A MEO Surf League 2026 starts between April 2nd and 4th, in Figueira da Fozwith the Allianz Figueira Pro held, a stage scheduled for the Easter weekend and which, in the 2025 edition, was considered by surfers as the best of the year due to the quality of the waves.
The calendar for the 16th edition of the main national circuit was presented this Wednesday, in Ericeira, confirming five stages spread across the mainland and the Azores: Figueira da Foz (April), Porto (April), Ericeira (May), Ribeira Grande (June) and Peniche (November).
Teresa Bonvalot and Francisco Ordonhas depart in the yellow Go Chill lycra, as defending national champions.
The new season once again puts experience and generational renewal face to face. Names like Jaime Veselko and Maria Salgado, European junior champion, lead a group of young people who seek to discuss the maximum titles after, in 2025, having already competed on equal terms with more experienced athletes.
“It begins another season of the main national competition, which is naturally the home of Portuguese surfing. In last year’s ranking, the top 5 men and women were led by young surfers with an average age between 21 and 22 years old. The challenge from the youngest to the most experienced is permanent”, said Francisco Rodrigues, president of the National Surfers Association, highlighting the role of the circuit as a launching pad for international careers.
Among athletes, the main objective continues to be the title. Francisco Ordonhas assumes ambition: “I have very high expectations for this season. I am prepared to try to retain the title.” Frederico Morais, after a difficult year, shows confidence: “I’m ready to attack 2026 with a new spirit and without injuries.” Maria Salgado points to consistency: “I believe it will be an excellent start to the season”, while Afonso Antunes prefers to lower the pressure: “I want to put all my focus on what I can control.”
Pedro Laranjeira, director of sponsorships and events at MEO, also reinforced the competitive dimension: “The MEO Surf League is recognized as the true final exam of Portuguese surfing and a decisive platform for affirmation for athletes who aspire to reach the international circuit.”
The organization also reinforces the environmental aspect, with circular economy and recycling actions, in addition to beach cleanups with local schools. The “Better Portugal” workshop, aimed at tourism entrepreneurs, will be held at all stages, while the Wave by Wave project will take participants at risk of social exclusion to follow races in Ericeira and Peniche.
Leave a Reply