The world of professional surfing is often painted as a battlefield of mental strength, technical skill, and sheer resilience. But here's where it gets controversial: sometimes, the psychological battles can be just as intense as riding the waves. And among the most talked-about figures in this arena is Filipe Toledo, a talented Brazilian surfer whose recent insights offer a deep dive into the mind games, criticism, and cultural influences shaping modern surfing.
Filipe Toledo recently participated in an in-depth podcast where he shared personal stories and reflections that shed light on these aspects more clearly. One striking revelation came when he recounted his first encounter with the legendary Kelly Slater, an 11-time world champion. According to Toledo, everyone on the tour used to be intimidated by Slater’s piercing gaze—an infamous mental tactic meant to unsettle competitors. But Toledo’s experience was different. During his quarterfinal heat in France in 2014, he admitted he initially kept to himself, avoiding friendly banter and focusing solely on his performance. His strategy paid off: after scoring a high 9+ on his opening wave, Slater attempted to rattle him with casual conversation, asking about his surfboard and its conditions.
However, Toledo remained undistracted, choosing to keep his gaze fixed on the horizon rather than engaging in mind games, which he believes caught Slater off guard, especially coming from a younger athlete. Interestingly, Toledo mentions that later the same day, Slater caused a bit of a scene on the beach, complaining about the whistling of Toledo’s father—highlighting that even the surf legend had moments of tension off the water.
Moving beyond mental battles, Toledo also opened up about how he handles criticism. After taking a hiatus from the World Tour in 2024 to prioritize his mental health, he addressed the barrage of negativity he faced, especially regarding his performances in big wave spots like Pipeline and Teahupo’o. He challenged critics to come paddle those waves themselves before passing judgment. His pointed response draws attention to how online hate often comes from armchair surfers who judge from afar without the firsthand experience of the sport’s toughest challenges.
Toledo also explained his approach to training and lifestyle, particularly why he doesn’t spend every off-season in Hawaii like many pros. For him, the relentless crowds and physical exhaustion of surfing in places like Pipeline are counterproductive. Instead, he prefers less crowded, more manageable waves in Tahiti, where he can focus on honing his skills without the stress of competition or crowds.
An intriguing part of the discussion revolved around how aerial surfing has revolutionized the sport, especially for Brazilian athletes. Toledo pointed to Jadson Andre’s groundbreaking victory over Kelly Slater in 2010 at the Brazil stop as a pivotal moment. Yet, he also noted that judges eventually grew weary of the frequent spectacle of Brazilian airs, as they became so common that they lost their edge in scoring. ”Aerials became less valued,” Toledo suggests, because they started to blend into the mainstream and no longer stood out as extraordinary.
From a young age, Toledo was immersed in the evolution of modern surfing through his brother and their early competition experiences. He credits this strong foundational education for his mastery of aerial maneuvers, asserting that without the innovation brought by aerials, the Brazilian surfing scene might not have achieved its current prominence.
Finally, when asked about his future, Toledo was pragmatic. He mentioned that if he doesn’t secure a spot at the 2028 Olympics, he wouldn’t be discouraged—his career accomplishments alone have left him satisfied. His ultimate goal is to finish his competitive journey with a world title and an Olympic medal, but he’s already proud of what he’s achieved. Toledo jokingly concluded the interview with a vision of retiring to the northeast of Brazil, living near the ocean with a small boat, savoring seafood—painting a picture of a laid-back life after the adrenaline of the tour.
So, what do you think? Is mental toughness more important than physical skill? Or do critics underestimate the physical and mental demands of the sport? Share your thoughts—this is one debate that’s far from over. Surfers and fans alike are invited to voice whether they agree with Toledo’s perspectives or see things differently.
