Since the start of its waiting period, we have been eagerly awaiting for Capitulo Perfeito to get the green light. Last week, it finally did, and on Sunday we saw some of the world’s best barrel hunters converge on Portugal to do battle in the type of monumental tubes the event is known for.
There’s no other competition quite like it. Capitulo Perfeito is an event focused solely on barrel riding, that brings in surfers from around the world to face off in Carcavelos, a break that three-time winner Nic Von Rupp says “On its day, rallies with some of the best breaks in the world.” However, the whole thing hinges on contest organizer Rui Costa ensuring the one-day event lands on the absolute best day of the Portuguese winter. It’s a feat he’s pulled off nine times before, even in the face of incredible odds, and last weekend was no different.
There were a lot of memorable moments, starting with previous Capitulo Perfeito champion Bruno Santos landing a 9.90 wave in the very first heat. Then, Momentum Generation legend Rob Machado and Weird Waves pioneer Dylan Graves faced off multiple times in a friendly rivalry that produced an excellent 8.00 ride from Graves. Later on, 2022 Pipe Masters champion Balaram Stack rode his way into the final with a spectacular 9.5 wave. To cap it all off, Tiago Stock, a Carcavelos local who received a wildcard entry off of a trials win, won it all in a dramatic final heat.
It was a sight to behold in person and now we have the footage to prove it. Check out the highlights from the event above.
