Claire Thompson
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United Kingdom
FOLLOW ME
Date of birth:
1989.02.02
Hometown:
Figueira da Foz, Portugal
Sponsors:
Janga Wetsuits,
Milk Bodyboards,
Hobbies:
Run and spinning
Favourite athletes:
Jeff Hubbard, Pierre Louis Costes, Kelly Slater
BIO
Hello, my name is Bernardo Jerónimo, I am a Portuguese bodyboarder from Figueira da Foz, and I practice bodyboard since I was 12 years old. I don’t compete anymore because I don’t like to do it, I am a freesurfer with a huge passion for the ocean and I love to surf heavy and dangerous waves. The feeling you get doing that is amazing and it motivates me to push my limits every time I am into the water.
My competitive Career wasn’t the best of all times but I was top 30 of world qualifying tour and I was national champion under 16. I have been all over the world with my bodyboard, I was in Brazil, Hawaii, Mexico, Indonesia, Canary islands, Chile, Islands of Azores and many others to compete and explore the waves. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I am so glad I had that opportunity! It’s for sure that I will see more other places and keep the search for the best waves all over the planet.
Everyone can see my videos and photos on vimeo, facebook and also on a Portuguese bodyboarding magazine, Vert magazine, those are the places to see me in action during my bodyboarding career.
INTERVIEW 2015.05.21
What are you looking for to accomplish?
Search the best waves on the planet and travel as much as possible.
What would be your greatest achievement?
To be a happy person recognized by what I like to do in and out of the water.
What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?
The main risk is drowning but there are some other risks such as column, shoulders and knees injuries that are very vulnerable to landing impacts.
What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?
To be in the water with dangerous conditions and survive using your own knowledge, it´s a dangerous game that you must win all the time and I love that feeling.
Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?
It´s always important to be in the water with somebody but when that´s not possible I choose spots that I know very well or I do some other physical exercise.
What do you do during your training which is key to your success?
Normally I try to be at the best spots with the best conditions in my country where everyone can push their limits and that dedication has been working during all these years.
What are you most nervous about when competing?
It´s kind of nerve racking when we don’t choose the best waves during the heats, we must be a little lucky all the time.
Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?
Maybe my father because he loves me, he loves the ocean and the waves like I do.
What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?
“Always be yourself.”
What are your future plans?
To have a stable life and travel as much as I can.
What are your tips for those who begin now?
Never give up on your dreams and fight always for what you believe…
HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?
RELATED PACKAGES
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ALL PACKAGES
SUP Level 1 – Initiation to navigation 4 hrs, Costa da Caparica
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Costa da Caparica, Lisbon, Portugal
SUP SESSIONS PROGRAM (FLAT WATER)
Material:
– Characteristics of SUP Board
– Different constitutions of material
– Different types of boards: crossing; Waves; Hybrid
– Choosing the Board and paddle suitable for weight, height, level technical and style
Knowledge of the environment and Meteorology:
– Interpretation of the conditions of practice the site
– Types of Waves
– Funds and chains
– Wind
– Safe areas practice
– Exit and entrance in the water
Security:
– Ground Handling
– Handling in the water
– Handling with wind
– Bathers in practice area
– Objects and other vessels
– Chains and cables in water
– Assists other surfers
– Wind
Techniques:
– Axis and center of gravity
– Position
– Paddling
– Rotate
– Navigation with waves
– Use of the conditions
4 hours duration 2 days price: 120 €
€
120
REQUEST
Surfing Lessons, Carcavelos Beach
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Carcavelos, Lisbon, Portugal
We offer students comprehensive coaching, ranging from theory classes, warm-up and stretching exercises to close monitoring during the practical part of the lessons.
We operate all year round: Weekdays, weekends, bank holidays and school holidays
Length of lesson: Lessons last approximately 2 hours
Booking lessons: Because tides change daily, students should phone the evening before to book and confirm lesson times for the following day.
Prices for group lessons: 1 lesson – €25 / 4 lessons – €80
Prices include sports insurance and equipment (wetsuit and board).
Students should bring a towel and swimming costume.
Instructors have post-graduate qualifications in surfing from the Faculdade de Motricidade Humana (Sports Sciences Faculty of Lisbon).
Well-experienced and Portuguese Surfing Federation-accredited coaches.
Facilities for student use (shower, changing area).
Boards for beginners and more advanced surfers (tailored to the level of each student).
Wetsuits from well-known brands in a great range of sizes.
Sports insurance.
Classes for all ages.
