Gabe’s win in Fiji silenced many of the critics, but there is still a long way to go. Photo: ASP | Robertson
If the main purpose of surfing is bringing people together and live the aloha spirit, why do surfers from different nations keep complaining about everyone that isn’t from the same country as they are?
As Gabriel Medina rose in the ranks this year, the behaviour of Brazilian surfers became a hot topic. The 20-year-old from Maresias Beach is our nation’s biggest hope for a World Title, and we are desperately excited about it.
The thing is, we Brazilians do things wrong in the water, just like every other nation. Consequently, we are often criticized in a number of discussions on most of the main surfing websites, this one included. Xenophobia has become a constant event, and we need to start treating it more seriously.
The lesson is taught to every surfer: whether you’re in Australia, Hawaii, Brazil, or Fiji, you need to respect locals to gain respect. One of the main criticisms we receive is that “Brazzos want to catch every single wave,” which, in a lot of cases, is true. Because most beach breaks in Brazil don’t often have the kind of waves we want, some of us tend to get too excited while surfing in different locations and become especially annoying to people in the lineup.
One of the subjects that also needs explanation is the use of the word “gringo.” Brazilians use it to refer a person from a different country. It’s never meant to be rude or disrespectful – it’s just the way we say it. If you are not too shy to approach to a Brazilian, you’ll discover that we’re extremely receptive and like to talk about nearly anything, from the conditions of the swell to culture and what kind of waves we like. Or have you forgotten that sharing experiences is one of surfing’s greatest gifts? And since I’m a Brazilian, this is my thought about the term “brazzo.” If it’s not meant to be rude, we’ll be glad to be called brazzos.
Claiming is another thing that a lot of Brazilians do that pisses people off. You don’t have to shout and wave your hands desperately after every single little wave, but when you draw an especially good line or sneak out of a perfect tube, it’s totally acceptable to celebrate.
It’s natural that some people are annoying. Some people either haven’t learned to be respectful or don’t care enough to put it into practice. But saying that this problem is caused by the person’s nationality is simply reinforcing a prejudice that is already rampant in surf culture.
One of the major criticisms of Brazilian surfers is that we can’t excel in larger waves, because of the conditions of our breaks. We overcame that – just watch a video of Carlos Burle and Maya Gabeira at Nazaré, or of Gabriel Medina at maxing Teahupoo.
Every time you criticize another surfer on the web – or in real life, for that matter – remember this: they are a person, just like you. They shouldn’t be categorized because of where they’re from. The only discussions worth having are ones that ultimately lead to living in peace.
