Nando Fernandes caught his first wave when he was five, and the ocean has been his playground ever since. His surfing journey began with a natural attraction to the sea. Living in Rio de Janeiro since age three, the waves became an irresistible call, commencing formal surf training at age five. Originally from Rio Grande do Norte, Nando has called Rio de Janeiro home since childhood; the diverse coastal landscape of Rio played a crucial role in shaping his passion for surfing. His current focus is on overcoming the challenges of big wave surfing. Representing his country at the WSL TUDOR NAZARE TOW SURFING CHALLENGE is one of his goals, which he transitioned to in 2021, seeking the thrill and opportunities to express himself differently. ‘Being in the sea when nature is in its full fury is incredible; it's challenging, amazing, and at the same time, it shows me that anything is possible if you dedicate yourself and don't let fear overpower your will to succeed. I aspire to make a living from the sea and achieve financial stability to support my family through surfing. I am grateful for the sponsorship from Mistral; they support and make me believe even more in my dream. I dream with them of taking Mistral to even greater heights and showing the world that this company has made a difference in my career. Together, we aim to contribute to the next generations of surfing, especially big wave surfing.’ Apart from surfing, Nando enjoys connecting with nature, exploring new places, and immersing himself in diverse cultures. He loves being with family and friends and has introduced his daughter, Diana, to surfing her first waves. Travelling and searching for the most incredible waves has become a source of profound joy. ‘One of my strengths is relentless determination; I never give up on a challenge. On the flip side, my dedication to surfing sometimes results in occasional impatience, especially when the waves are calling.’