EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. By Estrella Galicia Called Back ON

Women’s RD16 Resumed at 1:05 pm GMT+1 (11 hours ahead)
Men’s RD16 to Follow
Watch LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Qualification hopeful Alyssa Spencer (USA) is in the opening heat todayt. Credit: © WSL / Masurel

RIBEIRA D’ILHAS, Ericeira / Portugal (Friday, October 6, 2023) – The EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. by Estrella Galicia PT, Stop No.5 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series, has been called back ON in two-to-three foot surf at Ribeira d’Ilhas.

“We just had to wait around for that tide to run out,” Travis Logie, WSL Tours and Competition said. “We’re seeing signs of that new swell and it’s improving slowly. So we’re up and running, we’re going to finish up the women’s Round of 16, go straight into the men’s Round of 16 and see how far we can go this afternoon.”

The remaining four heats of the women’s Round of 16 will be first to hit the lineup, featuring a lot of potential Top 5 contenders, including Portugal’s Teresa Bonvalot (POR) who will be taking on event standout Zoe Benedetto (USA).

Reigning World Junior Champion Francisca Veselko (POR) will be surfing against the current No. 3 Sawyer Lindblad (USA).

In the men’s, European fans will be supporting whoever wins Heat 4 that opposes rising star Justin Becret (FRA) and former CT surfer Frederico Morais (POR). Six current Top 10 athletes will be fighting to make the Quarters and stay in the race while surfers on the bubble hope for a big break in Portugal.

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA WOMEN’S RD16 MATCHUPS:
HEAT 5: Sophie McCulloch (AUS) vs. Alyssa Spencer (USA)
HEAT 6: Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Sol Aguirre (PER)
HEAT 7: Francisca Veselko (POR) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA)
HEAT 8: Zoe Benedetto (USA) vs. Teresa Bonvalot (POR)

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA MEN’S RD16 MATCHUPS:
HEAT 1: Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Dylan Moffat (AUS)
HEAT 2: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Jackson Baker (AUS)
HEAT 3: Reef Heazlewood (AUS) vs. Dimitri Poulos (USA)
HEAT 4: Justin Becret (FRA) vs. Frederico Morais (POR)
HEAT 5: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA)
HEAT 6: Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Imaikalani deVault (HAW)
HEAT 7: Kade Matson (USA) vs. Jake Marshall (USA)
HEAT 8: Jabe Swierkocki (USA) vs. Jacob Willcox (AUS)

Watch LIVE

The EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. by Estrella Galicia PT holds a competition window October 1-8, 2023. Once called on, the competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

The EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. by Estrella Galicia PTx is supported by EDP, Vissla, Tourism of Portugal, Mafra City Council, Ericeira World Surfing Reserve, Estrella Galicia, Yeti, MEO, Millennium Bank, Joaquim Chaves Saúde, You & The Sea Hotel and Apartments, Hertz, Cabreiroá.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW…

pres. By Estrella Galicia

Challenger Series #4: First Quarterfinalists Decided at EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro

Fitzgibbons’ Last Minute Heroics Keep Crazy Quarterfinal Streak Alive
On the Bubble, Macaulay Takes Important Buzzer-Beater into Quarters
Rodrigues Continues to Build Momentum, Eyes Potential Top 10 Berth
Favorites Stay Ahead of the Field in Treacherous Small Ribeira Lineup
Next Call @ 9 am GMT+1 on Friday, October 6, 2023 (11 hours ahead)

Pictured: Mateus Herdy (BRA) with a very convincing effort in the Round of 32. Credit: © WSL / Poullenot

RIBEIRA D’ILHAS, Ericeira / Portugal (Thursday, October 5, 2023) – The EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. by Estrella Galicia PT, Stop No.5 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series, ran through an important fourth day of action today in the smallest waves we’ve seen this week but with lots of scoring opportunities still.

Surfers took on two-to-three foot runners in the remaining four heats of the men’s Round of 32 before competition moved into the first two-surfer matchups in four heats of the women’s Round of 16 to decide Quarterfinalists in Portugal.

Fitzgibbons’ Last Minute Heroics Keep Crazy Quarterfinal Streak Alive

In the women’s Round of 16 opening heat, Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) had the rankings leader Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) against the ropes in the dying moments of their 35-minute matchup, having put together a strong combination of scores. But the Australian pulled from a couple decades of experience in tough situations and found the resources to score the winning ride on the last wave that rolled through the lineup before the buzzer.

“That’s why we play the game and why we show up,” Fitzgibbons reflected. “After all these years you still have all the adrenaline and all the nerves and looking at that you’re just proud of yourself for believing you can turn the heat with one more shot. No matter what mistakes you’ve made, you get back up and think what can I do now to better my situation. I felt for Nadia, she did everything right to put herself in the position to win that heat. It’s a beautiful sport but also a cruel sport.”

Fitzgibbons has been on an incredible streak this Challenger Series season, reaching the Quarterfinals at least in every single event so far. She will be facing another event standout in 2021 Ericeira winner Luana Silva (BRA) in the Quarterfinals when the event continues.

On the Bubble, Macaulay Takes Important Buzzer-Beater into Quarters

Sitting in 5th on the rankings, Bronte Macaulay (AUS) is the most vulnerable surfer in the women’s field this week, and her buzzer-beater win in the Round of 16 over young up-and-comer Bella Kenworthy (USA) carries significant importance in the grand scheme of things. Much like her compatriot Fitzgibbons, the Western Australian never stopped believing and caught her best wave in the dying seconds to only just overtake Kenworthy for a spot into the Quarters.

“I thought I was going home for sure,” Macaulay said. “That last set is the only one that came through our whole heat and to be honest I didn’t think I’d get the score so that’s always a nice surprise. This is a crucial round for points so I’m stoked to make it to at least the Quarters.”

Macaulay will be facing an on form India Robinson (AUS) who dispatched Tessa Thyssen (FRA) in the last heat of the day today.

Rodrigues Continues to Build Momentum, Eyes Potential Top 10 Berth

Championship Tour (CT) surfer Michael Rodrigues (BRA) dominated the first heat of the day with his signature power carves on the long rights of Ribeira d’Ilhas. The Brazilian, currently on the bubble, has had mixed results so far this season and could use a major push in Ericeira to move into the Top 10. A quarterfinalist here last year, his surfing suits the wave perfectly and it’ll likely come down to his ability to continue to select all the right waves like he’s done brilliantly so far.

“It was super slow to be honest and I’m glad I got two good scores before it got even slower,” Rodrigues said. “I switched to a smaller, epoxy subdriver and I used bigger fins cause this board is super loose so I tried to balance it. It feels so good, I always have one of those with me, when conditions go like that. Plus it’s got my wife and daughter’s names on it so it’s really special.”

Imaikalani Devault (HAW) advanced in second behind Rodrigues. Another powerful regular foot, the Hawaiian is currently within reach of a second season on the CT and is already guaranteed to slightly improve his season tally.

Pictured: Imaikalani Devault (HAW) kept his qualification hopes alive advancing today. Credit: © WSL / Poullenot

Favorites Stay Ahead of the Field in Treacherous Small Ribeira Lineup

Jackson Bunch (HAW) and Mateus Herdy (BRA) got into a fun battle in the second heat, Bunch active early and Herdy picking up the pace throughout the heat. Eventually the Hawaiian selected a great second wave as the heat wrapped up and took back control of the matchup to move into the Round of 16.

“I just wanted to get in a rhythm so I paddled out early and got out the back when the previous heat ended and I was just in the right spot to get the first wave early,” Bunch explained. “I talked with Imai who’d just made the heat before and he told me I was right where it broke and I realized everyone else was 50 to 100 yards away so that was an easy wave to get into.”

For both surfers currently outside the qualification zone, each heat win is crucial as ranking points on offer increase exponentially. They edged out contender Kauli Vaast (FRA) in that heat, making their effort count even more as a lot of surfers are still in striking distance of the coveted Top 10 spots.

The third heat of the men was probably the most tense as three surfers within the current Top 10 fought it out for a spot into the Round of 16. Kade Matson (USA) and Jacob Willcox (AUS), two surfers with a different approach, prevailed and eliminated Samuel Pupo (BRA) and Alejo Muniz (BRA) from competition with minimal points.

Jake Marshall (USA) and Jabe Swierkocki (USA) claimed the final two advancing spots and unfortunately put an end to local wildcard Joaquim Chaves (POR)’s great run on home turf.

“I’m stoked, this was an awesome experience,” Chaves said. “This is a wave that I surf a lot, and to share the lineup with some of the best surfers in the world was definitely special. There’s lots of things I’m going to be taking home from this to prepare myself better for the next season. This was my last year as a junior so next season I’ll fully focus on the QS and trying to get a real spot on the Challengers cause that’s where I want to be.”

The next call will be at 9 am GMT+1 on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Ribeira d’Ilhas.

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA MEN’S RD32 RESULTS:
HEAT 5: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 15.27 DEF. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 12.86, Adin Masencamp (RSA) 11.80, Ryan Kainalo (BRA) 8.37
HEAT 6: Jackson Bunch (HAW) 12.94 DEF. Mateus Herdy (BRA) 12.53, Ian Gouveia (BRA) 10.66, Kauli Vaast (FRA) 8.27
HEAT 7: Kade Matson (USA) 12.96 DEF. Jacob Willcox (AUS) 12.20, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 10.17, Samuel Pupo (BRA) 9.23
HEAT 8: Jabe Swierkocki (USA) 11.70 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 10.43, Marco Mignot (FRA) 9.93, Joaquim Chaves (POR) 9.36

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA WOMEN’S RD16 RESULTS:
HEAT 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.80 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) 11.87
HEAT 2: Luana Silva (BRA) 13.17 DEF. Daniella Rosas (P ER) 11.40
HEAT 3: Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 11.13 DEF. Bella Kenworthy (USA) 10.83
HEAT 4: India Robinson (AUS) 12.50 DEF. Tessa Thyssen (FRA) 9.43

Watch LIVE

PRIOR UPDATES

pres. By Estrella Galicia

Epic Action on Third Day of EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro

Fitzgibbons Inches Closer to Completing Comeback Story
Nichols Fumbles as Tour Leaders March Through Women’s Round of 32
Jacob Willcox Qualifies for 2024 Championship Tour
Silva, Houshmand’s Backhands Continue to Dominate at Ribeira
Next Call @ 8 am GMT+1 on Thursday, October 5, 2023 (11 hours ahead)

Pictured: Zoe Benedetto (USA) looks extremely comfortable ripping apart the Ribeira rights . Credit: © WSL / Masurel

RIBEIRA D’ILHAS, Ericeira / Portugal (Wednesday, October 4, 2023) – The EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. by Estrella Galicia PT, Stop No.5 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series, continued today in fun, three-to-four foot surf and delivered an epic day of action.

The men’s Round of 64 resumed with the remaining four heats at first this morning, before moving into the top seeded women’s Round of 32 and the first four heats of the men’s Round of 32.

Big scores weren’t the norm in all heats, some grueling slow matchups came down to the wire but overall the Portuguese crowds witnessed exciting performances from some of the world’s best surfers aspiring to qualify for the Championship Tour.

Fitzgibbons Inches Closer to Completing Comeback Story

In true Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) form, the current rankings leader came out swinging in her first Ribeira heat to post two high 6s and march on to the Round of 16. The former runner-up in the world has been vocal about getting inspired competing among the younger generations as she looks to complete her comeback to the Championship Tour this week and hopes to do so with a win, something that has somehow eluded her in a season where she reached the Final twice.

“Winning is always the goal for anyone in the draw so it’s just the fact that it’s really really hard,” Fitzgibbons said. “Everyone wants it and you have to try and dig deep to find that desire. That’s the cool thing about being back on the Challengers, I have to find that desire I had 15 years ago as a rookie. All you have to do is paddle out for the early warm-up surf, there’s like a hundred of the best young surfers in the world going for it in one foot waves. That energy is what you have to capture.”

Nichols Fumbles as Tour Leaders March Through Women’s Round of 32

The Round of 32 was a walk in the park for the Top 5 women on the Challenger Series rankings, except Isabella Nichols (AUS) who inexplicably was off rhythm in a low scoring heat and bowed out early. Fitzgibbons paved the way, Bronte Macaulay (AUS) followed suit and Luana Silva (BRA), India Robinson (AUS), Sawyer Lindblad (USA) stepped up with big performances.

Robinson’s requalifying effort cut short last year seems to have fired up the powerful regular foot from Jan Juc as she came back to the Challenger Series with a vengeance, taking out the first event on the Gold Coast. Currently sitting fourth, this week is a golden opportunity at a wave affectionately known as the Portuguese Bells Beach.

“I’m bummed I missed out last year after sustaining an injury so it’s really good to be back this year,” Robinson said. “The atmosphere around here is amazing and it reminds me a lot of my homebreak at Bells so I feel comfortable and like I have a good connection with it. At the moment I’m grateful to be healthy and able to compete and I’m enjoying every step of the way and I hope to get back on tour.”

The 2021 winner in Ericeira, Silva found her groove early and matched the rhythm of the wave beautifully to go excellent with an 8.33 (out of a possible 10), backed up with a solid 6.27. Currently right on the bubble at spot No.7 in the rankings, Silva’s previous winning experience at Ribeira d’Ilhas could come in handy as the Brazilian looks to make it back on tour after falling to the Mid-season cut in her rookie effort last year.

“This wave reminds me of some places at home and I just have a lot of fun surfing here so I’m happy to be back,” Silva said. “Obviously in the back of my head is CT qualification and I still have a shot at that so that’s my goal at the end of the year. I’m just trying to put my head down and focus but also enjoy the moment at the same time.”

Sawyer Lindblad (USA)’s performance in the round’s final heat was some of the best seen all day, only eclipsed by an even hotter display by Zoe Benedetto (USA). The Floridian, already a standout on the opening day, posted two more excellent 8 point rides and looks like the pacesetter in Ericeira this week.

Portuguese Duo Fires Up Local Crowds

One of the most entertaining heats of the women’s Round of 32 was an intense battle between qualification hopefuls Vahine Fierro (FRA) and Teresa Bonvalot (POR), and rising stars Francisca Veselko (POR) and Erin Brooks (CAN). Veselko got a big score right away and looked very comfortable even as time passed and she needed a backup. Behind her, everyone was sitting on medium numbers and when a set of waves rolled through in the dying moments, everyone got a piece of the action.

Veselko comforted her lead and the judges had a long reflection looking at three goofy footers absolutely ripping on their backhand. Scores eventually dropped as all surfers were patiently awaiting their fate on the beach and Bonvalot got the nod with a 7.77 to take the second advancing spot behind her compatriot.

Jacob Willcox Qualifies for 2024 Championship Tour

Currently ranked second on the Challenger Series on the back of an extremely consistent effort, Margaret River’s Jacob Willcox (AUS) is now officially qualified for the 2024 Championship Tour (CT). The regular foot from Western Australia has already built a wealth of experience at the highest level through 13 previous CT wildcard appearances in various locations around the globe. Having come close to qualifying numerous times, Willcox has now fulfilled a life-long dream and will be a major threat in his rookie season among the world ‘s best surfers in 2024.

“I’m just so happy on actually qualifying it’s been such a long journey,” Willcox reflected. “So many heartbreaks, so many times I’ve come so close and I feel like it probably wouldn’t feel so good without all that, so it’s very rewarding. This is the best job ever, I get to travel the world with some of my best mates, it’s so fun and I’m so grateful to be able to surf in some good waves next year.”

In Willcox’ heat this morning, local wildcard Joaquim Chaves (POR) posted a big upset taking the second advancing spot ahead of Joel Vaughan (AUS) and CT surfer Maxime Huscenot (FRA). The winner of the first Challenger of the year Samuel Pupo (BRA) advanced into the Round of 32 as well earlier this morning, alongside rising French threat Marco Mignot (FRA), qualification hopefuls Jake Marshall (USA) and Kade Matson (USA), as well as Alejo Muniz (BRA) and Jabe Swierkocki (USA).

Silva, Houshmand’s Backhands Continue to Dominate at Ribeira

The two form surfers of yesterday, Deivid Silva (BRA) and Cole Houshmand (USA) continued to demonstrate their superiority in the running rights of Ribeira as the pair posted some of the event’s biggest scores. Silva’s 9 point ride is the first of its kind this week, and Houshmand’s 15.40 heat total (out of a possible 20) is up there with the best so far.

They will be joined in the Round of 16 by the likes of Jackson Baker (AUS), Frederico Morais (POR), Dylan Moffat (AUS), Reef Heazlewood (AUS), Justin Becret (FRA) and Dimitri Poulos (USA) who also advanced out of the Round of 32 later this afternoon.

The next call will be at 8 am GMT+1 on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Ribeira d’Ilhas in expected similar conditions.

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA WOMEN’S RD32 RESULTS:
HEAT 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.60 DEF. Daniella Rosas (PER) 10.90, Kobie Enright (AUS) 8.97, Ariane Ochoa (EUK) 7.17
HEAT 2: Luana Silva (BRA) 14.60 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) 12.93, Sarah Baum (RSA) 9.50, Natasha Van Greunen (RSA) 6.33
HEAT 3: Bronte Macaulay (AUS) 13.37 DEF. Tessa Thyssen (FRA) 12.23, Zahli Kelly (AUS) 11.74, Sophia Medina (BRA) 10.00
HEAT 4: India Robinson (AUS) 15.53 DEF. Bella Kenworthy (USA) 13.00, Nikki Van Dijk (AUS) 11.73, Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) 9.17
HEAT 5: Sophie McCulloch (AUS) 10.43 DEF. Sol Aguirre (PER) 10.33, Zoe McDougall (HAW) 7.87, Isabella Nichols (AUS) 3.63
HEAT 6: Ellie Harrison (AUS) 11.93 DEF. Alyssa Spencer (USA) 11.83, Anon Matsuoka (JPN) 6.44, Pauline Ado (FRA) 6.00
HEAT 7: Francisca Veselko (POR) 13.70 DEF. Teresa Bonvalot (POR) 13.27, Vahine Fierro (FRA) 11.53, Erin Brooks (CAN) 11.40
HEAT 8: Zoe Benedetto (USA) 16.00 DEF. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 15.53, Laura Raupp (BRA) 12.77, Macy Callaghan (AUS) 11.43

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA WOMEN’S RD16 MATCHUPS:
HEAT 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK)
HEAT 2: Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Daniella Rosas (PER)
HEAT 3: Bronte Macaulay (AUS) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
HEAT 4: India Robinson (AUS) vs. Tessa Thyssen (FRA)
HEAT 5: Sophie McCulloch (AUS) vs. Alyssa Spencer (USA)
HEAT 6: Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Sol Aguirre (PER)
HEAT 7: Francisca Veselko (POR) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA)
HEAT 8: Zoe Benedetto (USA) vs. Teresa Bonvalot (POR)

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA MEN’S RD64 RESULTS:
HEAT 13: Jacob Willcox (AUS) 12.50 DEF. Joaquim Chaves (POR) 12.00, Joel Vaughan (AUS) 9.34, Maxime Huscenot (FRA) 4.80
HEAT 14: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 13.20 DEF. Marco Mignot (FRA) 11.40, Carlos Munoz (CRC) 10.97, John Mark Tokong (PHL) 9.80
HEAT 15: Jake Marshall (USA) 15.47 DEF. Kade Matson (USA) 11.74, Alister Reginato (AUS) 8.03, Joh Azuchi (JPN) 4.84
HEAT 16: Jabe Swierkocki (USA) 13.50 DEF. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 13.40, Nat Young (USA) 6.77, Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 5.17

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA MEN’S RD32 RESULTS:
HEAT 1: Deivid Silva (BRA) 16.23 DEF. Jackson Baker (AUS) 15.07, Keanu Asing (HAW) 12.10, Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 11.24
HEAT 2: Cole Houshmand (USA) 15.40 DEF. Dylan Moffat (AUS) 12.73, George Pittar (AUS) 11.33, Tenshi Iwami (JPN) 11.10
HEAT 3: Reef Heazlewood (AUS) 11.17 DEF. Frederico Morais (POR) 11.10, Kian Martin (SWE) 8.64, Leo Casal (BRA) 8.50
HEAT 4: Justin Becret (FRA) 14.50 DEF. Dimitri Poulos (USA) 12.83, Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 11.70, Eithan Osborne (USA) 10.90

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA MEN’S RD32 MATCHUPS:
HEAT 5: Adin Masencamp (RSA) vs. Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Ryan Kainalo (BRA) vs. Imaikalani deVault (HAW)
HEAT 6: Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA)
HEAT 7: Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Kade Matson (USA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 8: Joaquim Chaves (POR) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Jabe Swierkocki (USA)

Watch LIVE

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW…

Competition Called Back ON at EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. By Estrella Galicia
Remaining Four Heats of Men’s RD64 Up First at 8:05 am GMT+1 (11 HOURS AHEAD OF HI TIME)
Women’s RD32 and Men’s RD32 to Follow
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Pictured: CT qualifier Jacob Willcox (AUS) is in the first heat this morning. Credit: © WSL / Poullenot

RIBEIRA D’ILHAS, Ericeira / Portugal (Wednesday, October 4, 2023) – The EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. by Estrella Galicia PT, Stop No.5 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series, has been called back ON in continued excellent conditions with waves in the three-to-four foot range and light winds again on the morning of a third day of action in Portugal.

“It looks really fun again today so we’re going to get started right away,” Travis Logie, WSL Tours and Competition said. “We’re going to finish the men’s round started yesterday and go into women’s heats, then the first four heats of the men’s Round of 32. The swell is still sticking around, it’s supposed to drop slightly during the day but there’s still tons of waves and tons of opportunities.”

The first heat in the water this morning features newly announced CT qualifier Jacob Willcox (AUS) up against Joel Vaughan (AUS), Maxime Huscenot (FRA) and local wildcard Joaquim Chaves (POR). The other three heats remaining in the men’s Round of 64 all feature surfers with a lot on the line as competition intensifies towards the end of the year.

When the women’s action gets back underway later today, rankings leader Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) will take on Ariane Ochoa (EUK), Kobie Enright (AUS) and Daniella Rosas (PER) in the round opener.

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA MEN’S RD64 MATCHUPS:
HEAT 13: Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Maxime Huscenot (FRA) vs. Joaquim Chaves (POR)
HEAT 14: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Carlos Munoz (CRC) vs. John Mark Tokong (PHL)
HEAT 15: Kade Matson (USA) vs. Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Alister Reginato (AUS) vs. Joh Azuchi (JPN)
HEAT 16: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Nat Young (USA) vs. Jabe Swierkocki (USA)

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA WOMEN’S RD32 MATCHUPS:
HEAT 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Ariane Ochoa (EUK) vs. Kobie Enright (AUS) vs. Daniella Rosas (PER)
HEAT 2: Sarah Baum (RSA) vs. Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Natasha Van Greunen (RSA) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK)
HEAT 3: Bronte Macaulay (AUS) vs. Zahli Kelly (AUS) vs. Tessa Thyssen (FRA) vs. Sophia Medina (BRA)
HEAT 4: India Robinson (AUS) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)
HEAT 5: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Sophie McCulloch (AUS) vs. Sol Aguirre (PER) vs. Zoe McDougall (HAW)
HEAT 6: Alyssa Spencer (USA) vs. Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Anon Matsuoka (JPN) vs. Pauline Ado (FRA)
HEAT 7: Vahine Fierro (FRA) vs. Teresa Bonvalot (POR) vs. Francisca Veselko (POR) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
HEAT 8: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS) vs. Zoe Benedetto (USA) vs. Laura Raupp (BRA)

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA MEN’S RD32 MATCHUPS:
HEAT 1: Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Jackson Baker (AUS) vs. Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) vs. Keanu Asing (HAW)
HEAT 2: Dylan Moffat (AUS) vs. Tenshi Iwami (JPN) vs. George Pittar (AUS) vs. Cole Houshmand (USA)
HEAT 3: Reef Heazlewood (AUS) vs. Frederico Morais (POR) vs. Leo Casal (BRA) vs. Kian Martin (SWE)
HEAT 4: Eithan Osborne (USA) vs. Justin Becret (FRA) vs. Dimitri Poulos (USA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 5: Adin Masencamp (RSA) vs. Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Ryan Kainalo (BRA) vs. Imaikalani deVault (HAW)
HEAT 6: Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA)
HEAT 7: TBD
HEAT 8: TBD

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW…

Men’s Event Underway at EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. By Estrella Galicia
Rankings Leaders Show Up Strong in First Ericeira Heats
Silva’s Building Momentum, Needs Major Rallying in Season Two-Part Finale
Rising Aussie Threat Pittar Makes First Appearance in Ericeira Count
Next Call @ 7:30 am GMT+1 on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 (11 hours ahead)

RIBEIRA D’ILHAS, Ericeira / Portugal (Tuesday, October 3, 2023) – The EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. by Estrella Galicia PT, Stop No.5 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series, resumed today after taking a day off on Monday, and ran a long day of competition in three-to-five foot waves, somewhat affected by the strong sideshore winds.

The men’s opening Round of 80 ran in the morning’s clean conditions and witnessed good performances from the likes Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) and Kai Paula (DEU) as well as impressive displays by local wildcards Martim Nunes (POR) and Joaquim Chaves (POR).

Tension rose up a notch around lunchtime when the Round of 64 debuted in Ericeira, featuring the event’s top seeds for whom a result is crucial in the second-to-last event of the season.

Rankings Leaders Show Up Strong in First Ericeira Heats

To no surprise, the best surfers all year continued to prove their form wasn’t just a fluke as the likes of Cole Houshmand (USA), Frederico Morais (POR), Jackson Baker (AUS), Imaikalani Devault (HAW) and Michael Rodrigues (BRA) post big opening performances in pumping Ribeira rights.

“No matter what the situation is, that first heat is always the most nervous one for me,” Houshmand admitted. “But I think nerves are a good thing and it’s fun. It felt like I was out of the jersey forever, it’s been almost two months since the US Open so I’m stoked to get back at it and start with a heat like that.”

Local hero Frederico Morais (PRT) surfed an extremely smart heat on a wave he knows better than anyone in the field this week, surfing only two waves to a 14.66 heat total for an easy win into the Round of 32.

“To be honest I was a little anxious before this event,” Morais reflected. “Being in a good position on the rankings, surfing at home in front of everyone and at a wave that I love and where I’ve had great results. But the waves were really fun and there were lots of opportunities. I got two waves, that’s all you need in the end, and made it in first place so I’m stoked.”

Eli Hanneman (HAW) was on his way to join the top seeds into the Round of 32 with a brilliant performance in his opening heat, until a judgment error in the last seconds cost him an interference. Sitting with priority over Reef Heazlewood (AUS), the Hawaiian tried to apply his priority on a wave right as the heat ended but unfortunately stood up after the horn where Heazlewood had stood up before, resulting in the interference.

Silva’s Building Momentum, Needs Major Rallying in Season Two-Part Finale

After falling to the Championship Tour’s Mid-season cut in 2022, Deivid Silva (BRA) couldn’t quite bounce back right away and finds himself battling on the Challenger Series for the second consecutive year. The Brazilian has been slowly but surely building momentum and making more rounds in each event this season but will need a miracle ending in Portugal and Brazil to get back on tour. A former quarterfinalist in Ericeira, the long rights could be an opportunity for the powerful goofy foot to start putting serious points on the board.

“I love this place and I’ve had a lot of good heats here,” Silva said. “I’m stoked to make this first heat, there’s always a lot of pressure in those and that was a big heat. I love surfing those Slater designs because there are a lot of different shapes. This one is really fast and very good for this wave.”

Rising Aussie Threat Pittar Makes First Appearance in Ericeira Count

A rookie on the Challenger Series, by his own admission George Pittar (AUS)’s name should not be mentioned in qualifying scenarios but here he is, fifteenth in the world with momentum on his side. The Manly surfer banks off two good results in the previous events and judging by his opening performance at a wave he’s never competed at before, sky’s the limit for Pittar.

“That first heat’s always tough and it was my first heat out at this wave so I was wondering if I could figure out the spot without all the people out,” Pittar explained. “It’s interesting coming into this with a bit of pressure cause I didn’t really think I’d be at this point, so I’m just trying to go through the motions and think of it as any other contest.”

In an unexpected, surfer goes left at a righthand pointbreak manner, Jackson Bunch (HAW) posted a last second upset against World No. 14 Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), by boosting an air on an inside left. After a long deliberation, the score came out just enough to edge out the Japanese and move Bunch into the Round of 32.

The lineup was not kind to all the big names and Day 2 of action provided plenty of upsets, including early eliminations for CT stars Miguel Pupo (BRA), Morgan Cibilic (AUS), Jadson Andre (BRA), and CT hopeful and current Challenger Series No. 3 Crosby Colapinto (USA).

The next call will be at 7:30 am GMT+1 on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Ribeira d’Ilhas in expected similar conditions.

Watch LIVE

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA MEN’S RD64 RESULTS:
HEAT 1: Deivid Silva (BRA) 13.26 DEF. Dylan Moffat (AUS) 12.16, Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) 11.30, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 10.27
HEAT 2: Jackson Baker (AUS) 11.87 DEF. Tenshi Iwami (JPN) 10.30, Miguel Tudela (PER) 9.57, Jadson Andre (BRA) 8.97
HEAT 3: George Pittar (AUS) 12.23 DEF. Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 11.73, Luke Thompson (RSA) 11.40, Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 10.70
HEAT 4: Cole Houshmand (USA) 14.80 DEF. Keanu Asing (HAW) 13.26, Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) 8.60, Marc Lacomare (FRA) 7.70
HEAT 5: Reef Heazlewood (AUS) 13.76 DEF. Eithan Osborne (USA) 11.90, Kai Paula (DEU) 10.80, Eli Hanneman (HAW) 7.67
HEAT 6: Frederico Morais (POR) 14.66 DEF. Justin Becret (FRA) 13.60, Mikey McDonagh (AUS) 12.16, Jordan Lawler (AUS) 10.63
HEAT 7: Dimitri Poulos (USA) 12.03 DEF. Leo Casal (BRA) 11.13, Joan Duru (FRA) 10.60, Nolan Rapoza (USA) 9.93
HEAT 8: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 10.20 DEF. Kian Martin (SWE) 9.60, Lucca Mesinas (PER) 9.50, Timothe Bisso (FRA) 8.74
HEAT 9: Adin Masencamp (RSA) 11.80 DEF. Jackson Bunch (HAW) 10.50, Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 10.40, Martim Nunes (POR) 8.30
HEAT 10: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 14.23 DEF. Ian Gouveia (BRA) 11.33, Rafael Teixeira (BRA) 10.53, Jett Schilling (USA) 9.93
HEAT 11: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 14.33 DEF. Ryan Kainalo (BRA) 12.83, Crosby Colapinto (USA) 12.74, Edgard Groggia (BRA) 11.97
HEAT 12: Mateus Herdy (BRA) 12.27 DEF. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 11.57, Daiki Tanaka (JPN) 10.06, Lucas Silveira (BRA) 9.27

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA MEN’S RD80 RESULTS:
HEAT 1: Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) 12.10 DEF. Tenshi Iwami (JPN) 10.73, Connor Slijpen (RSA) 8.43, Brodi Sale (HAW) 6.57
HEAT 2: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 14.50 DEF. Keanu Asing (HAW) 10.23, Adur Amatriain (EUK) 9.20, Gatien Delahaye (FRA) 8.76
HEAT 3: Kai Paula (DEU) 14.50 DEF. Jordan Lawler (AUS) 12.13, Tiago Carrique (FRA) 11.14, Kalani Ball (AUS) 9.77
HEAT 4: Leo Casal (BRA) 11.73 DEF. Kian Martin (SWE) 11.67, Henrique Pyrrait (POR) 8.44, Joshua Moniz (HAW) 5.60
HEAT 5: Martim Nunes (POR) 11.17 DEF. Rafael Teixeira (BRA) 10.70, Mihimana Braye (FRA) 9.57, Josh Burke (BRB) 8.03
HEAT 6: Ryan Kainalo (BRA) 10.47 DEF. Daiki Tanaka (JPN) 10.10, Taj Lindblad (USA) 9.73, Shion Crawford (HAW) 7.33
HEAT 7: Joaquim Chaves (POR) 11.77 DEF. John Mark Tokong (PHL) 10.83, Billy Stairmand (NZL) 10.17, Daniel Emslie (RSA) 8.63
HEAT 8: Joh Azuchi (JPN) 13.23 DEF. Jabe Swierkocki (USA) 10.70, Sheldon Simkus (AUS) 9.17, Jarvis Earle (AUS) 8.30

About the WSL

The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning the World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfers on the world’s best waves. WSL is comprised of the Tours and Competition division, which oversees and operates more than 180 global competitions each year; Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC), home of the world’s largest high-performance, human-made wave; and WSL Studios, an independent producer of unscripted and scripted projects.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com .

PRIOR UPDATE BELOW

EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. By Estrella Galicia Called Back ON

Challenger Series Stop #5

Men’s Round of 80 Starts @ 8:05 am GMT+1
Men’s Round of 64 to Follow
Clean New Swell Rolls Through at Ribeira d’Ilhas
Watch LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com

RIBEIRA D’ILHAS, Ericeira / Portugal (Tuesday, October 3, 2023) – The EDP Vissla Ericeira Pro pres. by Estrella Galicia PT, Stop No.5 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series, has been called back ON this morning. A new pulse of swell has brought three-to-five foot waves to the iconic Ribeira d’Ilhas point and light winds offer perfect conditions for a second day of action in Portugal.

“It’s actually pumping,” Travis Logie, WSL Tours and Competition said. “We had a little delay just because it was a little darker than it usually is and the tide was still a little bit high. We’re starting with men’s Round 1, eight heats then go into Men’s Round 2 and we’ll probably get twelve heats of that done and that’ll be ten hours of action!”

The men’s opening Round of 80 features eight exciting matchups that include some of the form European surfers of the moment, namely Gatien Delahaye (FRA), Tiago Carrique (FRA) and Mihimana Braye (PYF) as well as local wildcards Henrique Pyrrait (POR), Martim Nunes (POR) and Joaquim Chaves (POR).

The event’s top seeds will enter in the Round of 64 when competition continues later today and we will be closely watching the performances of the likes of Jacob Willcox (AUS), Crosby Colapinto (USA), Eli Hanneman (HAW), Frederico Morais (POR) and more, all of whom with a big result in Portugal this week could secure a Championship Tour berth for 2024.

Watch LIVE

EDP VISSLA ERICEIRA PRO PRES. BY ESTRELLA GALICIA MEN’S RD80 MATCHUPS:
HEAT 1: Te Kehukehu Butler (NZL) vs. Brodi Sale (HAW) vs. Connor Slijpen (RSA) vs. Tenshi Iwami (JPN)
HEAT 2: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) vs. Keanu Asing (HAW) vs. Gatien Delahaye (FRA) vs. Adur Amatriain (EUK)
HEAT 3: Kalani Ball (AUS) vs. Jordan Lawler (AUS) vs. Tiago Carrique (FRA) vs. Kai Paula (DEU)
HEAT 4: Leo Casal (BRA) vs. Kian Martin (SWE) vs. Joshua Moniz (HAW) vs. Henrique Pyrrait (POR)
HEAT 5: Rafael Teixeira (BRA) vs. Josh Burke (BRB) vs. Mihimana Braye (FRA) vs. Martim Nunes (POR)
HEAT 6: Taj Lindblad (USA) vs. Shion Crawford (HAW) vs. Ryan Kainalo (BRA) vs. Daiki Tanaka (JPN)
HEAT 7: Daniel Emslie (RSA) vs. Billy Stairmand (NZL) vs. John Mark Tokong (PHL) vs. Joaquim Chaves (POR)
HEAT 8: Jarvis Earle (AUS) vs. Sheldon Simkus (AUS) vs. Jabe Swierkocki (USA) vs. Joh Azuchi (JPN)