Bitupita, mid-afternoon. We are crossing the river of Barra Grande when I see a kite deflating and a shocked kiter in the middle of the river. While approaching, I recognized that it’s the Venezuelan, Carlos, and I offer him my kite so that he join the group again. I was floating there in the middle of nowhere, 1.5 km from the coast, the full moon beginning to rise and soon the night. I swim far as I can, but we had already sailed 140km from Prea to Barra Grande, and it was the fourth day of the SSF Ironman, so my exhaustion does not allow me to go very far.
Photo: Analice Diniz
But, it is when we give ourselves to the adventure that help begins to appear. First comes Eduardo, who towed me with his kite for a while, then a group of boys, smiling in a canoe, take me to the beach. They are the children of Mr. Raymond, my father for the night. I’m served dinner with the others, and I enjoyed a bucket of fresh water (the biggest luxurie at the time!). Then the essential question came: what do you need?
Photo: Analice Diniz
On a motorcycle, Mr. Raymond’s oldest son takes me to Barra Grande, with me carrying my trapeze and board, any way I can, and feeling as welcomed as ever with the moon and the beautiful people of this coast of Brazil.
Photo: Analice Diniz
At the team meeting, I really felt the essence of SSF: the combination of passion, confidence, professionalism and nature. Against this, there are no limits.
Photo: Analice Diniz
Marco Dalpozzo, captain of Ironman and one of the founders of SSF
Article: Luciana Annunziata