15: How did you feel when you won the Freestyle World Title?
I couldn’t believe it! Time went really fast and the result was completely unexpected that year. I was just looking forward to actually do the full tour; it was the first year I did all the events. My best hope was to be 3th in Freestyle and so winning was unreal. I was so happy. It was also fun coming back home and celebrating with my friends and family.
16: So why did you give up Freestyle?
I wanted to spend more time on waves and by doing those two disciplines I had to spend so much time being at Freestyle locations that I wasn’t as stoked any more. If you are going to compete in Freestyle you can’t just do the events. There are a lot of training and other trips to be made if you want to do well. So I really just tried to go with the direction I would be happier with, which was moving to Maui and spending more time wave sailing.
17: When was your first trip to Hawaii?
When I was twelve years old, in 2002. I went there with my uncle and a few more friends. We also hung-out there with Kauli and Konan. I was only there for two weeks, but it was April so we could sail every day.
18: How did you like Hawaii and did you dream you would ever be living there as a windsurfing pro?
I loved it the first time I was there, and I really wanted to just stay but my dad didn’t let me. I had to come back and finish school. After that with the Freestyle it made sense for me to just stay in Brazil, as I could be close to my family and still be in the best Freestyle spot in the world. But the moment I stopped freestyling, I couldn’t just stay in Fortaleza anymore. The waves are too small over there so I moved to Maui straight away and have been there full-time for three years now. I love it, the wind and waves are great and so is the place but I still miss my friends in Brazil and my family too.
19: Who do you hang out with when you are on Maui?
I hang with a few Brazilian friends, Robby Swift, with my girlfriend and also with Ricardo and Kauli whenever they are in town. There are always friends flying in and out so it’s always a different crew.
