Italo Ferreira signs with Billabong

Words by Jake Howard Before the 2015 WSL season started it was Italo who? But after climbing his way to seventh on the CT and taking rookie of the year home to Baia Formosa, these days you can find Italo Ferreira’s name in lights. The most recent addition to his resume includes a newly inked deal with Billabong. The details of the agreement remain undisclosed, but it’s fair to say he’ll begin his sophomore season on considerably firmer financial footing. “I’m feeling very happy to be joining the team for Billabong, which for me always is the top surf brand and has the best surf teams and products in the world,” said Ferreira in Bong’s press statement. “It’ll be nice to live and learn from everyone on the team and brand.” Last season Italo finished with two quarterfinal appearances, made the semis in Fiji and finished second in Portugal. If the upward trend in his results continues he’s going to give countrymen Adriano De Souza, Gabriel Medina and Filipe Toledo a run for one of the toughest draws on tour. Throughout the season it became apparent, he’s good in all conditions. How’s that air he threw in Peniche? It went almost without notice. The kid’s coming up, and it’s been damn exciting to watch. “Italo has quickly established himself as a force on the World Tour,” said Billabong Global Team Manager Chris Heffner. “To watch him go from a rookie to Top 10 in his first year on tour was incredible, and we believe he has just scratched the surface. We couldn’t be more happy to have him flying the flag for Billabong as he continues his ascent in the world of surfing.”