One of Portugal's best lefts: a fast, barrelling slab near Ribeira d'Ilhas. Best on a W–SW swell, offshore wind and a rising mid to high tide. Not for anyone short of expert.
Break
reef break, lefts; faces W
Level
advanced
Best swell
W, WSW, SW
Best wind
E, NE, SE (offshore)
Best tide
mid to high tide
Season
Autumn to winter
Typical size
1–3 m
Crowd
high
Hazards
Shallow, sharp reef slab that nearly dries at low tide; Sea urchins; Fast, steep take-off; Strong local crew