What a welcome we had at Garoupa's house, with the whole quiver of Diogo's surfboards displayed in the garden, and two important relics of family history. For what is known (and documented), we were in the presence of the first surfboard to ever exist in the Azores and one of the first in Portugal. And the story starts in Horta, in Faial island, where, more than 50 years ago, a group of friends, traveling in a yacht, left that same surfboard behind to Garoupa's grandfather, who then became the first man to ride waves on the Azorean archipelago. Talking with Diogo is to talk about his grandfather and father, whose saltwater and humbleness, only at the reach of great men, runs in their veins. If there is a synonym to be added for watermen it is Garoupa.
Who are you? Tell us something about you.
I’m Diogo Couto Medeiros, better known as Garoupinha. I was born in 1994 on the beautiful island of São Miguel. I started surfing when I was 9 years old and since then the passion has remained!! I’m currently an entrepreneur who loves and enjoys the good things in life. LIVE LIFE!!
How’s life on the Island?
Living on the island is paradise, but sometimes it's not easy. We live surrounded by sea and nature, it gives us incredible freedom and tranquillity. The quality of life is good, the beauty of nature here is unique and the climate is tropical. Here everything is nearby, which makes everything easier, simpler, and more relaxing.
Favorite place on the island? Why?
We have amazing and special places, both at sea and on land, but the place where I feel really good is at sea!! Sete Cidades is my favourite place and it’s very special for me. I spend a lot of time in that paradise, which is one of the seven wonders of Portugal, and called the ex-libris of São Miguel. It’s where I have my home and office, right next to the lagoon.
Favorite object? Why?
My surfboards because I spent the best moments of my life with them.
Hobbies?
Surf, skate, kayak, paddle board, walk by the sea with my dog, walk through the beautiful trails that our island has to offer, with friends and family, and, at the same time, be surprised by beautiful places. The most important thing is to preserve nature and be connected with it.
And what role does Surf play in your life?
It has a fundamental role; I can't see my life without surfing!! My great grandfather was the first surfer in the Azores, my father was my surf teacher on my first waves, and, since then, it has been an addiction for life and what an incredible addiction!!
One song / Band?
Wow so many... but I especially like Tash Sultana.
A unique moment in your life?
When my documentary was released in Lisbon, at Cinema São Jorge, I was with my grandparents, as my grandfather was the main character, and the movie theatre was full of people, including Garrett McNamara and his family.
What’s been keeping you busy?
Now, in wintertime, I always travel because that's when I have more free time; if I’m on the island, I usually surf and explore our beautiful island because there's always something new and different for people to enjoy. In summertime, I'm almost always working, but when there’re waves in Mosteiros I go surfing late in the afternoon and enjoy the beautiful sunset that you can see over there. I have a maritime-tourist company in Sete Cidades lagoon, which is close to Mosteiros. In Sete Cidades, I rent kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, Hawaiian canoes, and this summer we’ll have more news ;)
If you could choose 2 people (alive or not), one for a surf session with you and another one to talk to, who would they be and why?
For a surf session, I would choose my grandfather to go surfing with me again, and to talk to my great-grandfather João Garoupa, who I never got to know, but who was a great man and cherished in Vila Franca do Campo.
You come from a family very connected to the sea. Your grandfather was one of pioneers of surfing in Portugal, and your father is also known for his strong connection to the sea. Surely that had an influence on your life, right?
Without a doubt, and what a privilege I have that my family has always been connected to the sea. When I was younger, I used to spend a lot of time at Ponta Delgada’s Nautical Club, where my father was, at the time, a canoeing instructor, and my uncle a light sailing instructor. In my house, I had, and still have, the first surfboards in the Azores. There, I also found some newspapers and magazines about surfing, diving and sailboats that belonged to my grandfather, my father and uncle. I even had two yachts in the backyard of my house that my grandfather had made, windsurf boards, kayaks, all connected to our love for the sea. So, I was born into a family of sea lovers.
What question did we not ask that we should have asked or a sentence that stands out to you?
Saltwater runs in my veins.
Please follow Diogo @diogo_garoupa or @garoupa_canoe_tours.