Meet the 17-year-old athlete born in Italy but raised in Tenerife, Canary Islands.
He’s been bodyboarding for six years and just wrapped up an incredible season. Among other major goals, he locked in 3rd place in the IBC World Junior Men’s Division, blowing everyone away with his explosive style, versatility going both ways, and a non-stop bag of radical air maneuvers.
His go-to move is the air reverse, and he lives for catching air on the heaviest parts of the wave.
Introducing the new star of bodyboarding—a highly motivated kid who is definitely going to be making headlines in the coming years. Everyone, give it up for:
DAMIANO BONAZZI
- How did you get started in bodyboarding and why did you choose it?
I started out at Playa de la Arena in Santiago del Teide, on a volcanic reef break. I chose bodyboarding because I remember being in Italy about nine years ago and seeing a video on YouTube that totally blew my mind. Right around then, I moved here to the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife. I decided to give it a shot, fell in love with the sport, and started out just free surfing. After a few years, I decided to start competing.
- How did it feel to take 3rd place in the Gran Canaria Frontón King finals?
I’m stoked, honestly. It feels like checking off one of my life goals. I mean, obviously the goal was to win, but you always have to be happy with the results you get and just keep moving forward.
- How do you see the level of the “next generation” of bodyboarders worldwide?
There are some insane riders globally right now. For me, the talent coming out of the Canaries, Chile, France, Morocco, and Peru really stands out. Unfortunately, the Moroccan crew couldn’t make it to Frontón King this year due to visa issues. It would’ve been amazing to see them there adding their style and showmanship to the mix.
- What are you studying right now and what are your plans for the future?
I’m currently in my senior year of high school “2º bachillerato”, focusing on social sciences—basically math and economics. I want to go to a university or a higher vocational program, but I haven’t fully decided on what yet.
- You closed out a huge year—besides 3rd in the world, you were also the Spanish Junior Champion, which shows you’re in peak form. What are your goals for 2026?
In 2026, I won’t have a lot of wiggle room with my schedule because of school and the limit on days I can miss. I’d love to make it to the event in Chile or maybe Brazil, but I’ll most likely stick to the Frontón King, the Spanish Championship, and the ETB (European Tour of Bodyboard) events.
- Who are your idols and why?
My idol has always been David Domínguez “Alf.” He’s a veteran rider from here in the south of Tenerife; he’s super solid and is always looking to fly off the heaviest part of the wave. Also Diego Cabrera—I’ve always liked his radical style.
- How do you stay fit or train to stay at this level?
I try to eat clean—getting enough protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and all that. I also do functional training, like gym sessions with weights, running, and I try to do some boxing for cardio. But mostly, it’s just about getting in the water whenever I can.
- What are your dreams inside and outside of bodyboarding?
Inside the sport, ever since I started competing, my dream has been to become World Champion, obviously. I’d also love to win the Canarian circuit by taking 1st place in every event. Outside of bodyboarding, I just want to keep my friends forever—the ones who have supported me this far—and basically live a happy life with the people I love.
- What do you think of the IBC “Rising Series” format (qualifying events followed by a big final)?
I really liked the setup this year. It means juniors don’t have to spend a fortune traveling to events all over the world, which is impossible for a lot of kids. In my case, it allowed me to go to Morocco, which was the first event I needed to qualify for the big final.
- Is there anyone specific who helps you improve your riding?
No one in particular, really. I watch a lot of videos of Lewy Finnegan and other pros, but mostly, here at the Punta Blanca Surf Club, we all just push and help each other out.
- What are your favorite waves, and which ones are on your bucket list?
My favorite wave so far is Teneke. I also love Las Conchas, which is a tricky one, and Punta Blanca—all in Tenerife. I also love El Agujero, El Frontón, and La Guancha in Gáldar, Gran Canaria. One wave I’d love to surf that I haven’t yet is Cyclops in Australia.
- This is your space—any shoutouts or final thoughts?
Huge thanks to my family, my dad and my mom, for helping me with everything from day one. Thanks to Aera Boards and the Punta Blanca Surf Club for always having my back, and to our local crew, West Coast.
Instagram: damiano_pb