Question & Answer
With Alcino Neto “Pirata”  

Brazilian surfer, Pirata, embodies the spirit of the ISA Mission perfectly.  Pirata is not only an inspiration for people with disabilities, but for the whole surfing community. 

Alcino Neto, more widely known as Pirata (Pirate), was born in Guaruja, Brazil, July 6, 1969.  He has been surfing since he was 8 years old.  During his childhood and adolescence, he took part in regional surfing championships.  At age 16 he suffered a serious motorcycle accident, being trampled by a drunk driver.  Because of the lack of assistance and injuries suffered, he had his left leg amputated.  The barriers that appeared after the accident were, little by little, overcome with his determination and strength of will to surf again.

He is now producing his second DVD about Adaptive Surfing. In the following paragraphs, Pirata, member of the ISA Adapted Surfing Committee, talks about his upcoming movie, among other things.  
 
How did the idea of making the first DVD, Surfing For All, arise?
The idea came about in the surfing school that I have in Guarujá.  Having a lot of love for those with disabilities, I sought to work on behalf of millions of incapacitated people.  I wanted to make a DVD that sought to teach and improve the techniques for each disabled person.

What is the idea for the second DVD?
The idea is to show the federations the possibility of having an adaptive surfing category, as a part of the ISA events, and to encourage the self-esteem of the new athletes.  

When does the film launch?  How long will it last?  And what are we going to see?
The launch has not yet been determined, but the film will last 40 minutes and the themes are varied, depending on the different degrees of disability or deficiency in the sport, the adaptations and the boards used.  Also, we will see the style of teaching and forms of working with the different disabilities in the sport.

What do you intend to achieve as a leading member of the ISA Committee for Disabled Surfing?
I believe that it is very important to have a committee geared towards Adaptive Surfing.  Without this, the discipline would not have rules and the people would not have the will to practice the sport.  Thus, it would become something without direction.  It will be necessary to accredit schools so that they can teach and to better their teaching materials.

What is the ultimate objective, the best scenario?
The sole objective is that someday we will be able to have more disabled people in the Adaptive Surfing arena, and for the ISA to hold a disciplined event.  And, the best scenario would be that all the federations, with their disabled athletes, would be ready to participate in a great event of fraternization.

You have just won the Extremity Games, how was your experience?
It was a great event that took place in a perfect pool; a good arena for the disabled access, and all the waves being equal, everyone had an equal playing field.
I think that an event such as this, allows the sport to better each year, and each year more athletes attend.  And, for me, to consecrate me as sacred World Champion, was the ultimate glory. This, on top of the joy that I received from integrating the disabled into the sport.

Explain what you were trying to say in this phrase:  “Limits only exist in your mind”
It’s a sentence that I have used for many years and it expresses that there are not limits for those that want to conquer things in life, things are the way they are; the most important thing is that you find your ideals and be respected by all in the sport.  This is the reason for the saying. 

A message that you want to give people who surf or don’t, or to those that have some deficiency:
Limits only exist in your mind.

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