Leonardo Gimenes grew up on the beach front in Santos, Brazil. With the surfing lifestyle right on his doorstep, it is no surprise that Leo was taught to surf by his father as soon as he could walk. Free surfing was at the centre of Leo’s life until 2012 when Leco Salazar introduced him to Stand Up Paddling. At age 15 Leo realised he could surf better on a SUP than on a shortboard, so began to compete in local SUP competitions in Brazil. He went from strength to strength which secured his dream to become the APP World Champion.

So far in his fledgling career Leo has been crowned the under 18 APP vice-champion in 2018, Youth Brazilian Champion, Municipal champion of Guaruja 2018 and has featured in finals alongside the likes of Wellington Reis, Leco Salazar and Luiz Diniz. He is currently training to land an air rotation on a SUP as well as working on his surf style. With an already impressive list of achievements, as well as an unrivalled motivation to rank with the best in the world, it is clear Leo will achieve great things in the sport.