Evelin Neves looks back on an intense year as part of the GONG team with big results in competition, memorable sessions and the discovery of foiling.
During her recent trip in France to meet with the GONG teams and discover the GONG Space Center which had not yet opened its doors during her last visit, Evelin looked back on an intense year which reinforced her natural smile! 😉
Surfer: Evelin, team rider GONG, avec la Moblog 9’3 sur l’un de nos home spots.Hello Evelin, how does it feel to be back in France? What did you think of our new facilities?
I love coming to France! The culture, landscapes and hospitality are exceptional. I was amazed by the new shop and the whole GONG Space Center. Visiting the shop is a dream for a surfer. You don’t even have to be a surfer to appreciate this extraordinary place. Your eyes sparkle as soon as you walk through the door. There are an incredible number of boards on display, all the possible accessories and Wear but also the gym and the restaurant just next to the store in a very friendly atmosphere with great music.
Did you have the chance to eat at the Slab?
Yes of course! I couldn’t resist the burger which I loved. On my stay I often took breaks there for a little snack 😉 The crêpes and cookies are dangerously good.
How did you experience your first two years in the team?
Joining the team completely changed my life! What’s crazy is that it allowed me to get even closer to my element. The quiver I have gives me options to make the best out of any conditions. Whatever the type of waves, sea conditions or wind, I have a solution to spend time in the water. So it’s pretty rare when I am not on the water these days. This is huge and I will be forever grateful to GONG for making this lifestyle possible! Today GONG is a huge part of my life, I don’t do anything without thinking about it.
Surfer: Evelin, GONG team rider, on a Carter PU.Can you tell us about the contests you took part in in Brazil?
Since I joined the GONG team I have lined up for regional and national longboard events with the Pampa, which allows me to play to my strengths in nose rides and curves. I placed second in the Brazilian championship and got third place on the WSL South America tour. Results of which I am very proud. I also won local events like the Jericoacoara Longboard Surf Festival with my close friends on the beach. It was a huge moment for me.
This May 12, 2023 I will participate in the Vans Duct Tape Surf Festival thanks to the invitation of the longboard world champion Joel Tudor himself! We will be 16 women and 16 men, with 4 invitations reserved for the locals of which I am obviously part of 😉
Surfer: Evelin chaired up the beach after her win the Jericoacoara Longboard Surf Festival in 2022.This year you got into wing and surf foiling. How does it feel to fly? 😉
It’s the best feeling I can imagine! The beginnings in wing foiling were not easy for me because I had never practiced a wind sport. I gave myself the means to get there by devoting time and energy to it. I’m so glad I did because it is so much fun now. Even the first times were exciting because I progressed with each session and above all I discovered a new way to spend time in the water. The feeling of freedom is really crazy, especially since you move in silence without any engine!
How long did it take you to fly?
Before learning to master the wing, I did a few wake foiling sessions. I was towed by a boat on my surf foiling gear. An exercise that I recommend if you can. I had little opportunity to do it but it helped me enormously. I managed to fly from the second session.
After the longboard championships I had time to focus on winging. I settled almost a whole month on one of the best places in Brazil to learn and I flew quite quickly. I still have to fine tune the maneuvers though 😉
Wing foiler: Evelin, GONG team rider, with the Plus and HIPE Perf 5’1.What was the hardest part for you when learning to wing foil?
Without a doubt mastering the foil. This is a completely new dimension for me. You have to be able to tame the speed which is the guarantee of your lift. Not that easy at first when speed scares you off 😉
In terms of gear, I was on the HIPE 5’1 which for my size was very comfortable. It was easy to climb on the board and for pre-flight sailing. Gradually I picked up speed and the take-offs followed but it took a few sessions to be 100% at ease ;). In any case, I advise those who have difficulties to persevere even if it seems impossible. It’s really a matter of time to get the hang of it. It’s definitely worth it!
Do you have good wing foiling conditions where you live?
Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of wind but that’s all the better for surfing 😉
What does the session of the year look like on your home spot?
There are many good conditions where I live. The best sesh of the year was probably when traveling to the north of Brazil on the praia do Madeiro near Pipa. A long righthander that peeled off for a minute or more. The wave was about shoulder high. I was on the Pampa which is my go-to board for these conditions. It was one of those magic days.
Surfer: Evelin, GONG team rider, with her Pampa custom.What are your goals for the rest of the season?
This year, my goal is to try to be champion of Brazil and get as close as possible to the title of champion of South America. I would also like to start the Brazilian SUP tour. In wing foiling I want to make all my maneuvers and obviously free-fly on endless swell lines! 😉
How did you experience your first two years in the team?
Joining the team completely changed my life! What’s crazy is that it allowed me to get even closer to my element. The quiver I have gives me options to make the best out of any conditions. Whatever the type of waves, sea conditions or wind, I have a solution to spend time in the water. So it’s pretty rare when I am not on the water these days. This is huge and I will be forever grateful to GONG for making this lifestyle possible! Today GONG is a huge part of my life, I don’t do anything without thinking about it.
