How did you get into skating?
On the streets with the kids.
When did you decide to commit yourself to the sport full time?
The first time I stepped in a board I knew it was for life.
Did you find it pretty hard to break into a male-dominated sport?
It was hard to start with and my Dad was super-mad at me because I was the only girl in the middle of eight guys in the skate park!
Do you consider yourself to be an adrenaline junkie?
Yes, especially when I see gaps, stairs and rails.
Can you give us a run down of your average day?
When I’m home in Brazil, I go to school, come home and take a nap, ride my motocycle and go to the skate park. After that, I hang out with my family, do my homework and go to sleep. When I’m in the States, it’s a surprise every day! I never know how my day will be. Usually I wake up, spend some time on my computer, go skate, watch movies and on the weekends I skate a lot and go filming with Lisa Whitaker or shoot some photos with Ana Paula. There’s a lot of contests too so I’m always traveling around. I just got back from a tour in Mexico City.
And if you could have the perfect day, what would it include?
I think my days are perfect… I skate and do all I want.
What are your plans for this autumn?
Summer is almost over so I only have three more skate contests this year, then I’ll go back to Brazil.
What’s your favourite place to skate?
Central Surf skatepark in Brazil and the streets of Los Angeles.
Do you still get nervous before a big contest?
Not any more, I used to though. Especially the first time I entered the X Games in the US!
What is the atmosphere like behind the scenes?
It’s fun and I get to hang out with friends from far away places that I only see at contests.
What are your suitcase essentials when you are travelling?
My iPod (R.I.P.), my laptop, my board, tools, lots of candies and my bandana.
What have been your biggest career setbacks?
I’m just starting out in my skate career so I hope that doesn’t happen!
What have your greatest achievements been so far?
To be able to skate in California.
Who or what are your inspirations?
Elissa Steamer and Vanessa Torres.
What affect does your career have on your personal life?
It doesn’t affect it too much because I started to skate early so my skateboard is like an extension of my body! It’s very natural to me.
How do you relax when you get the chance?
I like to take hot bath with LOTS of bubbles.
What’s up next for you?
My first full video part on the Osiris video that’s coming out this November.
Photos by: Ana Paula Negrao
