Carrapateira is a left-hand point break at the southern end of Praia da Bordeira, peeling over sand in front of a rocky headland toward the rivermouth. It's a regional classic and one of the area's top setups: the point throws long, quality, walling waves, and as the tide fills in the rivermouth switches on with hollow, punchy rights. Look north from the point and the huge beach runs sandbanks all the way along, getting emptier the further you go. It's an exposed stretch, though, and frustratingly susceptible to wind.
When It Works
The spot draws swell from west to north (W-N) and works from 1.5 m / 5 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. It's at its best from autumn through spring, with September to May the prime window. You'll find lefts peeling off the point and hollow rights in the rivermouth, both breaking over sand.
Wind and Tide
Wind makes or breaks it here, so look for southeast (SE) offshore, with a workable wind window running from east-southeast to south (ESE-S). It can break through all tides, but a rising tide is the better call. The point tends to be best from low to mid on the push, while the rivermouth rights come alive as the tide fills in.
Local Tips
Expect a fairly quiet, somewhat reserved lineup with a chilled feel. Any crowd tends to gather at the southern end of the beach, so a short walk usually yields empty peaks. It suits everyone from beginners to experts on just about any board, from shortboards and fish to longboards, SUPs, bodyboards, and foils. Mind the rocks in front of the point, and treat the rivermouth with respect: it gets heavy and rippy, and there can be a lot of water moving around, so rips can be bad.
Access
There's a car park on the clifftop at the southern end of the beach, looking out over the point.
