Yago Dora, Surfing’s 2025 World Champion, Parts With Longtime Sponsor

Interesting times we’re living in, when surfing’s reigning world champion parts ways with his longtime sponsor less than four months after winning his maiden world title. But that’s just business. 

Yago Dora’s contract with Volcom, which has sponsored the Brazilian since he was 15, has officially come to an end after a 14-year partnership. The Stone adorned Yago’s nose as he went from gromhood to manhood, from a talented freesurfer to steely CT veteran. Yago broke the news on his Instagram today. 

Here’s Yago’s full statement:

I would like to thank Volcom for the amazing ride this past 14 years have been! From the VQS/TCT days to starring in Psychic Migrations, qualifying to the World Tour and in 2025 becoming Volcom’s first World Champion, so much history and so much to be thankful for! My sincere appreciation to all the people that were involved in this history! Times are always changing, this chapter has come to an end and it’s time for a new chapter in my career which i’m very excited to announce soon, great news are coming in 2026! Much love

The move marks the end of an eventful year for the 29-year-old. He began by switching up his strategies by moving on from his longtime coach and father, Leandro Dora. He won two CT events (Lowers, Portugal), wore the yellow jersey most of the season, and blitzed two heats at Cloudbreak to become a world champion at the WSL Finals in September.  

What will 2026 have in store for Yago? Surely a new sticker on the nose, you'd think.