The European Longboard Tour kicked off in Vila do Bispo, Portugal, bringing together top athletes, rising stars, and passionate longboard enthusiasts in a breathtaking coastal setting. With nostalgic ’90s vibes, high-level heats, and a strong sense of community, the event showcased Europe’s evolving longboarding scene, crowned new champions, and highlighted the next generation of talent.
The European Surfing Federation and “Sagres Radical Clube” launch the first stop of the European Longboard Tour unfolded in the wild and breathtaking setting of Vila do Bispo, Portugal. An event that brings back memories of 90s surf contests: old-school megaphone speaker, two minimal gazebos, and a warm crowd of longboard enthusiasts. There’s no phone signal – but in the spirit of community, that might actually be a bonus.
On the hills of the stunning bay, athletes, friends, and nations gather, all united by a shared passion for longboarding. The cultural and human exchange is tangible, and the friendly, authentic vibe makes this event truly one of a kind.
Participation and Prize Money
A total of 30 men and 17 women registered for the contest, highlighting the growing interest in European longboarding.
Prize money of €4,000/€4,000 was awarded respectively to the top 5 male and top 5 female finalists, distributed across placements. A symbolic and concrete step forward in supporting and recognizing longboard athletes.
Contest Conditions
The first day was particularly demanding: beach break with irregular sections, choppy waters, and strong tidal shifts. Despite the challenges, the level in the water was incredibly high. Riders stood out for their flow, traditional maneuvers, and sharp turns on waves that often closed out quickly. Those who dared were rewarded.
Day two featured the first women’s round, the main round, and the quarterfinals in a 2 vs 2 format. Morning conditions were more consistent, offering ideal waves to showcase style, technique, and creativity. In the afternoon, conditions gradually deteriorated, with the waves losing power and demanding more adaptability from the surfers.
Among the men, the clash between the French, Portuguese, and Spanish schools became evident from the start. The highest score of the entire contest went to Jon Garmendia, with an impressive 9.5, earned on a wave ridden to perfection and crowned by an out-of-this-world hang ten. Following him, Nicolas Garcia Andrade, a master of footwork, scored a solid 9.00. On the other side, Martin Goret impressed with an 8.25, showcasing consistent and confident surfing throughout the day.
Women’s Quarterfinals
One of the most thrilling heats of the day was between young Italian Ginger Caimi and veteran Justine Dupont, a highly experienced French surfer. Justine secured the highest single wave score of the heat with a brilliant right-hander, ridden critically and finished powerfully. However, she lacked a strong backup score, and in the end, the young Italian edged out the win by just 0.6 points.
The highest total heat score among the women in the quarterfinals went to Lola Bleakley, foreshadowing what would become a spectacular Finals Day.
Finals Day
The final day of competition delivered top-level heats, sky-high scores, and unforgettable moments. Some say statistics don’t lie – and this time, the numbers told the full story.
Among the men, the best waves came from Nicolas Andrade, who posted two solid 9.00s. However, the most consistent surfer by far was Martin Goret, who logged a remarkable string of scores over 7.00 throughout the day (and the entire event). His stats reflected flawless performance and sharp focus in the water.
In the semifinals, Nicolas Andrade won over young Frenchman Kailani Teiva, while Martin Goret overcame Portugal’s João Dantas, earning his ticket to the men’s grand final.
Men Final
The final was a battle of nerves and strategy. Martin Goret read the conditions better, catching wave after wave and smartly building his score with consistency. Nicolas Andrade, on the other hand, struggled to find rhythm, landing only two solid rides – not enough to beat the Frenchman. In the end, Martin Goret lifted the golden trophy and claimed victory at the first stop of the European Longboard Tour.
🏆 Men’s Final
🥇 Martin Goret (FRA)
🥈 Nicolas Andrade (ESP)
🥉 João Dantas (POR)
🥉 Kailani Teiva (FRA)
Women’s Final
The women’s finals were dominated by fierce, visionary young talents. In the semis, Lola Bleakley earned her spot in the final with a solid, determined performance. Meanwhile, Ginger Caimi once again demonstrated strategic maturity, managing her heat perfectly to secure a well-deserved place among the top two.
The final between Ginger Caimi and Lola Bleakley was tight, with the win decided on the last wave. Ultimately, the young Italian took the crown, winning the first stop of the European Longboard Tour and proving herself to be one of Europe’s most promising riders.
🏆 Women’s Final
🥇 Ginger Caimi (ITA)
🥈 Lola Bleakley (ENG)
🥉 Isabella Niels (POR)
🥉 Lucy Small (ENG)
Junior Division – Rising Stars Take the Stage
Vila do Bispo also featured a space for the next generation of longboarders, who brought skill, determination, and vision to the lineup. The Junior Men and Junior Women divisions delivered exciting heats and confirmed the high level of young surfers across Europe (and beyond).
Junior Men
🥇 Martin Garcia Andrade (ESP)
🥈 Kailani Teiva (FRA)
🥉 Roynon Reggie (ENG)
🏅 Douwe Robroch (NED)
Junior Women
🥇 Ginger Caimi (ITA)
🥈 Mare Robroch (NED)
🥉 Lola Bleakley (ENG)
🏅 Lara Sastre (ESP)
After thirteen years of absence, the European Longboard Tour made a stylish comeback, bringing with it a nostalgic touch of the ’90s in a breathtaking setting. The spotlight was on the new generation, showcasing a mature form of longboarding, the result of years of evolution and refinement.
A promising start to a new chapter of European surfing, reigniting enthusiasm and interest around the discipline. All eyes are now on the next stop in Bouznika, Morocco, and on the upcoming events of this renewed tour, which offers great hope for the growth of longboarding in Europe.
ssion and once again highlights the importance of creating independent, authentic, and inclusive spaces to celebrate and elevate this unique blend of art and sport.
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