‘Billy’ Abílio Pinto was a pillar of beach culture and the waves in our country. Surfer, shaper, event organizer, trainer, and mentor of generations, Billy lived with passion, commitment, and total dedication to what he loved: surfing and the community that lives from it.

 

He started surfing in Vila Nova de Gaia as a kid, shaped by the inspiration of his brother and the free spirit of the ’70s. In 1982, he built his first board and never stopped since.

 

He founded iconic brands like Golfinho Surf Designs, Quebra Côco Surfboards, Billy Boy Surfboards, Billy Surfboards, and more recently MAD Boards, and was at the forefront of professionalizing surfing in Portugal, both as a competitor and as a trainer and event organizer.

 

He was a pioneer, creator, master, big wave surfer, and above all, a friend who left a mark on everyone he shared his life and passions with — a mark that will never be forgotten or erased.

 

For all this, the Norte Surf Fest 2025 is dedicated to his memory. Because celebrating surfing in the North without honoring Billy wouldn’t be right. He was part of the foundation of it all — and continues to inspire us, even after his passing.

 

Billy Boy remains a living legend in the heart of Portuguese surfing.

17h30

Conversas à Nortada "Remembering 'Billy Boy'"

10h00

Paddle-Out

Visit the exhibition dedicated to Billy’s life, at Jardim do Sr. do Padrão

Credits: @PIKAS @DOLCE