IN THE BEGINNING

How did you get into windsurfing?

My dad was 9 times Brazilian overall champion so when I was five he bought me my first mini-rig & BIC board. I used to live in front of the sea and he just taught me whenever it was windy            (Fortaleza is the windiest place in Brazil - handy!).

Were you into waves or freestyle first?

I got into waves first in 1998, as that was what my friends and my father were into. In 2002 I started freestyling.

Where & when was your first windsurfing trip abroad?

To Maui in 2002 with my Uncle and my Dad. It was very good.

How does school fit into being a professional windsurfer?

It’s very hard to do both. I study by mail, in Guincho I had books with me and whenever I have the time, I send the tests back to Brazil. I only have one more year to do.

Do you get homesick? When I am travelling and sailing not so but when there is no wind & waves, I get a bit bored and then I get homesick, like here (in Guincho) although this place is full of chicks!

Why do people call you ‘Brauzinho’?

My Dad’s nickname is Brau (from his surname) and Brauzinho means the smaller version of my Dad. (Like mini-me from Austin Powers!!)

BEST BUDDY

When did you meet fellow Brazilian Pro, Kauli Seadi?

I met Kauli in 1995 (when Marcilio was 6). He has helped me with everything; from teaching me a little bit of English to learning the latest freestyle moves, without him, it would be very hard for me to do, let alone enjoy the Tour.

Will you two become No.1 and No.2 in the world and who will be No.1?!

Kauli will defiantly be No.1! I don’t know about me in number two but Kauli will get more titles for sure.

Do you think he felt threatened when you won your first PWA title this year?

Not at all. When I won in Belgium he was very stoked for me.

Are you into all the yoga and mental preparation like Kauli?

Kauli does it much more than me. I started doing the yoga last year when home in Brazil but it’s harder when you’re travelling. Kauli is much more focused than me.

Do any moves scare you?

All jumps on port tack scare me! Riding big waves is also scary.

What moves have you been working on recently?

I’ve been working on push loop table tops but I’m still kind of learning them. Then just improving my wave riding and freestyle moves like shakas.

Why do you choose the Naish Session over the Naish Boxer?

I find the Session a very ‘easy moving’ sail. The Boxer is more stable and more powerful but the Session is a very light sail and I find it easier to finish off moves because of this.

Do Naish put any pressure on you to do well at competitions?

Not at all. Of course they would like a good result but they just said to me, for now, practice and have fun. They are very cool.

Do you use custom or production boards?

I use production: in the Naish range I use the Wave 70 and the hybrids for lighter wind days. For freestyle I use the 99 and 116 Playmates.

INTO ADULTHOOD

What’s your focus over the next few competition seasons?

I want to focus on freestyle and waves but a little more in the waves perhaps.