- WSL / Damien Poullenot/ Aquashot
- WSL / Damien Poullenot/ Aquashot

The EDP Billabong Pro Ericeira is set for September 24-30 in Ericeira, check out all you need to know about this event below!

What?

Simply put, a QS10,000 event. The highest possible on the Qualifying Series, one of only five this season, hence a major decider in the qualifying campaigns of the QS surfers, and a great opportunity for CTers to defend their spot on the elite tour.

It's the final stop on the European leg of the Qualifying Series, an epic 12-event season for the regional surfers, and a summer-must do for international competitors.

Italo ferreira (BRA) Italo ferreira (BRA) boosting at Ribeira on his way to a runner-up at the World Juniors. - WSL / Damien Poullenot/ Aquashot

It will also help decide the World Surf League wildcard for the Quiksilver Pro France, unfolding the following week in Seignosse/Hossegor/Capbreton. WSL will award the highest ranked Frenchman on the QS (post-Ericeira) the coveted golden ticket to mix with the world's best in the thumping beachbreaks.

Finally, organizers have also added a touch of surfing history to the program, with the "Legends Heat pres. by You & The Sea" between the semis and final, where 1999 World Champion Mark Occhilupo will take on compatriot and long-time rival Luke Egan.

"I'm really looking forward to surf against Luke again in Portugal," Occy said. "We used to do the tour together and he played a big part in helping me get my world title. He always lifted me when I surfed against him, I hope he wins the Masters so we can have a surf off!"

Mark Occhilupo (AUS), 2014 J-Bay Open Heritage Series. Mark Occhilupo knows his way around a righthand pointbreak. Pictured here at J-Bay. - WSL / Kelly Cestari

"Occy and I traveled the world together and teamed up to help each other through the contests back in the day," Egan added. "When Occy and I came up against each other there was always fireworks and high scoring heats which are some of the most memorable of my surfing career. Im looking forward to paddling out with Occy at the EDP Billabong Pro in Ericeira one more time putting on a show for everyone and winding back time."

Where?

Ribeira d'Ilhas. If that name doesn't ring a bell, you seriously need a road trip through Portugal. It is one of the best righthand pointbreaks in the country, a long, powerful and perfect right, serving up all kinds of sections. Barrels, big open walls, ramps, you name it.

Kanoa Igarashi (USA) Kanoa Igarashi (USA) on a bomb at the World Juniors in 2014. - WSL / Damien Poullenot/ Aquashot

There's a long tradition of hosting professional events there, and funny enough, most of the 18 Championship Tour surfers who will join the QS stars next week, have already surfed that wave, like in the 2014 World Junior Championship.

When?

Tune in from September 24-30, 2018 for the LIVE webcast and check out all the photos, videos and updates right here!

Here's a little collection of some images from the last WSL event held there a few years ago:

The amazing line up at Ericeira's Ribeira D'Ilhas.
- WSL / Damien Poullenot/ Aquashot
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The amazing line up at Ericeira's Ribeira D'Ilhas.
- WSL / Damien Poullenot/ Aquashot
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