The Kailani Surfboards team rider adds another major achievement to an already impressive competitive career.

Some victories are about winning a competition. Others represent years of dedication, perseverance, passion, and an unwavering connection to the ocean.

For Rafael “Nono” Pereira, his latest victory in the Dominican Republic represents all of that and more.

The Venezuelan surfer and Kailani Surfboards Team rider has been crowned Surfing Champion in the Men’s Shortboard division at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, taking home the gold medal after an outstanding performance at Playa Encuentro.

Nono faced fellow Venezuelan José Joaquín “JJ” López in an all-Venezuelan final, finishing with a score of 14.84 points to claim the gold and secure another major title for his country.

A Gold Medal in Playa Encuentro

From the opening rounds, Nono showed the consistency, experience, and competitive mindset that have made him one of the standout surfers in Latin America.

Heat after heat, he progressed through the event and eventually reached the final, where he delivered when it mattered most.

The all-Venezuelan final guaranteed gold and silver for the country, with Nono taking the top spot and López finishing second.

For Kailani Surfboards, seeing one of our team riders standing on the highest step of the podium is a moment of great pride.

Nono represents the values we believe in: commitment, progression, passion for surfing, and the constant pursuit of performance both in and out of the water.

More Than a Medal

Behind every competition result is a story.

For Nono, this particular victory carried an especially deep meaning.

Speaking to ALAS Latin Tour following his win, Pereira explained that the events taking place in Venezuela became an additional source of motivation during the competition.

“Everything that happened in my country was a motivation.”

Coming from La Guaira, Venezuela, Nono found an extra reason to give everything in the water and use his performance to bring pride and happiness to the people back home.

That mentality is what makes a great competitive surfer—and it is also what makes Nono such an important part of the Kailani Surfboards Team.

The Spirit of a True Team Rider

Nono’s career has already included major international achievements, including two ALAS titles and a Pan American championship.

Yet his approach to surfing remains the same: surf as much as possible, train hard, compete, and continue searching for improvement.

Whether surfing at home in Venezuela, in California, or competing on the international circuit, Nono continues to push himself and evolve as a surfer.

That constant drive for progression is at the heart of what Kailani Surfboards stands for.

We are proud to have Rafael “Nono” Pereira riding with us and representing Kailani on some of the biggest stages in competitive surfing.

From Santo Domingo to the Next Wave

There is little time to stop.

After claiming gold in Santo Domingo, Nono was already looking ahead to his next challenge on the ALAS Global Tour, continuing his competitive campaign in Panama.

For a surfer like Nono, every event brings a new challenge, a new lineup, and another opportunity to test himself against the best.

From everyone at Kailani Surfboards, congratulations to our team rider on this incredible achievement.

Congratulations, Nono!

Gold in Santo Domingo.
Another milestone for Venezuela.
Another proud moment for the Kailani Surfboards Team.

Kailani Surfboards — Built for the Ride.