A video shared on social media captured an act of love that moved thousands of internet users.
The footage documents the surfdog family ‘s decision to drive 20 hours, trading the convenience of a two-hour flight for a long car journey.
The goal was noble: to take his 15-year-old Labrador, Bono, to his favorite destination, the Maraú Peninsula, in Bahia.
The image of the elderly animal running happily on the sand and swimming in the sea was confirmation that every kilometer was worth it.
What the scenes reveal, however, goes much deeper than a simple outing. That “old man,” as he’s affectionately called by his family, is a living legend of the sport.
Bono is a five-time world champion in dog surfing, an athlete who helped solidify Brazil as a powerhouse in the sport. His life was built on the waves alongside his owner, Ivan Quintães.
Therefore, the sea is not just a place of leisure for him. It is the stage of his greatest glories , a sanctuary of memories that is now revisited as a tribute to his long and victorious career.
The video posted to Instagram on October 12 begins simply, showing Bono, a chocolate Labrador with a muzzle already gray with age, sleeping peacefully in the back of the car, nestled among luggage.
The caption explains the family’s choice: driving for a whole day to provide comfort and safety for their elderly companion.
The images of the road give way to the arrival at the Bahian paradise and, finally, the most exciting moment.
Bono, with contagious vitality, explores the beach and enters the water, his expression of pure joy becoming the central point of the narrative.
The legacy of a five-time wave champion
Bono’s deep connection with the ocean is at the heart of the Surf Dog Family story, as Ivan Quintães and his wife, Camila Tani, are known worldwide.
Before Bono’s daughter, Cacau, took over as the current champion, the duo formed by Ivan and Bono were practically unbeatable.
According to Metrópoles , together they traveled to California, in the United States, and won the top title at the Surf Dog World Championship five times.
Bono wasn’t just a contestant. He was a force of nature, a dog who displayed a calmness and skill on the board that impressed judges and spectators alike.
His fame has expanded beyond the surfing niche. With a captivating presence, Bono has become a stellar influencer, helping to popularize the sport and build a community of over 370,000 followers for his family on social media.
His most extraordinary feat, however, is immortalized in the Guinness Book of World Records. In the challenging pororoca of the Amazon River, Bono surfed the longest wave ever recorded by a dog , covering an impressive 10.4 kilometers in 33 minutes and 7 seconds.
This record not only demonstrated his endurance, but also placed him on the level of legend.
Today, retired from competition, Bono sees his legacy honored by his daughter, Cacau.
The young Labrador demonstrated her father’s talent. Under Ivan’s guidance, she won two world championships in 2024 and 2025, ensuring the family name would remain at the top.
Cacau ‘s most recent victory , which earned him the “Top Dog 2025” trophy , came a day before Bono’s 15th birthday, serving as both a tribute and the final passing of the torch.
Camila Tani stated that Cacau’s victories are the continuation of everything Bono built, a legacy of love, lightness and joy.
A family driven by affection and sport
The decision to undertake such a long journey for a senior dog reflects the philosophy that guides the Surf Dog Family. Living in Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, since 2020, Ivan and Camila have created an environment they describe as a “multispecies team, driven by affection, purpose, and sport.”
In addition to champions Bono and Cacau, the team includes the mongrel Mukeka, adopted in Bahia, the cat Cocada, and the couple’s daughter, Moana, who is already a constant presence at the championships, cheering from the sand.
The family’s routine, shared openly on social media, inspires others to seek a deeper connection with their animals.
It’s based on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and, above all, leisure time and bonding. For Ivan, sport is a tool to strengthen this connection.
He emphasizes that Cacau’s joy on the board, his tail wagging with every wave, is more valuable than any medal.
“It’s about building a true story that inspires other families to live with more presence, love and connection,” the tutor explained in a statement.
In this context, the 20-hour drive to Bahia takes on even greater significance. For a 15-year-old, large dog, air transport in the cargo hold would be a stressful and risky experience.
By choosing the road, the family prioritized Bono’s physical and emotional well-being. The gesture was a demonstration of gratitude and respect for a family member who had given them so much joy.
Bono’s joyful expression upon rediscovering his favorite place wasn’t just a beautiful moment. It was proof that, for this family, no effort is too great when it comes to honoring their heroes.
