Nickname: Miggy, White Mike, Migz

Born and raised: Lisbon, Portugal

Based now: Ericeira, Portugal

Stance: Natural

Sponsor: OXBOW, Corona, Eco Water

What do you like about where you live now?

The waves, food, and people.

When and how did you start surfing?

My parents used to ski and snowboard. I moved close to the beach at the age of 7 and enjoyed being in nature. Surfing was the perfect fit.

Where is your go-to surf spot?

Ribeira D'Ilhas, Ericeira, Portugal

Please tell us about the surfboard you usually ride. Brand, shaper, dimensions, fin setup, etc.

A little bit of everything. Pyzel Surfboards guns, Dylan tow boards, Polen Surfboards normal shortboards and Akila Aipa Surfboards alternative boards.

Where are your favorite surf spots that you've been to?

Hard questions! Indo, Tahiti, Fiji. Somewhere warm, bright blue water and barrels!

Where are the surf spots you want to visit in the future that you've never been to?

I definitely have some tags on Google Maps for possible waves. But mainstream waves places like Tasmania, Iceland, Ireland, India, and the Cook Islands. A lot of places I want to revisit too.

Which do you like more, Air or Tube?

Barrel vision!

Which do you like more, Noseride or Maneuver?

Turns! It's all about speed. Wish I could nose ride properly, though.

Which one video would you highlight in this playlist and why?

“The Passenger 2” is the short film I’ve poured the most blood, sweat and tears into. Surfing the most iconic big wave spots in 2023, shooting most of the lifestyle in 16mm and scoring those waves at home (Portugal) was absolute fire!

“Here & Now” is also one of my favorites with that massive Nias swell back in 2018.

Who are the surfers that inspire you?

So many, also a lot of different types of surfers. From Andy Irons, Greg Long to Shane Dorian, Dave Rastovich, Ozzie Wright, and more.

What are the surf films/videos that inspire you?

Proper surf movies or good edits. Vlogs tend to be fake sometimes. My favorite movies were Billabong Blue Horizon, Volcom Creepy Finger, and Distant Shores from Surfer Magazine… So many it's hard to tell.

What are the films/movies that inspire you? (other than surf films)

Storytelling and based on true stories. Movies that the imagery is good but that also leave a message to whoever is watching it. “Green Book”, “City of God” and “Inception”. I've got so many, though. Love movies!

Other than surfing, what are you passionate about?

Film photography, environmentalism, and life itself!

Who are your favorite bands and musicians?

Nirvana, Roy Ayers, Joy Division, Bob Marley, The Smashing Pumpkins, Sublime, 2Pac, Tommy Guerrero, and many more.

Tracks you love?

Spotify Playlist: Miguel Blanco

1. "On A Plain" by Nirvana
2. "Roman Holiday" by Fontaines D.C.
3. "Polar Onion" by Allah-Las
4. "Temptations" by 2Pac
5. "Doin' Time" by Sublime
6. "So Much Trouble in the World" by Bob Marley
7. "So Blue It's Black" by Tommy Guerrero
8. "M" by The Cure
9. "20190724" by Mac DeMarco
10. "The One" by Limp Bizkit