Meet Red Bull Rising Athlete Wiggolly Dantas

Big things are expected from Wiggolly Dantas, the latest in the long line of hot surfers coming off the Brazilian conveyor belt. While his small wave act is typically electric, it was in the 2006 Monstor Energy Pro, held in big, epic and dangerous Pipeline, that Wiggolly showed he has the potential, talent and determination to be a star of the sport.   These characteristics shone through at he Red Bull Rising selection camp. “It was a great surprise to be selected,” said Wiggolly. “Among so many excellent surfers from different culture and countries, we all have the same desires to build friendship through surfing”, says Wiggolly.  “The most exciting part of the camp was Mick Fanning words to the surfers”, says Wiggolly, knowing words of advice from world champs is rare wisdom indeed. The goofyfooter’s surfing addiction started when he was just three. His older brother and sister taught him to stand on a board. In 2005, he was crowned Quiksilver King of the Groms in France. Now, living in Itamambuca Beach south of Sao Paulo, he says that winning that event was a fantastic feeling: “I was crying with happiness when I won the title!". In 2007 Dantas took out the American Billabong Pro Junior in Peru, and the quiet Brazilian, with the engaging smile, seems unstoppable for 2008. Dantas says that the surfers he admires most are Mick Fanning, Andy Irons and Kelly Slater. “My aim is to be on the WCT, it’s my dream," he says. “When there are no waves, I do boxing training and practice jiu jitsu."   Dantas also loves watching surfing movies for motivation. “I get ideas and inspiration from them," he says. When it comes to naming his favourite surf breaks, Dantas obviously loves the biggies. “I love Pipeline because it’s a nice left and Teahupoo, as I like the dangerous wave." Once again, his favourite wave choices indicate his desire to mix it in the most heaviest of surfing's cauldrons.