Heitor Da Silva, a name that resonates with many in the skateboarding world, has rapidly ascended to the top ranks of the sport. From his early days to now, at just 20 years old, Heitor has achieved a level of success that many only dream of. Sponsored by giants like Adidas and Palace, his rise seems meteoric. While he’s granted a few interviews, we’ve dug deeper to unearth some unique facts that you might not know about this skateboarding phenom. Here are 16 intriguing insights into the life of Heitor Da Silva.
Heitor Da Silva skating in New York
1. Heitor is Fluent in Four Languages
Heitor boasts an impressive command of multiple languages. “Let me count,” he muses, “Norwegian, Swedish, Portuguese, English. I get by in pretty much all of them.” Portuguese is his first language, which he occasionally has to refresh, but he remains fluent. He jokes that his dialect is a mix of all the languages he speaks, sometimes using metaphors that don’t quite fit the context.
2. He Used a Band of Horses Song Like Guy Mariano
When he was just 11, Heitor used the same Band of Horses song that Guy Mariano used in “Fully Flared” for a sponsor-me tape. “My friend did the editing,” he recalls, “I didn’t pick the song.” It was during that period that he started to explore and expand his music taste.
3. Comparisons to Tom Penny
Heitor has been compared to the legendary Tom Penny on several occasions. He acknowledges that these comparisons might stem from his switch frontside flips. He considers it a huge compliment and admits to watching Penny’s old videos, acknowledging him as a true legend.
4. Dual Citizenship
Heitor holds dual citizenship in both Brazil and Norway. While he identifies with many influences across Europe, his roots in Brazil remain strong, largely due to his family there.
5. Olympic Representation
When asked which country he would represent in the Olympics, Heitor is unsure. While he acknowledges the appeal of representing Norway due to his proximity to the country, he also expresses a desire to represent Brazil. He is thankful not to have to make such a decision.
Heitor performing a Wallie trick
6. Moving Out at 16
Heitor moved out of his parents’ house at the young age of 16. He lived with three of his close friends in an apartment near their school. He recalls that time as filled with learning experiences, eating fast food, and partying, but thankfully nothing seriously bad happened.
7. Keeping in Touch with Family
Heitor admits that in the beginning after moving out, he missed his mom. He makes an effort to stay in contact with his parents as much as he can, acknowledging that he is not always great at keeping in touch. He has since established a better routine for family calls.
8. Torn Between Polar and Palace
Early in his career, Heitor was caught between Polar and Palace. He was initially expecting to ride for Polar, but the opportunity with Palace was too good to pass up. Despite this, he remains close to his friends from Polar.
Heitor performing a Nollie Inward trick
9. Detroit Raving with Rory Milanes
On his first trip with the Palace team, Rory Milanes took Heitor to techno clubs in Detroit. He enjoyed the music and the overall vibe. This experience highlighted the unique cultural scene in Detroit.
10. Parade World’s One-Man Team
Heitor is the sole rider for Parade World. Neil Chester, co-founder of Parade World, jokingly refers to Heitor as the entire team. Neil first met Heitor when he was the team manager of Adidas. Heitor began riding for Adidas while still in school and then joined Parade shortly after graduation.
11. New Modeling Endeavors
Heitor has recently started to dabble in modeling. He admits that it is new to him, but he finds it enjoyable. The process involves photoshoots and outfit changes, which he’s grown more accustomed to over time.
Heitor skating in New York
12. Managing Sponsor Swag
Heitor is still figuring out what to do with all the free gear he receives from his sponsors. He is known for being messy with his clothes. Neil Chester from Parade World jokes that he never has to wash clothes and Jamal Smith notes his impressive collection of pants, along with his love for Sade.
13. Living off Skate Money Since High School
Heitor was earning money from skating since he was 17 and still in high school. He received checks from Adidas, which provided him with extra money. He transitioned smoothly from school to a full-time skateboarding career.
14. Student Loans Despite Earnings
Despite earning from skating, Heitor had to take out student loans. He admits to not being great at managing his finances, spending on items such as shoes, boards, and going out. He humorously contrasts the European approach to student loans with that of the US, pointing out that in some European countries, student loans are essentially free if you graduate.
Heitor skating in New York
15. Favorite Skaters
Heitor lists Keenan Milton and Gustav Tonneson as some of his favorite skaters. He grew up watching skate videos on YouTube. He acknowledges that there are many skaters he admires and has trouble choosing just a few.
16. Struggles with California Weed
Heitor admits to struggling with the potency of medical-grade California weed on his first visit to Los Angeles. He found the high too intense and had to adjust the amount he smoked. He jokingly notes that in Europe, the weed is not as strong.
Heitor skating in Los Angeles
In conclusion, Heitor Da Silva is not just a skateboarding prodigy; he’s a multi-faceted individual with a unique background and perspective. From his linguistic abilities to his experiences in different cultures, Heitor’s story is as captivating as his skateboarding skills. He is a true global talent.
Heitor skating with BK Smith
Heitor skating in New York
Special thanks to Mackenzie Eisenhour. Interview by: Alexis Castro. Photos by: Zander Taketomo.
