Brazilians love to surf; and, as the rest of the world has come to learn, Brazil has some damn good surf. However, it isn’t all about the waves. A huge country with a population as diverse as they come, Brazil is a giant melting pot of culture, art, music, color and life. With towering high-rises and crumbling favelas providing a paradoxical background to the picturesque beaches, it is a country that demands you take the time to explore what lies beyond the beaches. When in Rio last year covering the Billibong Pro I fortunate enough to be able to take some time and photograph the Favela’s along with some of the surfer’s I was traveling with. It was pretty amazing to see the beauty tucked away in such a poverty stricken area. The people we met were amazing and full of life, offering some incredible photo opportunities.