Octávio Lourenço: Ferox Surfboards and the Fire
Supporting local Algarvian surfers, independent board building, and resilience after the Ferox Surfboards factory fire.
In this episode of Podcast Portugal, we sit down with Octávio Lourenço, founder and owner of Ferox Surfboards, one of the Algarve’s most respected independent surfboard factories.
Known for his long-standing support of local Algarvian surfers and his commitment to handcrafted, performance-driven surfboards, Octávio has played a key role in Portugal’s grassroots surf culture.
We discuss the philosophy behind Ferox Surfboards, the importance of locally made boards, and what it truly means to support surfers beyond sponsorship—through access, mentorship, and community investment. Octávio shares his journey as a shaper and factory owner in the Algarve, the challenges of running an independent surfboard business in Portugal, and why local craftsmanship still matters in a globalised surf industry.
The conversation also addresses the recent fire that destroyed the Ferox Surfboards factory, a devastating moment for Octávio and the wider surf community. He speaks openly about the impact of the fire, the immediate aftermath, and the overwhelming support received from surfers, friends, and the Algarve community. Most importantly, we explore what comes next—rebuilding, resilience, and the future of Ferox Surfboards.
This episode offers a powerful insight into Portuguese surf culture, the realities of independent manufacturing, and the strength of community in times of crisis.
Topics covered include:
Ferox Surfboards and surfboard shaping in Portugal
Supporting local Algarvian surfers and surf communities
Independent surfboard manufacturing in the Algarve
The Ferox Surfboards factory fire and its impact
Resilience, rebuilding, and the future of Portuguese surf craftsmanship
The Surf Community Responds: GoFundMe set up by Alex Botelho
https://feroxnow.blogspot.com/
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