We're currently in the fifth consecutive layday at the Billabong Rio Pro and if you haven't been filling in those idle hours with Julio Adler's 'Semi Pro Shakedown' then you my friend have been missing out. But perhaps you have your reasons for missing it and if so I'll take your word for it.

So where is all this leading? Well, what it means is we have plenty of written words about Brazilian surf and its surf culture courtesy of Julio but no photos of the surf. I can't present any to you here either. What I can do, however, is introduce you to this colourful gallery of Rio scenes. From the favela to the Copacabana foreshore and everything in between, it's a beautiful city with an amazing history - enjoy.

All photos ASP/Kirstin.