RODRY MAKES THE NATIONAL's TOP 16

Young portuguese Respect Rider Rodrigo Rijo finishes the 2010 National Bodyboard Tour in 14th place, on his first year on the tour.

Rodry resides in the island of São Miguel in Açores where the first stop of this year's tour was held and he finished in a spectacular 7th place. For the other two events this young grommet had to fly to Portugal's mainland to compete and freesurf on some of the local spots.

Rodry getting some shade on a sunny but very cold day at Ericeira, Pedra Branca. Framegrab: Nuno Cardoso

Respect's youngest team rider claiming a secret spot barrel near Ericeira. Framegrab: Nuno Cardoso

Rijo means hard in portuguese. Rodrigo going hard on his first ever Reef session at Ericeira. Frambegrab: Nuno Cardoso

"I'm very happy to finish this year in the Top 16 which was my main objective, but most of all i wanted to prepare myself for upcoming competitions, make new friends and surf different waves" - says the 15 year old phenomenon, that claimed the 1st place at this year's Açores Islands Regional Tour. Go Rodry, enjoy the Global Evolution! Check out his blog at: http://rodrigo-rijo.blogspot.com/