Surfer/Writer
Community

The Inertia

Contrary to popular belief (and the Chinese calendar), last year was not the year of the goat. Rather, it was the year of Filipe Toledo.

Although Filipe didn’t have the opportunity to smooch the title trophy, he won more contests (3) than any other surfer on Tour. Many were convinced he would learn from his few mistakes, putting him well in contention for a 2016 World Title. And while it may be too soon to postulate, it’s not looking too good for the 21-year-old Brazilian.

Earlier this year, Filipe Toledo suffered a nasty groin injury in the semifinals of the Quiki Pro Gold Coast against world number one, Matt Wilkinson. Numbed by the adrenaline, Filipe sucked it up for the remaining 25 minutes of the heat. Oddly enough, he surfed his heart out and posted some excellent scores, but came up just short. It wasn’t until he stepped foot on the beach that he knew something wasn’t right.

Filipe’s injuries forced him to withdraw from Bells and Margaret River, but he was determined to heal up in time for the Oi Rio Pro. Surprisingly, Filipe made it. But not before announcing to the world on his 21st birthday that he and his lady, Ananda Marçal, are expecting a baby.

Recently, filmmaker Bruno Baroni caught with Filipe in his hometown of Ubatuba, Brazil. “After a long process of rehabilitation, Filipe was so anxious to return to Ubatuba,” wrote  Bruno. “As much as he was worried about his comeback to the Rio Pro.”

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think injury and fatherhood would slow him down. However, despite a bit of apprehension, Bruno paints a picture that clearly illustrates Filipe’s unwavering commitment to being the best. Old boy’s still got it.

 
Newsletter

Only the best. We promise.

Contribute

Join our community of contributors.

Apply