The Red Bull Under My Wing project took full flight in Brazil as multiple world skate champion Sandro Dias opened the doors of his São Paulo house to 10 rookie riders.
Sandro is the Pelé of Brazilian skateboarding, winning the world vert skate title every year from 2003 to 2007 to gain international recognition. Of course his Skateboard Vert gold medal at X Games 12 did not hurt his global reputation either.
'Sure, I want the kids to turn into good competitors, but I also want them to become great human beings and remember to always have fun while skating'
While injury has prevented Sandro, or Mineirinho as he is know to his friends, from continuing to compete at the highest level he his still regarded as ‘King of the 540’. Another remarkable feat in Sandro’s career is that he is one of only four people in the world to ever land a 900 in competition.
To get in the mood to help out 10 Brazilian beginners we asked Sandro for his first skating memories.
“My first contact with skating was in 1986. Myself and a buddy got his brother’s skateboard and put a car tyre on top. While one sat in the tyre, the other pushed the board down the hill. We may have been sitting down but we hit full speed.”
After this auspicious start in the sport Sandro was named best Brazilian beginner in the ‘street’ category just two years later. Less than 12 months after this first award Sandro was taking part in international competition as he packed his board and flew to Germany.
After first catching the skate bug Sandro’s interest was hampered by the lack of facilities around São Paulo. Thankfully Sandro later returned to the sport and left his mark on vert skating with tricks and wins all over the globe.
The Under My Wing project asked Sandro not only to use his knowledge of nurturing his own young talent but also to share the unique expertise he possesses. Sandro showed his commitment to the project by handpicking the 10 novices who would join him at his house for the weekend.
Red Bull Photofiles
Sandro selected the best of the best from Brazil’s beginner skateboard championships and invited them to his place on the outskirts of São Paulo for a three-day coaching clinic.
Many of the lucky youngsters picking up skating tips from the former world champion had never ridden anything like the 18m x 15m x 4m halfpipe in Sandro’s backyard.
While Sandro encouraged the kids with helpful hints to develop their tricks he also advised the masterclass on what life is like on the skating circuit.
“The main thing here isn’t about being the best athlete. Sure, I want the kids to turn into good competitors, but I also want them to become great human beings and remember to always have fun while skating.”
Instead of picking a winner at the end of the weekend Sandro preferred to let the group of 10 vote for their own champion. The skater who was smiling from ear to ear at the end of an unforgettable three days was 14-year-old Matheus Mello.
“This was a real dream for me. I hardly believed it when I got the invitation. Watching Sandro ride and using his tips for sharpening our tricks was a unique opportunity for all of us. Everyone improved a lot, so we all deserve to be congratulated.”
Want more?
- For more from Sandro's Under My Wing, click here
- Read Sandro's profile here
- For more skate sports news, click here
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