Overview
Supertubos has a strong claim to being the best beachbreak in Portugal and one of the finest waves in Europe, a regular stop on the world pro tour and a famous warm-up for Pipeline. The main peak throws long, heavy tubes over sand, with a super-fast but makeable left and a somewhat shorter right. A second peak down the beach is not quite as perfect, but it still beats an average day at most beachbreaks. The sheer speed of the wave guarantees a few shut-down close-outs along the way. It breaks close to shore, but be ready to dig hard on the paddle to stroke into a good one. Fair warning: the smell from the nearby fish factory can get pretty intense.
When It Works
The spot draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with southwest (SW) swell the best match, and works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. The lefts are usually the better waves, though plenty of shorter rights peel off the main peak, especially in northwest conditions. Autumn is the prime season and winter still produces, but the wave is only moderately consistent, and the days when everything lines up do not come around all that often.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast (NE) wind, which blows straight offshore, and the beach also has some shelter from northerly winds. It can break through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a shortboard wave that suits intermediate surfers, and it gets very busy. When it is pumping, expect 50 to 100 surfers out, with a real chance you will not get a set wave off the main peak to yourself. The atmosphere in the water is friendly, and the lesser peaks further along the beach help spread the crowd out. If you stick around for a while and paddle out on your own, your chances of scoring waves improve. Watch out for the crowds, and for hitting the bottom on bigger days.
Access
Getting in the water is easy, with a free car park right in front of the break plus roadside parking. Theft from vehicles is commonplace, so do not leave anything valuable in the car. The beach has showers, a lifeguard, a surf school, a surf shop, and camping.
