The Blind Surfer: When Nothing Is Impossible

Thomas Da Silva blind surfer launching an aerial manoeuvre in a Lunasurf black wetsuit

At 10 years old, Thomas Da Silva's world went dark. A stroke took his sight — the kind of life event that stops most people in their tracks. But Thomas isn't most people.

Five years later, at 15, he found the ocean.

What happened next is one of surfing's most extraordinary stories: a blind teenager learning to read waves through sound, feel, and instinct — developing a connection with the sea that most sighted surfers will never know. No landmarks. No horizon to fix his gaze on. Just Thomas, his board, a friend to assist him and the ocean.

Redefining What's Possible

Thomas has spent years doing what people said couldn't be done. Learning to surf without sight isn't just a technical challenge - it's a profound act of trust. Trust in your body. Trust in your instincts. Trust in the people guiding you to the break and the lineup.

He has competed at the highest levels of adaptive surfing, travelling the world, facing setbacks, and coming back stronger each time. His Instagram handle says it all: @the_blind_surfer — not defined by what he can't do, but by exactly who he is.

World Champion. European Champion. 2025.

In 2025, Thomas Da Silva became ISA World Surfing Champion 🏆 and European Champion 🥇 — cementing his place in surf history and proving, once again, that the limits placed in front of us are only as real as we allow them to be.

We are proud — deeply proud — that Lunasurf has been part of this journey.

From wetsuits and traction pads to leashes and fins, our gear has been alongside Thomas as he pushed further than anyone thought possible. Watching him reach the top of the world is one of those moments that reminds us exactly why we do what we do.

Gear That Works When It Matters Most

"I love the Lunasurf pads — not just for the excellent, guaranteed traction, but the full deck set-up helped me know exactly where I was on the board at all times. From paddling, to standing up."
— Thomas Da Silva, 2025 ISA World Champion

For Thomas, that full deck traction isn't just a performance feature — it's a navigational tool. Knowing precisely where his feet are on the board, every single time, is what allows him to surf at world championship level without sight. It's a reminder that great gear doesn't just perform — it gives you confidence.

Thomas Da Silva blind surfer on the beach with his Lunasurf full deck grip surfboard and France competition vest at the ISA World Para Surfing Championship 2025

Watch: Thomas Da Silva — The Short Film

This short film tells Thomas's story in his own words. It's about resilience. It's about surfing. And it's about refusing to accept the limits placed in front of you.

🎬 Watch the short film.