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Nike is back in the water, sponsoring a surfer for the first time in over a decade. Eagle-eyed fans first got wind of the development over a week ago, when Italo Ferreira was spotted sporting a swoosh logo on his board. Now, the news has finally been made official.
“Making one more dream come true: to have one of the most coveted brands in the world on my board,” wrote Ferreira on Instagram (as translated from Portuguese). “This is more than a personal achievement; it’s about connection to the history of great sports heroes and a real weightlifting family. This is a very special moment in my professional career!
“Joining this team gives me the strength and courage to keep facing obstacles and walk the way to the top. In advance, I thank my team IF15 Sports for their work and performance in the past months.”
Though it’s been a while, this is not the first time Nike has partnered with a surfer. The brand once sponsored Kolohe Andino, Carissa Moore, Julian Wilson and others under its “6.0” action sports label. However, in 2012, the brand scaled back its surfing program and all its athletes were rolled over to Hurley, which was eventually sold to Bluestar Alliance in 2019.
Photo: Cait Miers//WSL
The sportswear giant’s foray back into surfing doesn’t appear to end with Italo, either. In a duel sport sponsorship of sorts, Sierra Kerr announced her partnership with Nike Golf in 2023. She was also seen with the Nike logo on her board while competing at the 2024 World Junior Championships in La Union, Philippines.
