Ericeira is a seaside resort and fishing community, belonging to the municipality of Mafra and situated on the western coast of Portugal. The resort is a popular destination for many surfers since the area hosts more than 40 beaches, offering excellent surfing conditions.
In Ericeira, just a few meters after the famous beach of Bedra Branca lies another amazing beach, the Reef. The spot is not easy to find, the most common thing there is to ask the locals to guide you.
You will need a car and a short walk of 5 to 15 minutes. But when you find it, you will see that it totally worth the trouble. The wave quality is totally epic and with the wave that breaks regularly, pros or kamikaze will be thrilled there!!
The wave has a reef rocky type and an awesome right. It is pretty fast, hollow, powerful and very shallow. In normal and good days, it is very short, only up to 50 m/164 ft long. At its best, the wind blows from the east.
If you visit this beach in summer, you’ll find waves with swell size from 1.3 to 2 m (4-6.5 ft) and the wind blows offshore at 7%. In autumn, the wind blows offshore at 30% and the waves swell size is from 1.3-2 m (4-6.5 ft) to 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft). In winter, the wind blows offshore at 37% and the waves swell size is 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) and at 25% of the time is >3 m (10 ft). In spring, the wind blows offshore at 24% and the waves swell size is from 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft), most of the times.
The spot works perfectly on low and mid tides with the best movements on rising tides. During the week, the spot is empty and in weekends it is crowded with insane surfers. Dangers are many including urchins, rocks and localism. It is suggested to visit this spot only if you are a professional or kamikaze. Otherwise go somewhere else or visit one of the local schools that will help you get the necessary level in order to ride these waves.
