Carlos Mario Is The New MANERA Team Ambassador

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Manera has added the super-talented Carlos Mario ‘Bebe’ to their international team. Bebe, the young freestyler, is on top of his game right now. He won the first World Tour stop of 2016 in Egypt and was the tour runner-up last year. To learn more about Bebe’s background, continue reading the press release from Manera, below.

Bebê has a life story good enough for a Hollywood movie. Living in North Eastern Brazil in a village called Bairro do Cauipe, he learnt how to fly a kite with his uncle when he was 5. Not owning proper gear, the only way he could kite at that time was by borrowing a quiver from some tourists. Carlos’ talent wasn’t recognized by local people until a company owner from Sao Paulo decided to trust in his future and help him compete on the Brazilian and the World tours.

Carlos grew up on the shore of the Caiupe lagoon in Northeastern Brazil.

Whether it is a natural talent or a skill developed during the hard times he’s been through, Bebê has something magical when he steps into his boots. His style and fluidity in the air has convinced the judges and the public. He was Vice World Champion in 2015 and he is starting 2016 with a win at the first event.

For him, kitesurfing isn’t just a sport and a passion, but also a way to take care of his family and to make them proud.

We are glad to welcome such a character into our team.

Bebe is leading the new generation of freestyle riders.

Interview with CARLOS MARIO:

Where are you from and where are you currently living?
I’m from Brazil, I’m living in Cauipe-estate of Ceara.

What was the last picture you took with your phone?
The last photo I took was a selfie in the competition area.

Last thing you bought?
The last thing I bought was a skate board.

If you could wake up tomorrow in the body of someone else, who would it be?
Felipe Toledo is a surf athlete. I like him very much.

How about your sentimental life?
About my sentimental life… I like to be looking after people and I like to share what a like to do with my friends.

You come from a very simple place: what would you have done if you were not a pro kiteboarder?
I think I would be a football player as I had the opportunity to play in a big team in Brazil in the past, before I learned kitesurf.

Can you explain to us a bit how you get into kitesurfing and how it changed your life?
I learned with my uncle, one of the first men to kitesurf in Ceara Cauipe. I fell in love with the sport once I tried. My uncle gave me a lot of support and it changed my life. Through kitesurf I was able to win competitions and give a better life to my family; especially to my mother, giving her the house that she always wanted. I love kitesurfing and I can’t see myself doing another thing.

What is the first French word you learnt?
The first word was, “Thank you very much”: Merci beaucoup

You have both the Christian cross and the Star of David around the neck: What does it mean to you?
The medal is like protection for me, there is nothing to do with religion: I feel like the star is shining, and the crucifix is God blessing me.