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- [00:01]
A
Welcome to the kitesurf 365 podcast.
- [00:04]
B
Welcome back to the show. I hope you all had a great weekend. Today I'm joined by good friend Yosui San Ferreira, AKA Baby Shark. Baby Shark returned to competition with a bang. A new kite, a new team, a new attitude. It's awesome to hear the growth in the sky. You're going to enjoy this episode. Don't forget to follow me. Kitesurf365 for all the latest episodes. Ladies and gentlemen, Yoshui Sun Ferrera. How's Tarifa, brother?
- [00:38]
A
Perfect, man. Actually there's quite some wind still. I thought the wind's gonna die today, but yeah, today's epic actually. The wave were quite big and we're trying some new prototypes that arrives here. So yeah, we just spend the past two days just testing the gear and yeah, really comfortable actually with the gear. Has been pretty fun.
- [01:02]
B
Good to be back in Tarifa because I always feel like Tarifa along with Lords of Tram was like the two places that you sort of burst onto the scene. Especially think of that sort of, you know, the front flip you did many years ago in Tarifa was like an amazing video shot. I always feel like, yeah, I always feel like Tarifa had a. Was a big part of your early days.
- [01:22]
A
Yeah, yeah. Well, I feel like sometimes I, you know, I just want to live here. You know, I feel like this is my second home and it's always that when it's wind here, you know, I just want to stay here training and also the people and the vibe of the place, you know, have all this, I don't know, energy that makes me feel at home here.
- [01:41]
B
It must be pretty cool to catch up with, you know, all your friends over the years because it's been been a while since you've been in Tarifa and been part of that crowd, right?
- [01:50]
A
Yeah, yeah, it's been almost a year and yeah, I mean just to see everyone again and kite with everyone again in the water, just, you know, have so much fun because I was in Brazil and I didn't went to Cape Town, so I, yeah, some friends like Parker I didn't see for a while, like a year. So yeah, good to be back here and see all them and how was
- [02:11]
B
their reception when they saw you? Man, that must have been pretty cool.
- [02:14]
A
Yeah, yeah, we were just happy and having much fun in the water.
- [02:19]
B
I remember when you met Parker and Zach. Well, I want to say back in like 2023, it was pretty crazy all you young guys running around our apartment causing problems. It's good to see the crew back together, you know.
- [02:31]
A
Yeah, still causing problems, man, but yeah, having much fun now.
- [02:35]
B
Let's go back over the last sort of six to eight months. Was it difficult to sit back and see Parker, you know, starting to do so well? You know, Zach really finding his form and also Shahar riding super well. Was that hard for you? Because I mean, you guys were such a close knit group and then for you just to be sit back watching those guys, was that difficult?
- [02:53]
A
Yeah, I mean, it was pretty hard, you know, because I. I used to be training with all of them in Tarifa last year and I missed some comps and I saw all them just, you know, just boosting the comps and having good results. But actually I feel happy for them, you know, because when I was also having like my best moments and they were keep. They were keep, like, let's say, try, they're happy for me, you know, so I just want to, you know, be happy for them always and for everyone as well. And for me to see Zach got forward in the podium in Lord of Trauma. Super sticky, rode super well. So yeah, I also hope Parker getting the next GTA and the Red Bull comps then would be super fun. And imagine him having a final with Shahar and Parker and Zach in the Waterman would be the dream, I think, mate.
- [03:46]
B
How hard was that sort of last year going back to, I guess the injury was the sort of start of it. Right. And never really got back. Sort of rushed yourself back. Did you start questioning whether kiteboarding was going to be a career for you? Because I know how hard it was. It was super tough.
- [04:01]
A
Yeah. I mean, last year I was in a situation that I actually was like looking where I were and I was kind of having trouble with myself and in that point because I was like, even with all the results I had and everything, I was kind of like, I don't know, trying to still give up a little bit with all the situation with all the comps and stuff and injuries and, you know, going back and sponsoring stuff. And I was like, I don't think that that will be for so long competitions. So I was trying to like trying also, you know, getting another ways. And yeah, that's why I was super in focus, you know, I was not in my own, I think, but I still had like a kind of 40% in my head that, you know, say it's like there's still something there, you know, And I think there that was when Michael came and my My, my currently coach and, and yeah, he just came and we met each other and we start training in Brazil and we went to the Brazilian competition. I didn't, I didn't. What was my plan, like to do any comps? You know, I was just upset about King of the Air and yeah, the, the last Brazilian stop of yeah, the Brazilian nationals was the same day of King of the Air. So I was like, I don't want to be competing. You know, I used to be in the water in Cape Town, not here. You know, I mean, that's a kind of shame for me. But I think life put you in situation that you always have to come back where it came from, you know. So I think to be the same day of King of the Air competing in the water and I just imagine I would just think that this is King of the Air for me and I would try to win anyways, you know. And to be honest, it's not easy, you know, I mean, the guys are riding super good in Brazil now and we took such a good day and the win was super good that day. And yeah, we managed to win the nationals. But man, I think if the Brazilians guys now put on work what they do and actually, you know, show it up in competitions, I think Brazil is going to be like the freestyle. You know, the Brazilian is going to be the best in sport.
- [06:15]
B
Honestly, bro, I think you inspired them. I think it was you who kicked off the big air revolution in Brazil, you know, I mean, all those guys I speak to, you know, when I speak to them, they're like, oh, we want to be like baby shark. Was that. That a low point for you? Was that the sort of bottom where you're like, man, I'm. I'm. I'm broken.
- [06:33]
A
Yeah, well, I mean, not broken, but yeah, I felt like that something was happening with me, you know. So I felt like actually like it was not the problem was not the Kai. The problem was not my videos, but actually me. You know, I thought that I was having, I don't know, a problem with me, you know, and, and yeah, I was just. I just. I don't know, I just had to deep focus in myself and try to find the. The mistake. You know, before a lot of trauma friend might call me and say. And we were talking, you know, and they. He'd say like, hey man, I don't really want to discuss on that, but my. Some friends mine just told me some stuff about you and stuff. And I was like, actually, yeah, like people are seeing that I am the Mistake right here, you know, And I think that's an important point to see as an athlete, because sometimes you just try to win, try to have fun, but sometimes you're not 100%, you know, the 100% you want to be. And that's what I was trying to become, you know, 100 athlete, you know, a good person. A good person, social media, a good person in the water, you know, respect everyone. And I was having this. I was feeling that I was, you know, doing this work, but somehow I was affecting people. Not just people, but also myself in some stuff, you know, like family problems or sponsor problems. I was struggling with that, and I was seeing that all the problem I was having with myself, I was also affecting other people, you know, So I try to work with that. And, yeah, now I'm seeing that I improve a lot and I'm becoming a better person. And now with my mental coach, man, he's been working a lot with sports for a long year. So he knows, like, even if I say, hey, I'm having the best day of my life, he can see that it's not still the best day, you know, so he's been working with me so much. And I think what happened in Lotto Sram was actually so crazy because, man, I get used to the kite at the heat, you know, and imagine that was so crazy. And for the performance I had for me, I would give to me at least three months of training before the comp. I had three days in Tarifa, you know, of training. And for me in Tarifa, I was like, this is not my kite, to be honest. When I signed and I trained the first day in Tarifa, I was like, why did I sign with this brand? You know? But that's what life gives to you, I think sometimes, like, I was using the best kites. I want to be the best and. And, you know, always winning the best situations, you know, best friends and all this. But I think for you to get to the spot that you really want to become, I think you must suffer a bit, you know, and that will happen. Last year with myself. Now I need to get used to a new kite. I think that's, you know, that's. That's a part of the career. Everyone needs to, you know, to stay at their own life, you know, And I think that's. That's my time now. I think I did super good a lot of Trump. The work we did in Lord of Trump was super nice. And, well, I would just try to stay the same and you know, keep the same, man. I think this is my year and working with Alex is now, and this is the best thing I ever decision I made. He was a world champ and, man, he was supporting me so much at the event. Lord of Trauma, he went all the way from Tarifa to France to the colt to support me. And, you know, I felt amazing, man. I felt that I was needing this. You know, that's what I was training for and expecting for. And, yeah, we're here.
- [10:25]
B
Well, let's get into Lords of Tram in a second because it was a real breakout performance. But just to go back up and justify what you just said, I remember you and I spoke maybe two days before Lords of Tram, and I said, bro, how are the kites? You're like, bro, I need to get used to them. And I was like, even on the podcast, when people asking me, like, what do you think, Baby Shark? I said, you know, honestly, I'm just stoked he's back. He's going to take some time. He's got new kites. I never saw that coming. I met from the first heat, I was like, holy, Baby Shark's back. And I think that goes back to the new team. And you mentioned Michael, your mental coach. You got Nelson Holes was working as a caddy. And, you know, one of the things that I'd said to you is I want you to improve. You know, we were speaking, me, you and Michael were speaking about improving the communication. I said, you got to have a good caddy, brother. You need to have someone who, you know, Nelson's a great writer himself, a team writer for advantage, someone who can, you know, knows how to read it. And. And it worked out perfectly because they. You. They caught the mistake with the Lorenzo situation. Now, I don't want to go into the Lorenzo situation too much because it's not. Not important. But we saw what a good. A good team around you does, and it was. It was awesome to see, man.
- [11:30]
A
Yeah, man. I mean, I believe a lot in, you know, if you want to be the best, you must have the best in the tables, you know, And I think the work we did in France was such a good work, you know, I mean, I never had such a good relationship, let's say, with Nelson, not as in a bad way, but I never, you know, really met him and stuff. And he were also working with my coach. So, yeah, made such a good relationship, you know, and also good to work also with. With Buddy and, you know, be training with him and stuff. And he was also in the Reserve list for Lord of Trump. So I kind of felt bad for him, but I told him, man, everything I'm doing, I'm going to be doing in double, you know, for us. So that also was something that makes my mind go even harder. And yeah, man, he helped me so much at the spot. And as you said, it's always great to have a good caddy and he understand, you know, he, he was at this spot already. He knows when it's going to come. The Gus, you know, when is the time that I need to change the kite. He knows the trick I need to do. And, and yeah, we actually, we were with funny stuff that we were supposed to get used, baby. Talking at the, at the competition, me and my coach. But I kind of felt more like. I think I like the, the, the, the. The quiet of the wind. You know, I like to be in the water and just my own and no one needs to say anything. And when I need to say something, I think I would just like, hey man, you know what? We already here. We're gonna survive this. So when I need something, I'm just come to the beach and then we scream and then you scream and make the rider scary. You know, that's the way we need to do. Not in, not, not in mine, not in my ears, in the water. We need to scream. And it gives me more, more fire, you know, so it more gas to the fire inside of me. So that was man, such a fun event. And the. In the last trick of the semi final, I messed up a bit. I think I really 100% I could go to the final, but man, my hands were freezing, man. I mean Imagine, you know, imagine comes from the Caribbean, 40 degrees and then go to Brazil, like 45 degrees and then drop to three, you know. So, yeah, it was insane, man. And yeah, to be honest, in my mind I was like, I'm chilling, you know, I'm gonna be two weeks training to reef over this kite. Go and get used to the kite, man. Two days in Tarifa they call Lord of Shaman. I had to fly.
- [14:07]
B
You know, you mentioned having Alex Pastor there. I don't remember ever seeing him hit a big air event. Was that his first big air event that he'd been to and what was his reaction to A, your performance and B, sort of seeing what big air is doing?
- [14:21]
A
Well, I think he already competed, I think 2016 King of the Air one time. And yeah, I mean I think as being inside of the competition, I think was his first big air event and man was, was so crazy to see the energy, you know, that he passed to me and, and how he were feeling. You know, we're. We're there at the spot and he was just like, man, just try to have fun. But I say, man, I'm not gonna try to have fun. I'm gonna try to win. And I'm gonna. I don't want to just, you know, on business here, but I just don't want to, like, make you happy just because we signed or all this. But, man, we are family now and I'm gonna be the best here and. And, you know, we're gonna make it works. I know you're a bit scary, you know, because he took the place of the bread now, and for sure it's a bit scary for him, you know, Like, I mean, what if I get this guy and this guy doesn't do good, you know, and it's an investment, It's a big investment, you know, so. But then I said, man, not, not, not talking on business way, but, man, we brothers here. I call here. I call him always boss, you know, it's super funny. And I say, hey, boss, like, we're gonna do good, man. And, man, we've been working with the prototypes in Tarifa, and even if it's not still the best ones, you know, we're still super happy. We made a board. Now that, man, for me, is the best board ever. Alex, you know, super good. He's super good in doing boards, for sure. He's a freestyle rider and we working with a new one now. That, man, is absolutely incredible. And it's such a good thing because I can. I'm directly with him, you know, So I say to him, hey, man, change this, change this, change this. And then he sends a new one and we try and, yeah, I mean, I have all the support from Alex and I think we're going to do super good. And we're planning to. You know, if I get to King of the Air this year, we all be in Cape Town, and I think it will be an extra, you know, an extra support. And, man, I just. The only thing I. I get in the water every day, the only thing that comes in my mind is King of the Air. I cannot miss it this year. I think it's. I've been two years, three years already, man. So since my last King of the Air.
- [16:42]
B
Let's talk about King of the Air a bit later, because I'm sure that's your goal. But you, you mentioned the boards and, you know, you've always had A little bit of a different board. Even when you were north, you were. You were. You weren't riding the atmos, right? You were riding a different board. I think DK designs these boards as well, right?
- [16:59]
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. It's such a. It's such an honor because I still remember, man, when he helped me, king of the air, you know, and now you're making my boards, you know, it's insane.
- [17:11]
B
How did the air rush deal come about? Because it was quite late in the piece, right. And a lot of brands had already filled up all their budgets. Was there ever a stage that you were like, holy crap, I'm going to be buying kites here?
- [17:24]
A
Yeah. So also, the situation that everyone asked what happened was because I was negotiating with a brand, you know, for kind of nine months. So, yeah, besides that, I was negotiating with them, and was everything right for me to sign with them, but unfortunately, you know, always it doesn't go as you plan, and it didn't came as I planned. So at the end, they say that they. They couldn't get me now, so I was in a bad situation because normally the brands have their own budget and they get new riders, and they can get new riders with their budgets, I think around September, October, or August, something like this. So I was searching for brands like January, you know, so after these brands say that they couldn't work with me, I was like, where I'm gonna be now, my next comp is in three, four months and how I'm gonna travel. You know, I kind of. I kind of. I was working the Caribbean. I actually make some quite good money there coaching. And I was like, I need to buy kites, but I don't want to buy kites. You know, I mean, I kind of want to ride with the best kites, but to be honest, I want to show up a brand in Lord of Trump, and I want to be working with a brand in Lord of Trump. So I don't want to be using the best kites and win with the best kites and go to the podium without a board, because I cannot show the brand, you know? So I got a message from Alex around end of gen. He said to me, hey, with a new project. And I was like. Like, I put him actually on. On the last. On the last stop of the list, man. Like, I was like, no. Like, no ways I'm gonna get with Eresh. I mean, with all the respect. No, not because of the kite, but I think for me, for me, I was such. In a big. Yeah, I was In a big brand, you know, and for me to, like, see this as a for. For sure, I was like, out from here. I want to go to the best, you know, or do it on slingshot, you know, I want to go way top, so I don't want to come low. And, you know, I know that I knew that Alex got the brand, and for me, I was so a bit. Was a bit scary, you know, but, you know, as I say to you, you must kind of suffer, you know, in life. And on the situation I was that I went super down. I think that life gave me an opportunity to grow up not just myself, but a brand, you know, to grew up with a brand. And that is such a good thing because what happened with Lorenzo and Harlem was such an incredible thing, you know, when they start working and not even his dad knew what's Haarlem, you know, at the beginning. And they grew up in a point that, man, everyone is just know Harlem as Lorenzo, you know, and this is the way that I want to become with Eresh, you know, it's the way that I grew up this year. And Eresh comes with me, you know, and, yeah, I mean, that's the. That's the point. We. We want to go. Yeah. And I'm super happy, you know, to be honest, I'm super happy. I kind of feel the king of the brand now. You know, I can do whatever I want. I can ask for prototypes, I can do this, I can do that. And it's such a freedom, you know, I feel like. And I think that is the thing that I needed to become the best writer.
- [20:59]
B
You know, they say it's always darkest before the dawn. Right. You know, it's. You always got to hit rock bottom before there's that light. Does it feel good to be in a smaller team opposed to, like a corporate team? You know, like, north is very corporate. You know, you and I. You and I work together at north, right?
- [21:14]
A
Yeah.
- [21:15]
B
Does this feel very different?
- [21:17]
A
Yeah, for sure. It feels super different because, you know, in every way. Also in the way of order, gear, in the way to talk with the brand, in the way to everything. It's super different. But, you know, I feel that always life teach you, you know, and this is another way to teach me how to become not just a better athlete, but a better person, you know, like in business way, in talkable way, let's say, like, in the way I talk with Alex in all this, you know, I never had this kind of really conversation with the CEO of a brand, you know, always Pass a team manager and always like this. So it's also a super good way, you know, and a respectful way to talk actually with the boss. And that's. Yeah, that's gonna teach me in life as well, you know. I'm 20 now. I just turned 2015 April and I remember when I was like 15 and I met you, you know. So yeah, I've been a long time and I think now it's time to learn actually. And yeah, I think all this time was actually having fun. But I see that this is my life, you know, has been always my life, but this is my life and I don't know, somehow I've been so much supported by the Brazilians right now and for sure, I mean Brazilians always, Brazilian people always like to help each other and I think in this new chapter right now with Airash, everyone is seeing us like man, I believe in his potential. What I've more get what people say to my dad and my dad say to me is just like I know that he going to grow up in the brand and I know that everything's going to come right and he going to explode the world, you know, I mean they're going to do super good. So I feel like this, I feel like that as well. And I'm ready, man.
- [23:16]
B
I experienced the Brazilian support firsthand. Let's go back to the 2023 King of the year. You knocked out Beto was that they ended after end of round two. You knocked out Beto, you came home and I remember, I think you're in your wetsuit till 10 o' clock at night because the amount of calls coming in from Brazil, you know, people were saying you're the, you know, American champion or South American champion you were saying. But not the south, the whole American champion. And I remember it just was crazy, just the yelling in Portuguese down the phone. And I've always thought the Brazilians have been huge supporters of you. As I said before, you are the bigger role model there, which is crazy. At only 20 years old, people are looking up to you, you know.
- [23:56]
A
Yeah, I mean it's super good as well about the thing about the age, you know, because to see a young people in as you said as well inspire a lot of people, you know, in Brazil also the young people and, and the old people, you know. And that's, that's the I want to become in life, you know. And I think my career as an athlete, it's not going to be just an athlete, you know. I also discussing this with also My coach and my family that I will be doing something to help people soon, you know, because I feel like in my country it's so good because everyone just try to help you. Unfortunately, I mean, not talking about government, but we have such a bad government in Brazil and all this, you know, trouble situation with. With president and stuff. But we still happy, you know, we still trying to be happy, you know, we still, we, we. We still like make the best food, make the best parties, the best dance. We always have a smile on the face. So even if we kind of fucked in life, we try to be good, you know, and that's such a honor to be Brazilian, you know, because always you also, you see me, you know, always when I lose or when I win, always I'm happy, you know, I like, man, I don't, I don't really give a. You know, life is good, you know, and you gotta enjoy. And that's always has been my dream to be here. And I would never imagine to be in a situation I am right now. So why I'm not gonna be happy just to be here, you know, I see, man, the best in the world that I always watch, like Andrea Prince B, for example, I always watch him on Instagram. He's one of my best friends, you know, and it's, it's such a, it's such a nice way to do things like that. And yeah, having the support for the Brazilians, man, it's, it's. It's such a nice thing because has, man, has, I don't know, such a. All the, all this, all the way, you know, like, I see the country inspire me, you know, like the people, man, like, man, in fighting, in surf, in. In skate, in, you know, every sport. You see, Brazilians are the best. Why can I not be the best in kiting, you know? So I try to also show this to people in Brazil, you know, and try to show this to the, to the kids, to the new generation. And something that I was also planning. I'm planning to do a project in Brazil, you know, that helps the kids. And, and yeah, also with all this, all these people that, and that I connect with in Europe and all these people that I coach, you know, I've been coaching some really, really, let's say rich people, you know, so. And they want to help, you know, this. They. I've been talking with them and man, they want to help, you know, and why can I not be the person that get these people and help other people? You know, I think the same way that I I know I. I know how these kids, these kids in Brazil feel because I was in this situation one day, you know, like for them maybe for now it's just like, man, I. I'm. It's impossible for me to become a baby shark, let's say, because I don't have the opportunity, I don't have the money, I don't have this. But man, I had nothing, you know, at least now we have good guys. When I started, we have. I'm not gonna say when I started the kite was two lines because wasn't. But when I started was also really hard way, you know. But yeah, I wanna. I wanna be also a person. That it. Because I mean for you to be just an athlete, an athlete that's not gonna just make your life. You have to be someone. And as the same way that everyone look up to me in Brazil, I want to be like this when I'm like 60, 70, you know, I want to still inspire people. And maybe I'm going to be working as a coach or maybe not or I don't know. But I feel like I need to help people, you know, I need to, man, I'm going to help this kid and this kid's going to become the next world champ, you know, I feel that I'm one of the best in the world. Why cannot make one kid in Brazil, you know, that's just starting to be the best and. And I feel like I need to help them. And yeah, I was talking to my dad and he also supports me a lot in this project to help kids in Brazil. We're planning to do also, let's say kite camp with some kids and give them English classes. Classes. That was the thing that changed my life. I think without English I wouldn't be here, you know. So yeah, I want to also support them with some jiu jitsu class, you know, the. The Brazilian way. And yeah, you know, not just make an athlete, but, you know, make a better person, you know. And yeah, man, we need more of this kind of move in Brazil, you know, I feel that we. We have so big companies, we have so much this. But man, it's so hard to get a sponsor in Brazil, you know, it's super hard to like get actually a sponsor that is going to believe on yourself because now, yeah, now it's in where I come from, now it's becoming Kitesurf. One of the things that make the tourism in my place, you know, if not the thing that actually makes. So people started looking at in a good way. But yeah, it's such a hard thing. It's such a big country. Rich, so rich country. And so hard to get sponsors, you know? Yeah, I don't. I have one sponsor in Brazil which is the ice bath and, and the sauna that helps me. And they don't even pay me, you know, they give me free stuff. But it's crazy. Like, just my sponsor, real sponsor, it's from Europe, you know, and such a shame, you know, such a. I represent the country, I go there, I do it for my people, you know, and I don't really get nothing back. So, yeah, it's kind of hard, but I think I'm on the way and yeah, I would just try to do my best. That's it.
- [30:07]
B
You know what I mean? You mentioned there. We met a long, long time ago, brother. And you know, we've had some crazy trips and journeys together, but I'm just loving this more mature side of you. And, you know, you are getting older. But a lot of it goes back to Michael's work, right? I mean, you know, he's done a great job with you. I know last year was super hard, bro, and I know how challenging it was. And, and I know how down you got. And when you messaged me and said that you're working with a guy, I was super happy. But when I met Michael, I knew it was the right person, you know, he was just very cool. And I remember he sent me a photo of you vacuuming the floor. And I'm. And I remember when you, when you. When you were staying with me, bro, it was. There was. The place was filthy. So it, it made. It made me. It made me smile to see. And here you now grow up and, you know, think not just about you, not just about baby shark and me, me, me to start thinking about other people. And I do think that's super important. Let's get into Lords of Tram because it was a unbelievable, breakout performance, dude. Just in a huge result going into that event, you know, you only rode the kites for three days. What was your goals? What was your mental state going to that? Were you. Were you a little bit worried that you didn't have the gear and you didn't have the time on the gear?
- [31:22]
A
Yeah, for sure. I mean, the only problem I was passing was the gear, you know, not kind of problem, but I was like struggling a bit about my. I think my mind was ready, you know, with all the work we did. For sure, Michael and me, we made like my mind ready, my body was ready, but I was like, what about the kite? You know, Like, I don't really. I don't know. I. Man, to be honest, it's not as easy as it looks like, you know, to everyone. Just get the kiting ride, man. To get the trust to the kite is the first thing that you always struggle with. And with all the surviving conditions we passed by, to believe and to, you know, get the trust in the kite in the heat was so hard, you know. And to be honest, I was just cared about the gear, you know, because even in north, you know, to be there four years sometimes, I still. The kite was not in the point that I was looking for, you know, all this. So to trust the gear, it's kind of hard, you know, and not easy. So that was the only problem I was passing by. But to be honest, in the heat, when I did my first loops and stuff, I was like, man, this kite is the kite. I don't know how and why, but it feels so good. It feels so easy. And also I got, you know, this right the day of the. The event, I got the sponsor from, from the Linesmith and man, it makes so much difference as well, you know, like the lines and everything, it makes way more clean. And I think that was the thing that was needing to be perfect, be the 100. The thing that I combined the lines and the kite and all this was such a perfect match and, yeah, make my writing so better. And, man was, yeah, it was such a crazy event, man. I mean, was a lot of upside downs, but just mindful, you know, I think my body was ready, everything was ready. But I think on my brain, I was struggling a bit with all, everything, you know, and. But also, Michael always teach me how to be strong and. And I was super confident, to be honest, I was super confident and that makes me go super far.
- [33:40]
B
Let's talk quickly about the Lorenzo incident. I don't want to get into it because we've spoken about it a lot of times. Why was your reason for not taking the water in the morning? Because you were actually invited to go on and ride as well, right?
- [33:53]
A
Yeah. So with the situation that happened, I also thought I lost when we finish the heat. But then after like five minutes, they changed the scores and I passed to second and I passed to the semifinals. And the moment that I was, like, super happy also, it came a bit down because when I wake up, I got a message from one of the judges and was a bit weird because it didn't make sense at the time, you know, and for me, yeah, they say that we had to go in the water. A one versus one, me and Lorenzo before the heat. And who wins take the place of the semifinal. But I was in a situation that I was like, why is life so upside down? I was having such a good timing. I got used to the kite. I'm having a great event, a great performance, and now comes this. But I always also remember that, you know, the road to the top is not easy, you know, so that makes me also more angry because was like, if. If this is a sign that I'm gonna be in the final, I'm happy. You know, I was already super happy because, you know, what happened with me in the Red bull tarifa in 2024, that my got my kite got released in the heat and I had to swim all the way and I still make it to the finals. That was the answer, you know, for. For this problem. And this is. It's just show me that life, it's not like always we plan, not always we want. And I think this is kind of signs that you're going to win in life for you to, you know, success is in a straight line. So I always see this a good way, you know, and always when this happened, I just like, I'm gonna win, you know, Always when this kind of problem happened, I say I'm gonna win. So I was already super happy about it. And it was funny because Michael was like, man, why can you be happy about the situation? And I tell him, man, let me tell you what happened, you know, in 2024, let me tell you about everything that happened already in my life. And always when I have bad, bad situations like that at the end, you know, becomes something super good. And still for me to don't make it to the finals. For me, this would make it to the semi final with all this struggling. All this problem for me was a win already, you know, and to have a new kite, to have all this. I think no other rider would, you know, get so far with all the situation I've passed and also the situation that we had, it makes my mind so mess up. And I think that was one of the points that didn't made me make it to the final. I wasn't ready, man. I didn't warm up in anything because I didn't know if I'm gonna get to the water or not. I didn't know that if the Lorenzo trick attempt is gonna be better than mine and I'm not gonna make it to the semifinals. So I was just on my wetsuit waiting for it, you know, waiting for the result. And when this happened, they gave me the. They said, so if you get in the water with him and he do a trick, and you do a trick better than him, you make it to the semifinal where you're supposed to go. But if you don't go to the water, as was the decision I had, you. You trick God as a. As a crash. And if he do a trick, a seven, he get into the semifinal. But I felt that this was so unfair and everything that I had to prove, I already proved in the day before. You know, I don't need to prove it again that I win. I don't need to. I don't know. I don't know if he's. Just because he's a world champ, but I don't. I don't need to do it. You know, I beat him already and, and it, it felt me. It makes me so unstoppable, you know, because I can lose. It's the world champ, which was Lorenzo, and I beat him. And so I was like, man, I beat the world champ, so I'm the world champ. Fuck it, you know, I'm not going to get to the water.
- [38:15]
B
I thought you were out. I thought you got third. I rang Michael straight away because I knew you'd be busy. And I said, mate, tell Baby Shark I'm so effing proud of him, I can't believe it. And. And he messaged me back saying, dude, we're so happy. Incredible result. And then he messaged me saying, you're in the final in the semis. And I, I was like, wow. And I went to bed and then I woke up, I was going about my day. Then I saw Baby Shark calling. I better answer this. And then it all went kicked off. But I think the strength of the team around you, with Alex and Michael and Nelson, I think that helped keep you on the ground again. Going back to this family, this team that you've built. I think that you performed at that level because you had that support. And it's. And again, like, like, like Michael said, it's another lesson learned, another bit of experience you can bank on.
- [39:01]
A
Yeah, I mean, for you to win, man, you never, I mean, gonna win alone, you know, there's always gonna be someone that help you a bit, you know, and yeah, I mean, it was such a great work that we did and everything. And, you know, also getting back to what he said one time in the podcast, he say, man, he's super good guy. He has level, he has social media. He's. He's good talking, he's kind of rock star, you know. But he needs someone some. He needs a guidance, you know. And that makes man, that entering my mind. And I think I never will forget this in a good way. And that made me like, man, this is so true. Like, man, I'm one of the best. But I need someone to. I need someone actually to put me on focus, you know, Because I had situations already in comps that I was doing the best. Like in Gran Canaria for example, man, I was in the water. I was like, man, no one can beat me here. And also Jamie said in one time in an interview, like, ah, baby shark and ride is super good and stuff. And everyone was talking about this, you know, I felt. I felt at home there, but somehow my mind was so messed, you know, I crash at one time and what trick I do all this. So I think for you to become the best, you have to walk with the best, like I said. And to get have this guidance from Michael, man, it makes me like be like, I don't know, feel that I'm the best, you know. I feel that I already have such a crazy level, you know, I have aggressive level on kiting, such a good level. But I needed the guidance that I'm getting right now from him. I know that kite coach and mental coach is a different thing. The thing that for example, fin do with his work. It's such a good thing because the guy know how the work, the heat works. The guy know everything. Michael doesn't really still doesn't know how it works. But in mental and in preparation, man, we did so much visualization work. Like I was looking up the mountain and Michael was like in my ears, look at the mountain, you know, feel the wind, you know, visualization your trick already, what are you going to do? And everything I visualization I did, you know, in the heat, the landing, you know, the most thing that I care about in the trick, the landing. The landing in Barca is not easy. So hard, so choppy. And man was so perfect. And I feel that now I am here, you know, I feel that this is the baby shark that all everyone is looking for. And the baby shark that, you know, the baby shark you met was just a writer. Now I'm a person, you know, a man and a rider. So I feel that this is the point I wanted to become and, and to be working also with a new brand now is such a good thing because I can grow up with a brand and be a success, you know, for Sure, I will go on the right way. I, you know, always on the right way. And not gonna lie to you. Last year, I was super distracted, man. I was going parties, I was, you know, drinking, going with girls and stuff, and I felt I was lost, man. I felt I was super lost. No one was seeing this. No one. Because always on my Instagram, for sure, I'm not gonna post all that, but always I show the happiest and stuff. But, man, I was struggling a lot. I was kind of in a depression with myself. I lost so many people in my life, and I was like, man, where I'm gonna go? But always I remember that Jesus is with me, and he never gonna let this. This comes into my mind. And. And I always have gotten first, and, you know, I felt that I needed to continue. And I feel that this is not
- [43:02]
B
you I want to talk about. You know, like, when you're in a trick and the trick's over and you're in the downloop phase, and you're, like, pumping the crowd, and I'm like, yeah, every time I watch that, I'm like, man, only baby shark can do that. Or, like, jumping over the fans at the end. Holy crap, that was a big jump. I mean, it's like I just. I just. There's just a little moments that I just see that talent in you, you know, like taking the hand off and cheering the crowd halfway through the trick. No one else is doing that. I mean, maybe. Maybe Andrea does a little bit, but, I mean, that's. That's your move, right? When you know you're going to stick it, you know, the cuts in position, mate. You're celebrating.
- [43:39]
A
Yeah, man. I feel like this is a part of the. Part of the game the Brazilian way.
- [43:43]
B
That's the Brazilian way.
- [43:45]
A
It's the Brazilian style. Yeah. You always have to be happy, man. I mean, as I say to you, you know, not to say as a Brazilian, but to say all the work I did to become the person I am today, I pass in so hard moments, and I pass in so difficult moments that I thought, I'm going to stop. And I thought that I couldn't be here. And I feel like, why. I don't. Why am I not happy? You know, I see these writers and everyone just get super angry before the heat and, like, the preparation, and they so mad. They don't look to no one. They don't talk to no one. Okay, I understand. I sometimes also do that. But I feel like, man, this is such a good way for you to crash and for you to not do a good hit. If you angry, if you. If you. You know, if you this and if you that, you need to be happy, you know, you need to. Mankind is happy. You know, kite is a good sport. And you must be safe, you know, I know you must survive. I mean, I know that the. The conditions. I was there, it's not the conditions to do a trick and. And let the crown scream to you at the same way, but, man, I just want people, you know, to see this as. As a happy. You know, it's not a. It's. It's not. I know it's a mental sport, but it's not a sport. It's extreme sport, but also it gets to show people, you know, what you're feeling right now, you know? And for me, man, it's so nice, you know, to be here and, you know, to show my country that I'm here. And to be honest, if I could do a dance in the trick, like a Brazilian dance, I would do it, man.
- [45:29]
B
Capoeira. Listen, just stick to celebrating, bro. I want you to learn tricks, bro. Hey, you put out Relentless last week. Thought it was super cool, man. You know, I always feel like in these videos we get the. We get awesome. Even in this interview, we really get to see Baby Shark. And the one that you did with your previous brand was also really moving, and this one was just awesome to show you. So excited. And I'll put that in the link, guys, if you haven't seen that, definitely check it out. You mentioned Finn there quickly. One of the new guys to arrive. Since you've been sort of out of the scene, what's your impressions of this guy? And I mean, where's the ceiling for this kid? Because he's a real talent, right?
- [46:08]
A
Man actually has such a unique writing. I mean, when I go to. To B Audio and I see this dude and flying away and doing five shark attacks and five board spins, that's Finn, you know, and it's such a crazy thing to see, man. The guy is good in freestyle. Amazing. And the guy's super good in kite foiling. And the guy super good in Big Ear. And he's what, 15? 16.
- [46:38]
B
16.
- [46:39]
A
Yeah, man. When I was 16, I was. I was riding my bike.
- [46:43]
B
No, you were in King of the Year, buddy. You were in King of the year at 16.
- [46:46]
A
Yeah, yeah. But, yeah, man, I don't. I know. I. I fin. I feel like he's in a good way. He has Nico that is helping him a lot, and it's such a It's such a good thing to see this, this buddy works and man, I feel that he gonna be a problem, to be honest. He's gonna be a problem for us in King of the Air. I'm super sure he's gonna get to King of the this year. And yeah, he's writing super good, super good. He's super good guy. To be honest. Before I thought he's a bit on his side, but now he's in Trifa. He's, you know, in the middle of all the athletes. He's super nice. We've been surfing together in Boltonario and it's super fun, man, super fun kid. Super nice. He's super talented, you know, man, he can be a rock star of kiting, man. He's the world champion freestyle. He maybe becomes a world champion big Year, you know. So it's crazy to see, man super young and super talented and yeah, I have super respect for a super respect from him and super nice to also, man, imagine the best, the best one do my trick, you know. And always he's been mentioning this shark attack, you know, I'm like, man, thank you, thank you for doing the Shark Attack.
- [48:09]
B
What about Cohen doing the Shark Attack in the final? On the inside, right? On the inside.
- [48:13]
A
Yeah, yeah, that was, that was good, man. It's good to see, you know, because I'm not just writing, but I'm also like creating a brand inside of kiting, you know.
- [48:23]
B
By the way, the Shark. Look, there's some, there's some bad names in this industry for tricks, but the Shark Attack is actually super sick. It might, might be one of the best ones.
- [48:32]
A
Yeah, it's super sick. I actually, actually also talk a bit from freestyle, you know, because the, the favorite trick of all the Brazilians I've been asking is the Heart Attack from freestyle. So I was like, why can I not do the Heart Attack? But in Big Year, wait, I'm the shark, so why not the Shark Attack, you know, so it's such a good name, you know, and people talk and it's nice to. It's nice to see because it has something to become to, to. To do with baby shark. So always people remember me. So it's super good to. To have this.
- [49:05]
B
Yeah, it's funny how the Shark attack has become a staple move. I Remember back in 23, Mark knocked you out of King of the Air with your own move. But the big move, the Megalodon, it's only been done once. And by the way, I don't think there'll be Another GK Big Year award. So you might hold that award for life, man. But do you ever want to do the Megalodon again? Is that something that you'd like to do or do you think doubles are over and it's, it's not going to happen anymore?
- [49:28]
A
Yeah, that's a, that's a tough one because in the last combat I didn't show no one doing double loops. Right. A lot of trump sort of, it's
- [49:36]
B
sort of become unpopular. Right. They people just like the really big powered loops, which actually is good for you I think as well.
- [49:43]
A
Well, let me tell you one thing that everyone that was watching was actually right. It's not extreme if you see actually is singles but with two kite loops and doesn't really have a kite angle. And if you do a double loop with a good kite angle, you're gonna crash for sure because the kite is not gonna come back, you know. So I think that the trick I did was such an extreme actually trick because has everything to do. It has the boat off, has a front flip, the body tension, has the double loop. The kite's super low. So I think that that's, that's something that no one is going to do it again because to be honest, double loop, no one is actually looking forward to do it, you know.
- [50:28]
B
And also dude, it's on a 5 meter kite into about knee high chop. I mean the landing's crazy, right? I mean.
- [50:34]
A
Yeah.
- [50:34]
B
Again no one's using those little kites and in, in baccarat anymore.
- [50:40]
A
Yeah, and that's the big area you want to see, to be honest. You know, that's the bigger, big area that is extreme. The big area that it's is actually big air, you know, super loops and like good kite angle and body tension and power and that's what kite boarding is. You know, I think that that is the thing that people want to see and yeah, I mean that is the way man. I think probably double loop was to change a bit, but also was a good thing to I think to improve, you know, the single loops. Because people are doing like massive singles but with double loops. So this is good because people are now doing with crazy, crazy loops. Super good kite angle. And yeah, I think that's the future man. And it's good to see actually everyone back to singles because I don't really, I don't really like to do doubles to be honest. I don't, I don't feel comfortable.
- [51:35]
B
I saw you posted a super short line, you know, finding your inner Jason Van Der Spee doing a big. A little short line loop session at belen area the other day. How was that?
- [51:43]
A
Yeah. Yeah, man, it was so good. Because, like, I was like, man, I mean, the best kite, like, the best shoreline guy created a kite. And I'm on this kite. Why I'm not gonna try to do shorelines. You know, I put the 10 meter lines, man. The kite is insane to short lines. And I think I'm going to invest in this career afterlife, to be honest.
- [52:04]
B
I love that. The post show after lords of tram, when you said you were talking about the kite, you turned to jason. Oh, thanks for the kite, Jason. I thought that was super funny. It was. And I thought jason. Jason just laughed. It was super cool. And, you know, obviously he was super proud. And I know the guys at airash were just over the moon. Hey, the next stop of this world championship is mykonos. It's a place that we went to back in 23 where you filmed your video for kota. I know you went back there last year. Is that a spot that you feel very comfortable it.
- [52:33]
A
I think that's my spot, man. And I feel super happy. I feel so happy that they're going to do a comp there because I don't know why, but I feel like I'm in brazil, man. I mean, the place I came from, you know, I'm in the place that I born and I learned all my tricks. I. I feel that when I'm in mik, I feel this. I feel the energy, you know, and it's such a good thing because it's such a good spot. Good wind. And man, I don't know, I just love this spot. I went there last year to do my videos for king of the air. And, man, people say, or is super good. Like, I was talking to lorenzo. He said, or is the spot is super good or is super shitty, you know, and for me. Or is brazil like brazil conditions? Or is like prime, like super good. And I hope we get these days that is like super good in the. In the day of the computer. And I hope it's really choppy. To be honest, I like the really choppy. You know, in prayer where I come from, people always say, ah, man, why can't I ride in this? You know, that's why I land all my tricks. You know, I know how to land in choppy water. So I feel there. If I don't win, I'm going to be second. So that's what I can say.
- [53:44]
B
Will you go right and left there? Because I know you can go both sides at Mykonos or are you just going to keep going left foot forward? Because when I first met you, you were like a right foot rider. You know, you are dominant on right now. You've completely changed a little bit like Mark Jacobs and, you know, you almost going 90% to the left and 10% to the right. Are you going to tap into that a bit more in Mykonos?
- [54:07]
A
Yeah, for sure. I. Well, so, I mean, it's not, it's not really One thing from GKA, I think the, the variation, but I, I want to make different kind of style of tricks. The spot is such a good spot to do both ways. So, yeah, I think I. Yeah, I think I'm just gonna do both ways there and I'm also starting to work with my right hand. I just work with my left hand and I don't really know how to do stuff on my right hand, but I think it's good for control loops for the left. So, yeah, I'm just gonna be training. It's not really a good spot for training there because super expensive, you know, so for go there for training for like a week and stuff, it has to be the week before the comp and about the Dominican Republic comp that I'm going to go, I'm going to arrive there like right on time. So I think it's going to be nice. I think it's going to be good.
- [55:09]
B
You're going to another comp?
- [55:11]
A
Yeah, I'm going to a new comp which is in Dominican Republic. It's a bigger event. It has super good prize money and I heard it's super good spot and super good also for old school tricks. So I think it's my moment to shine.
- [55:27]
B
Speaking of old school, we were speaking on the podcast the other day saying, do you think we'll ever see freestyle in Big Air again? We spoke about Jesse and Mark and Liam and yourself who've done freestyle at King of the Year. Is that something that you're still interested in doing in Big Air? Do you think freestyle moves has a spot in Big Air? And will we see it again?
- [55:46]
A
Man? Of course. I was talking to Alex actually yesterday when we were trying to prototypes. You were like, man, that's the trick you have to do in King of the Air for you to win is the dango pass. I said, man, I don't really know. Like, he said, man, it's super extreme. If you do it in the right way, you get a lot of points, you know, and that's actually True. It's such a extreme, super extreme and scary trick. Like, if you. If, man, if you miss the bar, you're dead, you know, and it's. It's such a. It's not a loopable trick, but it's so nice to see because it actually show what is the real kite surfing. You know, it's mixed, it's freestyle on big air. So for sure, I will invest in this. In this, I will work more. I work out more my shoulders in the gym, so I don't, you know, fuck up my shoulders. But for sure, if it's like prime, prime in Mykonos, I would try and I think fin. I also will try. I feel like Finn also gonna try this.
- [56:44]
B
I mean, when you do your dangles, you do it to the right, right? I mean, I remember in cape, by the way, if you look at the 20, 23 Red Bull, King of the highlight package, there's one of the shots is of you doing the dangle pass on the way in. Jesse did them on the way out into the kickers. Are you comfortable doing left foot forward into the kickers, or you prefer to do right foot forward on the way in?
- [57:03]
A
Man, I never tried doing for the left, but it's such a more nice angle because you have a back row. And then you go inverted to the. To the dangle pass, you know, to the Kang Fu pass. And I think it's much, much nicer. And that's one of my favorite videos ever. Jess Richmond hitting that wave, and man, doing that double dangle pass. Such a crazy thing.
- [57:24]
B
Well, it's been two years since you've been in King of the Air. Can you believe that's crazy?
- [57:28]
A
I know, I know, I know.
- [57:29]
B
24. I know. 20, 24. You're injured. You out. You and Jeremy were both out that year. I mean, I know you are really gutted to miss out last year, but, you know, like Michael always says, maybe. Maybe you needed to feel that maybe you needed to miss out to. To feel the focus. And, you know, like, I know we've been speaking a lot here, and a lot of it does come down to Michael, and I've been telling everyone he's got it. He's working with a great guy. And, you know, from just me speaking to him, mate, I love what he's doing for you mentally, you know, man, I think that's.
- [58:00]
A
Yeah, I need it. Yeah, I feel that I need it because it's such a good thing to. To push, you know, Imagine, like, imagine I win king of the Ed. This Year, man. It's just like a guy that didn't compete at King of the Air for two years. They one year he broke the leg training for that comp. One year he didn't got selected and the other one he got in, he just win. You know, I think I feel that as a powerful. Yeah, a powerful thing for my mind as well because for sure I'm going to do it in double. You know, I'm going to do King of Dead this year. If I'm planning to do the way I'm planning to do, I'm going to do this in double. You know, the. The years I miss it. The years I could win, man, I could win King of the Year. The year that for example, the. The. Not the last year, the other one that was super light wind. And you call me and say, man, this was your King of the Air, your condition.
- [58:58]
B
Yeah, yeah, yeah. That was when you were injured. Yeah, 20, 20, 24. When Andrea won.
- [59:03]
A
24. Yeah.
- [59:04]
B
And that was. Dude, it was 23 knots. 24 knots. But anyway, I mean, listen, dude, I wanted to say, mate, I'm so happy that you're back. I'm so happy that this deals come on the table. And man, I was gutted that I wasn't there, man, because I would love to have been there for you, but man, I was sitting at home, I was watching on my computer and man, I was so happy for you, bro. I was jumping for joy, actually, to be honest. I was texting everyone. I was like, dude, baby Shark is back, baby, he's back.
- [59:33]
A
Hell yeah.
- [59:33]
B
And it was. It was awesome to see, man. And make good luck for me. Konos, brother, I'll be there for you for sure. And I can't wait to see this year, bro. I'm sure you've got amazing goals. I don't want you to talk about them now because I think that's for you and the team too, to keep to your chest and make good luck in the Dominican. And I can't wait to see you soon, brother. I miss you, man.
- [59:53]
A
Yeah, man, I miss you. I've been almost 10 years. For me, I feel like
- [59:59]
B
it's not been that long, but it feels. It feels long enough. I remember me and you sleeping in Airbnbs in Amsterdam and you know, and you and Andrea and you and. Sorry, you and Lorenzo sharing your room and it's just. Dude, it was. We've had some good times, man. And I'm looking forward to more good times, bro.
- [60:20]
A
Yeah. Now I can drive you. I have a driver license, man.
- [60:23]
B
Yeah. Thank God. Don't have to drive around.
- [60:27]
A
Good, man. Yeah. But thank you, man. I'm happy, actually. Yeah, I have all my goals and I think I will achieve all the goals and I'm. I'm super happy. I'm more than happy working with the team and with a new coach. And, yeah, I hope everything is in the right way. If it doesn't go, you know, or like I always say to my dad, or I'm gonna win or I'm gonna die trying, you know, so I'm gonna try my best and have much fun as I can and help people and, you know, have fun in the water with people and coaching people and sharing my love with Kaiden. Yeah, that's the way I want to do.
- [61:08]
B
Welcome back, brother. We all missed you.
- [61:10]
A
Thanks, man. Good to be back.
- [61:12]
B
Hey, guys, I hope you enjoyed that episode. Don't forget, if you want to support the show, the easiest way is to do it for free. Rate me on Spotify. I'm loving Star Review, guys. Keep them coming in, Share them in your local WhatsApp or kite surfing groups, or just simply tell your friends. If you want to support us more regularly, head over to portraitkite.com and check out all the madness there. Episode 2 of Road to Pro Japan is now live on the site. If you haven't been following this series, definitely check it out. It's Jason Van der Spee, Steezy Pete, and of course, the legend himself, Jetto Kawano. If this is your first time hearing about Portrait, Portrait is an independent media company trying to tell the stories of kiteboarding the way we believe this should. These projects are funded by people just like you. And if you believe in what we do and you want to support us, check out portraitkite.com the podcast will always be free. If you want to find more episodes just like this one, use the search button at kitesurf365 to search your favorite writer or topic. And we're going to be back this Thursday for the Megapod.