Bodyboard champion gifts board to young fan in Gran Canaria
A touching gesture by Canarian-Venezuelan bodyboarder David Valladares has captured hearts across the islands, after he surprised a young fan by giving him a brand-new bodyboard.
The random act of kindness took place following an emotional conversation on a local bus.
Valladares is from Tenerife and recently won the Dropknee category at the Oleaje Bodyboard Contest 2025 held in San Andrés, Arucas, Gran Canaria. He was awarded a board as part of his prize. For weeks, he considered what to do with it until a chance encounter gave him the answer.
During a bus ride a few days ago, Valladares spoke with a local boy named Jairo, a fellow bodyboard enthusiast, who told him his board had broken and he could no longer surf. Moved by the story, Valladares decided on the spot to gift Jairo his newly won board.
He recorded the moment in a video posted on his Instagram account (@valladares_dk), where it quickly gained attention and praise, amassing over 2,200 likes in less than a day. In the clip, Jairo is seen receiving the surprise gift before the two embrace, and the boy heads into the water to catch waves with his new board.
The heartfelt moment has drawn a wave of admiration from Valladares’ followers. One comment read, “You represent us not only in sport but in society,” while others praised his generosity, calling the act “a beautiful gesture” and saying, “This video defines who you are as a person.”
Share:
