If the tan line of your neck would show how much you love surfing, then Xico would win everyone around him. Like an addiction, and with surfing being present in his life from such an early age, taking away surfing from Xico is like taking everything that matters for him. We met him at his favourite beach, in the north shore of the island, where he usually spends most of his time, surrounded by friends. For a young man, he shows a lot of maturity and knows exactly what he wants and needs to be happy - Surfing.
Who are you?
I’m Francisco Benjamim, born in São Miguel Island, in the Azores, and I’m 16 years old. I started surfing when I was 6 years old.
How’s life on the Island?
I love my island, I love the way I enjoy my days here. When there’re waves, of course, I will always surf, when there are no waves I have lots of activities to do related to nature, from cycling, swimming, hiking, diving, and various other occupations.
Favorite place? Why?
I have several places that I really like here on the island, but my favorites are, undoubtedly, Santa Bárbara beach and Sete Cidades. The beach, because it’s where I spend most of my time in summer and, in winter, I usually practice there. If I could, I would stay there day and night on that beach, it’s where I feel great. Sete Cidades is a place where I also love going, because it’s a very quiet place. In summer time, I usually spend a few days there, it’s always very good, it’s like the place where I disconnect from everything and can relax, and, besides that, I’m always doing activities related to nature.
Favorite object? Why?
My favorite objects are my surfboards. I love surfing and I’m passionate about surfboards..
What about hobbies?
Surfing for me is a way of life, I’ve always lived with surfing in my life and if there’s something that cannot be taken away from me it is SURF ahah.
What about surfing. What role does it have in your life?
Surfing for me is a way of life, I’ve always lived with surfing in my life and if there’s something that cannot be taken away from me it is SURF ahah.
One song / one band
Honestly, I don't have a favorite band or music. I usually listen to different styles of music.
A unique moment in your life?
I honestly can’t remember a unique moment now, but the moment I think every surfer loves is the feeling of coming out of a tube, for me it’s always one of the best moments!!
What’s been keeping busy?
Lately, I’ve been surfing all day, because I’m on vacation and it’s the best occupation of all. Besides that, I have been playing video games when I’m at home.
If you could pick two people (alive or dead) one to surf with and one to have dinner or conversation, who would they be? Why?
Hard question ahah... To surf, I think it would be Gabriel Medina, because he’s one of my idols and I would love sharing the peak with him; to have dinner, I would choose a friend or a family member, because it’s always good to socialize and talk to someone who makes you feel good and have fun.
What haven’t we asked you?
For me, the questions were great ahah and touched, in my opinion, on the most important aspects of my life.
Photo: Francisco Garcia
Anyway, I want to take this opportunity to thank those who support me, namely Mitsubishi Motors, Org Surfboards, Rabbit Shapers, Ocean & Earth and Espaço Azul Surf Shop.
Some photos were courtesy and used with Xico permission
Follow his waves @xico_benjamim10