Interview with surfeur Camila Cardoso

17/06/2024

Welcome, Camila! Can you share what it’s been like working with Wildsuits over the past year?

It's been a great opportunity, experience, and help! The wetsuits are very comfortable and of great quality! The team has grown immensely, and I am very happy to have another female member with us! I am very grateful to be part of this team!

You've been part of the national championship circuit in Portugal. How do you prepare for such high-level competitions?

The level of the national championship has evolved a lot. I believe that any athlete knows that the routine in and out of the water is very important. I usually go to the water every day, whether it's for training or freesurfing. I also have physical training and do at least one stretching session a day!

Surfing big waves, especially at Nazaré, requires a lot of courage and skill. Can you describe your first big wave experience there?

My first experience was some time ago, but I remember it perfectly as if it were yesterday! I find it very difficult to describe that session and even the other sessions I've had since then! When I'm surfing, there's a mixture of sensations and emotions, of fear and adrenaline pulling even more for me, and the desire to be there! In my first session, I had the opportunity to catch three very good waves. I even did a carve on one of them, but the last one was the one I liked the most and left me with a huge smile!

Being one of the few Portuguese women surfing at this level, what challenges have you faced in the sport?

Like any other surfer, I've faced several challenges in and out of the water. However, the truth is that one of the main challenges to progressing further is the lack of support. Wildsuits has been an indispensable help, but surfing is a very expensive sport, and it is difficult to achieve certain goals without this financial help.

How important is the role of your equipment, particularly your wetsuit, in tackling the challenging conditions of big wave surfing?

Having good equipment is really important while doing big wave surfing, especially the wetsuit. These sessions usually occur in the winter, it’s always really cold, and I spend a lot of time in the water, so having a warm and comfortable wetsuit is a huge help against the Portuguese freezing weather.

With your contract extension with Wildsuits, what are your goals for the coming years?

For the next season, I want to continue doing the national championship and increase my consistency in competition. I also want to take the opportunity to evolve my performance surfing in big waves. I would also like to have the opportunity to travel again to somewhere with incredible waves... and hot water, if possible to Hawaii!

Can you walk us through your training routine? How do you balance physical and mental preparation?

An athlete's routine involves different types of training. Usually, my daily routine includes one practice in the water first thing in the morning, followed by college classes, and, if I still have time, another practice in the water and a physical workout. If I don't have time to go to the water again, I usually do just one physical workout. The psychological part is also very important. I've worked with different sports psychologists who have helped me a lot. Because of them, I currently have some tools that allow me to mentally prepare for certain moments.

What advice would you give to young women in Portugal who aspire to surf big waves?

In my opinion, I think they should train as much as possible in and out of the water, whether in the sea or in the pool. But the most important thing would be to prepare themselves mentally. The psychology in big waves defines a lot; it is very important to have tools for that. I also think it's important for them to know that being afraid is part of it, we all have it, but the most important thing is to know how to react to fear. And the truth is that, sometimes, fear is inferior to adrenaline, and this is what makes us want even more.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in your surfing career?

There are many examples of surfers around the world who have achieved a lot. Worldwide, I think a great example is Kelly Slater. At a national level, one of my biggest inspirations is Yolanda Hopkins; both are, without a doubt, huge examples of perseverance and work.

Lastly, what’s next for you? Any upcoming events or projects we should look out for?

Pour le reste de la saison, je prévois de continuer le championnat national et de faire un peu de voyage. Je peux déjà confirmer qu’à la fin de l’année, je ferai un voyage dans un pays très froid avec une eau encore plus froide que celle du Portugal… J’aurai besoin, c’est sûr, d’une combinaison 5/4mm de chez Wildsuits.

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09/03/2023

When and where did you start surfing ?

J’ai commencé à surfer à l’âge de 10 ans à Praia Grande, Sintra. 

How did your passion for surfing come about? Can you describe the experience of surfing a wave?

I’ve always done sports and when I was a little girl, I used to see my uncle longboarding and always thought that it was something that I wanted to try out, specially because I loved to be in the water.

From my first wave the feeling was always the same, it’s a feeling of freedom and happiness that is kind of hard to explain. The only thing I know is that after catching my first wave I knew I wanted to keep surfing!

Is there a difference for you when participating in surfing competitions?

I’ve always enjoyed competing, no matter the sport. In surfing, the pressure of paddling out with the vest on, being in the water with only 3 girls, and some fun waves, is amazing! Competition for me was always about completing what was missing when I’m free surfing. It’s what pushes me to go surf and practice everyday no matter the conditions.

Do you have any advice for beginners in surfing, whether in competition or in general?

My advice for any beginner is to have as much fun as you can and if you want to be a better surfer just work for it and believe in all the time and effort you put in.

And travels

Do you often travel to surf in different places?

L’année dernière (2022), j’ai participé à quelques QS et Pro Junior, donc je suis allé partout où ces derniers se déroulaient. Israël, Maroc, France et en Espagne. J’ai passé un si bon moment, j’ai beaucoup appris et j’ai amené mon surf à un autre niveau au fur et à mesure des heats. 

Before that (2019) I had the amazing opportunity to do a surftrip to Bali, Indonesia and to the Gold Coast, Australia. I spent a month in each one of them and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. I caught good waves for maneuvers, for barrels and the water was warm, that’s all a surfer wants!

If yes, is there one that particularly stood out to you? (Any nice stories to share?)

Tous les voyages ont été mémorables, que ce soit pour une compétition ou simplement pour m’améliorer en surf. J’ai toujours fait d’excellentes rencontres et beaucoup de rigolades ! Mais surtout, je n’ai jamais oublié qu’à Bali (nous avons d’ailleurs réalisé un article à propos de cette destination), il y a eu des moments très drôles notamment lorsque les singes volaient les objets des touristes inattentifs!

Finally, regarding your joining the Wildsuits Team:

How do you feel about being a part of the Wildsuits team now? What does it represent to you?

I am super excited to be a part of the Wildsuits team, it’s such an amazing opportunity! It’s always amazing to know that a brand so well-known such as Wildsuits believes in my work and wants to help me reach my goals! Can’t wait to see what we can do as a team, but I am sure it will be awesome!