Out There: Rayssa Leal

From an unassuming three stair in Brazil to the States' most iconic 16, Rayssa's meteoric rise is nothing short of a fairytale.
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[@minusmett7882]

You're awesome Rayssa. And to all parents out there look at this. Support your children, whatever they want to try out.

[@destructionman1]

Easy to say when the child is this talented.

[@minusmett7882]

The only way to find out if there's talent, joy or whatever is to support. Even if you don't know for sure if there's talent or your child will stick with it... A skateboard, a guitar or any other stuff may lead to a fulfilled life.

[@Gh0sty.14]

@@destructionman1I mean, even if your kid sucks and is having fun it should be easy to support them. Saying parents should support their kids has nothing to do with the kid being talented.

[@WhatIsayIsStupid]

Does it need to be said to support your kid , it has nothing to do with anything kids r gonna do wat they want

[@destructionman1]

@@Gh0sty.14 Ok 🤷 I didn't say anything about when the kid sucks. I was only talking about when the kid is talented.

[@stokkejanraggio9091]

one of the most life changing heelflips ever done

[@jayjay1drum1skate]

Na my heel flip credit card to testical rip tops this one.

[@Jeffrey_Tyler]

I LOVE hearing that her parents got her a psychiatrist at that age to help her handle all of the pressure. That's amazing to hear. So sick that she's getting a good education as well. Her parents rock.

[@DandyHippo]

She did herself. She made the money for that. Parents still good choice.

[@vampyrainfernalis]

I'm a Brazillian young girl and I always wanted a skate since I was child, and my parents always said: "No, this a thing for boys" then I grew up with this desire. The Olympics in Tokyo changed everything, thank you to Rayssa! Because, my dad fall in love to watch her doing her tricks at skateboarding, and felt so guilty to not purchased a skate for me sooner. I don't really know if Rayssa knows her HUGE impact at Brazil right now, she changing a culture, a idea, and the brazilian skate scene itself too. We so proud of her! ❤ Hoping this year we get a gold medal at France 🇧🇷❤🥇

[@stratcat9432]

It's never too late to start. At the very least, push, roll.. Have fun and say to yourself, I did it! 😊

[@JP.710]

That's messed up, parents shouldn't stifle their child's dreams.

[@vampyrainfernalis]

@@JP.710 Yeah, yk my parents didn't have it a 'free mind' they're changing day by day, but back in time (when I was a little child) you didn't see a lot of female doing crazy tricks at skateboarding... for them that's was not what a 'girl probabbly do'. I think they probabbly get regret from this now...

[@vampyrainfernalis]

@@stratcat9432 Is never to late!!! You totally right, I'll keep this in mind :) thankssss

[@conscious__creators]

I'm almost 34 and starting to skate again! I bought a board and almost was going to give up before I even started. I thought I made a mistake getting a board... As soon as I got on the board it felt SO good and freeing, I'm glad I did. 😄 I'm looking forward to seeing my own progression. Skateboarding is about PATIENCE, facing our fears (breaking the illusion of them down really), watching our gradual Progression and having lots of FUN in the process! I'm sure you're still so young go for it! DO IT! We never regret the things we did, we regret the things in life we didn't! Happy Skating! 🌟⭐🛹🛹🛹🌟⭐ P.s - You're english is very good! Keep it up 😄

[@lsoromenho]

Vi um pedaço de uma entrevista onde ela conta que o primeiro campeonato no Brasil que participou (e acabou ganhando), foi realizado em São Paulo. São Paulo é muito longe de Imperatriz - Maranhão (a cidade da rayssa). Os pais dela não tinham condição de comprar uma passagem de avião, por isso, ela e a mãe foram de ônibus, 2 dias de viagem até chegar em São Paulo. Ela ganhou peças de skate como premiação e elas não tinham dinheiro para voltar de ônibus. Isso mostra o tamanho do sonho da rayssa e o apoio incrível de seus pais… imagina ser a mãe e o pai da rayssa, pessoas que eram obviamente muito humildes, e aí vc comprar uma passagem de ônibus, abraçando e acreditando no sonho da sua filha, viaja por 2 dias em um ônibus por estradas que acredito serem bem ruins, chegando em São Paulo depois de 2.288km, sabendo que vai ter de se virar para comprar passagem para voltar! Total admiração pelos pais da Rayssa.

[@danielhenrique2421]

Nossa que foda

[@emiit3]

Isso é a prova de que ter apoio dos pais faz toda a diferença

[@fabiano2730]

Não foi em SP, foi em SC até onde eu sei

[@G00L.]

iconic fairy heelflip

[@josegurrola9021]

So awesome for her do this interview in English, alway give props to international skaters who do this. Also glad she's staying in school it sets great example for the kids (even though shes still a kid lol) Shes got GOAT potential 🇧🇷

[@johnnydough6244]

What a humble, extremely talented and intelligent little young lady she is! Wish her nothing but happiness, safety and success!

[@Foley0000]

This girl rules. Definitely a good role model for the youngins of Brazil too

[@andrewashford5617]

For everybody! Everybody need this type of kindness in their heart!

[@its.not.eric.doe..]

Dude I'm 29 and she's damn near a role model to me.. lmao

[@artomarto679]

It's a biological boy

[@codyhardy4425]

Fr 22 here and is seriously a role model. Kids can be role models.

[@idontwantone132]

@@artomarto679 stop spreading bullshit

[@MikeIuraduri]

so happy you guys put Nyjah in here, because Rayssa has reminded me of him since the come up. She is currently, and going to continue changing the entire standard of womens skateboarding.

[@jbobbygarcia]

That Senna helmet when they panned at the dad though! Two legends in one household. SICK!

[@Abbey_Senna]

Yo, didn't even notice that. No relation btw, just my middle name. This girl is awesome, obrigado!

[@fsm__]

Nice eye

[@skboog]

It's cool to see the town support her but also speaks for her character taking the time to smile and make the effort for every photo. Hope she stays her humble self.

[@vivaladann6017]

I can't imagine the amount of pressure she must be under. I don't want to take away from how incredibly blessed she is to be in this position but it's gotta suck to miss out on your childhood and be such an important piece of many peoples livelihoods. Strong ass kid, shes gonna be greater than she already is

[@stvnd1]

Becoming the family breadwinner at 12 creates unrealist burdens for a child (not to mention being expected to learn another language on top of that). There's also something very wrong with hucking down a 16 stair with two other children and multiple managers and industry types lurking around.

[@LuthersArchiv]

@@stvnd1She obviously is enjoying it right now. And I have no doubt that she‘ll have the strength to quit the circus part of it if it becomes too much to handle.

[@lordmanhammer666]

I agree 💯, at sometime there's gotta be some lines drawn like I've held your hand this far the rest is up to themselves.

[@DandyHippo]

Miss out? Kids skate. She gets to skate all she wants and gets paid good. Tell me again what is she missing?

[@sarahdore7884]

@@DandyHippoShe’s missing the freedom of not having to pay all the bills for her family

[@MITUS]

Man this was so dope to watch.. As crazy as she is in skateboarding, I think we forget she's still very young. When she needed a hug from her mum it brought it back. So stoked for her to get her own shoe!

[@daynmitchell7543]

It's a colorway

[@DekkerUnit]

@@daynmitchell7543is her name on the box? Low quality take

[@TheDealer1228]

I was shocked when she said she was only 15 at the end. I thought she was 17 for some reason and even then that's a pretty young age for someone in her position.

[@non_brewed_condiment]

Feels sort of weird to say this about a person but she genuinely is one of the best things for the skateboarding ecosystem

[@MissingScrew27]

nope not weird at all , this is a very good way to put it

[@13traaa]

Hell no dude, rayssa is nothing to skateboarding lol

[@neithans7251]

She broke that board unnecessarely, that's definitely not good for the enviroment

[@Gabor123]

@@neithans7251it was already pretty busted by the tries and bails

[@Mastifinha]

​@@13traaa Ainda assim, tu tá aqui comentando num vídeo da Thrasher sobre ela. E o pior é que você é brasileiro..

[@vinizu_]

A Rayssa é um dos frutos de muita luta da galera aqui de imperatriz que lutava apenas por um espaço. Parabéns Rayssa 👏👏👏

[@ClutchDumars]

She is so awesome. Her foot position on every trick is insane.

[@JakeBorchenko]

Her first full video part is going to be monumental

[@dstr3ss]

Straight to SOTY 💯 💪

[@adamgrahammissions]

When's it dropping

[@galvanizedgnome]

Yawn. I'd rather watch Gino push.

[@vindogg87]

@@galvanizedgnome off you go

[@MrJcpuentejr]

@@galvanizedgnome what are you doing here then?

[@BlackJacketJones]

Best female skater in history, easily, by far, no doubt. Maybe some of y’all don’t realize that because you haven’t been in skating for decades. There is no contest. What she represents is more than anyone is even saying. Rayssa is real proof that women can skate at an equal level to men. Skateboarding is more like dancing than it is like football in the sense that men and women can play on same team in dancing.

[@chesspunk489]

That Sky girl is pretty good too.

[@user-eh2mc8rn9w]

Well, don't forget about Marisa Dal Santo, bro. She was skating big stuff with an incredible style and confidence 15/20 years ago! To be honest, I don't think Rayssa is at a male level ( it doesn't matter to me, it's just to be fair), in the sense that she's the best contest female skater but if you put her " against " one of the 100 best male contest rippers .... you can see a big difference. Same for the street skating/filming, if I think how people like Bastien Salabanzi or Paul Rodriguez were skating at her age and 20 years ago .... I mean .... there's no comparison

[@d0phyte]

No, women can not skate at an equal level to men. The trick difficulty and consistency doesn't even come close. You had a beautiful comment going there, don't know why you had to ruin it with some feminist propaganda bullshit. We love watching Rayssa and we love women, we also enjoy telling the truth. Grow a pair

[@felipefreitas3942]

you don't need​ penis to skate. even if you're talking about strength, you don't need to be jacked. lots of skinny guys skating hard @@d0phyte

[@tvsavery666]

Maybe skill wise, yeah, but the most important female skater in history is OG Elissa Steamer. And Del Santos dropped so many hammers. Leal is very technical, and is going to go down in history, no doubt. All that being said, she's not even close to the level of male skaters. That will never happen.

[@followsuittrading]

What an inspirational, humble, talented young woman. I can't imagine what 10 years will bring.

[@SurfsUpMrNarly]

From changing your life, to your families life. Young GOAT 🙌🔥

[@matrixhasyou13]

Wow! She is, without a doubt, going to be one of the greatest female skaters ever. I'll put money on it! This is what we need in this sick world. It's a pure hearted heathy story:) Good job guys!!

[@DanielIvan707]

She is the best and awesome. No BS hype. Skateboarding needed this right now.

[@da80]

16 and already a legend

[@howardb.6205]

stay humble

[@margod_1976]

Rayssa your hometown of Imperatriz looks amazing, seeing you grow up from an amateur skater into a World Champion skater has been an awesome journey. Thanks for putting Women's skateboarding on the map. You are lucky to see the world in what you do and I can't wait to see you in the Paris Olympics street skate events as I will be cheering you on all the way to the gold medal 🛹🇧🇷🥇

[@amtraktohell]

She's taking women's skateboarding to another level. Most of the time when people talk about female skaters and say "she's not just good for a girl, she's good for a skateboarder", they're just being nice because the reality is that, in general, women's skateboarding isn't on the same level as men's. That's just a fact. When they say that about Rayssa, though, it's the truth. She's doing stuff that some male pros wouldn't even try, and she's still only 16. Gonna be crazy to see what she's doing in another 5-10 years. Really wanna see a proper video part from her.

[@WhatIsayIsStupid]

In 10 yrs she is 26 n won't be going big like in her teens

[@pestilentfellow3609]

Back smith down Hollywood? Not in my wildest dreams. So good.

[@NoelBuller]

This.

[@Seu_canal_Impar]

A história dela é realmente emocionante...

[@mikemaac]

Watching a legend grow up! So awesome

[@rantsreviews3573]

I've been watching this girl for years, she's so special. Watching the parts with her family choked me up for real.

[@mattsk8ter]

OMG! That's me and my homie! Wow I can't believe we were there 11:13 and watched her in real life... She is amazing... out of this world! Go Rayssa you are so awesome... #legend

[@vonslagle]

Yeah Thrasher! What an outstanding young person to represent skateboarding

[@davidcarroll4914]

The attitude is everything!

[@sk84l1fe89]

So much pressure on her shoulders and shes taking it in stride, true champ i hope she continues to take care of her mental

[@JuanKenobiObi]

Why is this such a tearjerker? Go RAYSSA LEAL

[@artytheonemanparty]

This was a dope piece. I remember showing her heel flip to my daughter and since then she’s been loving skateboarding. Shout out to girls and women coming up in the game!! Very awesome. 👏🏽

[@keeperofthelostpipe]

Awesome. Crazy talent AND charismatic AND humble. And it's good to see Nyjah steer away from his juvenile macho attitude...

[@BrightFutureBoy]

Rayssa, in Russia we love you so much! Keep it up!

[@Frank004]

As you can see mom and dad doing a good job. 👏

[@mudman253]

La primera vez q la vi fue en un video vestida de hada azul tirando ese flip, y dije va a ser profesional ....años después aqui esta, puede decir q es la mejor skater professional q hay a dia de hoy enhorabuena raysa a seguir subiendo

[@Ridestereo765]

Literally learned Nollie heels by watching her regular heel flips! It worked somehow lol, and she's been a shredder since she first picked up a board 🤘 thank you for showing anything is possible through skateboarding

[@allis8379]

I remember seeing her at least 10 years ago on KZbin killing it! She is and will be a GOAT! Bravissima!

[@BeauMedas]

I dead ass just shed a tear on that one. Seeing the progression of my favorite sport is a dream.

[@lyleabrahams]

I remember that fairy video from years ago... Im so happy to see her still killing it. Her family and country must be so proud of her. Im rooting for her and her future success!

[@seymourglass26]

Turned Hollywood into a casual session. This girl's going places.

[@ugh001]

3:40 so sick man. just browsing through pictures of her with her first board with 15 trophies in frame

[@easementh]

What a back story! Superhero!

[@julienbaut5784]

She is really incredible ! Much respect for this young lady ! 🛹🏆👏👏👏👏

[@benmcreynolds8581]

It was really cool to see a bit of insight into Nyjah and how parallel his life is to Rayssa. It was therapeutic for me as a viewer to see Nyjah talk about that. They both deserve awesome life's. Enjoy dorking around with your skills and forget about stressing over contests.

[@puredrift556]

Brazilian Jewel!!! We LOVE you Rayssa ❤️ Thank you for the inspiration 🇧🇷

[@MilenaGomes123]

A Rayssa e a família merecem tudo de mais lindo e incrível do universo, ainda mais por terem lidado com tantas adversidades pelo caminho. Quem é de Imperatriz, sabe… Foram muitas as tentativas públicas de fazer com que melhorassem a estrutura das praças com pistas de skate minimamente apropriadas e em um bom estado… Tudo o que ela conquistou é fruto de muita fé, confiança e trabalho. É bonito e importante crianças receberem apoio à prática esportiva, e os pais dela o fizeram sem repreendê-la por desejar um esporte “não muito feminino”. Esporte é esporte. Além disso, acreditaram no potencial da filha e a estimularam sempre de forma saudável. Enfim… Genuinamente merecedora de tudo! Gigante! 💜🧚🏽

[@thenout]

I remember seeing this heelflip years ago, probably when it came out. Blew me away! Couldn't wait to see more of that talent, and boy has this woman been delivering.

[@skate]

Rayssa is only getting started! can't wait to see how far she takes it!

[@nickhomiee]

She's so beast and it seems like she genuinely loves skateboarding!

[@robbswain]

She fuckin' rips, didn't realize how good she was when she was so young too.

[@BHERMGCODE]

She’s so rad!

[@verdelume]

She skateboards like Ronaldinho played soccer: easily, joyfully, such an inspiration.

[@simonserra9330]

"I bleed Brazilian blood". Christian Hosoi. That's the Northeast. The gnarliest region. The gnarliest people. It's in her blood. Thank youuu Thrasher Mag, thank youuu Jake Phelps - RIP. Rayssa you RULE.

[@969omo]

I remember back in the day seeing her in her fairy outfit "fairy flip" and thinking, damm this girl is so young and could really push girls skating forward. Look at her now and it's just a natural progression. Keep ripping Rayssa Leal!

[@jccisneros6838]

All I have to say is respect to her and her parents

[@sageprophet937]

This was so dope❤❤❤ young legend in the making

[@FaultySporkMa]

And she’s just gonna get better.

[@jmg999]

Rayssa Leal is a really wonderful ambassador of her sport. I like how she encourages the next generation, realizes that education is important, and dedicates herself to her craft. She's really incredible!

[@NAKDTV]

She DID that. Loved how ABSOLUTELY clean the TWO BOARD slides were. . That they showed. The SMITH was of TODAY! SUCH A POWER MOMENT for women SKATERS!

[@TheFreedomSkates]

She is amazing. Such a good ambassador for skating

[@GuilPejon]

I loved every second of this

[@BERNIE817]

She’s got a bright future for sure! She’s fun to watch skate and progress!

[@JHillNC]

Rayysa has a great spirit, and it's great to see all her success.

[@lautabott_uy]

Absolute Boss.

[@Jay-vt2so]

Such a huge inspiration for so many! We have watched her skate journey and overall progression around the world. We are all extremely proud of you! ❤🥹😎🔥💯

[@akaPAPES]

Bro! Safe to say if she continues throughout her adult years, she’ll go down as the greatest female to ever skateboard. She’s the truth. Wow.

[@DGoldy303]

She's such a cool person!

[@I_amTurok]

Crazy I remember seeing heelflip fairy and see it become a champion is insane

[@charlesdontcare]

so much potential in this girl, wishing well

[@michaelblankenship7278]

I love that it all came together for her!

[@FL85106]

She is a diamond, a very rare diamond.

[@jamesfoureight9879]

Love watching her skate, so pumped to watch her accelerate over the years!

[@Jeffrey_Tyler]

I had NO IDEA that she was on April. They have the best female skater in the world AND the best male skater in the world. Her and Yuto is a hell of a team.

[@fabianodias3195]

everybody loves Rayssa. Legend from br ! Vai CORINTHIANS

[@kareemghanem9172]

Never knew about her before, opened the SNKRS app to see some nice shoes that had her name on it, and I got them, then I researched about her and now I'm a fan!

[@alanalso]

Awesome person with a great history already. Always look forward to what’s in store for her.

[@10isawsome]

Perfect timing! I just saw her in the Olympics and wanted to see and hear more about her! Cheers

[@PatrickTaylor-nm2se]

That’s awesome. Good for her. She deserves it with the hard work and dedication she has put into it.🔥🔥🔥

[@frontpuff]

True masteress of her skills!! Beautiful human being. So much more to come. Much Love

[@matthewkris6055]

Little legend

[@d.g.1594]

I can't wait to see her again in Paris.

[@shanonathon]

She’s killing it, and she still has so many good years ahead of her.

[@koizakoizada]

No futebol temos o Imperador, no skate temos a Imperatriz ❤️

[@brookeliz2212]

Que incrível parabéns rayssa você merece muito 🎉🎉🎉 muito orgulho de ti Ameiiiiii parabéns sucesso sempre.❤❤❤

[@yungchum2073]

She's goated for this.

[@eric1035]

Already goated

[@ochazz1506]

Can't wait for her video part

[@7even871]

SHES A LEGEND!

[@TheRaynerferreira]

Representa demais! Com certeza, muitos jovens e crianças no Brasil se inspiram em vc! Tudo de bom fadinha!

[@gargamelflm]

Quem diria que uma brasileira estrearia uma produção da trasher ? Nosso skate agora sim está no seu nível máximo. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@kenny-cz6vz]

im gangster af but this made my eye watery🥹...

[@audieriomarinho]

Imperatriz Maranhão bem representada pela Rayssa 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💎🔥Sk8 Sempre!

[@SquangSkateboards]

Young goat

[@allcaps3d]

Dope to have someone so humble pushing the progression, she's so rad

[@Plastic35789]

Amazing she is a legend

[@ab_chan_]

This was amazing to watch 🔥🔥

[@willblackett4709]

So Awesome !!! love from New Zealand