In a breathtaking display of thrill-seeking spirit, 53-year-old Paulo Guido Coelho was spotted navigating the tumultuous rapids of the swollen Doce River in Governador Valadares, Brazil, after a relentless downpour inundated the region. The brown, swirling waters, a result of recent heavy rains, created both a daunting challenge and an exhilarating ride for Paulo, who has been surfing in the area since he was just 15 years old.
Paulo, a business administrator by profession, has garnered a reputation in his local community as a daring adventurer. For him, surfing the Doce River during the rainy season isn’t merely a daring pastime; it’s an annual tradition shared with a close-knit group of friends, with whom he has been surfing since 1989. “This time of year brings about fantastic waves due to the rains. We look forward to it!” he remarked, dressed in his wetsuit and ready for action.
On January 13, the Civil Defence authority issued a warning about the heightened risks of flooding in the area, underscoring the potential dangers lurking in the choppy waters. Undeterred, Paulo and one of his surfing companions took to the river the very next day, eager to embrace the adventure that nature had provided. “When the river is really full, I always go out with another friend who knows how to surf well. It’s safer that way,” he explained. Unlike the beach, where spectators can keep an eye from the shore, river surfing presents a unique set of risks and requires a different approach to safety.
Paulo lives in proximity to the river, which allows him convenient access to the waves, although his chosen surfing spot is within the boundaries of the Municipal Natural Park, where the turbulent currents manifest. “We usually cross the river in kayaks, towing our boards. Once we reach the other side, we leave the kayaks in the woods and navigate a trail to a stone bench,” he detailed, highlighting the preparation that goes into their thrilling endeavor. “One person goes out to catch the waves while the other films the experience. It’s a perfect balance of thrill and camaraderie.”
Despite the thrill of surfing in challenging conditions, the gravity of the situation has not gone unnoticed. The local fire department issued a cautionary statement emphasizing the potential dangers associated with water sports in high-water conditions, warning residents of the dangers that lurk below the surface. “The water level in the Rio Doce region is very high due to heavy rains. Practicing any type of water sport in the river under these conditions can lead to various types of accidents,” they articulated, reminding thrill-seekers of the inherent risks involved.
In an interview with What’s The Jam, Paulo expressed his gratitude for the community of surfers who support and challenge each other in their quest for adventure. “Surfing is a way of connecting with nature and with my friends. We help each other, and that’s what makes it special,” he noted with a smile, underscoring the bonds forged through shared experiences on the river.
As the surrounding community reflects on the incredible scenes of Paulo surfing the rapids, it serves as a reminder of the thrill of living life to the fullest, even amidst warnings and uncertainty. With his fearless spirit and a deep-rooted love for the river, Paulo Guido Coelho continues to embody the adventurous essence of those who dare to ride the waves, celebrating both the beauty of nature and the spirit of camaraderie.