The Rip Curl Pro Portugal has kicked off this morning at Supertubos but don’t be surprised if the usually surf enthused local fans are dragging their feet a tad. Much to Portugal’s dismay, national sporting figure Tiago Pires won’t be competing in this year’s edition as a result of his on-going knee injury. Wildcard injury subs Frederico Morais and Francisco Alves will no doubt make a satisfactory substitute, as will the Brazzos if their form in France is anything to go by.

Anyhows, back on the subject of Tiags, here’s the Portuguese Tiger charging a chunky North Atlantic swell earlier this year at one of Madeira’s famed right-hand points.