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Creator of Medina's Surfboards Overcomes Difficulties, but Only Sees Future Abroad

08/03/2015 - 09h51

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ÉDER FANTONI
SPECIAL ENVOY TO MARESIAS

It is not difficult to find a surfboard shop in Maresias, São Sebastião, on the north coast of São Paulo, where world champion Gabriel Medina, 21, was born. But it was not easy to find the target of this news report.

On a very narrow dirt street there is a pizza restaurant, a small grocery store and even a dentist's office. Further down the street, quite hidden, is Johnny Cabianca, 51, one of the world's best shapers - professionals who design and make surfboards.

Cabianca is responsible for the boards used by Medina, who became the first Brazilian surfer to clinch the world championship in Hawaii in 2014.

To become one of the best shapers in the world, Cabianca, who has five siblings, had to overcome his parents' distrust - they expected him to follow a different career.

Among his siblings there is a psychologist, an agronomist, a teacher and a dentist. His father is also a dentist. "And I make surfboards," says Cabianca, laughing.

Cabianca returned to Brazil after nearly 15 years living in Europe. He now lives in Maresias with his wife and his son. His suitcase, however, is already packed for his return to Spain.

"Business is not doing well here. I had 600 boards ready to be sold in January. I didn't manage to sell even 300. There is no commitment in Brazil," says Cabianca, referring to the delays of the companies that distribute his products.

Wherever he is, however, he always has the confidence of the man who makes the best use of his surfboards.

"He is a very talented guy and works very hard. I can see the love he puts into the boards. He is part of my history. Johnny is the man," says Medina.

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

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