Surf Forecast  Supertubos

Supertubos surfspot characteristics

More about Supertubos surfspot

The name speaks for itself! World-class spot and undoubtedly the best beachbreak in Portugal, Supertubos has become a favourite stop on the world pro tour and a perfect warm-up for Pipeline. Long, heavy, gas-filled tubes are guaranteed as well as a few shut-down close-outs, such is the speed of this wave. The lefts are usually better, but plenty of shorter rights peel off the main peak, especially in NW conditions. It’s at its best with NE winds, a decent SW swell and mid-tide, but these conditions don’t come around everyday.

General: Supertubos is one of the best waves in Europe. There's one main peak with a super-fast (though makeable) left, and a somewhat shorter right, and one other peak down the beach that's not quite as perfect but still way better than your average day at most beachbreaks. Tides: Mid to high typically best. Size: Head-high to double overhead. Wind: Northeast or east best but it is protected somewhat from northerly winds. Swell: W and WNW swells. Too much north and the swells are shadowed. Bottom: Sand. Paddling: Doesn't break far from the beach but to stroke into a good one be ready to dig. Spot Rating: It is called Supertubos -- what do you think?

Advanced on the bigger and better days but at the right size it can be good for intermediate surfers. Up the beach at Molhe Leste is typically a more mellow wave but frequented more by bodyboarders.

Parking lot right there.

Autumn is best but there are days in the Winter and Spring. Much slower in the Summer.

Crowd Factor: Expect 50 to 100 surfers out when it's pumping. There's a really good chance you may not get a set wave off the peak on your own. Local Vibe: It's a small town, so everyone knows who's local and who's not, and they're not afraid to let you know. If you're around for a while, and paddle out solo, your chances are better.

There can be a few lesser peaks further along the beach to help dilute the concentration of bodyboarders and local tube-seekers, but there’s no escaping the mega crowds or the foul smell from the nearby fish factory. Easy parking in front of the break, but theft from vehicles is commonplace.

Not too bad but the smell from the sardines can get pretty intense.

Crowds and hitting bottom on bigger days.