From IBC, we’re excited to present this exclusive interview with the current number 3 in the women’s division rankings.

This Portuguese rider, who lives in Sintra, has been one of the standout talents on the tour, showing everyone her incredible skills.

At just 24 years old, she has 13 years of bodyboarding under her belt and is sure to keep people talking in the coming years.

Here she is:

FILIPA BROEIRO

• How was your childhood in Portugal?

My childhood was truly wonderful. I grew up close to the ocean and, from a very young age, developed a deep passion for the waves. My parents always taught me to be humble and to follow my heart, to do what truly makes me happy.
They instilled in me the value of persistence, never giving up on my dreams, even when they seem impossible.
Sports have always been part of my life: I started with gymnastics, and at 11 years old, I discovered bodyboarding, the sport that would change everything.

• How and where did you get started in bodyboarding, and what does this sport bring to your life?

My first contact with bodyboarding was at 11 years old, at Praia Grande, and since then it has become so much more than a sport, it’s an essential part of who I am.
The ocean gives me freedom, peace, and strength, it has taught me to fall, get back up, and trust myself.
Bodyboarding is passion, identity, and balance. It has brought me incredible people, unforgettable travels, and stories I’ll cherish forever.
It has taught me humility, patience, and respect for nature, because, just like in life, in the ocean we learn to flow with the waves.

• What’s your favorite wave in Portugal, and which waves around the world would you love to surf?

I love Praia Grande, Pedra Branca, and SuperTubos, each has its own magic.
But if I had to choose just one, it would be the lefts of Pedra Branca.
Still, I dream of exploring the world in search of new waves.
I’m curious to surf iconic spots like Pipeline and the waves of Nicaragua.

• This year, you placed third in the IBC World Tour at the Wahine Pro event in Brazil. Can you tell us a bit about that experience and what it meant for you?

This year has been intense. I’ve learned so much and discovered parts of myself I didn’t know existed.
I’ve lived new adventures, faced new fears, and each experience has helped me grow as both a person and an athlete.
I learned that the most important thing is to stay true to myself, trust my process, and never doubt my worth.

• Can you share a story or special moment from your life that happened while surfing or away from the water?

Before the Sintra Pro, there was a national event that didn’t go well for me. I felt unmotivated and insecure. I didn’t know how I would face Sintra Pro, but I decided to change my mindset: I stopped letting emotions control me and promised myself that I wouldn’t give up until the very last second.
That resilience and confidence were key to winning. I stayed calm, trusted my training, and believed in me.
The message I want to share is simple: no matter how low you feel, if you trust yourself, your coaches, your friends, and your family, anything is possible.

• Where have you traveled to surf, and what have been your favorite spots during these adventures?

I only travel to compete, I don’t have the financial means to travel for fun.
Unfortunately, this is the reality for many athletes.
At the moment, I don’t have any financial support, which makes me think about the future and how difficult it is to keep competing on the world tour.

• It’s been a busy year for you competition-wise, being the champion of the Sintra Bodyboard Pro Fest 2025. How did it feel to win that title and what are your expectations for next year?

Winning the Sintra Pro was a real eye-opener.
It gave me a level of confidence I had never felt before.
A year ago, I couldn’t even imagine winning an event and today, I truly believe I can become world champion.

• What do you think about the level of women’s bodyboarding in Portugal?

The level of bodyboarding is rising fast, there’s more and more talent, dedication, and high-quality schools in Portugal.
I hope this sport continues to evolve and inspire the next generations.

• How do you train to stay fit for competition and free surfing?

I have a structured physical training plan.
I train at COOLGYM about four times a week and surf 5 to 6 days a week,  around 9 to 10 sessions in total.

• Do you have any other hobbies?

I have an artistic side that keeps me balanced outside the ocean, I do realistic drawings, enjoy photography and cinema, and I also make tattoos, as well as bodyboard lessons.
My artistic side It’s my way of expressing emotions in a different form.

• Send a message to those girls who want to get started in bodyboarding but are too shy to take the leap.

I believe every girl should try bodyboarding, because the ocean has no gender, it only asks for courage.
In the water, we discover our strength, learn to rise after every fall, and realize we’re far more capable than we think.

Bodyboarding breaks stereotypes and shows that women’s place is also in the waves, challenging the sea and inspiring others.
It gives us freedom, confidence, and a unique feeling of power and peace.
Every girl who enters the ocean opens the way for another and proves that feminine strength also has salt, courage, and heart.

• Here’s your space to thank anyone you want, say hi, or express whatever you feel is important:

I’m extremely grateful to my coaches, Tomás, Tiago, Andreia, and Estrela, for making this year so challenging and inspiring.
For every word of motivation, for believing in me even when I doubted myself, and for always pushing me to be better in and out of the water.
Thank you for teaching me to grow from defeats, to celebrate small victories, and to never forget why I love this sport so much.
I feel truly lucky to have a team that supports me, guides me, and shares with me this passion for the ocean.
None of this would be possible without them.

Big shoutout to all my sponsors, GT Boards, ActionWaves, MiramarBBshop, TwinWave, GoldNutrition, Great I Am, CoolGym, Fisiolética, DepilConcept, and my club, Ericeira Surf Clube, none of this would be possible without your amazing support.

And a heartfelt thank you to my family, friends, and my boyfriend, for always being by my side through every moment.
For the unconditional support, the right words on hard days, the trips, the long waits at the beach, the hugs after competitions, and for believing in me even when things got tough.
Thank you for reminding me who I am, for giving me strength when my body and mind are tired, and for celebrating every victory with me, no matter how small.
None of this would mean the same without you.
You are my safe home, my foundation, and my greatest motivation.

Instagram: filipabroeiro