Catch the waves

Manuel Centeno, bodyboarder

Leaning over the architecture easel to sketch a future project or riding an imminent wave on a bodyboard, there's no task that scares Manuel Centeno, born in Porto in the early '80s. Manuel is still part of that generation that grew up pushing boundaries, with adrenaline running through their veins. "I've always loved sports, movement; I've always been a very active kid. 30 years ago, we didn't talk much about this, but I have a feeling that today I would have been diagnosed with hyperactivity," says the restless Porto native.

With a degree in Architecture from the University of Porto, it was through bodyboarding that he became nationally and internationally known. He won twelve national championship titles in different age groups, six European championship titles and two world championship titles. “Bodyboard came into my life very naturally. I've always been closely connected to the water and practiced swimming for many years at FC Porto. And since my grandfather worked at the APDL [Administration of the Ports of Douro, Leixões, and Viana do Castelo], in Leça da Palmeira, I often came to visit him, and inevitably, I'd take a leap to Leça beach, which is where I’m going now," he laughs.

Manuel Centeno mentions that his connection to Leça Beach is mainly emotional. "It brings me many good memories. Today, it's a beach that is useful to me, not only because of its proximity to where I live but also because it's where I do maintenance surfing and visit frequently. It's a good beach for beginners, open, exposed, with good waves." Restless by nature, he practices jiu-jitsu, and he has also excelled in this sport. He has been a national champion three times, a European champion once, and received a bronze medal at a world championship in Abu Dhabi.

But if you think that physical exercise in Manuel's life is limited to training and competitions, you are very mistaken. With the help of a "mason and a carpenter," he is building his own house. "They are my teachers, and I provide the muscle and break down walls." In addition to this project, the athlete has another one already underway, in Serralves, and it's more community-focused. "Along with my best friend, I have a bodyboarding school in Matosinhos. And that made me want to do something different, something not related to sports, an educational project that includes a range of activities exploring our relationship with the world we live in. A project where we could address emotional issues and how we can interact harmoniously with the planet. And it's already being built," he smiles.