Catch up with Augusto Olinto
Progressive, radical longboarding? Look no further than Augusto Olinto - a Brazilian longboarder with more flare than anyone we know. His style is truly unique and a pleasure to watch. Augusto has been spending a lot of his time in Bali lately, so we have been lucky to spend plenty of time with him in and out of the surf. Here’s a few words from the Brazilian longboard master.
Where are you from?
I am Brazilian! This is where I started surfing, and I feel lucky to have surfed so many good waves growing up in Brazil. Over the years I have also lived in Australia and more recently in Indonesia, a dream place for longboard.
When did you start surfing?
I started in Brazil when I was 9 years old. I have been obsessed with surfing longboard ever since.
Favorite surf spot in Indonesia?
There are so many epic spots in Indonesia - throughout Java, Bali, Lombok etc. But I have to be honest, my favorite wave is right on my doorstep here in Bali - Sandbar at Echo Beach! It is a punchy and fast wave, and I love how it challenges my surfing, allowing me to push getting barreled on my longboard and performing more radical maneuvers. Surfing there is always super fun and exciting.
Favorite board? Why?
Fluid Drive, because for me it is perfect for long locked in noserides and very easy to turn. Surfing the Fluid Drive feels so smooth and it links well from section to section, never getting bogged behind like slower boards.
Favorite maneuvers on the longboard?
My favourite maneuvers are a long perfect hang 10, hollow barrel and of course El rolo!
Any advice for people looking to improve their longboarding?
I recommend using the correct longboard for the level of your surfing. If you are practicing cross stepping and starting to get into noseriding, then I suggest a stable board like the Resolution by Ross Concept. If you are progressing well, then challenge yourself with a more technical board like the Fluid Drive, which will allow you to perform really critical noserides in the pocket.
Any big plans for 2025?
My plan for 2025 is to surf everyday, and I have one dream since I was young - to be a world champion. So who knows, in 2025 I could be competing for that title!
