Surfing in Ericeira with Miguel Blanco and Gony Zubizarreta

I’m back with a big bang because in this episode I’m going to introduce you to one of my favourite places in the world, and also one of the most authentic. In case you haven’t already noticed, I’m talking about Portugal, and specifically Ericeira. Before I talk more in detail about this place, you will surely have already noticed that I surf with two great characters of European surfing, Miguel Blanco and Gony Zubizarreta. We get together very often to surf but not only because with Miguel Blanco I have shared a flat the first time we became independent while with Gony I have travelled all over the world to compete and with him, but I have also learnt a lot thanks to his experience. So this chapter is also a thank you to these two people.

Now you may be wondering what it is about Ericeira, and you are right. Ericeira is part of one of those places that are a must for every surfer. Here is the first World Surfing Reserve which is a tribute to the waves of a small fishing village called Ericeira, or as it used to be called, Ouriceira which comes from sea urchin. It is one of the most authentic places where I have been able to surf and the truth is that everything here makes an impact, at first sight, the Atlantic sea, the locals, the fishing culture, or the famous “nortada” as they call it in this area.

Who has seen me and who sees me! I never thought I would be able to spend time here as it can be a very hostile place. But inside I felt that there was something incredible here that I had to explore and above all that I had to surpass myself. As many of you know, one of my facets is competing, and to do that I have to be a very complete and resilient surfer. I can assure you that Ericeira has contributed to this improvement, and I can say that five years after landing here.

It is also necessary to mention the figure of Tiago Pires, a true icon of Portuguese surfing, and ambassador of this beautiful coast. Tiago, for those of you who don’t know him, has been a World Tour surfer, the first Portuguese surfer to enter this category. He is also a person who contributes to younger generations. He also leads certain brands in the surfing world that I am working with like Chilli Surfboards. No wonder that in all the best restaurants in Ericeira, there is a historic photo of one of his maneuvers on the famous Pico Do Futuro wave.

Without going any longer than that, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Thanks to my team Studio Bruma, Calizo Studio, and Deyves.