MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal: Highlights of Day 1

Supertubos was on fire for the first day of the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, where the world’s best surfers put on an incredible show.

The first day of the 3rd event of the Championship Tour took place in Peniche on the 15th of March. Under a bright sun, Supertubos provided waves that allowed surfers to showcase their technical skills.

On the Rip Curl team side, Crosby Colapinto, back on the CT, impressed by winning his first heat. "It feels really good to get a win! I hadn’t put on a jersey in seven or eight months, even during the off-season, so just being back in competition, feeling those sensations, that adrenaline… it’s so exciting. You end up taking it for granted when you do it for a long time, but after a break, coming back and feeling those emotions again—it’s one of the best feelings in the world," he said after his heat.

Molly Picklum and Erin Brooks were in the same heat against Luana Silva and both advanced (Erin 1st, Molly 2nd) to the next round. "Yeah, I’m super happy! The conditions were really tricky with the high tide, all the rain, and the wind, but I was lucky to get that 6.5. I’m really happy to be here—it’s been amazing these past few days, except for today, but there were great waves before, so stay tuned, I hope we get more coming!" Erin said after her heat.

Tyler Wright finished second in her heat against Gabriela Bryan and Bella Kenworthy, securing her spot in the Round of 16.

Gabriel Medina spent the day at the competition site, even joining the WSL broadcast to commentate on a heat live.

The highest score of the day went to Italo Ferreira, with an 8.83 in the first round.