I was born in Paris and raised in New York which has made me a city girl through and through but when my partner — who grew up in a tiny town in Normandy — suggested we look for a calmer life across the Atlantic A few months later, we were moving all our things across the Atlantic to a small town in Portugal we'd only ever seen in a travel book When talks of moving began, we had just returned from a one-month road trip around France in a van my partner had built and fast-paced commuters that were always familiar now felt intrusive I wanted to regain the calm I experienced during the road trip Her eyes lit up in disbelief — those were the words she'd been wanting to hear and the ones she'd never thought I'd say We flirted with different options — Hawaii My partner and I are both French-Brazilian so we decided France and Brazil were out of the question It felt like a nice mix between our European and South American cultures and we could be near our families without being too close During our French road trip, we bought a book that listed all the must-see European coastal places but the first night walking around Ericeira The cons were sinking in: I was far from everyone I knew and loved But my partner reassured me that we'd find friends And we regularly embark on excursions with friends that don't involve drinking — like sunset hikes and morning surf sessions We're also happy to finally be able to put aside money for our future since life is more affordable here than it was in New York If I could tell 16-year-old me that 10 years later, she'd be living in a quaint Portuguese town I'm that same city girl again — just a little calmer Is "NORTH" The Best Surf Photography Book Ever Made? From Tubes To Turns, Jai Glindeman's Surfing is a Treat to Behold Gerry Lopez Goes Deep With Justin Jay On The Plug Podcast NewsAll NewsEventsBig Wave NewsWorld Surf LeagueEnvironmentalIndustryWave PoolsPosts List ‘He Was Such a Legend’: A Decade After His Death, Shawn “Barney” Barron’s Spirit Shines in Colorful Air Show Hawaiian Big Wave Icon Clyde Aikau Passes Away at 75 With the WSL Finals now just a distant fever dream, surf fans can turn all their attention to the only show left in town; the Challenger Series seeing as the Changa is a stop-start affair here’s a cheat sheet to get up to speed before (most) of the world’s best head to Ribeira d’Ilhas for the EDP Ericeira Pro on Sunday As far as world-class waves go, Ribeira d’Ilhas has a great carpark. Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but there’s a reason the righthand point has been at the beating heart of Portugal competition surfing for decades It’s a dream setup for whacking up CT-level contest infrastructure and holds everything from waves from two to 12-feet Plus it can diffuse most winds and the large swings in tide into whackable walls Ribeira is an inferior wave even to Bells but does provide a similar length of ride Locals will always drive past it to surf Coxos but as a one-size-fits-all wave that promotes fair competition and is great for spectating The 5th of event of six on the Challenger Series it is here that athletes can officially lock in their CT place for 2025 His current 22,810 points thereby become a marker in the sand Compatriot (and former winner) here Samuel Pupo can get back on the CT with a 5th place finish or better Oz rookie George Pittar and Brazilian veteran Alejo Muniz can do the same by making the Final and Jordan Lawler can qualify by winning the event ratings leader Bella Kenworthy can join the elite ranks with a third-place finish CT fixtures Sally Fitzgibbons and Isabella Nichols plus recent Fiji CT winner Erin Brooks and promptly failed to win a CT heat all year also used her win to debut on the CT but sadly didn’t make the cut Zeke Lau had an emotional win to regain the CT status he desperately craved he was severed from the Tour on the wrong side of just introduced cut So while a win here in Portugal has ensured the surfer makes the CT No local Portugal surfer has won at Ribeira d’Ilhas despite the huge backing of the crowd and their intimate knowledge of the wave Frederico Morais is the best placed and most favoured While he's had a poor competitive year you can apply the tag that while form is temporary Kikas is as fired up at any stage in his career and has been surfing this wave in a singlet for two decades it is the Portuguese women who may give the massive crowds more reason to cheer The smooth gooyfooter Teresa Bonvalot needs a big result but thrives on pressure and crowd energy World Junior Champion Francisco Veselko is stylish and dangerous With a field of 80 in the Men’s and 48 surfers in the Women’s Remember these are the best QS surfers from each region supplemented by CT surfers who didn’t make the cut there’s been a different winner in each division on every stop of the CS so far we’ll have to start first with the CT surfers you can’t go past Erin Brooks; it’s a matter of when Kanoa Igarashi and the 2022 winner Leo Fioravanti aren’t only the only surfers rated in the World’s Top 10 but they both have semi-permanent homes overlooking the break Find a room Each space is unique and was created with textures that echo the land and the sea Bare concrete and surfaces informed by a color palette that suggests mineral elements and iron set the stage for custom-made furniture and textiles And it's all set beneath a vaulted ceiling that calls to mind the waves of Ericeira One of the hotel’s most interesting features is the shape of its windows Landscape architect Margarida Quelhas has crafted a world of greenery and art that includes a large hedgehog by artist Paulo Reis a vegetable garden that supplies the restaurant Read their story Ericeira is home to one of the best surfing spots in all of Portugal The region’s cultural diversity allows the hotel to offer a wide array of experiences including tailormade trips to natural parks and insider access to the nearby fishing village Ribamar The fine offerings at Emme restaurant respect the region’s recipes and give those traditional touchstones a new contemporary shape while open views connect guests to the valley and the sea Al-fresco dining is available on the balcony or simply enjoy signature cocktails under the stars Sustainability Keeping an eye on our Conscious Hotel Principles the hotel minimizes ecological and visual impact in the surfing nature reserve the design emphasizes energy efficiency and harmony with the landscape Leftover food from the kitchen or events is shared with employees Water-saving bathroom equipment was installed repurposing it for garden irrigation and pool filling The hotel uses solar panels for water heating and electric and hybrid cars for staff and operations complemented by produce from local suppliers The hotel offers visits to the Iberian Wolf Sanctuary and live music by local artists on Saturdays Guests can enjoy yoga indoors or outdoors on scenic decks explore bird watching through partner programs with tastings and workshops hosted at the hotel An electric hotel car offers paid transportation or a free shuttle to the town center The hotel also provides an accessible room and bathroom Follow the conscious journey Perched on cliffs that drop into a frothy ocean below the property makes you feel a bit like you're in a dream This Aethos hotel is located just a 15-minute drive from Ericeira a small but renowned surfing town that attracts world-class athletes and digital nomads alike The drive from the Lisbon airport isn't long which are sprinkled with clusters of red tile-roofed white buildings undulating roadways lull you into a sort of meditation catching your first glimpse of the deep blue Atlantic Ocean and Portugal's surf coast reveals itself all at once and perks at Hyatt properties around the world new cardmembers can earn up to 60,000 bonus points once you're approved.) Aethos Ericeira is part of the Mr & Mrs Smith collection and World of Hyatt which allows cardmembers to earn bonus points on stays This was my first trip to Portugal, which has for years been buzzed-about for its beauty and relative affordability Aethos Ericeira had everything this balanced traveler looks for in a wellness destination: stunning natural beauty for serenity; varied experiences to stay active; and delectable food and wine for indulgent here's why you should make a stop along the coast at Aethos Ericeira — if only for a night or two as you explore all the stunning country has to offer I like to think of myself as a pretty well-rounded traveler That's why Aethos Ericeira is the best of all worlds just a short five-minute walk to a beach below the cliffs But you're also a reasonable Uber ride from Lisbon (about an hour and 50 euros each way) or a short drive to nearby surf towns where you can try out the sport (or spend the day watching locals show you how it's done) and get a sense for the laid-back vibe of the region Even if you prefer to stay on-site when you're on vacation you feel like you're secluded atop a breezy cliff The facilities are beautifully designed — think white-washed walls and Scandinavian details — and the rooms are well-appointed airy layout perfectly complements the surrounding landscape I opened the doors to my oceanview balcony and listened to the waves crash against the coast and basically spent a whole hour just watching the sun melt towards the horizon mostly because the hotel was quiet when I visited — the days unfolded however I wanted them to PS Photography | Lena FeltonThat's another thing I loved about the hotel: it felt small That might've been due to the time of year I was visiting as I can totally imagine the hotel's saltwater pool and patio are crowded with locals and travelers during the warmer summer months and kept up with all the wellness activities I'd signed up for Finally, one of the things I looked forward to each day was a slow, fresh breakfast, which is included in your stay. I nibbled on fresh fruit, homemade granola, local cheeses, and perfectly baked pastel de nata, a Portuguese staple that almost everyone I met told me I had to try. The hotel's restaurant, Onda, was a very solid option for other meals as well; I particularly loved the ceviche I had during one late lunch, and the seafood soup for dinner. PS Photography | Lena FeltonWhat to Consider Before Booking Aethos Ericeira Part of what makes Aethos Ericeira so special is that it truly feels like its own little world, but that also means that it's a drive to basically anywhere else. Most visitors rent cars, but I was glad that getting around via Uber was very manageable. As you're planning your trip, you should also consider the time of year. While you can surf year-round in Ericeira, November, December, and January are generally pretty chilly (in the low 60s) and rainy. I've heard that visiting in early summer and early fall are most popular. I got lucky on my four-day state in late November; the first day was gray and misty, but other than that, I got a mix of sun and clouds, with highs in the mid 60s. Although I didn't feel Portugal was much cheaper than other parts of Europe in terms of food and drink, the price for a stay at Aethos Ericeira was extremely worth it. With rooms starting at around $250 during the off season, the value is difficult to beat — you get a luxury experience nowhere near the price tag you'd encounter in, say, London or New York City. PS, There’s MorePS, There’s MoreThe Best Places to Travel in December, According to Travel ExpertsLena Felton (she/her) is a senior content director at PS where she led a team covering issues of gender and identity She has been working in journalism since 2017 during which time her focus has been feature writing and editing and elevating historically underrepresented voices Mission Statement: to assist the integration of foreign residents living in Spain and this is never more accurate than when you establish yourself as a foreign resident in a new country Being able to quickly familiarise yourself with the culture and customs can help ease the transition during a challenging time This is why Euro Weekly News makes it our mission to provide you with a free news resource in English that covers both regional and national Spanish news – anything that we feel you will benefit from knowing as you integrate into your new community and live your best life in Spain you can forget about translating articles from Spanish into awkward English that probably don’t make much sense Let us be your convenient and essential guide to all things that will likely affect you as a foreign resident living in Spain Surf enthusiasts have an exciting new event to look forward to as Ericeira, Portugal’s famous surf town, prepares to host the world’s first-ever international surfing competition using traditional Hawaiian OC4 outrigger canoes The competition is set to take place between 21 and 28 March 2025 bringing together eight teams from around the globe—including two from Portugal—to compete in this unique and thrilling watersport Organised by the passionate team at Ocean Club Ericeira the OC4 Surfing Challenge is not just another surfing event—it’s a groundbreaking competition that merges the ancient Hawaiian tradition of outrigger canoeing with the adrenaline-filled excitement of surfing and Portugal are ready to make waves and history “This event marks a significant milestone in the sport,” said Miguel Ruivo from Laneez Ericeira “It’s the very first time that OC4 teams from around the world will be competing together like this We’re thrilled to be part of something so special.” The lineup includes talented teams such as Kahunna Va’a from Brazil the competition promises incredible action known for its fantastic surfing conditions will be the perfect stage for the OC4 Surfing Challenge Organisers have wisely set a flexible schedule to ensure teams can compete under the best possible wave and weather conditions guaranteeing spectacular surfing action for spectators This historic event promises to deliver plenty of thrills cementing Ericeira’s reputation as a leading global surfing destination Stay tuned to Euro Weekly News for more news about Portugal Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain by delivering news with a social conscience we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP) Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall) All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE Download our media pack in either English or Spanish From the wild wonders of a national park in Ireland to a perfect pastry in a Portuguese surfing town our tipsters revel in surprises on their travels but in fact we can’t wait and eat them right outside the cafe I found some of Prizren’s legendary baklava All this just a few minutes’ walk from the enchanting Sinan Pasha Mosque and main square.Danny Baker Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage The highlight to date was finding a boardwalk surrounded by colourful flora and fauna The juxtaposition of the serene natural world against roaring aeroplanes a few metres overhead as they came in to land was absolutely amazing We bring a packed lunch from home so for the price of a travel card each section is an incredible adventure and excellent value for money in these challenging times.Hannah with a large menu offering traditional Belgian delicacies and an on-site brewery.Charlotte Jose Aït Benhaddou Photograph: Sorin Colac/AlamyVisiting Aït Benhaddou in Morocco felt like stepping on to a movie set – literally The Unesco site is Hollywood’s go-to desert backdrop​ After the tourist ​vans left​ and the sun began to set And sunrise from my roof terrace was a sight I will never forget Don’t miss the amazing pizzeria run by a friendly Italian couple nearby.Jonathan Sankey which features unusual paintings and sculptures from self-taught artists who produce work outside the mainstream.Joe featured trips and local tips for your next break as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays Horses and yurts dot the open pastures of Kazakhstan Photograph: Eitan Simanor/AlamyA holiday in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan provides an adventure The countries have an alpine feel but none of the crowds We walked one way to a mountain lake and rode back visited a yurt felt-making workshop and watched a demonstration of eagle hunting the second largest mountain lake in the world (behind Lake Titicaca in Bolivia/Peru) was another highlight There are interesting Dungan (Muslim people of Hui origin) and Soviet influences particularly in the mosques and war memorials of the cities Almaty and Bishkek.Paul Kirkwood I could have spent over a week exploring all that Connemara has to offer Read today's Portuguese stories delivered to your email. The first international surfing competition in Hawaiian canoes will take place in Praia do Sul, Ericeira, between 21 and 28 March, with eight teams competing, including two Portuguese. Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram Isang post na ibinahagi ni Laneez Ericeira Surfhouse (@laneezericeira) "The OC4 Surfing Challenge is a unique and innovative event and marks the first international competition of its kind ever held" The eight teams will compete in the waves of the World Surfing Reserve for the first international trophy in the OC4 modality “This will be a moment that will be remembered in the history of the sport as it will be the first time that OC4 teams from all over the world have come together in a competition of this type" one of the representatives of the Portuguese team Laneez Ericeira The other Brazilian 'squad' is Kahunna Va’a and will face CCP Extreme (Brazil) Maimiti Va’a and Hossegor (both from France) and Go The competition has a one-week waiting period and will be held on the two days that offer the best conditions The OC4 Surfing Challenge is promoted by Ocean Club Ericeira and approved by the Portuguese Canoeing Federation We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to we ask you to support The Portugal News by making a contribution – no matter how small You can change how much you give or cancel your contributions at any time Send us your comments or opinion on this article Reaching over 400,000 people a week with news about Portugal Donavon Frankenreiter Cranks Up the Volume on Surf History Watch: Psycho Slab Cape Solander Goes Bonkers (Video) Tosh Tudor, Jacob Szekely and Skip McCullough Score an All-Time Indo Swell Run Humble Hawaiian Charger Wins $10K & Wave of the Winter on Surreal Pipeline Chamber  Former World Title Threat Wins Burleigh Trials, Will Surf in Gold Coast Pro The Gnarliest Bodyboarder You’ve Never Heard of (Video) have all secured their spots in the quarterfinals and with their closest competition eliminated will continue to hold onto their top seeds With one event left in the Challenger Series expect to see all three graduate to the Championship Tour in 2025 currently rated ninth on the Challenger Series is their next closest competition remaining in the Ericeira Pro Depending on how she goes the rest of the way which sees the top five women move onto the Championship Tour next year is also still in the draw and will go up against fellow San Clemente surfer Kenworthy in the third quarterfinal if Pinkerton can come away with a win in the quarters and go on to a big result she'll move up the leaderboard and be in the qualification come the final event of the season in Brazil later this month it's most definitely worth noting that 13-year-old Tya Zebrowski is still hammering away Exploding onto the scene throughout the European Qualification Series season she's come out of nowhere and asserted herself on the world's stage in a major way On the young end of the youth movement that's currently storming the ranks of professional surfing she's got veteran Australian Nichols in her quarterfinal heat Zebrowski's going to be a name we start seeing a whole lot more in the months and years ahead Five of the eight quarterfinalists hail from South America find themselves on the same side of the draw and could meet in the semis if they both advance Alejo Muniz is in full resurgence mode and surfing better than ever Aussies Joel Vaughan and Callum Robson are hoping they can survive the onslaught as is Championship Tour vet Kanoa Igarashi There's one more day to go at the EDP Ericeira Pro and a whole lot of points still up for grabs Sally Fitzgibbons and Samuel Pupo won the Ericeira Pro and Samuel Pupo have won the World Surf League EDP Ericeira Pro Presented by Estrella Galicia The event was the fifth and penultimate stop on the 2024 Challenger Series The women’s final came down to a final heat between Australia’s Sally Fitzgibbons and Tahiti’s Tya Zebrowski. The competitors provided a stark contrast to each other, with Fitzgibbons on her way to her 14th Championship Tour season and 13-year-old Zebrowski competing in her first Challenger Series ever with Fitzgibbons finding an early lead that she widened with a 7.67 score including a closing minute bomb that she ultimately wasn’t able to stick it just wasn’t enough to stop Fitzgibbons from clinching a second back-to-back Challenger Series win “I couldn’t hear a thing out there, so I just tried to go by feel,” said Fitzgibbons in a WSL press release but it kind of came as a surprise that I got the win they’re so fierce in freesurfs that it gives you more drive to beat them when you get them in a heat Credit to our generation and the generation before us who worked so hard to give these next stars the opportunity to be here.” Samuel Pupo of Brazil emerged victorious for the men’s event after a final face-off against Australia’s Callum Robson Pupo dictated the tempo of the heat from moment one scoring a 7.00 and 7.5 in the first ten minutes Callum was never able to reply to that opening salvo “What an amazing crowd here in Ericeira I just can’t believe everything that happened at this contest I went from having a lot of pressure to make heats making it to the final and I’m so happy with my performance.” Pupo and Fitzgibbons have secured top rankings in the Challenger Series with just the Saquarema Pro left on the schedule The final event of the 2024 Challenger Series will run from October 12 to 20 Bluceira is a wellness retreat located in Ericeira offering holistic programs focused on improving the quality of life for individuals over 60 The concept represents a novel approach to later-life wellness, with an extended duration of three weeks designed to embed lasting lifestyle changes rather than offering a brief retreat experience. "People that live in the blue zones – Okinawa California – can often live past 100 years and Ericeira closely matches those areas in terms of what makes the people who live there thrive," explains co-founder Antonie Debuse the programme takes place in a region just a 45-minute drive out of Lisbon that mirrors these celebrated blue zones - areas where people frequently live beyond 100 years combine daily physical coaching with workshops on nutrition with guests participating in local projects including collaborative gardening and creating ceramic murals in the town Meals are created by private chefs who prepare food using local ingredients, while activities include cooking classes, market tours and community dinners, alongside guided visits and evening social gatherings.Bluceira's origins stem from co-founder Amélie Roujou de Boubée's search for alternatives to traditional senior care Inspired by an innovative Dutch dementia village and watching her toddler interact with her grandfather she envisioned a different approach to later-life living timing their venture with their own life transitions as their children entered adulthood Prices start from €290 per day for a double room or €350 per day for a single room Rates vary depending on the selected period Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and Samuel Pupo (BRA) have taken out the World Surf League (WSL) Ericeira 5 on the 2024 Challenger Series. Fitzgibbons and Pupo conquered the challenging conditions to secure wins over Tya Zebrowski (FRA) and Callum Robson (AUS) Championship Tour (CT) dreams were realised for some while others will head to the final stop in Brazil with extra weight on their shoulders Sally Fitzgibbons earns back-to-back Challenger Series wins The women’s Final was one for the history books with surfing icon Fitzgibbons up against the future of the sport in Zebrowski (FRA). Fitzgibbons heading to the Championship Tour for her 14th season and the 13-year-old Zebrowski making her Challenger Series debut In the end it was the veteran’s experience that paid off with Fitzgibbons earning back-to-back wins on the Challenger Series showing a touch more aggression and intent to get a head start on Zebrowski but it was the veteran that upped the ante with a 7.67 (out of a possible 10) to create some breathing room for the lead In the final minute, Fitzgibbons found an inside runner to improve on her backup score with a 5.93 but Zebrowski found a bomb right behind her Unfortunately the Tahitian couldn’t complete the wave and Fitzgibbons secured the win with a total of 13.60 (out of a possible 20) so I just tried to go by feel,” Fitzgibbons said they’re so fierce in freesurfs that it gives you more drive to beat them when you get them in a heat Credit to our generation and the generation before us who worked so hard to give these next stars the opportunity to be here.” Tya Zebrowski puts surfing world on notice Coming into this event as relatively unknown to the broader surfing community Zebrowski has been the standout surfer of the event Making waves in the European surfing scene she put the surfing world on notice with her run in Ericeira taking down big names like Isabella Nichols (AUS) Luana Silva (BRA) and Francisca Veselko (POR) on her way to the Final but it was my first Challenger Series,” Zebrowski said “I wasn’t really in the rhythm in that heat I’m really glad I made it to the final and I’m proud of what I did It was an honour to surf with the best in the world.” Samuel Pupo goes all the way in PortugalPupo (BRA) fresh off requalifying for the Championship Tour has been on fire the whole event to come up against Callum Robson (AUS) in the Final opening with a 7.00 and backing it up with a 7.50 for a solid total of 14.50 within the first ten minutes Robson struggled to find the best waves to open up his surfing and was left wanting.  I just can’t believe everything that happened at this contest making it to the final and I’m so happy with my performance.” Callum Robson returns from injury for runner-up finish Robson earned his best result on the Challenger Series this year and shot up 27 positions on the rankings the former CTer is knocking on the door for requalification “Missing out on the last event and coming here to compete meant a lot to me,” Robson said “Competing and hanging out with a couple of mates it’s been a fun week. If you told me at the start of the week I will be in second but I’m really stoked with the runner-up and heading into Brazil in a better position.” Ericeira shakes up Challenger Series rankings Pupo and Fitzgibbons are on top of the Challenger Series rankings and both requalified for the CT in Ericeira. Joel Vaughan (AUS) moved into the top ten with his third place finish and Robson is sitting just below the qualification line at No.11.  The women’s top five remains the same after Ericeira but there are still two spots left for CT qualification with No.4 Erin Brooks (CAN) heading back to Brazil as the defending event winner and Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) holding onto No.5 surfers will head to the sixth and final stop on the Challenger Series the Saquarema Pro which starts October 12 and holds a competition window through October 20 For highlights and more information from the EDP Ericeira Pro Presented by Estrella Galicia, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com EventsEvents NewsRule Book (2024) CoachingJudgingOfficiatingRenewalsSport IntegrityHelp Resources High Performance CentreHigh Performance ProgramHigh Performance Academy AboutIrukandjis News About  Login to your profile or Sign up to our new Surfing Portal Head to your Surfing Portal to purchase or renew memberships Head to your Surfing Portal to enter events and courses Clinton Guest (NSW) posting a near perfect 9.93 Credits: ISA Day 4 of competition at the ISA World Longboard Championships has wrapped up overnight with all four Australian athletes delivering standout performances... North Shore Boardriders have officially claimed the title of Australia's best boardrider club securing national glory and ultimate bragging rights at the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final,.. HYUNDAI AUSTRALIAN BOARDRIDERS BATTLE GRAND FINAL PRESENTED BY NRMA INSURANCE IS ON AT BURLEIGH HEADS THIS WEEKEND Australia’s most exciting club surfing competition the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle.. Surfing Australia is excited to announce the appointment of Janine Allis to it’s Board of Directors. A trailblazing entrepreneur and passionate advocate for innovation and growth The 2025 Australian Para Surfing Titles and BrightSky Australian Pro Adaptive Surf Championships Presented by Forward Ability Support are set to take over Byron Bay from March 23 - 30 An extraordinary display of community and connection is set to put Cronulla NSW on the global stage again this March as 1,000 individuals paddle out link arms and unite as one to break the record for the World’s.. StatesSNSWSQLDSVICSWASSASTAS Bella Kenworthy Marches OnIt’s early days at the EDP Ericeira Pro but with qualification for the 2025 Championship Tour at stake Bella Kenworthy advances in the early rounds of the 2024 EDP Ericeira Pro The race for the Championship Tour used to come down to what happened in Hawaii in December, but with the current Challenger Series schedule, this year it comes down to Portugal and Brazil over the course of the next month. It's still early days at the EDP Ericeira Pro but for those with designs on making the jump to the 2025 Championship Tour With only the top five women on the Challenger Series joining the Championship Tour the heat wins certainly help the cause for Fitzgibbons and Kenworthy while Brooks' early exit will put a lot of pressure to come up with something big at the Corona Saquarema Pro … which doesn't seem like too tall of an order considering she's the event's defending champ who's currently sixth on the Challenger Series and just outside CT qualification Number three seed Isabella Nichols is still awaiting her Round of 32 heat Fitzgibbons is set to go up against fellow Aussie Bronte Macaulay who's less than 5,000 points away from the current cut line American Alyssa Spencer is in a similar boat she's also into the Round of 16 and looking for a result Fellow Californian Kirra Pinkerton is still in the draw as well she needs a monster result to change her fortunes LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website I drove up to Ericeira for a couple of days as the forecast looked good and I was amped to shoot some old friends The first day was super west and there were a lot of bombs on the main peak of [this wave] The swell was more northwest so the slab at the top of the point was working flawlessly Big wave surfer Alex Botelho was on it and dominated Tiago Pires turned up and proved that he's still the Portuguese prince stacking a few bombs that spat him out of the tube really hard because it´s hard to get a new perspective of [this wave] I shot it with a 50mm lens on a full-frame body Only One Challenger Series Contest RemainsAmericans Alyssa Spencer and Nolan Rapoza are within CT striking distance with Brazil coming up The United States is guaranteed to add at least one woman to the Championship Tour in 2025 no American man has qualified (yet) via the 2024 Challenger Series The fickle and at times critical Ribeira D'Ilhas in Ericeira was the second to last CS event of the season It represents a tightening of gears as the rankings are congested with CT hopefuls in the penultimate event While it looks like a straightforward point on screen There were solid overhead days but it’s unpredictable Matt said most of the heats were held in tricky conditions (read: weird waves) thanks to 10-foot high tides The Brazilian beachbreak of Saquarema is the sixth and final event of the year the top 10 men and the top five women will join the big leagues in 2025 It wasn’t the best result for Matt’s American trio of Nolan Rapoza (15th) Alyssa Spencer (9th) and the lone 19-year-old Canadian soldier Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (17th) When the fields are this stacked with talent She scratched into what would have been her highest-scoring wave of the heat and it would have been a winning wave had her hands not left the rail a fraction of a second after the heat ended The surfing in the above clip from Brady Lawrence is still solid and worth a watch The choice of using LCD Soundsystem’s “Dance Yourself Clean” has long been in my Rolodex of songs that deserve to be in a surf edit so props to Brady for pulling that one out Nolan (15th) and Alyssa (8th) are the prized ponies with the best shot to jump up into the qualification threshold The Corona Saquarema Pro runs from October 12-20 Challenger Series Enters HomestretchOnly two spots remain open for women’s 2025 Championship Tour qualification while Brazilian surfers storm men’s leaderboard Sally Fitzgibbons wins 2024 EDP Ericeira Pro With their wins at the EDP Ericeira Pro, Sally Fitzgibbons and Sammy Pupo not only sit atop the Challenger Series leaderboard but both surfers have now clinched their spots on the 2025 Championship Tour “I just can’t believe everything that happened at this contest making it to the final and I’m so happy with my performance,” said Pupo after dispatching a resurgent Callum Robson in a relatively one-sided final But on the women's side, Fitzgibbons saw herself starring down a generational class that almost had 13-year-old upstart Tya Zebrowski earning the first Challenger Series win of her remarkably young career With the European crowd roaring for the teen phenom they’re so fierce in freesurfs that it gives you more drive to beat them when you get them in a heat,” Fitzgibbons continued “Credit to our generation and the generation before us who worked so hard to give these next stars the opportunity to be here.” And with fellow teens Caity Simmers becoming the WSL's youngest-ever world champion this year and Sawyer Lindblad earning Rookie of the Year honors the youth movement is in full effect on the women's side It's a different story altogether for the men where six out of the top ten surfers on the Challenger Surfers hail from Brazil. Pupo, Ian Gouveia and Alejo Muniz all secured their spots on the Championship Tour thanks to their results in Portugal. Miguel Pupo‘s sitting in fourth followed by Edgard Groggia in sixth and Michael Rodrigues in eighth The big mover in Europe was Australia's Joel Vaughan, who shot up the leaderboard 18 spots to crack the top ten and give himself a shot at qualifying. Fellow Aussie George Pittar is currently ranked fifth. Rounding out the top ten is Hawaii's Jackson Bunch in sixth and Mexico's Alan Cleland in tenth The closest American surfer to qualifying is Nolan Rapoza The sixth and final stop on the Challenger Series will run from October 12 through October 20 handshapes and high shredding the defined the Duct Tape Festival in Ericeira Portugal at the first stop of the 2019 season “You can’t order surf when you travel,” Duct Tape Invitational founder Joel Tudor said about the conditions at the logging event's latest stop in Ericeira While the ocean doesn't always produce epic waves perfect surf isn’t required for a good time fun is just as much a constant as the single-finned logs competitors ride—regardless of what the ocean gifts to The first stop of the Duct Tape’s 2019 season was far from a skunk though The section-y and head-high crumblers that rolled into Ericeira were more than contestable for the invitees While Kaniela Stewart and Chloé Calmon board-transferred and cross-stepped their ways to champagne showers at the Invitational some of Vans’ team riders were busy mowing foam One of the ways the Duct Tape Festival gives back to local surf communities is by allowing locals free reign on the boards made by the Vans team Fish and mid-length designs materialized at the hands of Ivan Florence and local test pilots put the handmade quiver through the paces The Iberian coast–where the venue was located–is also riddled with waves more shreddedbable than loggable in nature Aerial maestro Nathan Fletcher snuck away from the festivities with a crew of Vans shredders to hunt some ramps After breaking down the difference between magic and not-so-magic boards in the most black-and-white way possible Fletcher put a snub-nosed quad to work in the punt-able surf Hit play to watch the good times roll above and stay tuned for the DTI’s next stop at the U.S To find out more about the forthcoming Duct Tape Invitational at the U.S. Open in Huntington Beach, click here Latest UpdatesCountries Why Join?IL MagazineFree Daily E-LetterVideoOur ExpertsTestimonialsFAQsTopics Each year as my wife Cathy and I got closer to retirement age I contemplated moving to another country more and more I had been reading International Living articles for years and had a long list of possible countries to live in retirement I was eating piri-piri chicken and drinking a cold beer (I judge my beer by how cold it is) Cathy was having a chicken salad and a local red wine A glass of house wine here is the price of water I could do this.” That was all I needed to hear She will be the first to admit that there were times that she regretted having uttered those words We arrived here for good after Cathy’s 68th and my 69th rotation around the sun leaving our beloved Pacific Northwest behind but I assured Cathy that we would go back once a year and help them come out to visit us in Portugal once a year Their lives were filled with new friends and activities.) plans have been altered temporarily with the coronavirus outbreak Our grandkids had to cancel their visit to Portugal and we had to cancel our trip back to the U.S Lying on the beach in Lagos in October was the closest thing to heaven I can remember and the water was cool but not too cold to swim in Portugal and the warm-hearted Portuguese people had stolen our hearts But another plus point that needs to be emphasized is the cost of living here Cathy and I retired mainly on Social Security and pensions We cashed in our equity on our home in the U.S Although we spent a little more on a property to be near the beach you don’t need to go too far inland to find places so cheap that you have to wonder if they left out a zero older house inland for around €70,000 (around $80,000) We paid about five times that for new construction in Ericeira It is the top two floors of a six-unit apartment building with an ocean view and a 10-minute walk from the beach Construction moves slower here than in the U.S Rentals are hard to find in popular locations In winter it isn’t a problem but they get top-dollar in the summer You can find a place in more remote parts of Portugal for about $285 a month but Lisbon could cost you up to 10 times that certain that they had made a mistake somewhere (in our favor) Even good wine is not hard to find at only $3 to $4 per bottle a large bag of groceries will run us about $12 It is unusual for us to spend more than $35 on a grocery run Vegetables are very cheap so I juice every morning I have eliminated my expensive vitamin regimen altogether Utilities run us about the same as in the States which was one of the reasons why we decided to purchase a new-build We are constantly impressed with the kindness of strangers and there is no shortage of good restaurants and fascinating places to visit Even more so now that there are so many travel restrictions But we know that we will be seeing them soon We are glad that we got our visas before all the government offices shut down They have been caught on the other side of the equation while in the process of relocating we feel confident that their efforts will be rewarded in time The process for getting a visa and subsequent residency here is a bureaucratic labyrinth There is a long list of paperwork required and sometimes depend on which office you are assigned to But it is all doable and the financial requirements are not stringent they want to make sure that you won’t be a drain on their economy or services Our process took about a year (four months while in the U.S I would encourage anyone who is contemplating Portugal to start the process now rather than waiting for everything to return to normal You can at least start practicing your Portuguese (European I promise you that all your efforts in starting the legal process (and learning a bit of the language) will be well worth it Everything You Need to Know about The Algarve Retire in Cascais, Portugal Porto: Portugal’s Charming Second City Spot Guide: Rincon Queen, of the Coast 6 of the Heaviest Waves in the World Five Decades of Surfing, Travel and Narrative Collide in Sam George’s New Book Boat Get Totally Wrecked by Wave in Indonesia (Video) How To Surf Till You're 100, Brainwork: Mickey Munoz With San Clemente rising star Bella Kenworthy just clinching her spot on the 2025 Championship Tour, the proliferation of young talent on surfing's biggest stage continues unabated. Taking a win in South Africa earlier this year, as well as a runner-up finish at the U.S. Open and a pair of quarterfinal appearances, most recently in Portugal at the EDP Ericeira Pro Kenworthy sits number two on the Challenger Series leaderboard and will now graduate to the big leagues next year “Dreams come true with hard work, passion and an incredible Ohana behind you. Have a hard time putting into words what this family means to me,” shared five-time world champion Carissa Moore on Instagram was the team manager for Nike's emerging surf team in early 2000s Moore has had a long relationship with the Kenworthy family Over the years the two families have traveled the world together and enjoy vacations together has always had a special place in Carissa's heart memories and love over so many years has made my life feel so full It’s been so fun watching your journey @bella_kenworthy from grom to beautiful Can’t wait to see KENWORTHY on the back of your jersey Looks like I’ll be waddling down to Pipe end of January to cheer you on,” continued a pregnant Moore Kenworthy started her young career as an extremely talented skateboarder as she's focused more time and attention on surfing Last year Kenworthy finished 15th on the Challenger Series and third on the North American Qualifying Series who won the Fiji Pro as a wildcard earlier this year is sitting in fourth on the Challenger Series with a strong possibility of making the tour next year Simmers and Lindblad all grew up about 30 minutes from one another and are fast friends … another nod to the overall friendly nature of the Momentum Generation We’re unable to load this content right now View directly on Instagram This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page The Festivities in Honor of Our Lady of Good Voyage are returning to Ericeira Ericeira will celebrate the patron saint of fishermen who is a fundamental part of the village’s identity the highlight of the festivities will be the sea procession of the fishermen’s patron saint These days of celebration are welcomed with lots of music and entertainment but the highlight of the festivities will be marked by the moment of the sea procession of the fishermen’s patron saint on the 17th The parades and processions will be accompanied by Filarmónica Cultural da Ericeira Band while the solemn procession will feature the participation of the Academia do Bombo de Mafra a series of musical and cultural events are scheduled the band Átoa will perform in the village at 10 PM with Renato Pereira taking the stage at 11:30 PM while on the 13th Pedro Oliveira will kick off the musical entertainment at 9 PM Papaléguas will liven up the night from 9 PM The entertainment on the 15th starts a bit earlier with the Sunset “Os Amélia” at 6 PM followed by the band Fora de Série at 10 PM at 9:30 PM the Sea Procession will take place followed by the usual Fireworks Show at 12:30 AM and a performance by Grupo Ericeira at 12:45 AM Fernando Correia Marques will close the festivities with a performance scheduled for 10:30 PM there will be a craft and regional product fair throughout the Festivities in Honor of Our Lady of Good Voyage Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal) Ukrainian couple Tanya and Sasha take their chances on neo bistro cuisine Skip to ContentEnergy Drinks All Red Bull Energy Drinks Discover the contest proved so popular that it didn't take much convincing for it to be added to the regular roster Supertubos has been a fixture on the CT schedule ever since It makes sense that in one of the world's most storied seafaring nations – take a bow Vasco da Gama – surfing is now considered second only to football on the country's sporting landscape the Portuguese football team is nicknamed Os Navegadores (The Navigators).13 min Japanese-American surfer Kanoa Igarashi chases his world title dreams on the 2021 WSL Championship Tour A staggering string of stats shows just how powerful the waves get at Nazaré WatchBack on land the once-sleepy fishing village has more to offer than waves alone squares and beautiful town are well worth a visit and you'll find it much easier to park around surfing's most famous lighthouse when there aren't 50ft waves blasting the cliffs it perches atop.More from Nazaré Our latest instalment of No Contest is a deep dive into Western Europe's incredible surfing scene filmed right as the World Surf League rolls in to the continent Tiago Pires leads the pack at Portugal's best beachbreak barrels © Domenic Mosqueira / Red Bull Content Pool offering protection from both northerly and southerly winds long righthanders break into one of the most beautiful and well-equipped bays in surfing Action clip from the Red Bull Rivals Final in Ribeira D'Ilhas The uNi Sea Urchin is currently one of the stars at the MoMA Design Store featured in the Pop-Up exhibition “A Vida Portuguesa!” The piece is making its international debut across the Atlantic showcased in the stores of the Museum of Modern Art in New York Having started on January 8 until March 10 will be available at the Soho and 53rd Street locations right across from the Museum of Modern Art bringing the creativity of Portuguese design to the city that never sleeps this sea urchin represents the memory of unique moments This is a milestone for “A Vida Portuguesa” with the uNi Sea Urchin — created by Paulo Reis — standing as one of the emblematic pieces of an exhibition that highlights the best of Portuguese design have been carefully selected and approved by MoMA curators who are also responsible for the museum’s exhibitions ensuring that each piece reflects the excellence and authenticity of national design Anyone who has encountered these spiny and rugged spheres knows how unforgettable they are for those who “get stung”: there are 950 species of sea urchins in all the world’s oceans and depths — from the coastline to 5,000 meters below sea level a living being as universal as it is local the uNi represents the memory of unique moments spent in our country In addition to being available at the physical stores in New York the uNi Sea Urchin is also available for online purchase allowing more people around the globe to appreciate and acquire this iconic piece from Ericeira a design piece as universal as it is local The MoMA Design Store has the exclusive debut of “A Vida Portuguesa” in the United States this inaugural showcase is featured at the MoMA Design Store locations in Soho and Midtown The project was marked with a special event on January 9 at the Soho store on Spring Street featuring a discussion about Portuguese design and culture with Catarina Portas Director of Merchandising at the MoMA Design Store Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal) A photo gallery dedicated to the men, routines and traditions that form the heart of Ericeira’s identity. PortugalChevron Why book Aethos is a fever dream for the aesthetes with a surfing habit windswept section of Portugal’s Atlantic coast The rooms Design is consistent across room categories—with three room types, three suites, and a group option—but the real question is do you want an ocean view? (Yes.) We stayed in an ocean suite, from which you can enjoy sunset in your robe, perched in one of the two armchairs (the doors open wide, as well, for that ocean breeze). If you’re really just here for the surf? Book the surfer’s room, which has two bunk beds (4-person capacity) and a private terrace. The service Laidback—never in your face—but always there when you need them. Anything left to mention? I suggest giving yourself a day to get out and about in nearby beach towns—but don’t feel badly about staying on the grounds for an entire day either. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience We're always trying to bring you more amazing hotels But not every hotel can immediately connect their reservation system with ours we provide real-time rates and availability via a partnership with Booking.com You'll still enjoy the full fabulous MICHELIN Guide experience when you book including our legendary service and delightful style Our 20-point scale is based on post-stay ratings from verified MICHELIN Guide guests and plays a role in helping us decide whether or not a hotel should remain in our selection This hotel offers rates & availability on request only Submit a request below and a travel specialist will assist We’re not currently taking reservations for this hotel Please explore other hotels in our selection Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels The Local Stewardship Council (LSC) announced plans for permanently protecting a critically important zone of the Ericeira coastline while also restoring native habitat This project prevents encroaching development in the coastal zone creates natural resiliency in the face of climate change and provides access and recreation for the community committed significant resources to the planning and construction of new infrastructure to address long-held concerns over water quality in the WSR 15 hectares of coastal property for restoration and permanent preservation Over 7 million euros slated for a new sewage treatment system New MOU was signed with Ericeira WSR partners that delineates an updated governance structure and commits to primary conservation goals in the Stewardship Plan As the Ericeira Pro contest went on in the background the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve hosted the final day of the Global Wave Conference and welcomed participants on a tour of the surf breaks of the Reserve Local leaders presented the critically important coastal restoration project mentioned above near Praia de Empa and Save The Waves hosted a workshop highlighting the stewardship work and approach of the entire World Surfing Reserve network In a powerful recommitment to the work of conservation the leaders of the Local Stewardship Council also signed an MOU with Save The Waves committing to shared goals in the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve Stewardship Plan These goals include protecting the water quality around the surf ecosystem continuing to protect open land and manage encroaching coastal development and work towards legal protection in the coastal zone around Ericeira This was all made possible by the hard work dedication and collaboration of the Local Stewardship Council members of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve This partnership includes representation from the Municipality of Mafra and Associação dos Amigos da Baía dos Coxos (AABC) It is clear from this success that protecting surf ecosystems requires the commitment and dedication of elected government as well as civil society organizations for large-scale ecosystem conservation to be durable and lasting Learn more about our World Surfing Reserve program campaign alerts and news from our Coalition around the world and 10% off your first purchase at the Save The Waves Shop Privacy Policy   |  Terms & Conditions Powered by Team of Horses   |   ©2015-2025 Save The Waves Coalition Ericeira has established itself as the ultimate playground for European surf culture But tear yourself away from the beaches and adventures beckon inland Portuguese pro surfer Joaquim Chaves catches a wave at golden hour in the World Surf Reserve of Ericeira. Photograph by Pedro MestreByAmelia DugganAugust 17 2023•11 min readThis article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).I have never until now taken time to consider the creation of a wave To fathom the climatic and gravitational forces propelling salt water across sunken topographies so that it swells arcs and finally dissipates in powerful fits of foam And this lack of prior attention feels like a critical failure now I’m standing — wetsuit plastered on awkwardly gripping a sturdy beginners’ softboard — on one of Europe’s most famous surfing beaches Instructor Francisco Romeiras from Ericeira Surf Clube points at the waves raking across the mouth of Ribeira d’Ilhas a sensational amphitheatre of a beach with sheer drawing on a lexicon unique to boardriders it’s what drew the first surfers to Ericeira back in the early 1970s I’m relieved I’m not directed towards the distant figures carving shapes out in the deep water I spend an hour with Francisco finding my feet nearer the shore “Don’t overthink it,” he reminds me as a small wave catches my board and I discover I’m travelling with the ocean at what feels like break-neck speed awarded in 2011 by Save the Waves Coalition economy and environment of outstanding surf locations and Ericeira was the second place in the world after Malibu “It really put us on the map,” Francisco says a 12th location was enshrined that delighted British surfers: North Devon “I worry about the commercialisation of surfing here Ericeira on Portugal's Atlantic Coast offers year-round surf conditions with May to September serving up gentler swells suitable for beginners November and April can also be good months to learn but the waves in the winter months are best left to the pros.Photograph by Rricardo Rocha GettyIf there’s tension in the community over the rising tide of travellers it’s impossible to feel it as I explore the white-washed lanes of the historic centre later that day upmarket clothing boutiques and cafes serving poke bowls fit alongside timewarp tavernas and bakeries selling ouriços (local almond cakes) I discover houses inlaid with antique tiles petitioning saints against maritime disasters and modern street art filled with surfing motifs The sport may be a relatively new phenomenon in this traditional fishing community founded in 1229 but it’s already woven into the very fabric — and driving the local economy The older men are glad their sons can work in surf tourism for a good life and still live off the sea,” says Ana Vaz We’re touring Ericeira’s interpretation centre an interactive model of the 2.5-mile coastline explains its seven distinct wave formations a fast wave rising off a rocky plateau some 300 metres out from the beach I finally begin to understand the geographical factors at play in creating conditions for surfing — and get a sense of the culture and marine ecosystem locals are keen to preserve and its mineral-rich waters were discovered by travellers centuries ago even before Vila Galé hotel was built,” Ana says record numbers of digital nomads have also made Ericeira their temporary home “The challenge is balancing the needs of new visitors with those of the residents and encouraging travellers to explore beyond the World Surfing Reserve At the heart of the region is the sumptuous Palace of Mafra the baroque edifice is buttressed by a basilica convent and the 2,000-acre walled Tapada hunting grounds with its old fortresses and crooked alleyways needs little introduction — 19th-century poet Lord Byron is among the many British travellers to have fallen for its charms But few visitors would guess that the granite mountain slabs stacked beneath the western ramparts of the 8th-century Moorish Castle offer some of the best rock climbing in the country “You have to trust. In your feet, your equipment, your mind,” says Luis Batista, a climbing instructor from adventure sports company Desnivel “It’ll be worth it for the view.” We crane our necks at the 150ft-high mass of stone rising from the forested path with a purported 72 different near-vertical paths of ascent demonstrating how to grip onto sheer surfaces and leverage body weight to climb my first attempts aren’t steady or dignified I find purchase where none could be found before The western coast of Portugal is laid out below me like a map land unfurling towards a binary expanse of ocean and sky The past week has seen me exploring both of these unlikely domains learning new skills — and gaining new perspectives — alongside experts who’ve made riding waves and scaling lofty heights the focus of their lives I take a moment to drink in the scene: the tiny turreted pleasure palaces of Sintra dotted below and the gulls gliding by on balmy thermals Luis is calling out and it’s time to come back down to earth The Christmas spirit is filling the Municipality of Mafra with “O Natal chegou à Vila” (Christmas has Arrived to the Village) spreading the magic of the festive season from November 29 to January 6 The event brings a program packed with music The official opening is scheduled for this Friday featuring two iconic moments: at 6:30 pm in Terreiro D and at 8 pm in Praça da República (“Jogo da Bola”) Both venues promise to enchant the audience with special entertainment and celebrations to mark the start of the Christmas season the traditional Christmas Market will take place in Mafra and Ericeira One of this year’s highlights is the exhibition “Presépios de Barro de Portugal” (Clay Nativity Scenes of Portugal) from the collection of Henrique Casquinha which will be inaugurated on November 29 at 6 pm in the Mafra Clay Interpretation Center allowing visitors to explore the richness of this quintessentially Portuguese tradition The traditional “Christmas Market” will also be held at Terreiro D These beautifully decorated spaces will offer typical products creating the perfect atmosphere for shopping and socializing Santa Claus will also make weekend appearances in these locations to delight the little ones Mafra will also feature a carousel and a circus the magic of Christmas will be felt in the streets – with beautiful festive lights and concerts across various parishes The full program of these celebrations is available on the Mafra Municipality website Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal) The highlights of the Beach Rugby Portugal Series in Ericeira ShareSaveCommentLifestyleTravelPortugal’s Next Great Beach Vacation Destination: EriceiraByAnn Abel Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Ann Abel is a Lisbon-based writer covering luxury travel with a soulFollow AuthorSep 05 10:09am EDTShareSaveCommentThis article is more than 2 years old.The new Aethos Ericeira hotel It’s been on the radar for a while now—at least for surfers Its waves are more accessible than the gigantic ones up the coast at Nazaré but reliably interesting for a range of skill levels which is why it’s Europe’s only “surf reserve.” But while the town itself retains a lot of the charm of the fishing village that it once was surf schools and cafés serving açaí and quinoa bowls they’re set to change the appeal and perception of Ericeira Ericeira is unlikely to become the new Comporta But now it’s turning into a place that promises its own brand of slow travel It’s a destination for people who appreciate nature (not just beaches) but without the glamour or the need to see and be seen The first hotel to change the perception and position of Ericeira is Immerso (as in “immersion in nature”) and which is built into a hillside to help it blend into its surroundings and to ensure that each of the 37 rooms has an excellent ocean view making it a bit awkward to watch—the idea is to look straight ahead by Portuguese architect Tiago Silva Dias and designers Alexandra Almeida d’Eca (one of the founders of the hotel) and Bárbara Neto artisan furnishings and textures from the land and sea They worked a number of artists on items for the rooms The spa is more ambitious than it needs to be three treatment rooms and a menu of services based on the vegan The massage list ranges from Japanese shiatsu to hot stones to Ayurveda Executed here by resident chef Paulo Pedro (ex-Fortaleza do Guincho) the menu is strong on local fish and seafood—the trio of oysters is an excellent starter and the simple main courses are tasty—with some vegetables from the organic kitchen garden and saline-tasting plants from the sea mixed in The spread for the breakfast buffet is well above average communal dining experience based on food cooked over an open fire—what they’re calling a “medievally festive” experience At the Ericeira hotel, which was designed by the Barcelona studio Astet and Portuguese architect Luís Pedra Silva, that means 50 suites and rooms that blend natural tones, materials and textures with the clean lines and soft simplicity of modernist design. The premium rooms have glorious views over the ocean, sometimes with private terraces. At the restaurant, Onda (“wave”), chef Afonso Blazquez and his team focus on shareable, sustainable fish and seafood from the surrounding coast, with plenty of vegetables in the mix. The dinner menu includes dishes like asparagus with fresh green curry, bergamot gel and sourdough croutons, and squid “noodles” with pickled mushrooms and dashi. The oysters here are excellent as well. In line with the Aethos philosophy, there’s a strong wellness component, including a spa that uses organic products from Sweden’s Under the Skin brand, a gym with expert trainers, yoga classes with world-class instructors, a meditation deck overlooking the Atlantic and a stone-trimmed saltwater pool. But this Ericeira—and surfing checks quite a few of those same wellness boxes. (I dare you to think about anything other than surfing when you’re doing it.) And Aethos being a five-star hotel, it has its own luxury take on the sport. It has a dedicated surf concierge, onsite storage facilities for boards and wetsuits, and onsite rentals. It also has a relationship with Joana Andrade, Portugal’s first female big wave surfer and champion several times over. She also started Portugal’s first female surf school in 1998, and continues to coach professionals as well as beginners. Aethos guests of any skill level can book a private session with her and accomplish quite a lot in terms of skills and especially confidence in a short time. It’s a luxury version of surfing for sure, and also very much in line with the new direction of Ericeira. Text description provided by the architects. Aethos Ericeira is a boutique hotel located in Ericeira, a picturesque village on the west coast of Portugal. The property, perched on a cliff near Calada Beach, is characterised by its natural surroundings and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. The existing building, lacking identity, displayed a disjointed appearance marked by a variety of architectural styles and a confusing combination of traditional and modern elements. © Francisco NogueiraThe existing building is divided into three volumes, corresponding to distinct construction phases. Within the sections of the building defined by conventional construction, the primary features earmarked for preservation were the light-coloured facades and sloped tiled roof, ensuring their appearance remained faithful to their original design. AxonometriesThe main entrance is noticeable for its spaciousness and interior-exterior dialogue, resulting from the double-height ceiling and presence of windows distributed along the facade, providing visitors with a memorable entrance experience. © Francisco NogueiraLarge windows replace the small traditional ones providing a contemporary visual identity created with metal frames outlining the openings and extending beyond the plane of the facade. © Francisco NogueiraThe demolition of a portion of the basement in the third volume resulted in a garden that allowed the integration of additional rooms and Spa. The gym facilities were seamlessly incorporated into a compact space situated on the ground level, adjacent to the pool. various interconnected seating areas promote interaction with the natural surroundings multiple levels were created to seamlessly blend elevation disparities resulting in a more expansive and open ambiance You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email and the breathtaking landscapes provide the perfect setting to live magical moments for two Love and affection are some of the essential elements in this and every other journey shared as a couple but a special treat to mark Valentine’s Day is always appreciated by those who are surprised… and brings an extra joy to those who take the initiative various options to surprise and please your soulmate If you are one of those people who spends hours thinking about what to give your significant other on February 14th there are products and services for all tastes AZUL has prepared a handful of suggestions to make it easier for those who wish to make this upcoming heartwarming date unforgettable Golfinho Azul with panoramic views over São Lourenço beach is an excellent choice to surprise your partner on Valentine’s Day with a memorable dining experience All guests will be welcomed with a flute of champagne – both at lunch and dinner In addition to the regular menu, Golfinho Azul celebrates the occasion with special suggestions inspired by romance designed to make the day even more special The atmosphere will be enhanced by live music Reserve your table now by calling +351 261 862 945 or emailing eventos@golfinhoazul.pt and celebrate love with unique flavors and unforgettable moments ManzWine Awarded and recognized on multiple occasions where it exports a large portion of its production this “wine boutique” located in Cheleiros (where its vineyards and cellars are among other points of interest worthy of a visit) invites wine lovers and those seeking unforgettable moments To toast to love in a special way on Valentine’s Day, ManzWine suggests the Platónico Pack which includes two bottles of Platónico Tinto Reserva (an elegant and engaging nectar like a love story) and one bottle of Platónico Branco – a fresh and vibrant wine This exclusive offer is ideal to surprise the one you love and create memories that will last forever – just for €26.35 Flores no Cais Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate love in all its forms and flowers are one of the most timeless ways to express this feeling Flores no Cais has created a special collection for the upcoming date and personalized details to surprise your loved one This year, the highlight is the Online Valentine’s Collection where you can find everything from classic red rose bouquets (the eternal symbol of love) to modern arrangements combining tulips Each order can be accompanied by personalized messages or earrings to give an even more special touch to your gift Delivery is made directly to the desired address with scheduling available up to 28 days in advance or  – at the latest – by 4 PM on the previous business day to ensure delivery on Valentine’s Day HybridU has been dedicated to provide an approch as personalized as possible to physical training places great importance on a holistic and inclusive vision welcoming people with diverse goals to his studio Physical activity is essential for those looking to cultivate a healthy lifestyle, so a HybridU voucher can be the perfect gift for your significant other you’ll receive a 10% discount on an individual trial class / training or on packs that include eight classes / trainings Immerso With its stunning view of São Lourenço beach and the lush valley where this five-star hotel harmoniously integrates Immerso sets the tone for a romantic experience in a space that emphasizes simplicity combined with the luxury of life’s finest pleasures There are several options for couples on Valentine’s Day including a one-night stay with dinner on February 14th an extended stay that includes a massage and dinner Immerso offers other passionate alternatives: the Valentine’s Dinner with live music (reservation recommended) or three exclusive couple’s massages – Ritual Ericeira a Dois (60 minutes) Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal) The intensity of the final stage of the Billabong Ericeira Circuit The waiting period for the Ericeira SC Invitational began on January 15th promising to be a standout sports event that will bring together the community and athletes of the Ericeira Surf Clube (ESC) in a celebration of Surfing and Bodyboarding will take place on a single day at the iconic Praia da Empa—a symbolic location and the perfect setting for both participants and the audience attending the event the event will feature 16 athletes per discipline qualified through the club’s internal circuits special guest athletes are expected to join adding even more competitiveness and excitement to the event The primary goal is to create a unique and memorable experience grounded in ethical practices and sportsmanship It aims to reinforce the club community’s connections and promote the spirit of sportsmanship while celebrating the passion for the sea and waves that define the identity of Ericeira Surf Clube highlights the event’s significance for both the athletes and the local community: “this first edition represents the spirit of Ericeira Surf Clube: a celebration of sports We want to create a special moment where our athletes can showcase their best in an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun It’s also an opportunity to bring the community together around what unites us most: the sea and the waves of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve” Emphasizing the innovative nature of the competition Miguel Barata states that its format aims not only to reward those who excelled in the club circuits but also to provide a high-level spectacle for the audience at Praia da Empa He also underscores the club’s commitment to the development of Surfing and Bodyboarding: “we want this to be an event that stays in collective memory—a milestone in the club’s history and a tribute to the passion we have for our sports” More information can be found on the Ericeira Surf Clube website or by contacting competicoes@ericeirasurfclube.com we want this to be an event that stays in collective memory The sponsors for this competition are Billabong Ribeira d’Ilhas – Surf Restaurant & Bar The institutional support comes from Municipality of Mafra Ericeira World Surfing Reserve and World Surf Cities Network Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal) Seventeen moments illustrating the colourful events of Ericeira’s Summer Evans Head’s Callum Robson is through to the round of 32 at the penultimate stop on surfing’s Challenger Series in Portugal Things though haven’t been quite as smooth for fellow North Coast surfer Mikey McDonagh January 9th: expats can contribute just 3 hours of their time to support local causes people can make a meaningful impact and help strengthen the connection between expats and the local community The steady flow of foreigners moving to Ericeira has its challenges: skyrocketing real estate prices and the risk of culture clashes between locals and newcomers are some of the examples It’s a platform that acts as a bridge between expats and local good causes The idea is simple: donate just 3 hours of your time (weekly or even just once) to support a local initiative connecting newcomers with people from the local community So, how does this work? You can sign up for 3horas, then donate 3 hours (or more) to help local causes. You’ll get updates on opportunities through email and WhatsApp, where you can choose how to get involved. It’s a simple way to share your skills, support the community, and connect with locals. You can get started by filling out the form on 3horas’s website By connecting newcomers with people from the local community this initiative wants to bridge the gap between the worlds of local Portuguese and foreign citizens together with a group of likeminded people AZUL – Ericeira Mag is proud to partner in this inspiring project alongside Kelp Coworking and Ericeira Business Factory Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal) “Our Marine Coast Seen through the Lens of Local Photographers” Get your weekly dose of armchair travelling 2024 last months brought unforgettable surf days to Ericeira showcasing the talent of both rising stars and seasoned surfers Among the highlights of this session at a beach break were Afonso Antunes joined by other surfers equally eager to make the most of the excellent conditions captured by the YouTube channel Ericeira Raw Surf Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal) which celebrates São Sebastião and São Vicente! a wine producer with roots in the Mafra region recently announced the launch of a label design contest for its new project: Vinho Jagoz – Jagoz Wine This product aims to pay tribute to the soul reflecting the essence of the “people of the sea” who define its identity is exclusively for artists born or residing in Ericeira Participants may submit up to two label proposals which shall capture the deep connection between the town “Jagoz is more than just a wine; it’s a symbol of Ericeira and its people” “We want this project to engage the local community celebrating the talent of our artists and the culture that makes Ericeira a unique place” applicants must submit their proposals through a landing page available at ManzWine’s official website providing proof of eligibility with an identity document or a proof of residence Submissions will be evaluated by a jury composed of representatives from the Ericeira Parish Council The top 10 label designs will be exhibited throughout March on Rua Dr Eduardo Burnay and at ManzWine’s website The public will be able to vote for their favorite designs through a QR code system with this vote accounting for 20% of the final decision The winning label will be revealed in May at a special event featuring institutional guests and the local community Vinho Jagoz will be made exclusively from indigenous Portuguese grape varieties with the collaboration of local restaurant professionals In addition to honoring Ericeira’s traditions this wine reinforces ManzWine’s commitment to boosting the regional economy and valuing its economic agents which captivated the company and led it to see the region in a special way inspired the projection of everything that had been done and everything that had been learned over time into its wines Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal) A bodyboarding session with well-known faces of the sport in a secret slab on the Portuguese west coast the world of work has been evolving rapidly working from home is no longer a feasible option leading to a demand for spaces that blend productivity with connection offering diverse solutions: from professional environments fostering vibrant communities to spaces combining work and lifestyle This guide explores the different coworking options in Ericeira helping you find the perfect space for your project and lifestyle Combining convenience and comfort in a space inspired by the proximity to the sea this coworking spot is perched above Foz do Lizandro making it perfect for professionals who value tranquility and inspiration ensuring both functionality and comfort for users Key benefits include a 10% discount at the Lapoint restaurant the option to temporarily suspend the membership makes it ideal for those with a variable schedule With a prime location and a complete infrastructure Lapoint Cowork is an excellent choice for working with productivity and quality of life in Ericeira Since October 2020, Kelp has been a gathering place for a community of Portuguese professionals and expats and a kitchen that fosters interaction among members everyone is encouraged to organize or participate in events strengthening the spirit of community and collaboration This coworking space hosts events such as Soulpreneurs (a gathering for female entrepreneurs) and art nights where local creators can showcase their work Kelp offers a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home inspiring a balance between productivity and quality of life Location EBF organizes various events for its members such as Business Breakfasts and Community Bites It also hosts webinars and workshops open to the broader community applicants must submit a request through the Ericeira Business Factory website Highlight: Lowest monthly price on the market Location Located in the peaceful parish of Carvoeira Sãone Boutique Guesthouse offers a co-living and coworking space immersed in nature it is ideal for those looking to work in a setting away from the center of Ericeira Although it does not yet offer meeting rooms or dedicated call spaces the guesthouse provides access to a fully equipped kitchen the coworking space will be available only for guests It will reopen to the general public in April Highlight: Outdoor space and swimming pool Location this coworking space features a modern and welcoming design with plenty of natural light It fosters community engagement through various initiatives: every Wednesday and once a month a networking event is held such as Portuguese classes and surf theory lessons a meeting room equipped with a webcam and microphone and all subscription plans include coffee and homemade kombucha Highlight: Decor and weekly community lunch Location Located just a few meters from Praça da República Mother blends two distinct spaces: a spacious café on the ground floor and a coworking area on the lower level Location it is possible to work without an associated cost they do not offer the same structure as the previous locations They are ideal for those seeking a casual environment Located in the beautiful building of the former Ericeira casino this library offers two rooms and several tables that can be used for work Inside the Casa da Cultura Jaime Lobo e Silva building the first room is on the first floor: an open space with small tables and access to a spacious balcony The other option is the library’s reading room and power outlets are available only in the interior reading room users are expected to maintain the revered silence typical of libraries This is also an excellent space for those needing to do research whether consulting books across various fields of knowledge or searching for specific content about Ericeira Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 7 PM Location Located near Praça dos Navegantes and Praia do Sul the village’s new surf center offers two coworking tables for clients and natural light make this space inviting for opening your laptop and getting some work done Location and restaurant located inside the 58 Surf Shop It offers an indoor table with seating for ten people and there is also a large screen showing surf The large windows provide wide views of the outside This is a great spot for those who enjoy vibrant places with ambient music perfect for starting work early or finishing late Location It provides several spacious tables both indoors and outdoors featuring a special menu: lunch and a tennis match for €15 near the beaches of São Sebastião and Matadouro this is probably one of the most peaceful coworking spaces in Ericeira Location Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal) 11th edition takes place again in São Sebastião Sal Studio by Julie Hair Design is the first hair salon in Ericeira and the Western region to adopt a fully sustainable a professional with over 20 years of experience and a passion for the art of hair Sal Studio is an innovative space that blends beauty it offers high-quality services using only natural and sustainable products aligned with a commitment to preserving the planet and promoting conscious choices brought her extensive know-how and vision to Ericeira she has been dedicated to training and inspiring her team ensuring they are always up-to-date with the best and most innovative techniques honed through advanced training at academies like Davines and Vidal Sassoon Sal Studio stands out for its excellence in results and the personalized experience it offers each client Sal Studio is a declaration of love for sustainability and conscious beauty Julie believes that every choice matters and that it’s possible to align aesthetics with environmental responsibility She invites everyone to visit her space in Ericeira Instagram: @sal_hairstudio Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal) The painter José Pinto Antunes in an interview about the exhibition “Each Day is a Life” Blue Ocean Sustainable Solutions, or blueOASIS is an engineering consulting firm exclusively engaged in projects that promote the development of offshore renewable energy structures ocean cleanup solutions (pollution and noise) decarbonization of the maritime and naval industry and smart monitoring solutions (Digital Twins); in other words initiatives that foster the sustainability of the Oceans and the Planet blueOASIS is the Portuguese private company with the highest computing power (not in the Cloud; actual hardware in HPC centers!) which equates to almost 450 million core-hours per year blueOASIS is the Portuguese private company with the highest computing power blueOASIS began in October 2021, having since then its headquarters in Ericeira (yes, a deep tech company that is neither in Lisbon nor Porto!). In February 2022, it was incubated at the Ericeira Business Factory (EBF) at a time when the team consisted of only four employees The EBF has been and will always be the cradle at the right time by the EBF team and the Mafra Municipal Council Guilherme Beleza Vaz – blueOASIS CEO and HydroTWIN CTO After two years navigating the valley of death, it has secured a portfolio of commercial projects with global clients, a PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan) project of the Mobilizing Agenda, and three HorizonEurope projects (the Champions League of global R&D projects). It also forged a spinoff in the area of Underwater Acoustics, HydroTWIN for which it attracted both Portuguese and foreign investment are the wave models for all the beaches of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve developed by blueOASIS together with NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) which accurately characterize the type of waves and their “surfability” – this project is sponsored by the EEA-Grants Thus, after the Ericeira team grew to 15 internal employees, 2 active external assistants, plus 3-4 Master’s students, and 2 PhD students it was the right time for blueOASIS to leave the parental home (EBF) and live independently blueOASIS has moved to an iconic street in Ericeira: Rua do Norte the company will certainly show the local community where it is and what it does organizing an opening party for those who have helped on this journey Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal) An impressive compilation of images from Coxos waves Couple suspected to have fallen from 30-metre high wall while taking photographs A Briton and an Australian have been found dead on a popular tourist beach in Portugal apparently losing their balance on a high wall after taking photographs Portugal’s Correio da Manhã newspaper reported that the couple died on the Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Beach) near Ericeira a seaside resort on the country’s west coast about 25 miles north of Lisbon head of the rescue service in Cascais port near Lisbon (a captain with the local naval authority) told the news agency Lusa that officials suspected the man and woman had been taking a selfie when they fell from the 30-metre high wall overlooking the beach “Since we found a mobile phone on the wall everything suggests the victims might have been taking a selfie,” he was quoted as saying He suggested that perhaps they had been trying to recover a phone when they fell Sign up to receive the top stories from Guardian Australia every morning A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: “We are in touch with local authorities following the death of a British woman in Portugal and are providing support to her family.” The newspaper report did not name the couple but said the woman was 30 and the man 40 although other reports gave slightly different ages The paper added that a beach cleaner had found the bodies early on Tuesday morning Australia’s department of foreign affairs and trade told AAP it was providing consular assistance to “the family of an Australian who died in Portugal” “The department has been in contact with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding the other person who died in the incident,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday Ericeira is a popular surfing spot with a beach ringed by cliffs Other tourists have been reported to have fallen off the beach wall The Launch Party for the first print edition of Ericeira Mag will take place on Saturday and plenty of interaction between the AZUL staff This free-entry event promises to mark the end of Summer in Ericeira which officially concludes on this day — Autumn begins on September 22nd Everyone is invited to join this celebration a digital magazine that has been showcasing the Best of Ericeira since September 23 until the eve of the launch of AZUL’s first physical edition Very soon we will share updates about the giveaways happening during the party as well as the names of the performers for the concert and DJ set Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal) Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world you can rest your head at one of a few new luxury hotels New hotels like Aethos Ericeira are adding an upscale layer to the surfing mecca of Ericeira 2022 at 3:51 AM EDTBookmarkSaveA laid-back surf mecca along Portugal’s rugged coastline is getting a luxury upgrade Once frequented mostly by Lisboetas looking to escape the city the historic village of Ericeira has become the latest seaside Portuguese village to be newly discovered by foreigners who have come to the country searching for the best place to live R.I.P Legendary Big Wave Rider and younger brother of Eddie Aikau passed at 75 away Saturday night…: This event navigated through a tricky forecast all-week to make sure the finals were held in the best possible conditions today offering an incredible spectacle to the large Sunday crowds in Ericeira Competition resumed early this morning with the women’s Quarters and ran all the way through to the Finals this afternoon Alyssa Spencer (USA) was undeniably the strongest athlete all week in Ericeira The talented surfer from Encinitas built incredible momentum through the early rounds and never slowed down She posted seven excellent scores (above 8 points out of 10) including three consecutive heat totals above 16 points in the Quarters an incredible performance on a long Sunday in pumping waves a lot of hard work,” an emotional Spencer said all of these girls are surfing amazing and the level is the highest it’s ever been and to win these events takes so much work I’ve taken all the rankings and scenarios out of my mind and just tried to surround myself with the best people and enjoy the whole process That’s what I did here and it worked out great This is the greatest confidence boost I could ask for and it puts me in a great spot heading to Saquarema.” Spencer just kept placing her board right in the lip of some of the biggest waves seen all day and just left nothing to chance to claim her second CS title and move up to 4th in the rankings Deivid Silva’s Unstoppable Run Continues with Near-Perfect Finals Day Display Former CT surfer Deivid Silva (BRA) has been on an absolute tear throughout the week and continued into finals day with incredible surfing on his backhand The Guaruja surfer posted a near-perfect heat in the Semis with 19.03 points (out of a possible 20) and all together earned eight excellent scores throughout the rounds to win his second CS event in Ericeira today it’s a dream for me to win this event,” Silva said “This is one of my favorite events of the year I’m very happy to win here and those points were important for me to get back on tour I’m so excited to go back to Brazil and Saquarema to finish it off.” Silva was on the best waves and produced the best surfing to amass two high 8s After a rough start to his 2023 qualifying campaign Silva has found his groove and made a giant 34-spots leap in the last two events to find himself in the Top 5 before Saquarema Pictured: Luana Silva (BRA) had a great run up into the Final this week Coming in ranked 7th in a tie with Spencer the 2021 winner in Ericeira Luana Silva (BRA) found the winning formula right away and posted four consecutive heat wins to find herself in another Final at Ribeira d’Ilhas The Brazilian surfed brilliantly once again but couldn’t quite perform on the best waves of the heat and her scores reflected it as she had to settle for the runner-up spot “I always enjoy coming back to Portugal,” Silva said Two years ago I had my first Final win here so another great result for me today and I’m ready for the last event!” Silva gained one place and now sits 6th on the rankings ahead of the season finale in her home country of Brazil Pictured: An impressive Jake Marshall (USA) is almost locked in for the 2024 CT CT surfer Jake Marshall (USA) is a few steps closer to keeping his spot among the world’s best for 2024 with the runner-up finish today and a big jump up the rankings into the third spot The strongest surfer on his forehand this week Marshall had some epic battles on his way to the Final including an impressive 18.44 Quarterfinal heat this morning “This has been an amazing event for me,” Marshall commented I just want to thank everyone over here in Portugal this is always one of my favorite places to visit every year and I love spending time here so it’s fitting that this has been my best event!” Sally Fitzgibbons Qualifies for 2024 Championship Tour The current leader of the women’s Challenger Series and a 13-year veteran on the Championship Tour Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) has officially qualified for the 2024 CT with another big result in Ericeira A Top 5 surfer on the CT for most of her career including three runner-up finishes in the world title race the Australian uncharacteristically failed to advance past the Mid-season Cut in 2023 However she embraced the opportunity to fight it out on the Challenger Series with the new generation of surfing talents and was dominant in the first five events 3rd on the Gold Coast and runner-up in Sydney and the US Open I want to return and better my performances at the tour locations The support from everyone back home is so meaningful to me Pictured: Dimitri Poulos (USA) clicked into gear this week in Portugal Dimitri Poulos Posts Biggest Rankings Move A relatively discrete figure before this week on the Challenger Series Ventura’s Dimitri Poulos (USA) is definitely now on everyone’s radars after putting on an epic display of high performance surfing in Ericeira The powerful regular foot peaked at the right time and posted his biggest performance in the Semis but found a major hurdle on his way with Silva’s near-perfect heat He now leaves Portugal just outside the Top 20 and with an outside shot at qualification next week in Brazil “This is my best result all year and I’m just really stoked I got to surf heats and get a few fun waves,” Poulos stated “This is my first time here and first time in Europe so a lot of firsts for me it’s actually really close to some I grew up surfing so I felt right at home I have my goals set on qualifying for the Challengers again and I feel like going into next year I’d have more knowledge of all the surf spots and hopefully get better results I’m just grateful for everything I’ve gotten to learn this year and excited to go to Brazil and just start again.” With the EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. by Estrella Galicia PT now in the books the 2023 Challenger Series rankings have evolved here are the current potential Qualifiers for next year’s Championship Tour: the final stop on this year’s Challenger Series by Estrella Galicia PTx is supported by EDP CONGRATS DEIVID SLIVA & ALYSSA SPENSER WIN EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro BRAZIL’S SILVA TAKES DOWN USA’S JAKE MARSHALL USA’S ALYSSA SPENSER BEATS BRAZILS LUANA SILVA Finals Day was Called ON at EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres “It’s finals day and it’s probably going to end up being the best day of the entire event waiting period which is amazing,” Travis Logie “We’re starting with the women’s Quarters and alternate all the way up to the finals this afternoon around 4:30 pm Big points are on the line and a few surfers could potentially officialize their qualifying spot for the 2024 Championship Tour (CT) today including CT star Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and her compatriot India Robinson (AUS) the highest two competitors remaining in the women’s field Others will just fight for the highest finish here to simply give themselves a shot at the final event of the season in Saquarema next week Epic matchups will bring intense action today and the waves should start to pump throughout the day at Ribeira d’Ilhas watch it all go down LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com Finals Set for Epic Sunday Finish at EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro Stop No.5 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series major points are up for grabs and rankings moves definitely in store with potentially more surfers able to officially punch their ticket for the 2024 Championship Tour (CT) Herdy Edges Out Rodrigues for Quarterfinal Berth The all-Brazilian first heat of the day came down to a difference in repertoire Mateus Herdy (BRA) landing his air attempts where Michael Rodrigues (BRA) missed one and stuck to his powerful rail game Rodrigues who got the best single score of the battle Herdy got a final shot and went above the lip to post his best number and take the ticket into the Quarters in my mind I knew there would be waves in the last minute,” Herdy said “I’ve been counting the waves and the time between sets since this morning I just didn’t know the right wave would come in the last seconds literally Those heats are really hard but it’s something that I enjoy especially surfing against someone like Michael that I admire if I didn’t land an air I wouldn’t have made it so I’m stoked I made it.” Pictured: Jackson Bunch (HAW) continues to impress in Ericeira Challenger Series rookie Jackson Bunch (HAW) took out an all-Hawaiian second heat against Imaikalani Devault (HAW) Bunch pulled the first punch with a really good first wave and some dynamic moves on his backhand Devault never really found the right waves to lay down his big carves and his compatriot moved into his first-ever Quarters on the CS “I’m pretty stoked that I get to show what I can do in those waves,” Bunch said “I feel like I’ve been in a rhythm in those last two heats so I’m stoked to finally surf some fun heats Waves were a bit slow and small but right now it’s gorgeous so glassy I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a day so glassy in my life Marshall Keeps Positive Momentum with Clutch RD16 Win Championship Tour surfer Jake Marshall (USA) has been building momentum in the second half of the Challenger Series season and kept the ball rolling today by making a very important heat over fellow Californian Kade Matson (USA) Marshall is guaranteed another keeper result and could even potentially qualify this week depending on other surfers’ results “It feels really good to make the Quarters I feel like I’m getting in my groove over here,” Marshall reacted “I felt like I surfed kind of perfect heat Kade did a good job of waiting and picked a good wave so I was just hoping he didn’t do enough I had no control over that so I just kind of let it happen.” The day’s final heat featured Jacob Willcox (AUS) who already has a seat for the CT next year another Challenger Series rookie making waves this week in Ericeira Both surfers put up a great fight and ultimately it was Willcox who claimed the final advancing spot for the Quarters the first three winners today all posted a 13.50 heat totals to advance Willcox in the last heat of the day had to step it up with a solid 14.94 (out of a possible 20) to dispatch Swierkocki The next call will be at 7:15 am GMT+1 on Sunday You must be logged in to post a comment.