Praia da Ponta Ruiva Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

NW, W, SW

Wind

SE

Surf Height

Waist high to double overhead.

Tide

All tides.

Praia da Ponta Ruiva Surf Guide

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.

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

Good for all - beginners stick to beach.

Local Vibe

Doable

WelcomingIntimidating

Competitive.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

Rare to find it without a crowd if it's working.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

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.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

Rips when big.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

OK

Hazards

Car destroying roads; shallow, rocky point.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard

Access

Still hard to find down bumpy piste roads. Car park above beach.

Bottom

Sand and rocky reef.

Best Season

Best September to May.

Do you have local knowledge about Praia da Ponta Ruiva?

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