Inspiration and Surfing: a conversation with Beatriz
Beatriz, the Portuguese National U18 Champion, is an up and rising competitive surfer from Costa da Caparica, Portugal. Having started surfing at a young age with her father, she evolved to be a high talented and hardworker surfer.
Last year Beatriz joined our Curfboard Team.
We have interviewed Beatriz to learn more about her and to get inspired by her journey and surf knowledge.
Photography by Rodrigo Costa
Hello Beatriz, let’s start our interview from the very beginning. How did you first get into surfing?
I’ve always had a strong connection with the ocean. My dad used to be a professional bodyboarder, so I started by doing bodyboard with him and I even entered in some competitions.
I had already tried surfing, but once I gave it a second chance I discovered how much I love it and I never stopped.
What made you decide to pursue surfing as a competitive sport, and how has your journey evolved over the years?
I’ve been competitive since I was little, so I guess that feeling and need of getting better just evolved into surfing. Nowadays I see competitions very differently than I used to.
I love to compete and the adrenaline that it gives me, but I no longer feel it as a part of me. I just want to surf for the love of surfing.
If there are waves, I’m in the water.
Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?
My dad. He showed me everything about surfing and gave me everything that I ever needed to keep doing it. He’s my biggest inspiration and motivation.
What does your daily routine look like and what cross-training methods do you do?
I surf every day that it’s possible. I try to adjust everything according to my priorities like college but if there are waves, I’m in the water. I live 10min away from the beach so I always surfskate to get there, It’s like a warmup!
Then I train 5 days a week. I do lower body, upper body, cardio specific for surfing, stretches and 30min of yoga every day. I organize every week in accordance with what my body needs and with the competitions I’m having.
I always surfskate to get there, It’s like a warmup!
How has surfskating influenced your surfing skills? Can you explain the relationship between surfskating and your performance in the water?
Surfskating has been following my surfing evolution pretty much from the beginning.
I started surfskating when I started surfing and now it is part of my routine.
It has helped me perfect movements that sometimes I can’t train as well in the water, and it has always helped me adapt my vision of the wave line and my own performance.
Surfskating has helped me perfect movements that sometimes I can’t train as well in the water, and it has always helped me adapt my vision of the wave line and my own performance.
Surfers often travel to different locations to catch the best waves. What are some of your favourite surf spots, and how do you adapt to unfamiliar breaks?
I had an amazing experience last year in El Salvador representing Portugal at the ISA World Surfing Games. Good waves, good weather and good people. But I particularly love to surf in Portugal. You can find unlimited perfect surf spots and without any crowd.
I feel like the adaptation is just part of the mindset. Going with confidence and connect with the line-up. I always take a good look at the waves before going in and if it’s a break that I’m not used to I might ask to the locals. They know best.
You are the reigning National Champ U18 in Portugal. What are your current priorities and objectives when it comes to surf competitions?
My current goal is to keep doing the nationals and to get the most of it. Enjoy the moment, have fun, and get that adrenaline that makes me want to get better every day.
Thank you Beatriz!
Photography by Rodrigo Costa
Date of the interview: 22/09/2023
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