We’d like to introduce you to a young rider from Portugal who’s been in the bodyboard elite for several years, posting solid results since first breaking into the Junior division.
He was born 21 years ago in Caxinas, Vila do Conde, where he still lives. He’s been riding for 10 years and his favorite move is the air reverse. Bodyboarding isn’t just a sport for him; it’s his passion and it’s become part of his job, and he’s currently in the top 16 in the world.
A guy who always has a smile, is well-mannered, and incredibly persistent, he rides well in all kinds of conditions. Despite his young age, he’s already one of the most feared competitors on the global stage.
Hope you enjoy this exclusive interview with JOEL RODRIGUES.
- How was your childhood in Portugal? Share some highlights and funny stories from that time.
It was a very good childhood, I have very good memories from that Time, since I remember, even before doing bodyboard, I always was really connected to the sea, as well as my family, due to live in the biggest community of fishermen’s in the country, it’s called Caxinas, I’m very proud to say I am “caxineiro”, we are know for our unique culture, willpower and kindness.
One funny storie that I remember was in one of the firsts surf lessons I had I was really fat at the time, and I had I lot of difficulties in dressing the wetsuit, when I was trying to wear it, it was one of that wetsuits that have a zip on the back, when I was tightening the zip, I walked my back there was such a big scar that they even asked if it had been a mark of an operation.
- How did you get started in bodyboarding, and what are your earliest memories?
I started bodyboarding because my uncle had a surf and bodyboard school, and when I was 10 years old, I decided to try surfing, it was my first sport, I actually like it, but I didn’t have much aptitude. I made some friends in that same surf school, and in the next summer we all decided to try bodyboard, I found it easier and fun, and we all moved to bodyboarding. Since then, I have continued to practice bodyboarding and want to be better. I have really good memories from that time, we had nothing to worry about except doing bodyboard and spent the whole summer on the beach.
- You’ve been Portuguese champion many times, and you’ve also achieved great results in Europe and worldwide. Currently, you’re in the top 16 of the IBC world rankings. What goals do you have for the near future?
I have my goals very clear, for this year, my main goal is to stay at least in the top 16, but I want to make the best result possible. After reach the top 16 I think it’s easier to aim for better results, because you can start a few rounds ahead, on a non-elimination round, which make it easier to reach the podium.
My goal for these next few years is to be world champion. I know that I have a lot of work to do but I believe in it.
- In September, the most iconic bodyboarding event in the world, the Sintra Bodyboard Pro, takes place again in Sintra. What does this event mean to you and to bodyboarding in Portugal?
Its always good to have a event in Portugal, I feel like everyone from the tour likes to come to Sintra, and makes me feel that bodyboard still has a good impact and is valued in my country, it´s a shame that only a few riders from Portugal participate in the Sintra Pro, honestly I don´t know why, there are a lot of good riders and competitors in this country.
- You’re known for being a super consistent rider and for competing really well in all kinds of conditions. How do you prepare yourself to reach your current level?
I always try to train and every kind of conditions, doesn´t matter how bad the waves are I always train, I think with that you always improve something, or at least I can stay in form, even when I don´t feel like training. I think that discipline it is really important and the fact that I train almost every day. More important than that, I think it is important train in every condition because in the competitions you never know how the conditions will be, and sometime the conditions are really difficult, and the more you are prepared for every type of conditions the more prepared you are for achieve better results.
- You have several titles and memorable moments in your sports career. Which ones are the most unforgettable for you?
Without doubt, the 2 most memorable moments in my career was in 2021, when I was vice world champion in Pro Junior, in Frotón King, It was my first time there, I was having trouble adapting to that wave, so I was training every time it was possible, no matter the conditions, I even hurt myself while training and couldn’t move my leg for 2 days. My parents wanted to go back to Portugal because I wouldn’t be able to compete. I was lucky that there was a layday for 4 days and the pain improved. I still had pain, so I bandaged my leg with tape and, against all expectations, I became world vice-champion.
The other moment it´s more recent, I was in 2023, when I won the European in Sintra against Pierre, it felt really good dispute the event with my role model in bodyboarding.
- Who have been or are your idols or role models?
In this sport, definitely is Pierre Louis Coste, in my opinion is the most complete rider of all time, he´s really good in every condition, left or right, it’s almost as if it has no weaknesses. In addition to being a great competitor, he is a great free rider. What I admire most about him and for me it´s the most important is the kind of person he is, is very humble and has values, it´s a great human being.
Since I remember my idol it´s my dad, he´s the best person and the best father I know, I really admire how he live and how you manage life and all the decisions he make are with our family in mind and not your own satisfaction. I will never feel grateful enough for what he does for me, the times he gave up his life to train me every day and accompany me to the events, as well as my mom and my sister, is incalculable the time and money he invested in me knowing without expecting any returns other than happiness and a love of bodyboarding.
I really admire my home family for changing their whole routine for bodyboarding, without any obligation because fortunately they love this sport as much as I do, even when I’m not competing they don’t miss an event.
- What’s the competition you enjoy the most?
The competition I enjoyed the most was the world event in Maldives, for me it was one of the bests places I ever been, it is really beautiful, I really enjoy the waves out there, with clear and warm water. I loved the vibe of the contest. Everyone was really enjoying it.
- What are your current and future projects?
Currently I´m finishing my degree in management of tourist activities, I also work in the professional fishing industry, more specifically in shellfish harvesting.
In bodyboarding, I never know when my last year on the world tour will be, as I have a lot of difficulty financing trips to championships and finding sponsorships to cover the costs. Every year it’s the same struggle and I never know when is the last. on the other hand, it’s time to work and think about my future beyond bodyboarding, because unfortunately it´s impossible to live from the bodyboard.
I can’t work my whole life to support my bodyboarding “addiction”, I want to achieve things like buy a house and start a family. But I can´t imagine my life without bodyboard, I will always have bodyboarding present in my life.
So my future plans are live bodyboarding as long as possible and keep working for my future until I achieve my goals in both areas.
- Send a message to those who want to start practicing bodyboarding or improve in this beautiful sport.
I really recommend this sport because I think that gives you unique experiences and a lot of fun, brings you into contact with nature and new people. If you already do bodyboard, and you want to improve, I recommend have someone to surf with and pushes you, I think this type of competition is healthy and helps a lot to improve your level.
- When did you decide to pursue bodyboarding professionally?
I decided to pursue bodyboard professionally when I noticed that a had some skill and won a few national championship. Between that, I made a few event on the world tour in Pro junior, and I had some good results. After practicing this sport for a couple of years I noticed that the competition was my favorite strand. I really enjoy the emotion that only competition gives you, and the whole strategy immersive.
- What’s your favorite wave in Portugal, and what’s your favorite in the world?
My favorite wave in Portugal is in the city where I live, Vila do Conde, is called Praia de Mindelo, it´s a beach break, when the conditions allowed, the waves are really powerful and ideal for bodyboard, Arguably one of the best waves in the north of Portugal.
My favorite wave in the whole world I think it is El Frontón, at first I had some difficulty in read that wave, but after a few times there, I really enjoy that wave, It´s very perfect and powerful, with big ramps and big barrels, I thinks there isn´t and wave similar that can give you that feeling.
- Here’s a space for you to thank, mention, or share anything you’d like
I want to thank the IBC for this interview, to my club ADCR Caxinas e Poça da Barca for all the support and all the people that make it possible chase my dream, especially my parents for make everything they can.
Instagram: joel_rodrigues_bb