Dreamy Sao Miguel Welcomes World Best

The ASP Prime SATA Airlines Azores Pro, the fourth of seven global ASP Prime events in 2014, prepares to host yet another major field of surfing talent.

Come September second, some 96 of the world's top athletes will convene to the idyllic Santa Barbara beach on the northern coast of Sao Miguel island to compete in the first ASP Prime event in Europe this season.

Freesurfs aren't so bad in Sao Miguel - WSL / Laurent Masurel

“The SATA Airlines Azores Pro has established itself as one of the major Prime events on the ASP calendar, and we are proud to have it part of our ASP Europe leg of events.” Rob Gunning, ASP Europe Tour Manager said. “Event organizer Rodrigo Heredia has been working hard making improvements on the event site to offer a more complete experience for the visiting athletes and coaches. With the traditional ground swells building through late August to September the event is sure to deliver great conditions for the international 96-man field.”

Often regarded as Europe's little Hawaii, the Azores archipelago has it all. Gorgeous volcanic black sand beaches, huge cliffdrops and peaceful warm waterfalls are just a few of the many faces Sao Miguel offers, making the pros journey feel a little holiday-like.

Hodei Collazo, in for a Backdoor-like vision - WSL / Laurent Masurel

Of course the main attraction for the dozen Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour competitors en route to the Azores will be the world class waves often produced at Santa Barbara beach. Situated on the north-facing coastline of the island, just outside the pretty village of Ribeira Grande, the contest location delivered pumping surf in the past, perfect to display both an aerial repertoire and traditional power surfing.