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Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Portugal
Portugal

Portugal: The South Africa of the North Hemisphere

Whether you're going for windsurfing or surfing, Portugal is there for you, all year round. Surfing's best period is all year round in the west coast. Even in the summer months, June-September, big swells are regular. The wind is the so called "nortada", blowing in the warmer months, from April to August, from N and NNW to S and SSE respectively.

many thanks to Fernandes for this detailed review!

Typical day in Portugal during these months is light off-shore (east wind) in the morning and as of 13 p.m., in a question of minutes, force 5 to 7 beaufort for the windsurfers (Nortada). You will always need a wetsuit, the water is cold, 4.3 mm recommended.

Best Spots for windsurfing: Viana do Castelo (Praia do Cabedelo), Guincho and Sagres (Praia do Tonel). Viana do Castelo is the most versatile with flat water between the piers (entrance of the harbour), let me say, a fantastic (safe) spot for blasting. On the left, at the beach, the wave spot. Point break right with side-off shore winds from the right (nortada), what can you ask more? On a good day you can ride a wave for 300 m. Suited for jumping also. Bring all you have, from your 3.5 to your 6.0 m sails, from your naish 60L to your 120L board. On average you will sail a 4.7 - 5.5 sail.

Then further south you have Aveiro as mentioned in this site. The club has a nice atmosphere but wind conditions very poor. Almost never blows here and it is a small spot in a river. On the other hand when you are able to go to the sea side and windsurf in the Atlantic sea, Aveiro will tell what good things are made of. Always the nortada wind and plenty of waves (sometimes hardcore). Wind blows sideshore in Aveiro.

Then close to Lisbon, the Meca: Guincho. The world championship tour passes here and it says everything. It is a dangerous spot. Wind conditions are the same also here and throughout all the west coast. Nortada, 5-7 beaufort, sideshore, and waves.

Sagres (Tonel) is another fantastic spot but also dangerous. Surf here only with strong winds. On the left close to the cliffs the wind is often less than it seems and the current takes you to the rocks. Accidents happen a lot because of this and rescues are difficult. Be sure you have the right sail and your safe. Choose at least half meter more than you think it is needed.

That's it, there are also other spots but i leave them to your curiosity and your windsurf soul. Portugal is not for nothing called the South Africa of the North Hemisphere, be aware of this!

(many thanks to Fernandes for this detailed review)

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Destinations in Portugal: Aveiro

Riactiva Watersports Centre Aveiro www.riactiva.com
Watersports center in the north of Portugal, just 60 km south of Porto, located in the lagoon of Aveiro, in the picturesque seaside beach of Costa Nova.
Facilities: private beach, beach bar with a panoramic view of the lagoon, multilingual staff, rescue boat, pro shop and repair service.
Major sports are kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, wave surfing and kayak. Courses, rentals and camps. Open all year round.