The soul of Sardinia on the waves of the world: the story of surfer Francisco Porcella | Olianas

The world-famous surfer Francisco Porcella is a worldwide ambassador of Sardinia. Born of a Sardinian father and an American mother, he embodies a perfect balance of island roots and international spirit. His story is a journey from the coast of Sardinia to the most impressive waves on the planet. 
 
As always, our chat for Vite begins in front of a virtual wineglass. One that best exemplifies his relaxed approach and passion, and tells of his preference for local and small-scale producers, not just for the taste, but also as a tribute to his roots. “I'm not a major wine connoisseur,” he says, “but I do love the wines produced near Monte Linas, where my grandparents came from. You know those wines you find in small villages? They don't come from huge productions, are often homemade, and tell beautiful stories.”

The sea has been the driving element in Francisco's life for as long as he can remember. “When I started practicing these water sports and swimming, I realized that the sea would be in my life forever. It is my element, the one place where I find myself.” This realization didn’t only shape his career, it molded his entire approach to life. It all started in Capitana, some 20 minutes from Cagliari, where he was born.
 
His birthplace’s proximity to the sea laid the groundwork for a passion that would become a career. But the real breakthrough came when the family moved to Hawaii, the ultimate haven for water sports. “We moved there with the good fortune of a very open-minded family,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of family support in his journey.
 
Today, Francisco divides his time between Sardinia, Hawaii, Portugal, and California, and wherever else he can follow the rhythm of the swells and oceans. A nomadic life that allowed him to evolve as an athlete, moving from professional windsurfing to surfing giant waves. “After seven years of competing in the Windsurf World Cup, I told my sponsors that I wanted to make a career change and focus specifically on big wave surfing.” It was a bold choice that paid off, climaxing with his victory for the biggest wave surfed.

But what does the sea mean to Francisco? “It is all about having a sheer connection with nature and with oneself,” he answers. “It is an element that has been a part of us since we were in our mother's belly. When you get into the water, you can only take care of yourself, by finding the kind of connection with nature that we all need, every single day.”
 
These words reveal something far more profound than just a passion for sports. The sea, for Francisco, is a metaphor for life itself: unpredictable, powerful, sometimes threatening, yet ever capable of providing moments of true freedom and meaningful connection. His relationship with the ocean is an intimate dialogue with the forces of nature, an ongoing challenge with his fears and limits. Every time Francisco dives into the waves, he is not just practicing a sport, he is engaging in a somewhat spiritual act of self-renewal and rediscovery.

His daily routine, one that focuses on physical exercise as a means of maintaining the mind-body balance, reflects this philosophy. Francisco stresses the importance of devoting time to one's physical and mental health, especially today when the world often makes us forget these priorities. “Sports and physical activity are like a lubricant for our bodies and regenerate us,” he says. His routine is varied, ranging from yoga and meditation to gym workouts, swimming, and running, all to keep the body and mind active.

In an age in which we are all constantly attacked by external stimuli and social pressure, Francisco’s daily workout routine stands as an act of endurance and self-affirmation. It is not just about maintaining the body fit enough to brave giant waves; it’s about cultivating the inner and mental strength one needs to face life's challenges as gracefully as one rides a wave. His discipline reminds us that genuine well-being is not a luxury, but a need, a daily investment in ourselves that allows us to live at the fullest and tackle the “waves” of life with poise and confidence.

Despite his success, Francisco keeps his feet firmly rooted in the ground. “I succeeded in turning my passion into a job,” he says, “but there are also aspects that are more challenging, such as producing videos and testimonials for different brands.” Still, when he hits the water, everything turns into pure fun.

Francisco’s commitment goes well beyond sports: he is an ardent defender of the environment and his homeland, Sardinia. I ask him what his purpose is: I’m intrigued to discover how a sports pro strives to give a little of himself back to the world. “My purpose - he explains - is to reflect my love for nature and our Planet, to show how important it is to experience it in full, respect it, and foster its regeneration”. His hands-on efforts include cleaning beaches and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. “Recycling, using bikes, avoiding disposable goods are vital choices...actions that reflect the respect we have for the Planet”. 
 
Francisco gets particularly impassioned when he talks about Sardinia. “We are under attack by multinational corporations that want to turn our sacred places into profit,” he says with concern. He fights against projects such as the installation of wind turbines that threaten the island's landscape. “If our people remain unaware, Sardinia will be transformed in front of everyone's eyes. It is important to let the people know what is happening and how we can come together to save it”.

For Francisco, food is a bridge between his being a citizen of the world and his Sardinian roots. His openness to experimenting with different foods while traveling reflects his curiosity and respect for the different cultures he encounters. Nevertheless, coming back to traditional Sardinian cuisine represents a return to his roots, a way to reconnect with his land and his identity.

“I always try to buy Sardinian products, go to the market, pollute less, and focus on quality rather than quantity”, he explains. These words reveal an awareness that goes beyond the simple act of eating. In his view, choosing food is a political and environmental act. Opting for local products is not just a matter of taste, but a way to support the local economy and reduce the environmental impact associated with food transportation.

The emphasis placed on quality rather than quantity reflects a philosophy of conscious consumerism that extends far beyond food. It is an approach that prioritizes authenticity and sustainability, values that Francisco applies not only to food but to all aspects of his life.
 
In these words, one can sense a deep respect for tradition and the work of small producers. True value lies in the connection of products with the land where they come to be, not in labels or large productions.

Francisco Porcella is an ambassador of his land, a defender of the environment, and an example of how one can turn a passion into an extraordinary life. His story reminds us of how important it is to stay connected to nature, know our roots and, at the same time, be open to the world. At a time when our planet faces unprecedented challenges, the voices and actions of people like Francisco are more significant than ever.

Francisco carries the spirit of Sardinia with him as he rides the world's highest waves, proving that it is possible to be a citizen without forgetting one's origins. His life is an invitation to all of us: to find our “sea,” that place or element that connects us deeply with ourselves and our surroundings. And, once we have, protect it with all the passion and determination of which we are capable.