The next stop on the 2008 ASP World Tour is the state of Santa Catarina in the South of Brazil for the 2008 Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro. Mick Fanning (AUS) clinched his first ASP World Title last year by winning this event, but keep an eye out for the Brazilians who rip up the beach breaks. Local Neco Padaratz (BRA) will be looking to return from injury in this contest as well. The 2008 Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro runs from October 28th until November 5th. Now that Kelly Slater (USA) has clinched the 2008 ASP World Title, it remains to be seen if all of the top 45 will surf in this contest.

TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT - 2

COORDINATES: 27º25’ S, 48º30’ W

BAGGAGE CLAIM: TBD

TRANSPORTATION: TBD

ATTITUDE: The Brazilians are rabid surfing fanatics. Everyone from capoeira instructors to frothing junior champions prowl the line-ups. The punchy beachbreaks boasted by the region offer opportune playgrounds for the light-footed aerial specialists on tour.

THE WAVE: Brazil’s best beachbreaks, Joaquina and Imbituba, are generally smaller and shorter waves, but they can get powerful and hollow when it pumps.

PERKS: Brazilian-cut bathing suit bottoms and caipirinha cocktailos – need we say more?

PERILS: Again, Brazilian-cut bathing suit bottoms and caipirinhas cocktailos – need we say more?

APRES SURF: Brazilians are renowned for their nightlife, spend some time in Brazil and you’ll know why. Things don’t get well and truly underway until the early hours of the morning though, pre-party with energy drinks.

ASP WORLD TOUR HISTORY: Brazil has played host to many an ASP tour event over the past 30 years. Former contest sites include Rio de Janeiro, Barra de Tijuca and Saquarema, but the past four years have seen the tour set up shop in Florianopolis.

NOTABLE: Falling towards the end of the tour, the past few years have seen several ASP world champions crowned in Brazil. In 2004 it was Andy Irons, in 2005 is was Kelly Slater (who had his 2006 ASP World T