58 Surf and Turf

Miguel Blanco is a Portuguese professional surfer recognized for his competitive consistency and progressive approach in the water. Competing on both national and international stages, he has represented Portugal in high-level events, establishing himself as one of the standout names of the new generation of European surfers.Known for his determination, technical ability, and composed competitive mindset, Miguel has built his career through dedication and a deep connection to the ocean. His continued evolution and commitment to performance make him a strong figure in contemporary Portuguese surfing.

Peter “Joli” Wilson is an Australian surf photographer and visual historian, widely respected for documenting the evolution of modern surfing and big-wave culture from the 1970s onward. Although not a professional competitive surfer, his work has played a major role in shaping how surfing is seen and remembered worldwide.Born and raised in Australia, Wilson began surfing and photographing waves at a young age. By his early teens, he was already developing film and combining his passion for the ocean with photography. In 1972, he started photographing surf seriously, and by 1989 he became a full-time freelance photographer.Wilson founded Joli Productions, an extensive photographic archive dedicated to surf culture, athletes, and iconic locations. His work has been published in leading international surf magazines and featured on numerous covers. He is especially known for documenting big-wave surfing, capturing historic moments at places such as Jaws (Hawaii), Teahupo’o (Tahiti), Cloudbreak (Fiji), and Nazaré (Portugal).His photography stands out for its raw realism and storytelling, portraying not only the action in the water but also the people, risks, and lifestyle surrounding surfing. Over his career, he has received major recognition, including multiple Australian Surf Photo of the Year awards.Based on the Gold Coast, Australia, Peter “Joli” Wilson continues to be regarded as one of the most important visual chroniclers of surf history, with a legacy that connects generations of surfers through powerful imagery.

Paulo Rodrigues, known as ‘Paulo do Bairro’, is a legendary Portuguese surfer, national champion in 2000, a pioneer of professional surfing in Portugal, with a successful competitive career and later becoming a respected shaper and coach. Closely linked to innovation and the history of Portuguese surfing, he is an icon of Estoril and a reference name in the surf industry in Portugal and internationally.

João Valente is a Portuguese surfer, journalist, and one of the most influential voices in surf culture in Portugal. Connected to surfing from a young age, he stood out less through competition and more through his reflection, writing, and promotion of surfing as a culture, identity, and social phenomenon.He is best known as the founder and editor of Surf Portugal magazine, a publication that shaped several generations and helped document, contextualize, and elevate Portuguese surfing to a level of editorial maturity that had not previously existed. The magazine became a historical reference within the national surf scene.Throughout his career, João Valente established himself as a specialized journalist, columnist, and surf commentator, collaborating with various media outlets and regularly participating as a surf commentator on television and at events.He is widely recognized as a guardian of the memory and identity of Portuguese surfing, and a respected figure both in and out of the water.

Eric Arakawa is a legendary Hawaiian surfboard shaper, born and raised in Hawaii. He started surfing in Waikiki at the age of 10 and shaped his first surfboard when he was just 14 years old, already showing exceptional talent and dedication to board design.With over five decades of experience, Arakawa became one of the most respected shapers in the world. His high-performance surfboards have been ridden by top professional surfers, including Derek Ho and three-time world champion Andy Irons, playing a key role in competitive surfing history.In the 1980s, he founded the brand Island Classics, which became iconic in Hawaii. He later worked extensively with Hawaiian Island Creations (HIC) and eventually regained creative control of Island Classics.Eric Arakawa has received several honors, including Surfing Magazine’s Shaper of the Year (2003), and in 2025 he was recognized as an “Icon of Foam” at the Boardroom International Surfboard Show, celebrating his lasting influence on surfboard craftsmanship and surf culture.

In over 40 years dedicated to the sport, Miguel has a unique career in Portugal as an athlete, coach and manager, with several national championship titles in Surf and Longboard.With experience of many years as National Surf Coach, since he led Portugal to the first title of the Portuguese Surfing Federation history, Miguel founded the first Surf School in Portugal now dedicated to teach exclusively in Ericeira.

João Macedo is a Portuguese big-wave surfer who turns the ocean into his stage and conservation into his purpose. From his early days in the Atlantic to riding some of the world’s biggest waves in Nazaré, João has built a career driven by passion, adventure and deep respect for the sea. Founder of Surf Academia João Macedo, co-founder of the World Surfing Reserves and president of the Hope Zones Foundation, he takes surfing beyond the board - and toward the future of our oceans.

Tiago Saca Pires is a surfer, deeply passionate about the ocean and everything it represents - freedom, respect, and balance. Born and raised close to the waves, he grew up living surf not just as a sport, but as a way of life. With a calm energy and an authentic outlook, Tiago brings the spirit of the sea into everything he does - both in and out of the water.More than chasing waves, Tiago seeks stories, moments, and real connections. His journey is shaped by travel, friendship, and the challenges that reflect the essence of living in harmony with nature. In this episode, he shares his experiences, how the ocean has shaped his mindset, and the lessons learned from every wave he’s faced.An episode about passion, purpose, and the transformative power of the sea - seen through the eyes of someone who truly lives it every day.

Tiago Saca Pires is a surfer, deeply passionate about the ocean and everything it represents - freedom, respect, and balance. Born and raised close to the waves, he grew up living surf not just as a sport, but as a way of life. With a calm energy and an authentic outlook, Tiago brings the spirit of the sea into everything he does - both in and out of the water.More than chasing waves, Tiago seeks stories, moments, and real connections. His journey is shaped by travel, friendship, and the challenges that reflect the essence of living in harmony with nature. In this episode, he shares his experiences, how the ocean has shaped his mindset, and the lessons learned from every wave he’s faced.An episode about passion, purpose, and the transformative power of the sea - seen through the eyes of someone who truly lives it every day.

Nico founded Wavegliders in 2009 to create performance surfboards blending artistic design with 1960s and 70s aesthetics, inspired by legendary California shapers. He began shaping boards in 2009 after shaping surfboards and collecting them for many years. Nico's background includes surfing since 1986 and a passion for modernizing classic designs. Nico started surfing in 1986, a time when surfing in Portugal was new and developing, and he is considered part of the second or third generation of Portuguese surfers.

Our guest this time is no one other than Paul Evans, surf journalist, broadcaster, poet, and lecturer. This former Surf Europe magazine editor sat down with the crew at 58 Surf and Stab and had one of the funniest and most entertaining interviews this podcast had ever had.

Simon Charlesworth is currently the Regional Director of Billabong (Europe, Middle East and Africa), a position he has held since July 2022.He has also been Head of Global Marketing - Water at Quiksilver and Brand Marketing Director - EMEA at Vans.His professional profile strongly highlights skills such as team leadership, creative solutions, and sports marketing.Simon’s career path shows a strong focus on the action sports and lifestyle industry, particularly in Europe, with experience at major brands such as Vans, Quiksilver, and now Billabong.Each step reflects a steady progression in marketing strategy and the management of globally recognized brands.

José Gregório began his career without great expectations, but evolved consistently until becoming one of the best Portuguese surfers. He first stood out in national finals and on the European EPSA circuit, winning at Ribeira D’Ilhas in 1994. He was national champion in 1997, 2003, and 2007, having fiercely contested titles with João Antunes, in a rivalry that even led to the creation of an alternative circuit (the ANS Tour).On the international stage, he achieved significant results in the QS, including victory at the Gaia Shopping Buondi Pro in 2001, as well as finals in several European events and solid performances on the EPSA. He managed to compete for a full season on the QS, finishing in 114th place. Among other achievements, he reached the finals of the Billabong Challenge and won an AirShow in England, competing against world-class surfers.Outside of competition, José Gregório stood out for his strong media presence and for surfing heavy waves in Ericeira, Madeira, and Nazaré, being a pioneer of tow-in surfing in Portugal. After his third national title, he gradually transitioned into the business side, taking on roles at Quiksilver until becoming European Franchise Director at Boardriders.

Nick Uricchio was born in 1958 in West Hartford, Connecticut (USA). He began surfing in California at the age of 15 and traveled to Europe in 1978, where he fell in love with Portugal. He returned in 1979 to stay. Together with Nuno Jonet, he started making skateboards in Lisbon.In 1980, he moved to Costa de Caparica and, along with António Pereira Caldas, founded one of the first surfboard factories in Portugal - Lipsticks Surfboards.In 1982, Nick and his close friend Miguel Katzenstein moved to Ribamar, Ericeira, aiming to “plant” a new surfboard brand in the market - Semente (“seed” in Portuguese). Choosing Ericeira, considered the mecca of Portuguese surfing, allowed Nick to refine his shaping skills through constant contact with high-quality waves, talented surfers, and skilled shapers.His own surfing experience and feedback from a solid team of surfers helped Semente meet the needs of both Portuguese and international riders. Over the years, he has worked with many of Portugal’s top surfers, with his boards achieving strong results in the World Junior Tour, QS, and CT events.In 2015, Nick Uricchio was voted “Shaper of the Year” at the first “Ondas de Ouro Surf Awards” in Portugal.All Semente boards are designed by Nick himself, and he is comfortable making any type of board you need. His philosophy has always been to keep a personal connection between shaper and surfer - something he has no plans to change.

Gony Zubizarreta is a professional Spanish-Portuguese surfer, born in 1985 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.He moved as a child to Galicia (Spain) and later to Portugal, where he deepened his connection to surfing and ocean culture.He started surfing at the age of 9 and quickly stood out on the European surfing scene, winning several junior championships.Throughout his career, he competed in the World Surf League’s QS (Qualifying Series) circuit, representing Portugal.He became known not only for his technical and fluid style but also for his consistency in both European and global waves.In addition to his competitive career, Gony has been an active figure in the development of surfing in Portugal and across Europe, collaborating with brands, coaching young talent, and participating in surf-related audiovisual projects.Zubizarreta is respected both for his performance in the water and for his humble and professional demeanor outside of it.

Derek O’Neil is a standout figure at the intersection of creativity, surf culture, and visionary entrepreneurship. Closely connected to Vissla — one of the most innovative brands in the industry — Derek has built a path defined by authenticity and a sharp ability to turn ideas into impactful projects.A natural entrepreneur, he founded his own company with the goal of creating something that reflects not only his lifestyle but also his values: sustainability, innovation, and purpose. His approach blends aesthetics with function, art with strategy, proving that it’s possible to build meaningful businesses without compromising identity.More than a creator, Derek is a leader who inspires a new generation to think differently, act with intention, and see the future as a space full of creative potential.

In this episode, we dive into the incredible story of Justine Dupont, the French surfer who rose to global fame in the world of big wave surfing. From the Bordeaux to the giants of Nazaré, Justine has built a career defined by courage, versatility, and a deep passion for the ocean. With multiple world titles across various disciplines, she is widely regarded as one of the best big wave surfers today.An inspiring conversation with a true “waterwoman” who lives to challenge the limits of nature.

Mark Occhilupo – affectionately known as “Occy” – is one of the most iconic and charismatic figures in professional surfing. Born on June 16, 1966, in Sydney, Australia, Occhilupo rose to fame at a young age thanks to his powerful, aggressive style and unforgettable performances on world-class waves.He turned professional in his teens and quickly gained global recognition with standout rides at legendary spots like Pipeline in Hawaii and Jeffreys Bay in South Africa.What makes his story truly remarkable is his epic comeback. After nearly a decade away from the sport, he returned to peak form and, in 1999, won the world surfing title at the age of 33 – an incredible achievement. Beyond competition, Occhilupo remains an active and influential presence in the surfing world.

José Maria Pyrrait is a respected Portuguese surfer and coach from Ericeira, known for shaping the national surf scene. Born in Lisbon in 1965, Pyrrait moved with his family to Rio de Janeiro in 1975 after the Carnation Revolution. There, living near Arpoador beach, he discovered surfing and immersed himself in Brazil’s vibrant surf culture.Returning to Portugal in 1982, Pyrrait settled in Ericeira—a now-iconic surf town. He opened a bar at Ribeira d’Ilhas beach, which became a gathering spot for the local surf community. His natural connection with young surfers soon led him to coaching, where he became a mentor to a new generation of Portuguese talent.Pyrrait has trained numerous top surfers, including Ana Sarmento, Tomás Fernandes, Camila Kemp, Arran Strong, his son Henrique “Neco” Pyrrait, and Gony Zubizarreta, who won the Liga Meo Surf in 2016. His work has helped elevate Portuguese surfing to international levels.In addition to coaching, Pyrrait has played key roles in organising national surf competitions, such as serving as competition director for the Liga Moche. He remains deeply involved in surf events like Surf Out Portugal, contributing to the sport’s development in and beyond Ericeira.

Marco Mignot is one of Europe’s most exciting surfers, known for his explosive style and fearless approach in heavy waves. Born in Mexico and raised between France and Indonesia, Marco brings a unique blend of cultures to his surfing. With a deep surfing pedigree—coming from a family of wave riders—he’s carved his own path, earning respect on the global stage through standout performances on the WSL Qualifying Series and in free surf edits around the world. Whether chasing barrels or pushing progressive manoeuvres, Marco is always all-in.

Welcome to 58 Surf and Turf, where we explore the characters filtering through the flagship store. Some are long-standing locals, and others are first-time visitors, but the podcast brings them all together. With help from our friends at Stab, we’ll get their stories. We’ll hear their ideas. And we’ll talk straight about surfing and the world that surrounds it. Now, let's get cooking.

Victor Bernardo is a Brazilian surfer known for his stylish approach and unwavering resilience. Born on February 8, 1997, in Guarujá, São Paulo, he started surfing at four, inspired by his father. After a decade competing on the Qualifying Series, Victor transitioned to freesurfing, earning recognition for his expressive lines and raw creativity. Now based in California and riding for Album Surfboards, he continues to inspire the surf community with his authenticity and passion.We dive deep into his journey in the first episode of 58 Surf and Turf.