Nazare Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W through NW works, with WNW swells receiving the most constructive interference from the offshore canyon.
Wind
Light to moderate wind from the E to SE is best.
Surf Height
Overhead to infinity.
Tide
Works on all tides, but is best on a mid incoming tide.
Nazare Surf Guide
While surfed sporadically earlier, the world's biggest, baddest, most oversized wedge, Nazaré took center stage in the big wave world after Garrett MacNamara was invited there to "surf the world's biggest wave" in 2011. Since then, Nazaré has become a household name, one of Portugal's main coastal tourist attractions, a (former) stop on the Big Wave World Tour, and ground zero for big wave tow surfing. On the days when the offshore canyon isn't focusing huge swells into 80-foot peaks, Nazaré's inside sand bar produces heavy, hollow tubes in sizes that mortals can appreciate (as long as those mortals are barrel-riding experts).
Ability Level
Advanced
Inside beach break is for experienced barrel hounds and pros. XXL Nazaré is for the world's best big wave surfers only.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Nazaré has become one of Portugal's favorite spectacles, and the local population tends to love surfing (and especially the surfers who brave Nazaré). That being said, the lineup can get a bit hectic on the biggest days.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Small local crowd on inside days, tow circus on big days.
Spot Rating
Perfect
The world's biggest wave, and an A+ beach break barrel on small days.
Shoulder Burn
Exhausting
Possibly the most difficult big wave spot in the world to paddle due to a complete lack of channel or safe zone.
Water Quality
Clean
Although the wave breaks a short distance from a moderate sized coastal town, the water remains pretty clean.
Hazards
Death by drowning.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Bodyboard, Gun, Tow
Access
Drive from Lisbon to the town of Nazaré, arrange a jet ski, and access the wave via the harbor. On smaller days, paddle out at Praia do Norte.
Bottom
Sand bar, ranging from shallow near the shore break to quite deep on big days.
Best Season
Swell season extends from October through March, although it tends to get colder and stormier the further into winter you go.
Do you have local knowledge about Nazare?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]