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“It’s the best job in the world” – Celebrate International Surfing Day with our surf coaches
June 19, 2025Grab your board and feel the stoke, it’s International Surfing Day! This isn’t just any day; it’s a global celebration of everything that makes surfing epic: the rush of waves, the salty skin, and the community that lives for that next perfect ride. At Lapoint, surfing is in our DNA, and today we’re diving deep with two of our head surf coaches.
Happy International Surfing Day! To celebrate, we caught up with João Durao, our Global Head Surf Coach, and Rui Henriques, our Ericeira Head Coach. We get the inside scoop on their surfing stories, what makes a true surfer, and what they’d miss most if the waves suddenly disappeared.
Both João and Rui bring a wealth of experience, each with their own unique journey that started many years ago.
João has surfed for over twenty years, and he still remembers his first wave.
– It was on the 28th of June 2003 in Baleal, Portugal. I surfed with an 8'0" soft top from the Lazer brand, pushed by my surf instructor, Alexandre Silva. From that moment, my life changed, and I could only think about being in the water and being with my friends, João said.
Rui also started young and discovered his interest in surfing as a kid.
– I have some memories of when I started surfing, and I just wanted to surf every day, and spend all day in the water, regardless of the conditions, he said.
The road to Lapoint
The young surfers found their way to Lapoint, where their greatest hobby became their profession.
Rui explains;
– My dream was to have a job related to surfing, where I could share my experience with new surfers and learn from them too. Lapoint gave me that opportunity, and it’s the best job in the world.
For João, it was a mentorship that opened the door:
– Alex Grilo, one of the Lapoint founders, took me under his wing and showed me the world, introducing me to the Lapoint family and its values before it became the big company it is today.
Since then, João has travelled around the world and taught surfing in countries across several continents, helping beginners and advanced surfers alike.
What makes a good surfer?
Every surfer knows that surfing is more than just standing on a piece of foam core and epoxy in the waves. But what makes a “good surfer”?
– Surfing is about having solid waterman or waterwoman skills, showing respect for the environment, and truly loving the ocean. It’s the friendships you build in the lineup over the years, and your willingness to try different boards. It’s about sharing your passion with others, knowing the surf etiquette, and not being afraid to paddle out on the bigger days, said João.
While João paints a vivid picture of the deeper layers of surf culture, Rui keeps it simple and spot on:
– A good surfer is someone who knows the ocean and who has fun surfing.
It’s clear that being a “good surfer” is about much more than just performance. It’s about mindset, connection, and joy.
What’s the difference between someone who surfs... and a surfer?
If you know, you know, right? João puts it into words with a feeling that every true surfer can relate to:
– Only a surfer truly knows the feeling... the cold days, the rocks, getting smashed on bigger days. It’s heading out when it’s rainy, windy, and no one else is in the water. Surfers are not there for the “cool side” of surfing, but the real one.
That’s the difference, surfing isn’t just something you do, it’s something you feel in your bones.
If surfing were to disappear tomorrow
For surfers, the ocean isn’t just a playground; it’s home. So, what would it feel like if surfing vanished overnight?
– My life would have to start all over again, said Rui. Surfing has been a part of who he is since he was a kid, and the idea of life without it is almost unthinkable.
João agreed, adding his own on what he’d miss most;
– The salt water in my body, the sand in my feet, the sunny glassy days with my best friend in the water laughing... getting smashed on big days and feeling tired after a long session.
What’s something about surfing that can’t be captured in a photo or video?
– The moments with your friends and the memories that are captured in your mind, João said.
– That feeling, mentally and physically, after a surf session is something that a video or a photo can’t capture, Rui added.
Surfing dreams and the people we’d share them with
Every surfer has that one dream wave they chase. For João, it’s J-Bay in South Africa, a legendary spot he’s yet to conquer. Rui’s dream wave? A left-hand break off the coast of Namibia.
Beyond waves, João carries a deeply personal dream: to take his father surfing, who passed away in 2020. That wish speaks to how surfing connects us not only to nature but to the people we love.
– I wish I could have him back and take him surfing with me, said João.
When asked the same question, Rui’s answer came with a touch of nostalgia:
– I would say all of those who were surfing with me when I was a kid.
For both coaches, surfing is about more than just the perfect ride; it’s about dreams, the people they shared them with, and the memories they carry with them.
Beyond technique: What our coaches hope to pass on
João brings more than technique to his coaching; he brings heart. When João thinks about what he hopes every student takes away from their time in the water with him, it’s simple;
– My dedication and passion for teaching, a proper respect for the ocean, and above all, a shared love for surfing and learning.
Rui echoes this, hoping every new surfer leaves the water not just with improved skills, but with a solid understanding of ocean safety.
More than a sport
This International Surfing Day, take a moment to celebrate what surfing truly means: the freedom, the connection, and the endless pursuit of the next ride.
Catch the stoke. Respect the ocean. And hold close the people who make every wave worthwhile. Because surfing isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life, and we want you to be a part of it.
11 things to do on International Surfing Day:
Hit the beach early and catch some waves
Try a new surf spot or board
Book a surf lesson or coach a friend
Clean up your local beach or coastline
Do a surfer’s workout or practise surf skating to stay surf-ready!
Share your favorite surf photos or stories on social media
Watch a classic surf film or documentary
Practice yoga or stretching to boost your surf skills
Learn about ocean conservation and support a cause
Reflect on your surfing journey and set new goals for the rest of the year
Book that surf trip you've always wanted to go on
What is International Surfing Day?
It’s a global celebration of surfing, the ocean, and the community that comes with it. Surfers everywhere use the day to honor the waves, share good vibes, and promote ocean awareness.
When is International Surfing Day 2025?
Every year, it’s celebrated on the third Saturday of June. That means this year International Surfing Day will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
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Beatrice Lindfors
About the author: My name is Beatrice, but Bea for short, and I’ve been a writer and content creator for Lapoint since 2022. My life revolves around my laptop and backpack as I travel the world (always with a stop in Ericeira; the camp vibe there and the Portuguese sunset have my heart). Life goal? Visit every country.
Obsession? The Sri Lanka waves, the Atlantic Ocean and tracking down the best coffee –whichever my current location is.
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