Dennis Picado surfing the world's premier surfing stadium: Pipeline
Dennis Picado surfing the world's premier surfing stadium: Pipeline
National surfer Dennis Picado and team rider for the Volcom brand, has been surfing since last December at the world's premier surfing stadium: the famous and dangerous Pipeline wave on the North Shore of Oahu Island, Hawaii.
We contacted Dennis from Costa Rica to find out a little about his experience there:
- How many times have you traveled to Hawaii?
This trip marks my fourth consecutive season in Hawaii.
When did you start planning this trip?
I've been planning this trip since February 2024; right when I got back from Hawaii I was already planning to return in December.
How long will you be in Hawaii?
I'll be in the North Shore for two and a half months.
Where are you staying and how are you covering expenses during your stay? Accommodation, food, transportation, etc.
Well, this year I'm staying at the Volcom house in Pipeline. Thanks to this, I don't have to pay rent and I'm right in front of the wave. To cover food, plane tickets, and getting my boards here, I've been working really hard giving private surf lessons and working with surf schools (Surf Synergy). We also did events with Bowies Point and Papagayo Brewing to collect a percentage of the sales to help me out. I also have financial support from Volcom Costa Rica, Nuevo Mundo stores, and Monster Energy. I also have other very close friends who have wholeheartedly supported me for a long time so I can stay here and continue representing Costa Rica at Pipeline, and I'm extremely grateful to them because without all of them together, this wouldn't be possible.
How did you finance this trip?
The trip is financed with the support of all these people together with the goal that I come to give my best and excel at a world level in surfing at Pipeline.
Who are your current sponsors?
My current sponsors are: Volcom, Monster Energy, Tiendas Nuevo Mundo, Chilli Surfboards, Costa Supply, Carton Surfboards, and TheFABArmy
How did you get support from Volcom Costa Rica?
My sponsorship with Volcom began in Hawaii during the February 2024 season, where I had some great moments at Pipeline and solidified my relationship with the brand. As a result, they sent me back to Costa Rica with the mission of reaching out to managers in my country and region. I did just that, and thank God, today I'm part of one of the brands I dreamed of being with since I was young.
What is the experience of being in the Volcom house like?
Being at the Volcom house is a big responsibility; you have to give your best both in and out of the water. There are a number of rules you must follow to stay. You have to surf two to three times a day, regardless of the conditions, and you also have to keep the house spotless—it's cleaned every day. If you don't comply, you have to leave the house... or go back to your country. Therefore, I'm very proud to be able to stay here and be an excellent representative of Costa Rica.
Tell us about your journey to get where you are today? In one of the most prestigious houses in the surfing industry, a dream for many that only a few achieve.
The journey has been incredibly difficult, to be honest. Many ups and downs, but the most important thing was that I never gave up along the way. I spent at least 12 years of my life surfing, training, and searching for big waves in Costa Rica, Mexico, and elsewhere. Many people doubted me until the moment I signed with Volcom. The important thing is to believe in yourself and never let anything or anyone extinguish your dream. If you set a goal and strive to be in the right place with the right people, you can achieve anything. Moving in the right direction is more important than the speed at which you move.
What is your goal?
My goal is to enjoy this stage of my life. I dreamed of it since I was very young, and now I'm living my dream. That's why I'm going all out at Pipe and trying to catch the waves of my life among the best surfers on the planet. I want to be a bridge for future generations of Costa Ricans who come to Hawaii. I want to be here for many seasons, representing Volcom as much as possible, and become one of the best surfers in Pipe's history, not just in Costa Rica but worldwide.
How has your mindset as an athlete changed by living this experience today?
When I arrived here at Volcom, I knew I had to prove myself. I knew it was going to be huge. I knew I had the responsibility of representing an entire country, and that it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That's why I think I left all my fears and doubts behind. I'm happy to represent Costa Rica and take on Pipe like a man! It's one of the most dangerous waves in the world, and now it's part of my daily life; I can even call it home.
What advice can you give to the entire new generation of athletes?
For young surfers who dream of Volcom or the CT, or simply want to surf Pipeline, I recommend starting to look for waves like Salsa Brava in Puerto Viejo, or even Isla Uvita or Isla Pajaros in Limón. You have to get used to surfing reef breaks and powerful waves. Wear helmets, impact suits, and look for big boards like 6'8" or 7'6" to get used to all of this. Learn to be strong, eat well, and always believe in yourself. Pipeline is extremely difficult to catch a wave because of the number of pros and locals in the water, so it's not a good place to come to experiment. You should come already prepared with experience to go straight for the barrel, or the wave itself will teach you.
What should they stop doing and what could they start working on to get into Volcom House?
To get into Volcom, you have to make a difference on the big days, and very importantly, it has to be part of your natural style. I think this is going to be an excellent year in Costa Rica. Athletes and brands alike need to unite and work together to reach a world-class professional level. We have excellent waves, excellent photographers, and new generations coming up strong!
How do you see the issue of sponsorships at the national level? What do you feel brands are demanding, and what do you feel athletes seeking new sponsorships need to improve?
It's important to see what the big brands are looking for and find role models among today's pros. Seek support from private companies, leverage your social media presence effectively, but lastly and most importantly, take your passion and your work seriously and put it into practice daily so we can create a professional image for surfers. Seriously, young people, never let your dreams fade. No matter what your passion is, keep going and do what makes you happy! At the end of the road, you'll be proud to be living a life you love and have always dreamed of! Pura Vida!!!
Yeison Jiménez Dittel