"... World Champion first, then president"

Peterson Crisanto is already ISA’s current junior runner-up World Champion. Why he’s confident about his next goals, the 16-year-old Brazilian disclosed in an interview.

Congratulations on your second place at the ISA’s World Junior Surfing Championships, Peterson. What thoughts were going through your mind on your way home?

At first I was really disappointed, because in the heat I needed 9.24 to win, and only scored 9.20. But when I got home I felt very proud because my family, friends and sponsors all congratulated me!

Is there a move, a wave, a moment that decidedly sticks in your mind?

Many, but the wave I scored a 10 with at the ISA is the one that sticks in my mind.

Please give us a few details about yourself. What word do you say the most; which expression would your friends call typically Peterson?

I love to sleep and eat. That’s why my friends call me BEAR! They all say I’m funny.

Who do you call when you’re bored?

I call my manager. The last time was today at the BillaBong in Bahia because I wanted to leave. So he called my sponsors and they came to pick me up, took me surfing and then to dinner. They convinced me to stay here.

And what’s your favorite piece of clothing?

Pants, wet suit and tennis shoes, all from BillaBong.

When, where and why did you start surfing?

In Matinhos, South Brazil, when I was four years old because my father was a surfer.

Is it a coincidence that you have the same first name as Brazil’s surfing legend Peterson Rosa?

Peterson Rosa was a good friend of my dad’s. My dad always said, ‘If I have a son he will have your name and you will be his godfather’. And then it really happened.

Your godfather is also your biggest role model?

Yes, because he’s a strong competitor, full of energy and has a lot of attitude.

Rosa’s style was described by his rival Cory Lopez with the words: ‘If Cookie Monster could surf, he’d surf like Peterson Rosa.’ How would you describe your surfing style?

My surf is innovative, power surf, and I’m a bit like Red Bull, because when I’m surfing it feels like I have wings!

What sporting goals do you dream of?

I want to win the under 21 World Championship title, then WQS, WCT, and surf until I’m old.

And what dream would you like to realize that has nothing to do with surfing?