It’s that time of the year again — the best time of the year! Baguettes, cafe, siestas, beautiful women, great people and an abundance of world-class waves waiting just a tidal swing away. I’m talking about Europe. This is without a doubt one of our favorite legs of the slog all year long. And with some new stops in the Azores and Zarautz on the contest schedule, it added the perfect spice to the European menu.

People Know Tiago… And for that we say, “Thank you.”
One of my favorite things about coming to Europe is their endless support of their surfers. They really exude passion — chanting, cheering and they regard their surfers as national and worldwide recognizable icons, a true representation of their own spirit, blood and country.

Heading down to the Azores, most all competitors had to depart from Lisbon, Portugal in order to reach the island chain. The planes were small and packed with WQS competitors, so obviously, by first instinct you get that sinking feeling that your board bag might not be showing up on your same flight. Hell, sometimes they never show up.

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