shortly after 1965, windsurfing became very popular - contests were not initially as prevalent as standard surfing contests but they existed in the same form. initially the surfing community as a whole did not latch on to windsurfing, and it was seen more as a passing fad then a fundamental way of surfing.

during the late 1970's and early 80's this perception changed and windsurfing exploded in popularity to become equally as famous as surfing - the fever spread worldwide, eventually landing in rio de janeiro. the sunny climate and pristine beaches of rio made it an ideal location for windsurfing.