DEREK RABELO was born in 1992 in the city of Guarapari – Espírito Santo. He was named by his father, Ernesto Rabelo, in honor of Derek Ho – The first Hawaiian world surfing champion. The boy inherited the DNA of surfers from the Rabelo family, since his father and his uncles also ride waves.
It was verified by doctors that Derek was born blind (carrier of Congenital Glaucoma - a rare disease that affects the eyes). Nevertheless, his family always believed he could do anything. At 2 years old, a Bodyboard was given to the boy and the beach became his backyard.
Derek grew up and the joke got serious: He decided to learn to surf. At 17 years old, he entered the surf school Praia do Morro, in Guarapari-ES.
In the beginning, everyone supported the initiative. But, over time, they found it risky for Fabio Maru (his teacher) to teach a blind how to surf. Maru did not listen and continued the mission. The teacher was right: in only three months of school, Derek was already in the newspapers and on local TV.
Derek was invited to go to Hawaii. He didn’t just want to know the place, he dreamed of surfing Pipeline.
He made the pages of newspapers and was the protagonist of reports on the foreign television. He got affection and friendship from the locals and fans, such as Kelly Slater and Michael Fanning. His story ran throughout the world!
Derek aroused the interest of Bruno Lemos (Brazilian photographer and videographer who lives in Hawaii) and was invited to participate in the documentary "Além da Visão", held in partnership with Louis Werneck. It’s scheduled for release in late 2013.
Articles about the athlete were visible in the main magazines and TV shows (Isto É, Fluir, Hard Core, Esporte Espetacular, Esporte Fantástico and Caldeirão do Hulk). Currently, Derek is sponsored by one of the largest companies of Surfing: Billabong.
Apart from surfing, the athlete rides a bicycle, has done parachute jumping, practices and competes in Downhill Skateboard and surfed Tow-in with Carlos Burle.
Derek’s life is an example of overcoming the odds. Today he participates in events and motivational speeches.
“SURFING THERE WAS DIFICULT, BUT I WAS NOT AFRAID. MY FAITH IS BIGGER THAN MY FEAR”.
Do you want to know more? Follow Derek’s blog!
Agência Mosaico