Brazil Hosts Major Surf Competitions in Itajaí and Vila Velha

World‑champion surfers captured the headline at the Itajaí Open 2nd stage in Santa Catarina, with Brazil’s Luan Wood posting the highest round‑one score of 17.75 points, followed by Matheus Navarro (16.50) and Argentine Nacho Gundesen (13.75). The event featured other top athletes such as Carlos Castilho, Jonatan Busetti and Leonardo Kangerski, highlighting the high technical level of the Pro and Open categories.

Meanwhile, the coastal city of Vila Velha in Espírito Santo staged the Brazilian Canoe Surf Festival at Nova Ponta da Fruta beach. About 60 athletes from five states competed in OC4 men’s, women’s and mixed categories, plus OC1 men’s. Organizer Obed Ribeiro praised the powerful waves, while local officials noted the competition’s boost to sports tourism. The festival also served as a qualifier for Brazil’s representatives at the World Canoe Surf Championships in Portugal later this year.