The renowned Capítulo Perfeito surf contest, celebrated for its "one day, one swell" format and focus on epic tube rides, is set to make a significant leap onto the international stage in 2026. Expanding beyond its traditional home in Portugal, the event will now feature stops in Mozambique and Indonesia, bringing its unique challenge to new shores and attracting a global roster of elite surfers.
Key Takeaways
- Global Expansion: Capítulo Perfeito will host events in Portugal, Mozambique, and Indonesia in 2026.
- "One Day, One Swell" Format: The core concept of the contest remains, with each location waiting for the perfect swell.
- Elite Competitors: The event will feature top international and Portuguese tube-riding specialists.
A New Era for Capítulo Perfeito
Capítulo Perfeito has established itself as a premier event for surfers who excel in barreling waves. For 2026, the contest is embracing a truly global vision, moving from searching for a single perfect swell in Portugal to coordinating three distinct events across three continents. Promoter Rui Costa expressed his excitement, stating, "We have always shown the ambition of going global. In 2026 we’ll be facing major challenges: we move from searching for one swell per year to three, across three continents. This is the true spirit of Capítulo Perfeito."
Event Locations and Dates
The main event will continue to be held at Carcavelos Beach in Cascais, Portugal, with a waiting period from January 12 to March 12, 2026. This iconic Portuguese beach is known for its powerful beach breaks that can produce heavy, hollow barrels when the conditions align perfectly. The contest will only run on the single best day of swell during this window.
Joining Portugal on the global circuit are two new destinations:
- Mozambique: Praia da Barra will host an event with a waiting period from January 12 to March 30.
- Indonesia: Desert Point in Lombok is scheduled to run between September 1 and 15.
Featured Surfers
The 2026 edition will see a mix of established stars and emerging talent. The lineup includes:
International Surfers:
- Anne dos Santos
- Balaram Stack
- Bruno Santos
- Joel Parkinson
- Noah Beschen
- Rob Machado
- Soli Bailey
- Torrey Meister
- Tosh Tudor
Portuguese Surfers:
- João Maria Mendonça
- Miguel Blanco
- Nic von Rupp
Additionally, spots are reserved for a Reigning Champion Wildcard (Cam Richards, the 2023 winner), a Trials Winner Wildcard, a Performance Wildcard, and a Portuguese Surfer chosen by fan vote, all to be announced.
Women’s Special Heat
Following the success of the first-ever women’s division last year, a special heat will also take place featuring:
- Camila Cardoso
- Gabriela Dinis
- Mafalda Lopes
- Maria Salgado
Fans can follow the anticipation as swell forecasts are monitored and the calls are made for each of the three epic locations.
Sources
- World’s Top Tube-Riding Surf Contest Goes Global, SURFER Magazine.
![Surfers [Picklum] and [Dora] win WSL Finals at Cloudbreak.](https://bombasurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/f08fcebcthumbnail-300x169.jpeg)
