MARCILIO “BRAWZINHO”BROWNE
“I don’t have any special preparation, the only thing that I hope for is that I am on a healthy routine in the weeks prior to a Jaws session, meaning sailing all the time, surfing, going to the gym, doing yoga; that way I have a bit more confidence that I am fit enough for a wipe out, but that is pretty much it. Before we head up there, I usually feel a bit nervous but I try not to think about Jaws until I am actually riding the wave.
“ I try not to think about Jaws until I am actually riding the wave ” Marcilio “Brawzinho” Browne
It is always so hectic before going there, that there is not much time to be thinking about the danger element. We have to prepare the ski, make sure it’s running well, get enough water, sun screen, electrolytes and bars to be able to hang there for as many hours as we need too (sometimes it takes all day to catch the session). Apart from that, we double check the gear, take spare masts and sails, make sure it is all attached properly on the sled so it doesn’t fall off on the way there and to have a workable system with your partner to make each other’s life easier while rigging. I normally go with Levi and we help each other rig our sails. When that is all done, then the nervousness hits a bit more and it usually takes a wave or two to relax a bit more and start having some fun. I take with me a Patagonia inflatable vest which is unreal; it makes a huge difference when you fall. This winter we had some massive swells, the biggest I have ever seen since I moved here. Levi said this season was the biggest he remembers in the last decade. I went tow surfing with Levi a lot and took some of the heaviest wipe-outs I have ever had and having that vest really gave me extra piece of mind because when that thing inflates, you know it should all be ok.
After an amazing session at Jaws it feels awesome and a relief to be back on land safe and sound. I like to bbq with friends and have one or two beers. It’s weird, the next day always feels strange; there is so much adrenaline running during the session that you are drained afterwards, physically and mentally. Usually I just like to sit at home and do absolutely nothing after a mental day like that, or just stay upcountry, ride my bike a bit or something similar; it is definitely a weird feeling post Jaws!”