Surf: Essentially this wave is one and the same. Pontinha is the northern and less frequently ridden outside section of Ribeira D’Ilhas. A very versatile set of reefs that normally have something worth getting wet for and it can be a superb long right. It can handle a bit of wind, most swell sizes if NW, and breaks throughout the tide. Environment: Consistent, crowded (contest site), some rips, urchins and the water is none-too clean. Easy access and good car park café. Surf: General: Looking out from the clifftop onto a classic day, you could be mistaken for thinking you're watching Bells Beach. The cliff lined sandy bay, the reeling right hand walls that speed down the line, back off, then speed through to the finish on the inside - they certainly have more than a familiar air to them. But this wave more than holds its own in comparison. Part of its quality comes in its flexibility - it starts breaking at just over knee high and keeps going to double overhead or more - pumping out huge, winding faces that can run for over 200m. There is also a reef on the outside northern edge of the main break called Pontinha, a right hander that works best in medium swells. Very occasionally it will connect to the main break. Popular spot with good facilties including showers and a beach bar to boot. Tides: All tides Size: Thigh high to double overhead plus. Wind: E, SE Swell: NW Bottom: Sand covered reef. Paddling: Easy paddle out - launch from the beach to the south of the wave and paddle round, not through the line-up. Spot Rating: High quality right hand reef with ripable walls that can reel for over 200m from small to double overhead. Access: Parking at beach. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Popular spot - can get super crowded. Local Vibe: Competitive, can be feisty when at its busiest and best. Environment: Not great. Hazards: Crowds. Season: Best September to May.