Brazilian big wave charger Ricardo dos Santos has been airlifted to hospital in his home state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, after being shot 3 times at Embaú Guard beach.

According to Brazilian surf website Waves Ricardo received two shots to the chest and one in the back, after apparently asking local drug users not to use at the beach, where many families were present.

Unofficial reports suggest 3 people have been arrested.

Dos Santos, noted for performances in hollow lefts, has won the Teahupoo trials twice, eliminating Kelly Slater, and is a stand out at Pipeline.

The global surfing family’s thoughts are with Ricardo, wishing him a speedy recovery.