My Favorite Image of 2024

I've been fascinated by surfing dogs ever since I saw an Instagram post back in 2015 about Bono, the chocolate Labrador from Leblon who is a world surfing champion currently with 333K followers on Instagram.

Fast forward nearly ten years, and I found myself in "retirement" on the beaches of Ipanema. One day, I ran into a coconut-carrying, six-month-old Jack Russell Terrier who, in an unforgettable twist of fate, led me to his dad—a chiseled Muay Thai champion and surfer named Bernardo Braga.

I often saw the two at their spot in Arpoador, Bernardo training a student while Benji, the energetic Jack Russell, played with his coconut. I snapped a few photos of them surfing, but they weren’t quite “perfect.” The images felt too distant, too detached. I knew I needed to be in the water with Benji to capture the perfect shot.

Three months later, I dropped Bernardo a WhatsApp message: “If you guys are ever surfing again, drop me a line.” Bernardo had been busy with students and other ventures but promised to let me know. The very next morning, I got a message, he and Benji might surf in an hour if I was around.

I grabbed my gear and made the one-mile walk to Arpoador, a famous surf break at the end of Ipanema Beach. After finishing a training session, Bernardo changed into his surf gear and headed to the beach with Benji. The sight of the small dog, a mainstay and local celebrity, always drew attention.

I watched as Bernardo asked Benji in Portuguese if he wanted to surf. Benji jumped up again and again, clearly answering with an enthusiastic yes. Down at the water’s edge, Bernardo tilted the board, and Benji climbed aboard. They were off. This time, I was right behind them.

As a wave came, Benji rode it effortlessly, like a pro. Focused on my camera settings, I didn’t immediately process what I was capturing. I resisted the urge to check my shots on the walk home, too nervous that I might not have gotten the moment I had envisioned for nearly a decade.

While editing later, I saw it—the image I had pictured all along. A beautiful puppy triumphantly riding a wave with Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Two Brothers mountains in the background. It was everything I had hoped for. The elements of water, mountain, city and sky all complimenting the skills of the talented puppy from Ipanema.

I hope this photo fills you with the same kind of joy it does for me. With so many beautiful images I made this year in Rio, this was an easy choice for my favorite moment. There’s nothing better than a dog, except maybe one that surfs. Happy New Year, y’all!