Portugal’s Next Great Freesurfer? This 20-Year-Old Has A Compelling Case

João Mendonça doesn’t bury the lede. In his breakout edit, “Same Same” he starts off with the most infamous wave in Portugal: The Cave. I know, Nazaré gets a lot of shine, but this pain of a slab is the most technical and demanding wave in the country (at least, that is allowed on camera). It ain’t for everyone. It’s shallow, rock-strewn and that shows no preferential treatment. Everyone from local bodyboards to the Florence brothers has paid their dues at this rock garden disguised as a surfable wave. 

João grew up in Arrifana,  a small parish and fishing village on Portugal’s south coast. At just 20 years old, he has the look in his eye of someone ready to roll the dice on any lump of water that comes through. His approach to overhead Nias shows a guy who is alarmingly calm, cool and collected in critical moments. I mean, just look at that featured photo embedded at the top of this post. Like, WTF?

But there’s quite a range to enjoy here. Edited by Hugo Almeid, “Same Same” shows Joao riding his gun at massive Madeira, pigdogging into running lefts in Chile, and setting his fins free in Indonesia.

Despite his freesurfing prowess, Joao is hammering away in regional WSL Qualifying Series events and is aiming for a national title. But based on the versatility displayed here in a legitimate big-wave venue, a-grade slabs and mind-numbing barrels, João looks more than ready to carry the mantle of elite Portuguese freesurfing outside of a jersey. He has the chops to keep up with Miguel Blanco, Nic von Rupp, and the rest of his countrymen in the heavy stuff. Don't be shocked if he does just that.

Related: Florida Surfer Suckered Into Paddling Out At Portugal's Heaviest Slab