nerd.
“Bodyboarding is my biggest passion, and I try to build a whole, balanced lifestyle around it.”
Portugal is a sick place for bodyboarders and surfers as it has plenty of waves of different types. What do you like most about the Portuguese lifestyle?
It really is. I often say Portugal feels like a smaller version of Australia, with so many world-class waves and landscapes within a short drive. What I love most about the surf lifestyle here are the pre and post-surf moments: great food, good coffee, and sharing stories with friends at small local spots. There’s something special about celebrating a good session with your mates over a simple local meal.
You’ve been working on a new video called Trigger Point. How would you describe this new project?
This project is probably the most personal one I’ve ever made. It’s my way of expressing what that place truly means to me. Trigger Point captures the moment where I push myself past hesitation, both in the ocean and behind the film camera that’s been with me on every trip. There’s a parallel between the two: moments of tension, timing, and instinct that define both bodyboarding and filmmaking.
“There’s something special about celebrating a good session with your mates over a simple local meal.”
You and the vast Australian continent have a history that goes back to 1997. Would you like to tell us about it?
Back then, I was living in Macau, where I was born. My parents loved traveling, and before we moved permanently to Portugal, they decided to do one last big trip, to Australia. I was so young, but it’s one of the few childhood trips I vividly remember: the animals, the endless roads, the friendly people. I just remember feeling incredibly happy.
Years later, when I got into bodyboarding, it all made sense, Australia and bodyboarding were a natural connection. The seed had already been planted back then. Since returning, I feel like Australia has shaped me deeply, both as a person and as a rider.
“This project is probably the most personal one I’ve ever made. It’s my way of expressing what that place truly means to me.”
Nowadays, what’s the bodyboarding vibe like in Australia?
It feels like there are fewer people bodyboarding these days, but the ones who still do it are as core as it gets. They don’t need phones or cameras to prove anything, their motivation comes from within. They’ll drive for hours, hike to remote slabs, and throw themselves into heavy, sharky pits purely for the love of it. They’re doing it for the right reasons, and that’s what keeps bodyboarding alive over there. These are my idols.
The movie not only showcases bodyboarding action, but also blends striking cinematography from the first second. How important is that for you?
The visuals are everything to me. I’ve always cared deeply about the aesthetics and feeling behind an image. I was lucky to collaborate with some incredibly talented friends and filmmakers who brought their own vision and soul to the project. Trigger Point isn’t just a collection of waves; it’s a visual story built by passionate people, and that’s what gives it its heart.
“They’re doing it for the right reasons, and that’s what keeps bodyboarding alive over there. These are my idols.”
How long did it take you to compile the images, edit them, and get everything ready for release?
Some of the material dates all the way back to 1997. A few photos and old clips from 2011, 2012, and 2014. But the core of the film was shot between 2019 and 2025. Once everything was gathered, it took me about a month to organize all the footage, and another two months to edit it into what it is now.
“(…) when I got into bodyboarding, it all made sense, Australia and bodyboarding were a natural connection.”
What is the most tense and exciting part of the movie?
The film is divided into three parts. I would say the second part is probably the most intense — both visually and performance-wise — where I surf some of the heaviest waves of my life. But the third part is the one that hits deeper emotionally… you’ll see why when you watch it.
When will the movie be released? Any premieres planned?
I’m planning to hold a screening around late November or early December (dates to be confirmed). The online release will follow between December and early January. Stay tuned.
“Trigger Point isn’t just a collection of waves; it’s a visual story built by passionate people.”
Any other future projects you’d like to share?
Yes! I’d love to create a similar project to Trigger Point, but focused on the waves and people of Portugal. Hopefully, that’ll be the next chapter.
