Bruna Schmitz

Photo Courtesy Of Bruna Schmitz

WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP IN MATHINOS, BRAZIL?
It was awesome. I come from a really small town, and I love the fact that I was able to have so much freedom. Everything was so close: I rode bikes all over, walked to the beach, and if I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing about it.

WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER THE OCEAN?
My parents always took us (my siblings and I) to the beach from when we were very young. I was familiar with the ocean since toddler, but the passion started when we moved to Matinhos. I was around six years old.

HOW IS IT EVEN POSSIBLE TO BECOME A PRO SURFER AT AGE 15?
I started competing when I was 11, and it just went on from there. You start on amateur events and when your level improves you move on to professional events. I took that route a bit earlier than my friends at the time.

HOW MANY HOURS OF TRAINING DO YOU PUT IN A DAY AND WHAT’S THE MOST TECHNICALLY CHALLENGING ASPECT OF THE SPORT?
To surf everyday it depends mostly on swell. If it's flat I can’t surf, so I do other exercises like Pilates and yoga. But I would say cardio, and your arms and shoulders always need more love when I stay out of the water for a bit. We call it out of surf shape. It's the worst, but it usually takes me two to three days to get back on it.

WHAT IS THE CHARM; THE EXCLUSION, THE ONENESS WITH THE ELEMENTS OR LIVING ON THE EDGE?
I’ve always loved not knowing what comes next. I wouldn’t know how to live in a different way.

ONLY A FRACTION OF ALL SPECIES LIVING IN THE SEA HAVE BEEN ACCOUNTED FOR AND REPORTED. HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ANYTHING OUT THERE THAT MADE YOU GO, “WAIT A MINUTE”?
Not really. It's hard to see anything when I'm focusing on something else, but I think I also don’t wanna see it. I try to avoid the thought of creatures underneath me, if you know what I mean…“sharks”.

WHERE ARE THE BEST WAVES FOUND IN THE WORLD?
There are amazing waves all over the globe. But I would say on islands are my favorite places to surf.

WHAT HOBBIES DO YOU HAVE OUTSIDE OF YOUR PROFESSION?
Many. Cooking, playing golf and tennis with Dane (fiancé), movies, and lately the one thing I can’t avoid: planning a wedding.

WHAT DO BEAUTY ROUTINES DO YOU SWEAR BY CONSIDERING THAT YOUR SKIN AND HAIR ARE CONSTANTLY EXPOSED TO WATER AND THE SUN?
Hydration. Water, water, water. Sunscreen, religiously. Moisturizing, exfoliating, and lots of beauty products.

SWIMWEAR, HOW DO YOU STAY ON TOP OF THE TRENDS?
My friends, and Roxy.

OH, IS LIFE A BEACH?
Absolutely.