PROFILE

The Maciel family has lived within Ubatuba, Brazil for decades, and has been a vital addition to its rich cultural history. Within surf, the families’ contribution came in the form of Zecão (Big Joe). Born on August 15th, 1962 Zecão began to surf at 8 years of age, thus with more than 40 years of dropping into incredible waves and partaking in amazing life experiences have made Zecão much more than a pro surfer but a true legend of International Surf.

Zecão was one of the first Brazilians to brave the world’s most famous waves and open doors for future generations to compete in professional world circuits. He is a surfing pioneer in international surf travel, which during the mid eighties was unheard of from a Brazilian surfer. An aficionado of the seven oceans and a frequent guest to places such as Tahiti, French Polyinesa, Hawaii, USA, and Bali, Indonesia amongst others, Zecão is considered a surfing expert in the broadest of conditions.

Zecão lived many years on the island of Oahu, Hawaii where he learned and developed his craft as a surfboard shaper. Moreover, Zecão is a specialist in jet – ski sea rescue, a surfing champion in various categories, experienced in tow-in surf, standup surf and the current three – time defending (2008,09,10) Brazilian Snowboard Champion. Snowboarding has become a new love and a sport in which Zecão has taken his surfing brilliance to the world`s most beautiful snowcapped mountains.

Zecão is known as one of Brazil’s ambassadors to surf. He was decreed the City of Ubatuba`s Ambassador to Surf by their government and is internationally respected for what he has and continues to do within the world of surf. As a shaper he is an innovator, as a man, an idealist having founded the Zecão Surf School where he has developed an exclusive learning technique which can be adapted to the most novice or experienced surfer. Finally, Zecão is the owner of the Blue Ocean Inn a beautiful and quaint Inn located on the next beach over, Felix. It provides a tranquil, relaxing and sublime atmosphere for all of her guests.

Zecão is currently sponsored by the brands Hang Loose, Goofy and Oakley.