Surf: General: If you don't feel like battling the crowds or the urchins at one of Ericeira's reefbreaks, or the swell is pretty small, Foz can offer up fun, little peaks that are similar to any average California beachbreak, some days good, some days bad, depending on the shifting sandbanks.

There's a rivermouth at the south end that opens up in winter and can make a good left in front of the rocks. Toward the middle of the beach, there are assorted peaks that pop up as the tide, which is pretty extreme in these parts, goes in and out.

The scene on the beach is pretty classic, too, as this is the closest big stretch of sand to Ericeira. There's beach volleyball, kids jumping into the river, families sun tanning and a bar right there, in case all that hanging at the beach and surfing renders you a little, well, parched. It's definitely not a bad place to while away a Sunday afternoon. Tides: Past low towards medium tides generally best. Size: Chest high to a few feet overhead. Wind: East. Swell: NW to WNW swells. Bottom: Sand. Paddling: Not too bad. Spot Rating: Pretty average. Access: Big parking lot right there. Crowds: Crowd Factor: If the bodyboarders don't getcha, the learn-to-surf camps might. Local Vibe: Pretty mellow -- it shifts enough for everyone to get their waves. Environment: Not bad but around the rivermouth can get suspect. Hazards: Closeouts. Season: Autumn and spring -- wind and weather can be issues in the winter.