In 1928 surfing was introduced to Brazil at Copocabana beach on a redwood surfboard. Copocabana used to be a very good beach break that would hold its shape up to twelve feet and had regular offshore winds. This beach's coastal road is named Avenida Atlantica. However, in the late 1960s the government began construction to double the road in width.

The road widening further increased erosion and now the wave breaks only a few days a year due to the widened road and its impeding the natural movement of the sand.