The Portuguese surfer Frederico Morais is gearing up to face a new challenger in the Portuguese leg of the World Surf League (WSL) main circuit, set to take place in Peniche. With Australian Ryan Callinan sidelined due to injury, the lineup has undergone a significant shuffle. As a result, Kikas, a three-time national champion (2013, 2015, and 2020), remains slated for the sixth heat of the opening round, where he’ll go head-to-head with Brazilian Ítalo Ferreira, a former world champion and current ranking leader, who has already tasted victory in Supertubos on two occasions (2018 and 2019). However, instead of facing Hawaiian Seth Moniz, Kikas will now be up against another Hawaiian, Jackson Bunch.
Frederico Morais, who has competed at the elite world level in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2024, has made a remarkable recovery from a severe right ankle injury sustained in December. He’s now ready to take on the world’s top surfers in the competition, which is scheduled to run from March 15 to 25. This event promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, with the likes of Morais and other top athletes vying for the top spot.
In the women’s division, Yolanda Hopkins, who narrowly missed qualifying for the 2025 WSL main circuit, has been placed in the third heat of the first round. She’ll face a formidable challenge in the form of American Caitlin Simmers, the current world champion and winner of the 2023 Peniche event, who also leads the global rankings after the first two competitions (Hawaii, USA, and Abu Dhabi, UAE). Additionally, Hopkins will be up against French surfer Johanne Defay, who claimed victory in the Portuguese leg last year. The stage is set for an exhilarating competition, with these talented athletes ready to put their skills to the test.
Competition Details
The waiting period for the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal stretches from March 15 to 25, with the event taking place at Supertubos Beach in Peniche. This highly anticipated competition promises to deliver plenty of action and suspense, as the world’s top surfers gather to battle it out for the top prize. With the lineup now finalized, fans can look forward to an unforgettable experience, watching their favorite athletes tackle the challenging waves at Supertubos.
- Competition: MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal
- Location: Supertubos Beach, Peniche
- Dates: March 15-25
As the event approaches, anticipation is building, and surf enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly following the action unfold.