21 January, 2015 21 January, 2015

R.I.P Ricardo Dos Santos

Yesterday afternoon professional Brazilian surfer, Ricardo Dos Santos, tragically passed-away in St Joseph Hospital, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

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Many surfers gathered in front of Pipeline, Hawaii, to pay their respects to one of Brazil’s finest surfers.

The 24 year-old was reported to have been shot three times – once in the back and twice in the abdomen – by an off-duty police officer, Luiz Paulo Mota Brentano (25), outside of Santos’ home on Monday afternoon. The attack was made on Dos Santos after he allegedly confronted the officer and another man who were behaving suspiciously. Reports involving the incident vary. However, the police officer, who is reported to have a history of brutality, has been detained but has not yet been charged.

Dos Santos was best known for his skill in the tube and his commitment in waves of consequence. One of his most memorable professional accomplishments happened at Teahupo’o in 2012, when he took down the Andy Irons AI Forever Inspiration Award, for being the most committed surfer at the Billabong Pro Tahiti 2012. He also won the Wave Of The Winter in 2012 – 2013 for an incredible barrel at Pipeline.

Other than his competitive accolades, Santos has by all accounts been regarded as nothing but kind-hearted and fearless, not only by his peers and family, but by the entire surfing community and will be sorely missed.

“Ricardo was one of my best mates,” said Matt Bromley.”He always used to say to me ‘let’s do it’ when Pipe was 12 foot and heaving. When Teahupoo was giant and scary he would say ‘Bru let’s do it!’ He always inspired me to charge harder and to push the limits more. He never pulled back, no matter how heavy the situation, and he spread his love and passion for life and for charging wherever he went. He’s my brother forever and I’m so grateful to have charged some of the best waves of my life by his side.” – Matt Bromley.

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Ricardo Dos Santos standing tall as he pulls into his 2012 Wave of the Winter at Pipe.

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The ocean lay calm yesterday for Dos Santos’ memorial paddle-out at Pipeline.

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Friends and admirers celebrated in remembrance and honour of Ricardo Dos Santos’ life.

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Paddle-out ceremonies remain a long-standing Hawaiian tradition.

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Traditional Hawaiian plumeria, thrown out in honour of Dos Santos.

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Surfers comforted one another at the loss of another legend.

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The photograph speaks more about his character and nature than most words could.

1 Comment

  1. Ray
    22 January, 2015 at 8:24 am · Reply

    Heavy..a waste of a great life that was being lived to the fullest…

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