Daniel Fonseca
Name?
Daniel Fonseca
Where are you from and where do you usually surf?
I'm from Sintra, but I grew up in Lourinhã and learned to surf in Peniche. I currently live in Sintra and usually surf all along the west coast of Portugal.
How long have you been bodyboarding?
21 years
Maneuver that defines you?
I don't think there's a specific maneuver that defines me — it's more about an explosive style and good flow between moves.
Biggest achievement in the water?
I’d say my ability to push through in big waves, and a few wins in national and European competitions.
Board you are currently using?
GT DFX and DF RETRO
Who inspires you?
I draw inspiration from many people. In bodyboarding, my biggest inspirations have always been Manuel Centeno, Laranja, and Hugo Pinheiro.
What makes you paddle every day?
Right now, it’s the desire to ride good waves and have fun doing it.
Define bodyboarding in one word:
Fun
What does being part of the FLOW team mean to you?
It means being part of something new that brings together all the athletes from RICO Distribution.
David Pérez Miranda
Name?
David Pérez Miranda
Where are you from and where do you usually surf?
I’m from the Canary Islands, specifically the north of Tenerife. I try to surf all around the island depending on the swells, although my local beach could be said to be El Socorro.
How long have you been bodyboarding?
It’s been more than 13 years since I started surfing. I began one summer when I was 8 years old, and since then the passion has been constant – I haven’t stopped.
Maneuver that defines you?
Maybe the air forward – it’s the move I enjoy most and have tried to perfect. I feel like you really have to be connected with the ocean to execute it properly. If we count barrels, they’re also something that characterizes me, since I often prioritize them and aim to ride them well.
Greatest achievement on the water?
Winning the 2023 Fronton King in the open category. It was always a dream of mine, something I worked hard for, but I didn’t expect to achieve it so soon. I was 19 that year, and sometimes I still find it hard to believe.
What board are you using now?
Since I’ve had my Turbo boards, I started riding a size 42 Turbo 6 for beach breaks and feel very comfortable. For heavier, more radical waves, I ride a Turbo V in size 41.5 – a board I had already tried before and didn’t hesitate to choose again.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by riders who truly show and feel passion for bodyboarding and push it to the highest level with dedication. A role model for me is Amaury Lavernhe – someone I can honestly take as an example as an athlete.
What makes you paddle every day?
I simply love surfing and being in the ocean. I do it because I enjoy it. At the same time, I try to push my surfing to the highest level, so sometimes I go out specifically to train and reach my best version – but it’s always something I do with joy.
Define bodyboarding in one word:
Passion and lifestyle. Bodyboarding feels different, and the vibe among riders is something unique we all share.
What does being part of the FLOW team mean to you?
I love being part of a team that supports high-level riders and legendary brands that keep innovating. I’m happy to grow together on this journey.
Fábio Farricha
Name?
Fábio Farricha
Where are you from and where do you usually surf?
I’m from Peniche and usually surf at Peniche Bay and Supertubos.
How long have you been bodyboarding?
I’ve been living bodyboarding for 20 years.
Maneuver that defines you?
ARS
Greatest achievement in the water?
Winning a heat against Pierre Louis Costes.
What board are you using now?
GT Flash Square Bat Tail.
Who inspires you?
Guilherme Tâmega and Hélio Conde “Laranja”.
What makes you paddle every day?
The freedom I feel in the water and the adrenaline of performing maneuvers.
Define bodyboarding in one word:
Freedom
What does it mean to be part of the FLOW team?
It’s a great pleasure to be part of FLOW and to help showcase the excellent gear it offers — not only to the public but also to the riders who are privileged to use it.
Hélder "Dicha" Mendes
Name?
Helder "Dicha" Mendes
Where are you from and where do you usually surf?
I’m from Caparica and usually surf there.
How long have you been bodyboarding?
I’ve been living the bodyboarding lifestyle for about 23 years.
Maneuver that defines you?
The rollo — it’s a basic maneuver, but equally challenging depending on the conditions.
Biggest achievement in the water?
Surfing challenging conditions and knowing I made a difference out there.
Board you are currently using?
GT Mega-T Flat Tail, size 41, 2 channels, mesh, and 1x stringer.
Who inspires you?
Seeing a good line on the wave and powerful maneuvers.
What makes you paddle every day?
The connection with the ocean and the privilege of enjoying this sport.
Define bodyboarding in one word:
Versatility.
What does being part of the FLOW team mean to you?
An opportunity and a feeling of gratitude to be able to represent the team.
Jose Viaña
Name?
Jose Antonio Viaña
Where are you from and where do you usually surf?
I’m from Suances (Cantabria), and I usually surf at Los Locos beach.
How long have you been bodyboarding?
27 years.
Maneuver that defines you?
Invert.
Greatest achievement on the water?
An unforgettable session at a slab — the barrels didn’t stop, it was the best session of my life.
What board are you using now?
Turbo 6 — a super fast and very versatile board.
Who inspires you?
Pierre Louis Costes.
What makes you row every day?
Being in contact with the ocean and feeling the adrenaline of catching a good wave.
Define bodyboarding in one word:
Happiness.
What does it mean to be part of the FLOW team?
It means motivation and pride to be part of a team that truly loves this sport.
Luis "Bajolo" Duarte
Name?
Luís Duarte "Bajolo".
Where are you from and where do you usually surf?
I’m from Vila do Bispo and I surf all the beaches in this region — from Sagres to Cordoama/Castelejo and Zavial — all of them.
How long have you been bodyboarding?
I’ve been bodyboarding for 28 years. I started when I was 17, and I’m now 45.
Maneuver that defines you?
The maneuver I enjoy the most nowadays is the barrel, but I also really enjoy doing inverts.
Greatest achievement in the water?
More than anything, I just love having fun in the water. I think that’s always been and still is my greatest achievement — enjoying myself in the ocean.
What board are you using now?
The GT Mega-T — it’s the shape that gives me the best performance. The board fits me like a glove.
Who inspires you?
My biggest inspiration in bodyboarding has always been Guilherme Tâmega.
What makes you paddle every day?
Every day is different — you never know what you’ll find in the ocean. That’s probably what keeps me paddling out every day.
Define bodyboarding in one word:
Freedom
What does it mean to be part of the FLOW team?
It means being part of a big family, led by a great friend of mine.
Matti Mortellaro
Name?
Mattia Mortellaro
Where are you from and where do you usually surf?
I’m from Livorno, Italy.
How long have you been bodyboarding?
5 years.
Maneuver that defines you?
Air forward spin.
Greatest achievement on the water?
Landing my first reverse air.
What board are you using now?
Turbo 6.
Who inspires you?
Mitch Rawlins.
What makes you row every day?
The desire to improve day by day.
Define bodyboarding in one word:
My life.
What does it mean to be part of the FLOW team?
It means joining a family and growing as a rider with the support that motivates me so much.
Samuel Brito
Name?
Samuel Brito Navarro
Where are you from and where do you usually surf?
I'm from Gran Canaria and I usually surf on the north coast of the island — Frontón, Agujero, and Guancha. But I also really enjoy the days at the beach where I grew up: La Cicer.
How long have you been bodyboarding?
I’ve been bodyboarding for 17 years.
Maneuver that defines you?
I don’t think there’s one move that defines me, but I really enjoy doing the air reverse and the tube spinner — I’d say those are my favorite maneuvers.
Greatest achievement on the water?
Reaching the main event of the Frontón King in 2022. That same year, I also competed in the best final I’ve experienced so far — alongside not just great competitors but great friends: Armide Soliveres, Javi Dominguez, and David Perez. We all managed to score excellent waves — in the 8 to 10 point range.
What board are you using now?
My go-to board is a size 41 Turbo V, with one stringer, mesh, and two channels — a bodyboard with a variable shape that allows me to surf all kinds of waves. But I’m in love with the Turbo VI, which I use only for very hollow and fast waves like Agujero, Confital, or Frontón. The four-channel setup gives better control on heavy drops and more speed — the perfect combination.
Who inspires you?
Right now I’m inspired by my local surfmates: Dailos Rodriguez, Yone Armas, Pablo Hernandez, and many others with whom I share this sport with great passion — far beyond just competition.
What makes you row every day?
That mental disconnection that I’ve never found in any other sport. Having a moment where the only thing you care about is catching good waves and coming out alive. That state of focus and alertness in contact with the ocean is what allows us to truly disconnect 100%.
Define bodyboarding in one word:
Community. It creates a special connection between those who practice it.
What does it mean to be part of the FLOW team?
It’s a great honor because from the very beginning, what’s valued isn’t just the competitive results, but also each athlete’s contribution to the sport.