Mitu and Guilly – fathers and adventurers

Mitu Monteiro Surfin Sem Fim

Two legends of the sport talk about how they’ve managed to combine raising kids with pursuing their careers in kitesurfing

 

Photos: Analice Diniz (unless stated otherwise)

 

 

A regular guide for Surfin Sem Fim, three-time wave riding World Champion Guilly Brandão and Mitu Monteiro, another former World Champ and occasional guide for SSF, were together with their families at Rancho do Peixe, in Preá, Brazil, in August to train on the run up to the SSF expeditions they would be leading.

 

 

While Guilly was gathering his riders for the 200km Special Coaching trip, Mitu projected an air of tranquility and confidence to the group that would accompany him along the 40-kilometre Beginner Route, a downwind adventure designed for beginner level kiters

On this expedition, it was Michael, the 7 year-old son of Mitu, who would steal the show. Introducing your child to kiteboarding is one thing, but taking them on a downwinder is something else entirely! 

 

 

“I was worried about teaching the first ‘theoretical’ concepts of the sport, such as safety and technique. Only after that did I allow Michael to enter the sea alone” recalls Mitu.

Flash forward just a few days and Michael was about to embark on his first multi-day downwinder led by his father on the Beginner Route. The trip left Preá and was off on the journey to Tatajuba. They travelled for 40 kilometers across the ocean with a board at their feet, kites propelling them forward and a connection with nature that only a downwinder powered solely by the strength of the wind can provide. Mitu led the way as Michael inspired his fellow downwind adventurers with his bravery and how quickly he had risen to the challenge.

 

 

Kiting is a sport that unites people and engages whole families. Little Bento, the 4 month old son of Guilly Brandão, is the youngest in the Surfin Sem Fim family. Like Mitu’s kids, Bento is being raised on the beach. It might as well be his backyard. 

 


Photo: Leca Mir

“The experience of working and training and still having the support of my wife who’s always behind me and looking after our son while I’m away is gratifying. Both of them are my inspirations!” Guilly says proudly, talking of his new role as a daddy.

 

Find out more about the kind of downwind expeditions Guilly and Mitu lead at Surfin Sem Fim here

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