We here at IBC are stoked to bring you an exclusive interview with one of bodyboarding’s rising stars. Born in Lima, Peru, he’s been charging since he was 4 years old and currently calls Asturias, Spain, home.
At just 17, he just locked in his first win on the Junior World Tour. His resume is already stacked: a 5th place finish at the Gran Canaria Frontón King, 3rd at the Spanish U-18 Championships, and 1st at Bakio Euskalsurf. His go-to move is the air reverse, and when he’s not in the water, he’s finishing up high school.
Get to know this young gun a little better. Everyone, meet:
LUCCIANO CAMPOS
- What was it like growing up, and how’d you get your start in bodyboarding?
I had a great childhood. I was always connected to the ocean, playing at the beach pretty much every day. I played a lot of sports—soccer, taekwondo, skating, you name it. But the ocean pulled me in more than anything. I’d watch my brother and his friends sliding across waves and started bodyboarding when I was little. Little by little, I realized it was my passion. I eventually joined the local bodyboard school in my town, where I learned a ton and got inspired by the riders there. I’ve loved competing since I was a kid—I realized early on that I’m super competitive.
- You had an incredible run in Morocco. What was that event like for you, and how did it feel to take the win?
I have nothing but good vibes from that event. It was my first ever Junior Tour comp, so I’ll always hold it close to my heart. Plus, the waves, the location, and the people make it such a special place to visit and surf. Winning felt amazing. I was actually a bit shocked—I couldn’t believe I’d actually won. I was beyond stoked because standing on a world podium is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a little kid.
- Last year you finished 5th in the IBC Junior Men’s rankings. You started this season with a win at the Morocco World Bodyboard Championship, which gives you a direct seed into the grand final at the Gran Canaria Frontón King. What’s the goal for this year?
For the Juniors, the goal is to win Frontón King and become World Champion. I also want to crush it at other junior events, like the Spanish Championships. In the Men’s Division, I’m aiming for the Top 30 and want to try to make the Round of 16 in at least one event. But mostly, I just want to enjoy my last year as a junior and have fun in the water.
- Any other hobbies?
Yeah, I’m a surf and bodyboard instructor. I also stay busy with shortboarding, kneeboarding, soccer, running, and a few other things.
- Frontón is one of the heaviest waves on tour and in the world. What’s your take on it, and how do you feel about the grand final being held there?
In my opinion, Frontón is a wave built for bodyboarding. You can do everything there and just have a blast. Even though it’s one of the most dangerous waves I’ve ever surfed, you just have to go for it and send it—you don’t get opportunities to surf waves like that very often. The fact that it’s the last stop on tour where the world titles are decided makes it even more special. Being out there in a heat, surfing with only a few guys out, is an incredible feeling.
- What are your biggest dreams in bodyboarding?
My main dream is to make a living out of the sport or something related to it. Mostly, I just want to enjoy this passion as much as possible. Competitively, the dream is to be the World Champion in the Pro Men’s category. For free-surfing, I just want to ride the best waves in the world.
- What’s your favorite wave, and is there one you’re dying to surf but haven’t yet?
I have two favorites: Frontón and La Puntilla in Peru, which is where I surfed every single day. The wave I’d love to surf is Punta 2 in Iquique, Chile. I think it’s one of the best waves for bodyboarding.
- What do you think of the IBC Rising Series format?
Honestly, I think it’s awesome. For juniors who can’t afford to travel to every single stop on tour, the fact that you can become World Champion by showing up to just one event and killing it is great. I also like that everyone has to perform at Frontón King—it puts everyone on a level playing field with the same opportunities.
- Who are your influences in the sport?
I have a lot. I watch a lot of people and try to learn from them. My biggest influence is my brother—he bodyboards too and I learn so much from him. My idol is Jeff Hubbard because of everything he’s done and his whole career. Also PLC, Tristan Roberts, Dave Winchester, Damian King, and plenty of others.
- How do you see the current level of Peruvian athletes across the different divisions?
My fellow Peruvians on tour are looking really strong. I think all of them have a shot at being World Champions in their divisions. A clear example is Cristopher Bayona, who’s currently Top 5 in the rankings.
- What are your plans for the future?
My immediate goals are to finish high school, keep competing on tour for the next few years, and work in a field I love—something related to the ocean and biology.
- This is your space—any shoutouts or final words?
First off, I want to thank God and my family for all the support they’ve given me over the years, always being there for me. I also want to thank everyone who’s helped me since I was a kid, the people in Asturias, and the Asturian Surf Federation for the support.
Now it’s time to keep paddling. Let’s get it!
