He’s also been described as “a puma with a jet-pack strapped to his back.” In his first event in the big league, the tiny teen latino made the semi-finals and let out an Amazonian roar to the world’s best, a warning that if they don’t watch out he could mop the floor with them

1. Who’s given you the best piece of advice about surfing in the WCT? What was it?

My manager and coach, Pinga. He always tells me to surf the way I know how to surf, take little steps, one event at a time. Always try to evolve and to be the best I can be. This is a new time in my life where the details are gonna make the difference. You never reach the top, you simply climb over a mountain – and there will always be new mountains. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and always give 100%.

2. Are you at an advantage being the new underdog on tour?

I think so!

3. Why are the next generation of Brazilian kids so damn hungry?

I think it’s because ... where we live, we have to work really hard to make our dreams come true. There are a few guys who should be on the WCT soon; Jean da Silva and Pablo Paulino for sure, also Hizunome Bettero and Leandro Bastos. But you should really look at the 13 and 14-year-old Brazilians, they’re the ones who’re gonna rip in a few years. There’s a really good crop coming up.

4. What is the biggest misunderstanding the rest of the world has about Brazilian surfers? Is it funny or just plain annoying?

I really think a lot of people have a huge misconception about Brazilians. We are extroverted, sometimes we talk loud and we laugh out loud too, specially when we’re together and relaxed. But that’s the way we are, we don’t mean no disrespect. We are friendly and loyal and we stay true to our roots. Basically, we are Latin! The Italians are loud like us and everyone seems to accept that. I think people should try to understand and respect other cultures. Of course, it’s up to us to know when we can be relaxed and when we have to be more discreet.

5. A few years back you came out of nowhere to smash a crew of complacent Australian kids on their junior series. They were so threatened and scared by you, they started calling you ‘De Loser’ Expecting you to have just gotten lucky once or twice? Did that make you want to beat them even more?

I never pay too much attention to what other people say or don’t say. I went to Australia to compete in the World Juniors and to learn English. I went there to win and fortunately I did. If there was someone going into heats with something other than victory in their mind it wasn’t me.

6. Where would you like to see pro surfing go?

I wanna see surfing reach the level of tennis or golf, where the industry has a lot of money and everyone can have solid careers. I also think surfing can be a lot more professional in every sense of the word, so our sport can have the respect it deserves. But all that without losing its soul and the essence of our lifestyle. I think that’s the biggest challenge: going mainstream without losing our identity.

7. Surfers from around the world know that Brazil has the hottest women. With you being the best young surfer out of Brazil, that must mean you get the hottest of the hot? Care to comment?

There’s no doubt that Brazil is blessed in that aspect. But I’ve always been really mellow, I don’t go out too much. I’ve been with the same girl for almost two years now and I’m really stoked. And yes, my chick is hot!