Home: Costa de Caparica, Portugal
Age: 44 years old
Shaping since: Since 1996

How did you get into surfing?
At first I started sailing and my partner on the sail boat sold me a surfboard. After that I never showed up to sail with him again. Surfing changed my life.

And how about shaping?
I traded my bike for 10 blanks, set up a shaping room in my grandmother’s house and started shaping boards for myself and friends. At the time I was competing on the EPSA circuit and I was the only one hand shaping my own boards.

What’s boards did you surf before you started shaping your own?
Before I had a Lufi.

Shaping influences (old or new)?
After shaping in California and Rio de Janeiro and working with some of the big names in shaping, there’ve been many influences. But my biggest influence without any hesitation is Ricardo Martins (RM Surfboards) who has helped me since the beginning and still today is a great friend. I’m extremely grateful to him.

How did you end up hooking up with the guys at Superbrand?
It was really quick. One day I woke up thinking of SUPERbrand, so I went to the internet and saw that they didn’t have a distributor or shaper in Europe so I send them my résumé. Three days later I called them, after a month they came to Portugal and it all started there.

SUPERbrand is largely known for its skate influenced fullboard graphics. Could you tell us who’s behind them?
SUPERbrand Surfboards was founded by pro surfers Dion Agius, Clay Marzo, and Ry Craike, and is all about progression. The graphics are the work of SUPERbrand but also the SUPERbrand’s Shapers’ Collective which is a team of worldwide shapers and designers collaborating to produce the most innovative surfboards with and for the most progressive surfers on the planet. This exchange of knowledge and technology makes it a dynamic brand always trying to surpass its standards.

Is there an unwritten rule like you have to at least be able to air reverse before you can order a rad fullboard graphic?
Hahaha! No, sometimes the guys who have the most fun on the water are not the ones that most rip! We have boards for everyone!

Other than positive feedback on boards, what keeps you stoked?
Surf is my life, so being able to live from surf and making boards for some of the top surfers is always a privilege. And as told before this shapers collective exchange and being able to innovate is always fun. And knowing that surfers love my boards and are having a blast is always rewarding. Not to speak to see some kids growing and become great surfers.

The Portuguese juniors are leading the charge in Europe. You must be pleased?
Of course I am. Kikas and Vasco are leading the European new generation, and of course, as a Portuguese, I’m really proud of it.

To what music do you work best to? Metallica, Nirvana, Iron Maiden, Blink 128, Sum 41…

Been experimenting with any new materials lately?
At the moment we are experimenting with some new technologies which we hope are going to be available next season. But we can’t say too much about it yet…

Anything been pissing you off in surfing/the world today?
Most of all, the European economic situation. I hope we can overcome it ASAP.

What do you wish you had more of?
More kids! Hahaha I’m joking, maybe 5 is enough 😉

Your favourite surf destination?
Hawaii

Any helpful advice for someone starting out?
If you are a hard worker, honest and do it with passion things will, sooner or later, happen.

How did your last session go and what board were you on? A 5’8 SUPERburnside and waves were like half meter onshore, so bad.

For more on Nuno’s shapes and the whole SUPERbrand range make sure you stop by www.mattashapes.com.