Overview
Barra do Porto is a river-mouth break at the mouth of the Douro, with rights and lefts peeling over sand. It is a fickle wave, very inconsistent and probably the most polluted in Portugal, but once in a blue moon the river shapes perfect sand bars. When that happens, the reward is fast, hollow, leg-burning rights and short lefts, and those days only come around a few times a year for the lucky crowd.
When It Works
The spot draws swell from southwest through northwest, with a northwest swell the best match. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft, so it can take anything from modest pulses to solid swells when the banks are in shape.
Wind and Tide
Look for an east offshore wind. Low and mid tide both work, with a rising tide generally the better call — the incoming push is when the wave does its best work.
Local Tips
This is an expert-only wave. There are rips to contend with, and the lineup comes with a hardened local crew, so read the situation before paddling out.
Access
There is a car park along with paid and roadside parking, plus camping and a surf shop.
