Overview
Esquerda da Igreja is a left-hand point breaking over boulders on the outer peak of the faja, where it picks up all available swell from west to north. It's a fun summer wave, serving up long walls, cutback shoulders and the odd cover-up when the wind is offshore. Every now and then it links up with Lago do Linho for one seriously long, leg-burning ride, and there's even an occasional right running toward the rocks.
When It Works
The point draws swell from west to north (W-N), with northwest (NW) the best match, and it's super consistent, so there's usually something to ride. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 6.1 m / 20 ft, giving it plenty of range from small summer days to serious size. It also handles onshore winds better than most.
Wind and Tide
Look for southwest (SW) wind, which blows offshore here. The wave can work through the whole tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
When it's small, the wave is mellow enough for beginners to enjoy. At size it becomes a different proposition, with heavy currents and a shifting line-up to deal with.
Access
Getting here takes commitment: it's a 45-minute walk from the car park in Cubres, which has free parking, following the only track around the base of the cliffs to the village. All the breaks at Santo Cristo are at least 40 minutes on foot, though a quad bike taxi service can get you there in about 10 minutes.
