From Waves to Craft: The Journey of Mica Lourenço, Portugal’s Surfboard Designer
Mica Lourenço’s journey from a young boy watching waves to a celebrated surfboard designer is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. His evolution from a professional surfer to the founder of Mica Surfboards shows that true success comes from following your heart and embracing creativity.
ROOTS AND PASSION FOR SURFING
Amílcar Lourenço, affectionately known as “Mica,” grew up by the stunning São Lourenço Beach in Ericeira, Portugal. This iconic coastal town, renowned for its big waves and vibrant surf culture, served as the perfect backdrop for Mica’s early years.
From a young age, he was drawn to the waves, watching surfers with admiration and dreaming of joining them. At 15, he took a job at one of Portugal’s most well-known surfboard factories. The experience not only deepened his appreciation for the craftsmanship behind surfboards but also provided him the means to buy his first surfboard—a treasured possession that would set him on a path of surfing mastery.
RISING STAR IN PROFESSIONAL SURFING
Mica’s fascination with surfing quickly evolved into an exceptional skill. With his fast and polished style, he gained recognition among the local surf community and beyond. This led to sponsorship deals that opened doors to professional competitions. Mica competed with determination, making his mark in both national and European surfing championships. His dynamic presence and innate understanding of the waves earned him numerous accolades, solidifying his reputation as one of Portugal’s standout surfers.
Despite his competitive success, Mica’s interest extended beyond riding waves; he remained captivated by the art and design of surfboards, an interest that had begun during his early factory days.
THE BIRTH OF MICA SURFBOARDS
In 2005, after an impressive career as a professional surfer, Mica made the bold decision to step away from competitive surfing and focus on his love for crafting surfboards. Drawing on years of experience and a unique understanding of the needs of surfers, he founded Mica Surfboards. Specializing in custom-made boards, Mica collaborates closely with clients to design surfboards tailored to their personal style, skill level, and performance goals. Each board is a testament to his passion for surfing and his artistry, combining form and function to enhance the surfing experience.
Today, Mica continues to innovate and inspire, leaving a lasting legacy in both the surfing world and the art of surfboard craftsmanship.
ABOUT LOCAL LEGEND
The Local Legends collection strives to connect our travellers with real, inspirational local characters, each with a remarkable story to share. Through these experiences, travellers gain rare insights, foster meaningful connections, and walk away with memories cherished forever. With every encounter, you’ll take away not just snapshots of a destination, but the very essence of the people who make it unforgettable.
Stay tuned for our next feature where we’ll introduce another inspiring figure who also never stopped shaping unforgettable travel experiences. Reach out to [email protected] and learn more about our Local Legend series!
