ERICEIRA, Portugal (Tuesday, August 3, 2021) - Today, the World Surf League (WSL) Europe and Vissla together announced the signing of a 3-year naming sponsorship deal for the Men & Women combined Challenger Series (CS) event, the MEO Vissla Pro Ericeira at the iconic right-hand pointbreak of Ribeira d'Ilhas in Portugal.
After hosting big events in Australia on the Central Coast and Sydney in 2018 and 2019, this marks the first time Vissla gets involved to support a major professional event in Europe where the brand continues to build a strong presence in the surfing market.
"We are thrilled to come onboard and support one of the most prestigious events in Europe," Derek O'Neill, Vissla Europe President stated. "Vissla has been a supporter of professional surfing most recently in Australia and as we continue to grow worldwide it is a great opportunity to get involved in the European WSL region. Ribeira is a classic contest arena wave and every year this event delivers an incredible level of performance from some of the world's best surfers."
With the continuing support of Tourism Portugal, MEO, EDP and the city council of Mafra, this event continues to grow as one of the most important and prestigious stops on tour, both in Europe and on the world stage.
"Portugal has already established itself as an unavoidable surfing destination," Luis Araújo, President of Turismo de Portugal said. "It is mainly due to the quality and diversity of the surfing spots available along the coast all year round. The trust that the WSL has in the country by holding several events of its circuits in Portugal, contributes significantly to the international recognition of Portugal as a destination of excellence for surfing. Hosting these events of worldwide projection, confirms not only that Portugal has excellent conditions for the practice of surfing, but also the capacity and professionalism in the organization of events of this sport. The integration of Portugal and Ericeira as a destination for the combined circuit (men's and women's Challenger Series) shows the commitment of all partners in consolidating a quality product in line with a new reality. The permanence in Portugal of competitions of this dimension is a message that it is #TempoDeSer, to go again and enjoy the true value of travelling."
"In the year marking the 10th anniversary of the consecration of Ericeira as a World Surfing Reserve, hosting one of the main qualifying stages for the World Surfing Championship translates the recognition for this unique heritage," Hélder Sousa Silva, Mayor of Mafra added. "It is unique in Europe, the quality and safety of the destination contributing to its notoriety and internationalization. It is with the firm purpose of contributing to the valorisation and promotion of this territory and its exceptional characteristics that we welcome, to Vila da Ericeira, all athletes participating in the Meo Vissla Pro Ericeira."
Scheduled in the prime season for conditions on the Atlantic coastline, the MEO Vissla Pro Ericeira will be Stop No.2 of 4 on the 2021 Challenger Series calendar, and the first of two on the continent when it comes to town in early October.
Line Up Ericeira - WSL / Damien Poullenot/ Aquashot
The famed point break of Ribeira d'Ilhas has a history of hosting some of the best surfers in the world, through the World Junior Championships first, then the highest level of Qualifying Series events, now the Challenger Series.
This year is no different as the event will host a flurry of talent from all over the planet, fighting for a spot on the Elite Championship Tour roster of 2022. Semi-local and recent Silver-medalist at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) is likely to highlight the field, alongside Portuguese superstars Frederico Morais, Vasco Ribeiro and more.
"The Challenger Series is an essential complement to the WSL events, being a possibility for surfers to access the world stage." Francisco Spinola, General Manager, WSL E.M.E.A added." As the tour develops it is very important to have the involvement of the main sponsors there and therefore we are very happy to welcome MEO and Vissla as naming sponsors of this event. We are confident that this will be an extraordinary event for the next 3 years"
The 2021 MEO Vissla Pro Ericeira is scheduled from October 2-10, 2021, at praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas, Ericeira - Portugal. For all results, photos, video highlights and press releases, log on to worldsurfleague.com.
About Vissla
Vissla is a brand that represents creative freedom, a forward-thinking philosophy, and a generation of creators and innovators. We embrace the modern do-it-yourself attitude within surf culture, performance surfing, and craftsmanship. We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact and protect the oceans and waves that raised us. This is a surf-everything and ride-anything mentality.
We are creators and innovators.
For more information, please visit vissla.com