Overview
Ribeira Quente Left is a heavy left-hander that peels along the side of a large jetty, breaking over uneven reef right at the edge of the big car park and helipad. The town takes its name from a thermal spring that runs into the sea here, hence "Hot River".
When It Works
The left works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft. It draws swell from west through north to northeast (W-N-NE), with south (S) swell the best match, and long-travelled southern-hemisphere souths suit it well. Southeast or wrapping east-northeast swell can also do the job. On most days the ride ends abruptly on the sea defences, but when the swell gets big, longer waves run through and finish in the beachbreak.
Wind and Tide
Look for north (N) offshore wind. The wave can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call, and the push toward high tide tends to bring out its best.
Local Tips
This is a wave for intermediate surfers. It packs plenty of punch, so pick your moment with the swell and tide rather than paddling out on any old day.
Access
Parking is easy: the wave breaks along the edge of a big car park with free parking, and there are showers and a lifeguard on hand. In town you'll find good restaurants, and there's camping at Furnas.
