Ivo Cação, big-wave surfer and jet ski pilot.

He grew up in Figueira da Foz, a city facing the sea, where waves were part of daily life from early on. The first years were shaped by training and competition, with regular travel along the Portuguese coast and abroad in search of good waves, barrels and rare days.

Free surfing gradually took over. The pull stayed the same: being in the water often, reading conditions, chasing the right swell windows and learning each spot through time spent on it rather than from a distance.

Preparation came with the path. Between ocean sessions, pool training, time on the bike, running and longer training days in the mountains, physical work became part of the routine. Not as an image, but as a way to be ready when the conditions ask for more.

The same search for waves naturally led to bigger, more serious conditions. In heavy water, performance depends as much on technique as on calmness, timing and the ability to make clear decisions under pressure. Fear is part of the work, and so is knowing when to commit and when to wait.

Tow-in, step-off and jet ski positioning developed alongside that path, across multiple seasons in real conditions, working with surfers, teams and crews operating in exposed environments.

Beyond his own surfing, he works in water safety, jet ski operations, athlete support and projects connected to the sea. This includes private jet ski support for surfers stepping into bigger waves and safety presence at international surf events held in Portugal.

Productions, documentaries and creative teams can also benefit from condition reading, water access, logistics and an experienced presence on the water, helping a project stay close to the action without compromising safety or perspective.