In an episode of ECOA / Uol’s “Ideas” program, the world record holder for giant wave surfing Maya Gabeira talks about the struggle for ocean conservation, career challenges and how she has given new meaning to the sea over the past few years.

“We all need to protect the sea because it is the source of our survival. As simple as that ”, says the surfer. “We need the sea for oxygen, we need seafood and fish for protein. Fishing is a source of work for many people ”, he enumerates.

Oceana ambassador, Maya Gabeira has been using her voice to promote the sustainability of the oceans. “My role at Oceana is to learn as much as possible, make conscious choices in my life and have the knowledge to spread that knowledge and make the people who listen to me make better choices in their lives too,” he says.

The surfer reinforces the need for a brake on industrial plastic production. “Plastic is cheap, it is used once and thrown away, but it does not go anywhere beyond the sea. We need to make our decisions and understand that plastic fork, straw, disposable cups are no longer used ”.

Sustainability, family and overcoming are themes addressed by the athlete, who talks about the accident she suffered in 2013, in Nazaré, Portugal, when trying to surf a giant wave. “Overcoming trauma took a lot of time. So instead of Nazaré becoming the place of the accident, for me, today is the place where I achieved two world records. It is where I live and live with my dogs and friends. You start to elaborate place and experiences and let go of that unique moment. “

Access ECOA / Uol Ideias: “ Maya Gabeira almost died at sea, but wants to help you save him ”