Watch: Local 18-Year-Old Tops Field Of World-Class Truffle Pigs At Europe’s Leading Tube Conference  

One thing we’ve learned since the WSL switched to the new Finals format in 2021 is that surfers are rather keen to debate the best (and worst) ways to structure a surf contest. 

The Capitulo Perfeito seems to have things pretty worked out. 

It’s got a two-month waiting period to run a single-day event right in the middle of Portugal’s most swell-dense season. (Translation: There’s always good waves.)

It features an invite-only sixteen-surfer field of local surfers, past event champs, and internationally adored surfers. 

And only one maneuver gets scored: barrels. 

What’s not to love? 

This year marked the 10th edition, and it was exceptional. Rob Machado chucked a singlet back on. Nathan Hedge showed up. Balaram Stack and Dylan Graves made the final. And, as always, the expertly curated contingent of local surfers showed why they should be on your radar. 

An 18-year-old Carcavelos kid named Tiago Stock won his way into the event via the local trials, then took the whole thing out in front of his friends and family on an unseasonably warm and sunny day of winter.

Another perfect chapter, indeed.