Praia da Ponta Ruiva surf guide
Surf: General: For many years Punta Ruiva was a locals only secret spot, hard to find and with many of the signs taken down or switched. It's still a bit of a mission on piste roads, but don't be surprised if you find surf schools, beginners and campervans already there. This hasn't spoilt the beauty of the place though - or the waves. The left hand point peels to the south - a cruisy, fun walling wave when small, great for fish or midlengths, it breaks over shallow rocks and boulders. However, it is transformed when the swell picks up into huge, speeding walls that race for over 100m. The middle of the beach has a couple of peaks - the best being a fast, often hollow right that reels into the channel by the point.
Tides: All tides.
Size: Waist high to double overhead.
Wind: SE
Swell: NW, W, SW
Bottom: Sand and rocky reef.
Paddling: Rips when big.
Spot Rating: Once secret left hand point that gets better with size - mellow when small with cut back sections, reeling walls when big - plus a beach break that can be powerful and hollow.
Access: Still hard to find down bumpy piste roads. Car park above beach.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Rare to find it without a crowd if it's working.
Local Vibe: Competitive.
Environment: OK
Hazards: Car destroying roads; shallow, rocky point.
Season: Best September to May.