Guilherme Dos Reis on mindset wins, world trophies & Brazil’s rising SUP racing scene

Guilherme Dos Reis, 27, from Caraguatatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, has carved a name for himself in the country’s watersports scene. He became Brazil’s youngest National Champion at just 17 and has since claimed the title five times.

Coming from a windsurfing background, he discovered stand-up paddleboarding in 2012 and our sport quickly captured his passion and hasn’t let go since. Alongside SUP, he continues to practice Hawaiian canoeing, maintaining a strong connection to his watersports roots.

As the sport continues to grow relentlessly, with more events added to the race circuit and a highly stacked field with new riders breaking onto the scene – this surge can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to talk about the pressure athletes face and to offer a voice that’s grounded, reflecting a universally shared experience: the first battles we win are personal.

Fresh from a double gold at the Aloha Spirit Festival in Caraguatatuba, TotalSUP sat down with Guilherme – simply Gui – the Infinity SUP Rider whose performance cements him among Brazil’s SUP greats.

Hi Gui, welcome to TotalSUP! You became the youngest Brazilian SUP champion at just 17 – what inspired you to push for the competitive side of the sport and chase that title so early in your career?

First of all, thank you for the opportunity to share this article. Since I started in sports, my father has been my biggest motivator, as he was already involved in athletics. I started windsurfing because of him, and it’s the same with SUP.

He’s one of the main pillars that helped me achieve these results so early. Another pillar is the passion for competition I’ve carried since I was little. You know when you feel like you were made to be in that environment? That’s the feeling I get when I’m on the competitive track, winning or losing.

How has that early success shaped your confidence and goals moving forward?

It has shaped my character and my humility. I have always been respectful towards my opponents regardless of my results.

How do you see the opportunities for young athletes in Brazil today compared to when you started?

I see that we have more opportunities and investments than when I started, for example. I never had a paid trip during my junior years, being the only junior athlete to be a three-time National Champion.

Nowadays, junior athletes receive an athlete scholarship from the government, a stipend for international travel. The scenario has changed a lot, and I’m very happy for them because they truly deserve this support.

How would you describe the current SUP scene in Brazil – is it more competitive, community-driven, or a mix of both?

SUP has revived with the help of bodies such as CBSurf – Confederação Brasileira de Surf or the Aloha Spirit, that are promoting both the competitive side of the sport and the fun side of it. I believe we are heading towards a good time for national SUP.

Which Brazilian SUP events should every paddler know about, and why?

In my opinion, there’s one event that would be a pleasure to be able to compete with international athletes, which is the Aloha Spirit Festival*, because it combines the competitive side with the fun side. Those who want to compete come, and those who just want to enjoy themselves can too.

Could you tell us more ab out your gear set up? How did the collaboration with Infinity SUP Speed Freaks come about?

Before getting the Infinity EVERREADY board, I used other boards that I struggled to perform on, always finishing second in the 2023/2024 national competitions. When Infinity, together with Paddleboard Uruguay, provided me with the equipment for the 2025 season, I won the very first stage.

Without a doubt, the board speaks for itself in competitions – I don’t need to do any fancy advertising. The best riders in the world use it. It’s a pleasure to have this partnership through the brand’s representative here in Brazil. I’m excited to see what the future holds with Infinity. I can only thank these two companies for believing in my potential, both nationally and internationally.

In one of the interviews you said that ‘the greatest victories are not always trophies… It’s the internal battles that we silently win’… Could you expand on what that means to you and how it shapes your approach to SUP?

My point of view is this: Before winning a competition, I first need to overcome the urge to give up in difficult moments, whether it’s in sport or in life. So I’ve always tried  to test and push my mental limits. For me, this means winning daily trophies, where I seek to overcome my mind every day.

What do you think needs to happen for SUP in Brazil to grow even more, both for elite athletes and grassroots paddlers?

I believe that having more events in Brazil is the main point. We need to promote more competitions in the country, as is already being done.

The participation of international athletes in events like Aloha Spirit is also very important for its growth in the country. But overall, I believe we’re on the right track again for the SUP scene.

Where can fans expect to see you competing this season, both in Brazil and internationally?

Internationally, my focus is on the ISA Games, if these take place. Here in Brazil, I’m preparing for the final stage of the national circuit, where the 2025 Brazilian Champion will be crowned. That may be it for this year, with my sights set on the international stage in 2026.

Thank you so much for your time Gui – we can’t wait to cross paths with you on the international SUP racing circuit!

To find out more about Infinity SUP, visit infinity-sup.com

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Images courtesy of Guilherme Dos Reis 

*The Aloha Spirit Festival is one of Brazil’s premier watersports events, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and inclusive spirit. Held annually in Caraguatatuba, São Paulo, the festival draws athletes from across Brazil and beyond to compete in disciplines such as stand-up paddleboarding, prone paddleboarding, Va’a (Hawaiian Canoe), and Open Water Swimming.