2014 Moche Rip Curl Pro semifinalist John John Florence throwing his tail to the moon. Photo: WSL / Damien Poullenot
The 2015 Moche Rip Curl Pro beings Tuesday, October 20th and has a 12-day waiting period that ends on Saturday, October 31st. Both 2015 World Title aspirations and 2016 requalification implications will be major themes for several dramatic storylines during the running of the this year’s Rip Curl Pro Portugal.
The predominate but by no means exclusive left-hand sandbar of Supertubos will serve as the main venue for this year’s action. Lacking a continental shelf, powerful Atlantic swells accentuate into thunderous barrels at Supertubos, which allows for some of the most exciting rides on tour. Baleal, which is located just a few minutes north of Supertubos, will serve as the event’s backup venue if necessary.
Defending event champion and current Jeep Ratings leader Mick Fanning holds a narrow 450-point lead over current world number two, Adriano de Souza. Both surfers will be battling fiercely, with an intent on securing a solid finish in order to bolster their 2015 title campaigns.
Julian Wilson under the lip. Photo: WSL / Damien Poullenot
Last year’s event runner up, Jordy Smith, will not compete at the 2015 Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal due to injury. Surfers also not competing at the 2015 Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal include: Taj Burrow, Freddy Patacchia Jr., Matt Banting, and Dusty Payne. Wildcard and replacement surfers competing in this year’s contest are: Mason Ho, Vasco Ribeiro, Tomas Hermes, Caio Ibelli, Aritz Aranburu, Federico Morais, and Tiago Pires.
Gabriel Medina – last week’s winner of the 2015 Quiksilver Pro France and runner up at the 2012 Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal – comes to Portugal this year in blazing form, with the same swagger and confidence that carried him to win the 2014 Championship Tour World Title.
Surfline’s brief overview forecast for the 2015 Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal:
Small surf is expected the first several days of the contest waiting period. A storm system that moves quickly into the North Atlantic will set up a modest pulse of WNW swell for Friday that eases over the weekend. The next area of low pressure over the Labrador Sea on Thursday/Friday sets up a potential reinforcing shot of WNW swell Sunday and into early next week. We are watching the potential for another shot of swell for next Tue/Wed but there is greater than normal uncertainty with this due to differences between the reliable computer model guidance.
Check out what is sure to be exciting action at the 2015 Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal Live and On Demand on the WSL website.
