After more than a decade living in California, Filipe Toledo is back in Brazil, settling in Rio de Janeiro. Eleven years away from the warmth of home — the language, the people, and the fans who roared for every one of his four CT wins on Brazilian soil. Now 30, and a father of three, the two-time World Champion isn’t just returning to his country — he’s returning to a new version of himself.
A proud dad to baby Zain, just two months old, Filipe is in a phase of rediscovery. And with his move back home comes a renewed sense of belonging. “Brazil is my place — it’s my culture, my people,” he says.
Alongside his wife, Ananda, and their three kids — Mahina, Koa, and Zain — Filipe traded the comfort and stability of life in America for a fresh start closer to the crowd that watched him grow. It’s a move that says a lot about where he is right now — a champion learning to slow down, enjoy the everyday, and look toward the future with calm and clarity.
But make no mistake — the fire’s still there. In this interview with SURFERFilipe opens up about what still drives him, the upcoming changes to the WSL schedule and formats, his healthy rivalry with Gabriel Medina, and the desire to end his career on his own terms — free, grounded, and at peace.
SURFER: How’s life as a father of three?
Filipe Toledo: It’s that thing, you know? You get used to the routine. Going through it all again after seven years — at first, it hits you like, “Man, I’m doing this all over again! Third kid! Crazy!” But, like I said, I’ve done this before.
In the end, it’s always worth it. You look at their little faces, the smiles, the hugs, the kisses… It’s all worth it. We’re loving it. The baby [Zain] is super healthy, doing great. Ananda’s doing really well too, recovered perfectly. We’re in a new phase of our lives, super happy, enjoying every little moment. And we know it goes by fast.
Fatherhood really got to you, huh?
Yeah! I think it’s because I grew up in a big family. Since I was 18, I kind of saw myself in that role, thinking, “I want to be a dad.” I loved how my dad raised us and always thought, “Man, I loved my childhood, everything I did.” I guess it was always in my subconscious, and God blessed me with this family.
It’s a role I love. And being on Tour makes you value it even more. You spend so little time at home. I wasn’t there for the birth of my first two kids, but now, with the third, I was there for everything — even cutting the umbilical cord! Those are the little moments you learn to treasure. Being a dad, taking care of my kids, being with my wife — that’s my passion. And honestly, it’s helped me win a few titles too [laughs].
Mick Fanning recently talked about that — how people always told him about fatherhood, but he never imagined how good it really was.
I was one of those people! I actually reminded him about it the other day. We were on the stairs at Bells Beach — at Bird Rock, this little spot next to Bells. I already had Koa back then, and we were talking about family. It was late afternoon, he was looking at the ocean, and I went to check the waves too, and we ended up chatting. I told him, “Man, the day you have one, you’ll see what I mean.”
Then, recently, when he had his second kid, I said, “Hey, remember that day?” And he goes, “Yeah, man, I remember! Crazy!”
Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
But the routine gets wild, right? Everything changes…
It’s funny — some things you start doing way more, and others way less. More diapers, more bottles… [laughs]
Thankfully, Ananda, my wife, has always supported me. She even tried to pursue a music career for a while, but we realised how hard that routine was. We were watching our kids grow up with nannies. At some point, we sat down and talked.
She didn’t want that — she said, “You’ve got a solid career in surfing. Go do your thing. I’ll handle things at home. I’ll take care of the logistics, the boring stuff.” She said, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this. You just focus on surfing.”
Since then, she’s had my back 100%. I travel a lot, and now the missing gets multiplied by three — one more kid to miss.
So I guess this seven-month break before the next CT season was perfect for you?
Man, as a father of three, and a guy who’s been on Tour for 12 years, you make the most of any break you get. One month, two months, whatever. People were saying, “Seven months off? How’s that gonna be?” And I said, “Bro, I don’t know about you, but for me, it’s gonna be amazing!”
Just being able to use that time to be with my family, to be present as a dad — things I couldn’t usually do: going to doctor appointments, taking my kid to the pediatrician, being there for vaccines… it might sound small, but for them — and for me — it’s huge. First day of school, first homework, first test…
It’s so cool to really be part of that. To be a dad who’s actually there day-to-day, not just one who drops in between trips. It’s been incredible.
And this return to Brazil — how did you make that decision? Is it permanent?
It’s hard to say if it’s permanent. Whether I return to Ubatuba, where I was born and raised, or anywhere else, it’s a phase of adaptation after all these years. I spent 11 years in California, built a life there. But Brazil is my home — my culture, my people. A big part of my family is here too: my grandparents, and now my brother is about to become a dad. I want to be closer to that side of my family.
A lot is happening here: Mateus is managing the shop and helping with the Kids on Fire competitions. For me and my family, there are great opportunities — I can be more present, go to the kids’ events, travel Brazil more, surf more here.
It’s funny, because back then we wanted to move abroad — Hawaii, California, chasing great waves. And after 10, 11 years, I realise: Brazil is amazing! So many waves, so much coastline, constant swell… more than California, I’d say. You don’t value it until you step away and come back.
We’re taking it step by step: adapting, seeing how it works, getting the kids into school. It’s a life we want to try here, a place with opportunities and surf. We’re positive and confident, and for now, we’re staying. We are happy.
After returning to the CT, how did you see your comeback season?
I didn’t put pressure on myself like, “I need to finish top 10 or win an event.” I just thought, “I’m coming back, and it’ll be what it needs to be.”
Everyone saw that the first few events were all about adaptation. Being away for a year makes a big difference compared to the guys who’ve been in rhythm. They’re already in motion — and I was trying to jump back on the train.
Inconsistency is normal; it takes time to find your groove again. The Gold Coast was where I felt that switch flip — my board was dialed in, I felt that spark again. Bells was tough mentally, it hit me hard, but I said, “Let’s focus and push through.”
The Gold Coast was special. Seeing Julian again brought back that story from ten years ago. I visualised it — and it happened. Brazil was tough, we haven’t had great results there the past couple of years. But overall, it was a good season. I surfed well, got my boards feeling right. Now it’s all about preparing for next year.
Related: Watch: 2x World Champ Filipe Toledo Quests Like a Tribe in Portugal
Are you still on holiday, or has training already started?
With the move and the baby being born, we decided to slow things down a bit. Before Zain was born, I surfed a lot in California. Now, just adjusting the routine — next week, training starts again. The comeback has to be gradual, respecting my body to avoid injuries. Slowly getting back into training and diet. The goal is to be fully focused by the time Australia comes — go there 120% ready.
What about your mindset? Still motivated?
After 11 years on Tour and 28 years surfing, it’s hard to keep the motivation going. People only see the good side — travelling the world, perfect waves — but…
Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League via Getty Images
Sometimes it turns into a job, right?
Exactly! It can’t always be fun. You’re not there to just hang out — you’re there to be the best, to win world titles. If not, you’re just another face in the lineup.
At some point, it becomes a responsibility. In these last few years, I’ve learned to value the process again. The motivation from my new baby, Zain, gives me energy. Taking time off helps so much — you rest your mind, recover.
I see myself starting next year with a different mindset. After becoming a dad, you find motivation in other parts of life. My drive now is my family, my kids — and, of course, representing everyone who supports me and my team.
The new WSL format — no mid-season cut, no Finals — does that help with motivation?
I think the change will bring a different vibe to the Tour. Honestly, I liked the Finals — I just didn’t like the mid-year cut. Nobody did. But the Finals gave good visibility, a playoff feeling, made the title bigger.
We saw the WSL and the fans were finally getting used to the system — and now they’ve changed it again. But in the end, we still have to surf and win heats. After 12 years, you just embrace it and keep going.
Do you think Pipeline being worth 15,000 points will make up for the lost “Finals drama”?
I think it adds some excitement for the ones at the top of the ranking. But if you’re sitting around 20th place, your chances of suddenly jumping up, winning Pipe, and becoming World Champ are pretty slim.
And then you have the surfers who missed Portugal and Abu Dhabi coming back…
Exactly! You’re spending a ton to go to Pipeline. If you don’t make at least a couple heats, you don’t even cover the trip. Is it worth it? In my case, yeah, because you still get to surf great waves. But it’s demanding, expensive, and intense.
After all these years, you just try to make it fun. That’s what I’m focusing on now — enjoying it more. I’ve got nothing to prove to anyone. I’m going there light, relaxed, and it’s gonna be fine.
Does rivalry drive you? With Gabriel and John John possibly back next season…
Totally. People don’t realise it because we don’t make a big show out of it, but it’s a really healthy thing. Gabriel and I are actually great friends. We talk all the time on WhatsApp, have deep conversations.
But, man, he’s the one who pushes me the most. When I paddle out against him, I want to win — because it’s Gabriel. Three-time World Champ, one of the most complete surfers ever, the guy who revolutionised Brazilian surfing. It’s a healthy rivalry — it’s fun, motivating. And I’ve heard him say in interviews that he likes sharing the lineup with me too. That’s the best kind of rivalry. Everyone wins — the sponsors, the fans, the Tour.
With the new format, no one is stressing about mid-season cuts, everyone’s gonna surf more freely. And that’s when the best stuff happens. It’s gonna be sick.
You mentioned wanting to retire young. Any plan in mind yet?
It’s impossible not to think about it. After everything I’ve achieved, I start thinking about my kids’ futures. I won’t force them to be surfers. My dad helped me live my dream; now I want to help them live theirs.
I don’t want to retire at Kelly’s age. Having a kid later in life, at 50, with a body that’s worn out… I need to be ready. Imagine being able to travel with my son, go to the Maldives, and catch waves. Spend quality time with them. I still have fuel in the tank, but there are goals left to chase.
Alan Van Gysen/World Surf League via Getty Images
Would an Olympic gold in 2028 make you retire sooner?
The perfect scenario would be another World Title and an Olympic medal. Then I could say, “Guys, I’m done. Time for a new chapter.”
A medal — or gold?
We always want gold, right? [laughs] But if I got an Olympic medal, man, that’d be insane! That would check every box in my career.
After that, I’d still want to do one last year on Tour — no pressure, just pure fun. A farewell lap. I’ve always imagined it: a relaxed season, just enjoying it. BBQs, beers with friends… a proper send-off.
That’s still the plan — my last year on Tour will be all about having fun.
Related: Filipe Toledo Unloads In Freesurfing Highlight Reel (Video)
