
Location, Location, Location
Last year, the Oi Rio Pro moved from the white sand/brown water beaches of Rio’s Barra Da Tijuca to the town of Saquerema, some two hours east of the iconic city. You didn’t hear any complaints because 1. The waves are better, 2. The water quality improved and, 3. The whole scene just felt a lot safer. And after the West Oz contest was cancelled due to, um, multiple shark attacks, well — let’s just say the WSL has safety on the mind. We don’t blame them.
The waiting period for the Oi Rio Pro is from May 11 - 20. Rio is four hours ahead of America’s West Coast, so set those go to bed and wake up early, because the first heats will be running in the pre-dawn hours.