Ericeira, the World Surfing Reserve
31/08/2022
Legend has it that the name Ericeira refers to “Land of Ouriços”. It has it´s history, lifestyles and economy always invariably linked to the Sea. Initially with fishing, later the harbor and more recently Surf.
Ericeira is a charming village, located in the municipality of Mafra, just 30 minutes from Lisbon airport. A charming place, both for its architecture, for having the sea as a frame and a quality of beaches and waves that in 2011 gave it the title of World Surfing Reserve , granted by the International Save the Waves Coalition, the only reserve in Europe.
Since 2011, Ericeira has been developing as a meeting point for people looking for a Surf Living, whether temporarily or permanently, not only for the quality of its waves, but mainly for the lifestyle provided, which adds contact with the nature, respect for the environment, encouraging healthy eating and an atmosphere suitable for family life.
World Surfing Reserve
Ericeira was recognized and awarded this title for the consistency and quality of its waves, its environmental wealth, the historical importance of surfing, as well as its sea-oriented culture.
The reserve is located between the beaches of São Lourenço and Empa, on a stretch of coast that boasts seven world-class waves in just 4 kilometers. These waves are: Reef, Pedra Branca, Ribeira d’Ilhas, Coxos, Cave, Crazy Left and São Lourenço.
THE WAVES
Pedra Branca
This wave is a left, very fast and has a rock bottom and receives swells from the Southwest to the West or Northwest. Pedra Branca is usually surfed at mid-tide until high tide is high. The Pedra Branca wave is consistent, being characterized by its fast drops, powerful and tubular waves to the inside.
Reef
This wave is formed by a flat plato of reef, which is why its name is “Reef”. This wave has a well-defined drop zone that provides a few seconds to form a tube that runs to the inside. Powerful and tubular right hander, works at mid-tide and receives NO/N swells and ideal wind from SE to NE.
Ribeira D’ilhas
The Ribeira D'ilhas wave is located in a valley where a stream flows. The first national and international surfing championships in Portugal were held there and to this day it remains the main Portuguese stage for competitive surfing.
The wave is a long right, which follows the entire contour of the coast and works in various types of swells and tides. Therefore, it is known as the most consistent wave in Ericeira.
Its swells are from West to Northwest, which break into strong rights, reaching 200 meters in length.
Arriving at Ribeira D´ilhas and checking the waves next to the “Guardião” statue is magical. The lines on the horizon and breaking waves on the inside mesmerize. On the right days reminds all surfers of the mythical wave of Bells Beach in Australia.
Cave
It started to be surfed more recently, and became definitively known after epic sessions by John John Florence during the Cts in Super Tubes.
Cave, or also called Sete Bafos for the huge puffs that come out of its tubes, is one of the heaviest waves in Ericeira. A quick right that breaks over a shallow stone plato. Works in NO/N swell and SE/NE wind.
Crazy Left
More exposed to the north wind, it is a much less consistent wave, but on the right days, in its best conditions, it breaks a beautiful and tubular left over a stone bench. Works in NO/N swell and SE/NE wind.
Coxos
The Queen of Europe. Many consider it the best wave on the European continent. Surfing the Coxos is enjoying a World Class wave, with few of similar quality in the world. On good days, Perfect Lines break almost mechanically over the rock bottom to the middle of Dois Irmãos Bay. The Coxos wave is powerful, and has many sections. It also works with many swell directions, and provides long-lasting tubes under ideal conditions.
São Lourenço
Passing the Dois Irmãos Bay to the north is the last wave of the World Surfing Reserve, São Lourenço, 300 meters from the beach. Powerful right hander with multiple sections that can handle bigger swells.
Generally, the wave is surfed at mid-tide and works in swells from North to Northwest and winds from the east quadrant.
