Legendary WSL Latin America tour manager Roberto Perdigao will step down from his role following the Maresias event currently underway.

Perdigao was publicly farewelled at the closing ceremony of the Saquarema event, which recognized his nearly 40 years at the helm of the WSL's South American office.

It was created in 1992 and he has always been in charge of everything related to the technical aspects.

DUKE had access to a message the executive sent to the surfers in Portuguese and Spanish: “I would like to take advantage of the finals day here at the REMA Saquarema Surf Festival to say goodbye to you and announce my retirement from the position of WSL South America Tour Manager after the Maresias stage.”

He added: “These were wonderful years of dedication and sharing with you, athletes, parents, coaches, shapers, our licensed events, the press, and especially our competent panel of referees, throughout this entire process that brought South American surfing to its highest level.”

“I will certainly miss this time together, and above all, being able to closely follow the careers of each of you and being able to encourage and create ever more opportunities for the new generations to come. But time is inexorable... And the time has come to say goodbye! But I do this with a heart full of happiness, beautiful memories, and with the certainty that my greatest asset today is the love and respect of each of you, who accompanied me, enlightened me, and guided me through your dreams, throughout this entire journey,” he concluded.

It's unknown whether Perdigao's departure is a resignation, whether he was fired or invited to resign. However, it aligns with the recent departure of Joao Carvalho, who also held the position of head of media in the WSL for several years in the region.

It's also unknown who will now be the technical leader for the regional WSL.

Under the eyes of Roberto Perdigao, at the helm of what was formerly the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals), Brazilian surfing went from being a thorn in the side of Australians and Americans to becoming a true storm.

And, in addition to that, the first CT qualifications for surfers from the region outside Brazil took place, and Sofía Mulanovich won the only Latin American world title in history in 2004.