A Surf Trip None Of Your Friends Has Taken 

Surfing loves comparisons. 

Everywhere has a wave like Lowers. Pipeline’s name gets borrowed regularly. And then there’s the classic “Hawaii of _____.” 

Which brings us to the Azores — or the Hawaii of Europe. In this case, the comparison seems deserved. 

The Azores are a set of nine volcanic islands. They sit nearly 1000 miles off the coast of mainland Europe, and there’s nothing to interrupt the swell other than the remains of those people who tried to look at the Titanic. They’ve got interesting historical ties to Hawaii. And there are some psycho setups. 

Enter: Nic Von Rupp. 

Nic hit São Miguel to kick off another season of his Portugal Back To Back series. He scored. And swam in hot springs, ate delicious food, learned a few things, etc. If you aim to sell a significant other on a surf adventure trip, Nic just gave you a damn good tool. 

For the next few months, the series will take us around Portugal — some places you’ve heard of, others that your radar has yet to register.

Come for the waves, stay for the background, and leave with a new destination in mind. 

Watch here. More coming.