Carrapateira surf guide
Surf: General: At the southern end of Praia da Bordeira the clifftop car park overlooks a left hand point break which peels over sand in front of the rocky headland towards the rivermouth. Best from low to mid on the push, it can produce long, quality, walling waves. As the tide fills in, the rivermouth can turn on with hollow, punchy rights. Looking north the huge beach has sandbanks all along, becoming increasingly empty. This is an exposed beach frustratingly susceptible to winds. Overall one of the region's top spots.
Tides: All tides
Size: Waist high to overhead.
Wind: SE, E
Swell: NW, W, SW
Bottom: Sand
Paddling: Can be a lot of water moving around so rips can be bad.
Spot Rating: Regional classic - excellent, fun left point with hollow rights in the rivermouth plus long flexible beach. Susceptible to winds.
Access: Car park on cliff top at southern end of beach.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Any crowds tend to congregate at southern end of beach - a short walk will yield empty peaks.
Local Vibe: Chilled.
Environment: OK
Hazards: Rocks in front of point, heavy and rippy around rivermouth.
Season: Best September to May.