When Felipe Pomar paddles out, age disappears.
At 82 years old, the 1965 World Surfing Champion still surfs powerful waves — the kind many surfers half his age would think twice about. During his recent visit to Australia, Felipe shared his story in a podcast interview that reminded everyone what surfing is truly about: passion, courage and longevity.
Felipe grew up in Peru when there was only one surf club in the country. A former competitive swimmer, he skipped the “small wave” phase and went straight into big surf. The fear didn’t stop him — it fueled him. That mindset carried him to a World Title in 1965 and shaped the rest of his life in the ocean.
But what makes his story even more powerful is not what he achieved at 23 — it’s what he continues to do at 82.
Felipe still trains.
He practices intermittent fasting.
He hydrates more than most people.
He surfs regularly.
His philosophy is simple:
You can’t just hope for longevity. You have to train for it.
During the interview, he also shared one of the most unbelievable stories in surfing history — paddling out after a massive earthquake in Peru and riding waves generated by a tsunami. It’s a story about instinct, survival and absolute commitment to the ocean.
Listen to the podcast with Felipe →
Felipe Pomar Featured on Australian TV
During his visit to Australia, Felipe Pomar was also featured on national television, where he shared highlights from his life as a World Surfing Champion and big wave surfer.
He spoke about discipline, mindset and training — and how those fundamentals allow him to continue surfing strong waves at 82. His message was clear: age is not the limit. Commitment is.
Shop Surf FX , a long-standing leader in the Gold Coast surf community and a true supporter of performance surfing, proudly supported Felipe’s Australian visit.
Today, Felipe shares his knowledge through Surf Till 100, a program dedicated to helping people stay active and healthy for life. His goal is clear: to keep surfing at 100.
Explore 'Surf till 100' Program →
At Starboard, we believe performance is not only about speed and power — it’s about sustainability, progression and long-term stoke. Felipe Pomar embodies that spirit.
Because true champions don’t stop.
They adapt.
They inspire.
They keep paddling.
