SUP and wing pro: Interview with Vinnicius Martins - the waterman from Brazil

Vinni, you're everywhere - wingfoiling champion, SUP world champion, and at the surf festival I also saw you windsurfing at the German Freestyle Battles. Is there any water sport that you don't do?

(Laughs) I grew up in a small town surrounded by water, so water sports came naturally to me. I started windsurfing, learnt a bit of kitesurfing and then started competing in stand-up paddle. When wingfoiling came along, I started doing that too. Lately I've been trying out more and more big wave surfing. So yes - if there's a new water sport, I try to learn it. I love the crossover between all these disciplines.

That sounds like you're a real "Waterman". Is that how you would describe yourself?

(smiles) Yes, that's probably true, even if the term sounds a bit strange. But I can identify with it - like Kai Lenny, who does every water sport under the sun. It's kind of the same vibe.

Where exactly do you live in Brazil?

I come from a town called Búzios, near Rio de Janeiro. It's in the state, but not in the big city. I also spend a lot of time in the north-east, near Jeri. I built a house there, so I'm at home there during the windy season in Brazil.

You mentioned SUP racing earlier - and if I'm not mistaken, you were world champion in that?

Yes, that was in 2019 and I no longer race SUP these days. It takes a lot of time and physical energy to stay at the top level, and once I'd ticked off that point, I wanted to put that energy into other sports that I love. But I still surf a lot on the SUP - even in bigger and bigger waves. Last year I had some great sessions in Nazaré and the Basque Country.

I've seen your Nazaré photos - such an iconic, almost mythical place. What's it like to surf there?

This was my fourth season in Nazaré. There aren't many wingfoil events in winter, so I treat it like a holiday and go there for one to three months. When the waves are big, we surf. But what people often don't realise is that there are also great small to medium waves in Nazaré. And Portugal is fantastic - great food, the same language, and I have a great group of friends there. We live together, train and push each other on big days. It's one of my favourite times of the year.

There are also great small to medium waves in Nazaré!"

How do you organise the safety crew? Do you hire people or is it more of a team effort?

I'm lucky that I have a permanent crew. Most of them have more experience with big waves than I do. We take turns - one drives the jet ski and takes care of the rescue, the other surfs. It makes a lot more sense that way. It's not just about a paid service, but about trust and friendship.

You also go out with the Wing and the Foil in Nazaré...

Yes, it always depends on the conditions. The "Waterman" mentality, which we talked about earlier, is about using all the different equipment. I try to do the same in Nazaré: Wing foiling, tow foiling, SUP, tow surf - whatever works on the day.

You said that winning the SUP World Championship title was a goal that you were able to tick off. What's next on the list?

Winning a wingfoil wave event on the World Tour is a big goal for me. The level is insanely high at the moment, especially with all the young talent. Last year I got two fourth places - which was pretty good - and I think with a smart strategy it's not impossible to win. But I also love travelling and finding new spots. Last year I was in Norway and this year in Chile, where I rode waves with the Wingfoil at spots that nobody had ridden before. I find that super exciting, in the spirit of the old sailors!

So you're not just on the hunt for contest results, but also for new places and adventures?

Exactly. I work closely with a lot of really talented photographers and filmmakers. We try to co-ordinate creatively and I think the action is also their perspective, which makes a big difference. There are amazing riders out there, but if you don't capture the image well, it's harder to tell the story. I enjoy that part - not just the performance, but also documenting and promoting the sport.

I also try to think from the photographer's perspective."

You're also very active on social media, as can be seen from your accounts...

I think that's important. The results of competitions are unpredictable - there are so many variables - but if you can consistently produce strong visual content, that's something valuable. I'm lucky that my sponsors, like JP-Australia and NeilPryde, recognise that. So the achievement is mainly me pushing myself, rather than the pressure from the brands.

What's next in your diary?

I'm going to another festival - with a similar atmosphere - in the Dominican Republic: the Cabarete Wing Foil Festival. After that, I'll probably be travelling to the Canary Islands in the summer to concentrate on jump height and progression.

So you're travelling almost all year round?

Yes, I spend the winters in Portugal, otherwise I travel around the world for events and in search of wind.

Sounds fantastic. And next weekend we can meet you at the Foil Festival on Fehmarn?

In any case - I'll be there!