Pedro Martins de Lima, known as the “Father of Portuguese Surfing,” has passed away at the age of 92. Lima, born on September 14, 1930, in Lisbon, came from a family of competitive horseback riders. He had a passion for sports since he was a child and tried various activities such as skiing, sailing, rugby, hockey, and jiu-jitsu. Lima found his true passion for surfing in 1959, when he purchased a 16-kilogram surfboard from Michel Barland’s surfboard factory in Bayonne, France, after his skiing holidays in the French Pyrenees. He started surfing at Carcavelos Beach and unknowingly became the first-ever Portuguese surfer. For nine years, Lima was the only surfer at various beaches in Portugal, including Praia Grande, Ericeira, Pedra Branca, Ribeira d’Ilhas, and So Julio, among others.
Lima’s passion for surfing helped him become a surfing pioneer in Portugal. He founded the Portuguese Surfing Federation in 1977, and his efforts led to surfing being recognized as an official sport in Portugal. The Portuguese Surfing Federation announced Lima’s passing and expressed their gratitude for his contributions to the sport in Portugal.
Lima was an inspiration to many Portuguese surfers and helped the sport grow in the country. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of surfers in Portugal. Lima’s passion and dedication to surfing helped shape the sport in Portugal and led to the recognition it deserves as an official sport. The surfing community in Portugal and around the world mourns the loss of the “Father of Portuguese Surfing” and honors his memory by continuing to pursue their passion for surfing.