Coxos Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NW to W swells.
Wind
East (though the inside can handle a light onshore)
Surf Height
Well overhead to 2-3x overhead.
Tide
Medium tide is generally best.
Coxos Surf Guide
Europe's best right, Coxos is the crown jewel of Portugal. The wave, which is like a reef/pointbreak, breaks along a shallow rock shelf into a very small bay. Swells muscle their way in from deep water just offshore and form into fast-moving symmetrical right walls that seem to concentrate all their power into the base of the wave rather than the lip, similar to many Hawaiian waves. There's no easy entry at Coxos. You've got to paddle like mad, get to your feet and start driving, otherwise you'll get sucked over and end up on the reef.
*ERICEIRA WORLD SURFING RESERVE*
Coxos sits in a protected surf ecosystem — preserving the coastline, culture, and access that keep it working. Here's why this break matters.
Local Vibe
While most Portuguese surfers are very nice, Coxos is their diamond, and they can get very protective. As always, humility and respect appreciated.
Crowd Factor
Definitely an issue -- with a fairly tight takeoff zone, serious punishment if you blow it and a tight-knit cadre of locals who known the spot very well, you'll be lucky to get waves.
Spot Rating
One of the best waves in the country when it is working.
Shoulder Burn
Definitely some work on the bigger and better days.
Water Quality
Not bad.
Hazards
Trying to get a wave.
Access
Dirt parking lot on the side of the hill.
Bottom
Lava reef.
Best Season
Autumn and Winter.
Do you have local knowledge about Coxos?
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