Zarautz Shifts QS Focus to the Basque Country

Teaser: European QS Moves to Basque Country's Zarautz

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The Pro Zarautz continues the Spring leg of events and brings European pros up to the Basque Country's beautiful Zarautz.

It's only been a few days since we left some of the best European surfers down in Caparica, Portugal and others are only just making their way back from Barbados but it's already time to get back into the contest jersey.

The Pro Zarautz has a long tradition of hosting some of the world's best surfers at the iconic Basque beach break. Falling off tour for three years between 2013 and 2015, the event is making a comeback and will run a third consecutive edition this week.

Stop No. 5 on the European QS this season, the focus in Zarautz will mostly be on the regional title race. Three of the past four winners have gone on to claim that very title by year's end, and the fourth ended up second overall.

Carol Henrique won her first event ever on the QS last year, and went on to claim the European title with a very consistent season. - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

The event is second-to-last in the early season on the Old Continent, and surfers then have a much-deserved break before entering the all-exhausting summer leg of back-to-back six events.

Waves-wise, well, it's tricky. Spring in the region can boast epic swell-and-wind combo, or just leave you a bad taste of wintery conditions as the climate still hasn't settled yet for the summer.

It gets that good.

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The 2016 edition wrapped up in epic surf.

So far though, the elements have been generous with the Pro Zarautz: the first edition back in 2016 ran in firing surf and last year's installment enjoyed summer-like super fun rippable surf in the shoulder to head-high range.

WSL Europe's official forecast partner magicseaweed.com is pretty optimistic about this week's conditions, and so are we! Here's a little overview:

Expect good surf for almost the entire contest period, with larger, more ragged swell on Wednesday, dropping and cleaning up through Thursday. The surf then continues small to medium, with a possible second pulse of more solid swell on Saturday. Expect fairly good wind conditions throughout.

Check out LIVE Action when the event starts on Wednesday and find out all the results, photos, video highlights and daily recaps right here.