EP 227: Tiago ‘Saca’ Pires – Being the first Portuguese surfer to qualify for the CT, His ‘obstinate’ determination to become a pro surfer despite skepticism from his community, Growing up in Lisbon, the Wave at Supertubos, and Life after Tour

The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast

The first Portuguese surfer to ever qualify for the Championship Tour, surfing legend Tiago Pires joins us on The Lineup. Calling in from his post-competitive venture, Twin Fin Agency, Tiago takes us through his transition from World Tour competitor to athlete management, social media strategy, and event organization. He opens up about the mental toll of his final year on tour, how fatherhood shifted his perspective, and what it was like growing up as a surfer in 1990s Lisbon. We dive into Supertubos ahead of the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero, breaking down what makes the wave so unpredictable, the conditions to expect, and who’s looking dangerous in the lineup. Tiago also takes us back to his roots—overcoming childhood fear of the ocean, the stoke from catching his first wave, and the relentless drive that pushed him from Portugal’s small surf scene to international success. We wrap things up with answering your Instagram questions and a rapid-fire Lightning Round.

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Stay tuned for the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented By Corona Cero, Mar 15 - 25.

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