It is often said that many of the WSL’s Brazilian contingent came from humble beginnings.

Most famous perhaps, is the story of Adriano De Souza, who grew up in a favela. Directly after wining his maiden world title, De Souza told the world through teary eyes of how his brother had bought him his first surfboard for 7 dollars- a sum that a the time he believed he could barely afford.

And now the WSL have created an in-depth and revealing profile piece Brazil’s most cheerful surfing export, Jadson Andre, detailing his steep ascent from his modest start in Brazil to world tour stardom.

Born to teenage parents who were struggling to make ends meet, they weren’t at all keen on Jadson surfing as youngster because of its counter-cultural associations. Accordingly his uncle would take him surfing in secret. Before long though, he started winning local comps, and was offered a contract with Oakley.

Many viewers already knew that Jadson was one of the liveliest, friendliest blokes on the CT, but we’ll be surprised if this doesn’t shift your perspective even further in his favour:

Cover photo: WSL / Steve Sherman