18 Best Surfing Players in Brazil : A Historical Perspective

Tom Kershaw

Brazil is home to some of the world’s best surfers. In fact, many of the world’s top professional surfers come from Brazil. From the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the vast coastlines of northern Brazil, the country is home to an incredible array of talented surfers.

From world champions to big-wave chargers, here are some of the best surfing players in Brazil.

1. Gabriel Medina

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Gabriel Medina Pinto Ferreira is one of the most successful professional surfers in the world.

He has achieved three World Surf League (WSL) World Championships, in 2014, 2018, and 2021, and has made an impressive eighteen WSL Championship Tour event wins and thirty-one Final appearances.

His impressive record demonstrates a consistent ability to perform under pressure and produce competitive results. Medina is an experienced surfer, with a clear understanding of how to create the best surfing performance when the stakes are high.

His long-standing record of championship and event wins is a testament to his dedication, discipline, and commitment to the sport. His consistency in the high-pressure environment of competitive surfing makes him one of the most successful and experienced surfers in the world.

2. Ítalo Ferreira

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Ítalo Ferreira is one of the most talented and exciting surfers in the world. Born and raised in a small community in Brazil, Ferreira has become a sensation in the surfing world.

His skills, high-energy approach, and willingness to entertain have made him a global name. Ferreira hails from Baía Formosa, a small community in Rio Grande do Norte on the northeastern coast of Brazil.

Growing up in a place known for its surfing culture, Ferreira soon developed a passion for the sport and worked hard to hone his skills.

His hard work has paid off, as he is now one of the top competitors on the pro-surfing circuit. Ferreira is known for his explosive style and for his determination to put on a show for the audience.

He is always pushing himself to the limits, performing the most daring and difficult tricks.

His willingness to take risks and entertain the crowd has made him a fan favorite in the surfing world. Ferreira’s approach to surfing has made him a true inspiration to many young surfers who look up to him and aspire to follow in his footsteps.

He is a living example of how hard work and dedication can help anyone achieve their dreams.

3. Tatiana Weston-Webb

Tatiana Guimaraes Weston-Webb dos Santos is an impressive individual who has achieved great success in the world of surfing. Born in Brazil, she now lives in Kauai, Hawaii, and made history when she was the only rookie on the World Championship Tour (WCT) in 2015.

She is easily recognizable in competitions, as she wears jersey number 9. Her hard work and dedication has paid off, as she is currently ranked number 4 on the ‘CT tour in 2016. She recently competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics, representing her home country of Brazil.

Weston-Webb is clearly an incredible athlete, and her story is an inspiration to all.

4. Adriano de Souza

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Adriano de Souza, better known by his nickname “Mineirinho,” is a professional surfer from Brazil.

He has been competing on the World Surf League’s Men’s World Tour for over a decade, and in 2015, he achieved the highest accolade in the sport when he was crowned the World Champion.

His success on the world stage has cemented his place in the pantheon of the greatest surfers of all time. Adriano’s career began when he was just 15 years old when he first competed in the World Championship Tour in 2005.

Since then, he has gone from strength to strength and has won numerous events, including the Billabong Pro in Australia, the Rip Curl Pro in Portugal, and the Oi Rio Pro in Brazil.

His determination and impeccable skills on the surfboard have seen him become one of the most successful surfers in the world. Adriano’s success in the sport has not only earned him a place in the history books, but it has also earned him respect from his peers.

His commitment to the sport and to his fans is unparalleled, and he is a beloved figure in Brazil and throughout the surfing community.

Whether it’s catching a wave, competing in a major event, or inspiring his fans, Adriano has cemented his place in the hearts of surfers around the world.

5. Filipe Toledo

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Filipe Toledo is a professional surfer from Brazil who has been part of the World Surf League Men’s World Tour since 2013.

Hailing from the northeastern coast of the Brazilian state of São Paulo, Toledo is a second-generation professional surfer, as his father, Ricardo, was a two-time national champion.

Growing up in Ubatuba, Brazil Toledo was surrounded by the ocean from a young age and was encouraged to surf by his father, who also served as his long-time coach.

Through his father’s guidance and support, Toledo was able to hone his skills and eventually become one of the most renowned professional surfers in the world.

6. Maya Gabeira

Maya Reis Gabeira is an incredible Brazilian big wave surfer and a true inspiration.

In February 2020, she made history when she surfed a 22.4 meter high wave in Nazaré, Portugal, which was officially recorded by the Guinness World Records as the biggest wave ever surfed by a woman.

Prior to this, she had already held the previous record for biggest wave ever surfed by a woman, a remarkable 20.8 meter wave that she had established in January 2018.

Gabeira has been surfing since she was a child and she has dedicated her life to pushing the boundaries of big wave surfing and inspiring others to do the same.

She is also an advocate for ocean conservation and has been vocal about the need to protect our oceans from climate change and pollution.

Her accomplishments are a testament to her incredible skill and determination and she has proven that anything is possible when you believe in yourself.

7. Phil Rajzman

Phil Rajzman is a Brazilian professional surfer who has achieved a great deal of success in his chosen sport. He is a two-time World Surf League (WSL) world champion, a title held by only the very best in the sport.

His success can be attributed to his early introduction to surfing, as he began catching waves at the age of six and was quickly identified as a prodigy by Rico de Souza, one of the pioneers of Brazilian surfing.

Rajzman’s dedication to the sport was evident from an early age, and he has grown into one of the most respected surfers in the world.

He has inspired many other aspiring surfers from Brazil, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to success in the competitive world of professional surfing.

8. João Chianca

João Vítor de Azeredo Chianca is a highly accomplished surfer from Brazil. He competes in the World Surf League, a professional surf organization that seeks to crown the most talented surfers on the planet.

Chianca has made a name for himself in the sport of surfing, securing various high-profile victories over the years. He has won several national events and is currently ranked in the top 10 of the World Surf League.

As a Brazilian surfer, he is often seen as a leader and role model for the sport in his home country. He is a well-respected figure in the surfing community and provides great inspiration for aspiring surfers around the world.

9. Rodrigo Koxa

Rodrigo ‘Koxa’ Augusto do Espírito Santo is a renowned and talented athlete from Brazil. He is a professional big wave surfer and extreme waterman, and he is well-known for his impressive accomplishments in these sports.

On November 8, 2017, he set a world record for the largest wave ever surfed at Nazaré, Portugal. The incredible feat made headlines around the globe, and Koxa was praised for his skill and courage in tackling such a daunting wave.

He has since continued to challenge himself with more and more extreme water activities, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport of surfing.

Koxa is a true inspiration for all aspiring athletes, showing that anything is possible if you have the dedication and determination to pursue your dreams.

10. Miguel Pupo

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Miguel Pupo is a professional surfer from Brazil who competes in the World Surf League. As a professional surfer, he has been successful in the sport, having won several world titles. Pupo is currently ranked in the top ten on the World Surf League’s rankings.

He has also been featured in several surfing magazines and has been featured in the documentary, “Surfing Brazil.” He is considered to be one of the best Brazilian surfers and is highly respected in the surf community.

His success in the World Surf League is a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport. He is a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success.

11. Ian Gouveia

Ian Gouveia is a highly talented and accomplished professional surfer from Brazil. He has been competing in the World Surfing League Men’s World Tour since 2017 and has achieved impressive results since then.

He is a passionate and dedicated athlete who loves the sport and works hard to reach the heights of success.

He has achieved several major titles in the world of surfing including being crowned the ASP World Junior Champion in 2012 and the Vans World Cup of Surfing Champion in 2015. He is known for his aggressive style of surfing and his ability to adapt to challenging conditions.

He has become one of the top-ranked surfers in the world and continues to compete in the World Surfing League Men’s World Tour in search of even more success.

12. Alex Ribeiro

Alex Ribeiro is a highly skilled and accomplished professional surfer from Brazil who has been competing in the World Surfing League Men’s World Tour since 2016.

He earned his place on the 2016 World Championship Tour season after his impressive showing on the 2015 World Qualifying Series season, where he finished in a very respectable 7th place.

This accomplishment speaks volumes of his talent and dedication to the sport. Ribeiro is a well-respected figure in the surf community and his achievements have made him a figure to be reckoned with in the competitive surfing arena.

He has been able to achieve success on the world stage due to his impressive skillset, determination and passion for the sport. He continues to compete on the World Surfing League Men’s World Tour and is looking to build on his impressive resume.

13. Lucas Chumbo

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Lucas Yan Cabral Azeredo Chianca, commonly referred to as Lucas Chumbo, is an accomplished Brazilian surfer. He has achieved great success in the sport, making a name for himself as a professional in the surfing scene.

His talents and skill have allowed him to reach the top of the sport and compete with the best surfers from around the world.

His impressive performance in surfing competitions has earned him recognition and respect from his peers, and his accomplishments have inspired many other aspiring surfers to follow in his footsteps.

In addition to being a talented surfer, Lucas Chumbo is also an ambassador for the sport, promoting surfing in his home country of Brazil and beyond.

He is an inspiring role model for young surfers everywhere, showing that hard work and dedication can take you to the heights of success.

14. Jadson André

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Jadson André is a professional surfer from Brazil. He is one of the top surfers in the world and has been a part of the surfing scene for over a decade. He is a two-time World Surf League Qualifying Series champion, having won in 2010 and 2012.

He is also a three-time South American champion, having won the titles in 2008, 2009, and 2011. Jadson is known for his powerful and aggressive style of surfing, often taking on the toughest waves and conditions.

He has been featured in numerous documentaries and television shows and is considered an inspiration to surfers around the world. His passion for the sport and dedication to improving his skills has earned him a place in the surfing Hall of Fame.

15. Alejo Muniz

Alejo Muniz is a professional surfer from Brazil who is currently competing on the World Surf League (WSL) Men’s Qualifying Series (QS).

He is part of a select group of professional surfers who compete in the WSL QS, which is a series of events held throughout the year that serves as a way for surfers to qualify for the WSL Championship Tour.

The QS events are a great opportunity for up-and-coming surfers to gain recognition and experience in a professional setting. Alejo Muniz has been able to make a name for himself by competing in the WSL QS and is now one of the most respected surfers in the world.

He is a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success in the world of professional surfing.

16. Ricardo dos Santos

Ricardo dos Santos was a talented Brazilian surfer who made a name for himself at the 2012 Billabong Pro event in Tahiti. He went on to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament, defeating even the legendary Kelly Slater along the way.

His incredible determination and skill was recognised by the organisers of the tournament, who presented him with the Andy Irons award. This award is given to the most determined competitor of the event, and dos Santos proved himself more than deserving of it.

His performance at the tournament was a testament to his skill and character and showed the world just why he was such a respected surfer.

17. Jihad Khodr

Jihad Khodr is an established professional surfer from Brazil. He is currently competing on the ASP World Tour, which is the highest level of competition for professional surfers. Khodr began his career on the ASP Tour in 2008 and the 2009 season marks his second season on tour.

In 2008, Khodr achieved his highest ASP World Tour rating of 44th. As of 2009, Khodr has earned a total of $227,650.00 in his career thus far. This has been a testament to Khodr’s talent and dedication as a professional surfer.

He is a role model for up and coming surfers, showing them that with hard work and dedication, success is achievable.

18. Guilherme Tâmega

Guilherme Tâmega is a professional bodyboarder from Brazil who has achieved great success in the sport. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1972, Tâmega has made a name for himself as a formidable competitor in the international bodyboarding scene.

He has won the Shark Island Challenge bodyboarding event three times in a row, a feat that few can compare to. This prestigious event, held annually in Australia, is one of the most competitive bodyboarding events in the world.

Tâmega has also competed in the international bodyboarding World Tour, an event that is held in different locations around the globe each year. He has achieved great success in this tour, having placed in the top 3 multiple times.

He is widely considered to be one of the best bodyboarders in the world, and his accomplishments have earned him a great deal of respect from his peers.

Tâmega is an inspiration to aspiring bodyboarders around the world, showing them that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

He is a living example of what can be achieved with a focus and determination to succeed, and he serves as an excellent role model for future generations of bodyboarders.

Conclusion

Brazil is home to some of the best surfing players in the world. With its warm waters and excellent waves, Brazil is a great place for all surfers to practice their skills and hone their craft.

Brazil is also home to some of the most renowned surfers, such as Gabriel Medina, Italo Ferreira, and Adriano De Souza, who have all achieved great success in the world of competitive surfing.

With the growing popularity of the sport in Brazil, the country is sure to continue producing some of the best surfing players in the world.

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Tom Kershaw

As a sports reporter at The Times & The Sunday Times, my passion lies in covering Olympic sports. With years of experience in the field, I have had the privilege of witnessing and reporting on some of the most thrilling moments in sporting history. From the adrenaline-pumping races on the track to the intense battles in the pool, I strive to capture every moment with accuracy and enthusiasm. My goal is to provide readers with comprehensive coverage that goes beyond mere scores and statistics, delving into the stories behind each athlete's journey and showcasing their triumphs and challenges. Having covered multiple Olympic Games, I understand the importance of delivering timely and engaging content that keeps readers informed and entertained. Whether it's a feature article highlighting an underdog's remarkable rise or a live blog capturing the excitement of a nail-biting final, I am committed to delivering top-notch reporting that brings the Olympic experience to life. With my deep knowledge of various Olympic sports, coupled with my strong storytelling skills, I aim to provide readers with a unique perspective on these incredible athletes and their pursuit of greatness. As a sports reporter at The Times & The Sunday Times, I am dedicated to bringing you all the latest news, insights, and memorable moments from the world of Olympic sports.