LateStarter said..
The Brazzo's view 'surf culture' in a totally different light to everybody else.
For some of these guys its all about the competition and winning is everything. The brazil public won't support you and sponsors won't get behind you unless you're winning contests and beating other surfers. The pressure they are under to win is incredible, so you can understand the temptation to break the rules in regards to performance enhancing drugs.
In margs a few weeks back when the surf was pumping, most pros were itching to finish their heats to chase barrels at every opportunity. Jordy, 2 Johns, Kelly and co were lighting up North Point, and even Jay Davies spent the whole day in the water before the biggest heat of his life against Medina. Meanwhile the Brazzo crew (and Flores) hardly left the confines of the competitors area, perhaps for fear of injury or exhaustion, or anything else which may hurt their chances of winning.
This culture of competition is ingrained into Brazilian surfers. I've been at an empty lineup in the Ments when a boatload of Brazzos turns up - uncontent with uncrowded perfection, they just pair up and run their own heats.
Being stoked is nothing unless you're winning! Can any of you guys name a high profile Brazilian free surfer? Me Neither!
Most of these kids come from poor backgrounds and are uneducated.A life on the streets,drugs,fights,murders and all sorts of other crimes.Any kid with talent in Brazil will work harder than most for a chance to escape type of life,the pressure is more intense for them for this reason.