Surf spots · Peniche

Papôa

Reef break — Peniche's big-wave spot

ExtremeExpert only. Do not treat this as a spot to try.

Level Expert/big-wave only when large; can be mellow and suitable for less experienced surfers only on small days

Peniche’s big-wave reef. On a big NW swell this is an expert-only wave with genuine big-wave consequences — it is mellow ONLY on small days, and the gap between the two is not subtle. Do not paddle out here on size without local knowledge, the right equipment and people watching.

Papôa surf spot, Peniche

When it works

Optimum swell
Big NW swell
Faces
N (350°)
Offshore wind
S
NESW
the way it facesoffshore windsthe wind now

Live now

Wind
—checking
Swell
—checking
Tide (approx.)
—checking

Reading the latest forecast…

Ask us before you go.

This is not a wave to try on a guess. Tell us your level and the day you have in mind, and we will tell you honestly whether it is one for you.

The wave in detail

Barrel 2Paddle 4Hold-down 4Crowds 1Localism 3

1 to 5 on every axis, and 5 always means more. A big shape is a demanding wave.

Direction
Lefts and rights (mellow on small swell)
Bottom
Reef/rock
Consistency
Seasonal — mostly winter, needs a big NW swell
Wave power
Heavy when on; can produce serious big-wave conditions
Longboard
No
Shortboard
Yes

Nearby

All spots & the wind dial

Papôa

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