their favela is one of the largest in the city, and has reputation for violence, poverty, and armed drug-gangs of the red command, which has earned it the nickname 'vietnam'.

to struggle against the hopelessness of the slum, every morning they take the short trip down the hill to the beach, where they play in the sand, and practice surfing, under the guidance of rogerio, a professional surfer, who also grew up in the favela.

in an attempt to turn favela kids away from crime, rogerio started the favela surf club, which offers guidance and surfing equipment to the youths, to show them an alternative to favela life.

showing great dedication to his project, justin mitchell spent over a year with the kids, in both their humble surroundings, and in the free-spirited world of rio de janeiro surfing.