JP Aloha Classic PWA World Cup - Brawzinho captures the world title

by Vivienne Masters on 4 Nov 2013 In September at the PWA Cold Hawaii World Cup, Marcilio ‘Brawzinho’ Browne (Goya Windsurfing / MFC) won his first PWA Wave event, which threw the title race wide open. When it was confirmed that the PWA would be returning to the hallowed shores of Ho’okipa for the first time in seven years, for the JP Aloha Classic, Brawzinho quickly became one of the favorites to capture the world title.

However, this would be unchartered territory for the twenty-four year old, who was looking to win his maiden PWA Wave World Title. Would he be able to handle the pressure against some of the finest sailors in the world, in their own backyard?

In the single elimination Browne sailed a fantastic first heat, but ultimately suffered a shock early exit in the second round, with Browne himself acknowledging the fact that sailing under such stress was affecting his performance, he said 'In the first heat I was just having fun and in the second one I think I was thinking a bit too much and got stressed out. I am looking forward to reset and start fresh for the double.'

Would he be able to reset and free his mind?

Yes. Credit where credit is due, Brawzinho delivered an exceptional display of sailing as he rotated through powerful air takas combined with gouging turns to clinch the title ahead of Alex Mussolini (Tabou / Gaastra).

After capturing the PWA Wave World Championship for the first time in his career, with caught up with the man himself. Read the interview below.

PWA: Congratulations again for capturing your first PWA Wave World Title, has it sunk in yet that you are world champion yet?

MB: 'Not 100% , hehehehehe , I feel so happy , almost numb!'

PWA: How did you celebrate on Friday?

MB: 'We had a few friends at Caitlin’s dad place, it was fun, couple of drinks and good food !!! Nice to see that some of my close friends were there and so happy for me, that made it so much more special.'

PWA: What age did you start windsurfing? And when did you know that you wanted to be a professional windsurfer?

MB: 'Started at 4, when I was 8 it was already my dream to be a professional for sure.'

PWA: After winning the PWA Freestyle World Title in 2007, was it difficult / frustrating, to begin with at least, when you changed to waves?

MB: 'It wasn’t that bad because wavesailing is my favorite thing in the world to do, so I was enjoying myself always, but it was a bit frustrating at competition for a couple of years, I couldn't find the rhythm and did not get the results I was hoping to for a few years so it was hard to keep the confidence up. It’s an unreal feeling to have this year end the way it did, here on Maui with a Ho’okipa event.'

PWA: Before this year what was your best wave result?

MB: '4th in Cape Verde and Portugal.'

PWA: Do you think there’s anything in particular that helped you with your competition sailing this year?

MB: 'I tried to change my perspective on things and I feel like that helped me out . I just tried to keep a positive outlook on whatever was happening to me and that made the whole tour so much more enjoyable and less stressful.'

PWA: What equipment were you on Friday?

MB: '5,0 banzai and 84l quad'

PWA: Are there any moves that you find easier on starboard compared to port tack or vice versa? If so which?

MB: 'Probably like all moves a bit better on starboard. Maybe backside 360’s and reverses I prefer on port .

PWA: Favorite move, both jumping and on the wave?

MB: 'I don’t have a favorite move on the waves, I like things that look fast and fluid, and on jumping my favorite is push forward.'

PWA: You’re still in the race for the Red Bull Storm Chase, which location if you could choose would you like to go to?

MB: 'Probably France or the US east coast. I heard the spot in France is amazing, and I’ve never sailed the East coast, so one of them would be great.'

PWA: What are your favorite conditions to sail in?

MB: 'Probably a good day in Cape Verde is my favorite conditions, but I like to mix it up . There are so many types of conditions that can be so fun, so it’s good to mix it up.'

PWA: With the 2013 PWA World Tour now complete, how will you be spending your winter?

MB: 'I will go to Brazil and celebrate with family and friends. Also I’ll go to Chile to do some training and will be back to Maui by the end of Dec. Hopefully we will have a winter full of good waves.'

PWA: Finally, what advice would you give to young and upcoming sailors who want to start competing?

MB: 'Enjoy it as much as possible, spend more time sailing in conditions that you feel weaker in and get someone to film you, hehehehehehe.'

PWA: Thanks Brawzinho, and massive congratulations again for winning your first PWA Wave World Title.

For more information on all the entrants, and to keep up to date with every piece of the action, click on PWA World Tour Website