Portugal trip Blog Part 2

After the stormy surf of the first 2 days the wind swung offshore and the sun really started to heat up. The wind was more southerly so we moved location to the other side of the bay. There was various sandbars and the conditions changed with the tide. The surf was a lot easier and as there were lots of peaks to choose from was a lot less crowded. Everybody really seemed to enjoy the 2 to 3 foot peaks and were really pushing their surfing. The location is great as you can just get out of the surf walk 100m hang your wetsuit up to dry and eat at the beach bar. We all invaded a Pizza bar one night to see the grommets race each other to eat the biggest pizzas most of us had ever seen.

The surf was similar on the Thursday and it was becoming Ground Hog day but no one was complaining with the sun out and 3 foot clean waves. On the high tide a shore break formed which the more experienced guys loved. This presented a challenge to some of the crew as it meant the waves broke quickly and timing was essential if not to wipe-out. It seem to quicken up everybody’s reactions and improvements could definitely be seen. The afternoon on the Thursday saw a lot of tired arms but with the warm water and weather nearly everyone got in for the second session. On the lower tide the waves broke further out and with less power so it was easier to get out back. On Thursday night we all ventured into Peniche to sample the fish restaurants and local bars. Great craic but we found out Peniche only seems to have 1 taxi driver and he seemed pretty grumpy.

Despite a few staying late all surprisingly turned up on the Friday morning to the biggest cleanest waves of the week. The high tide shore pound produced a few barrels however most decided to wait till the tide dropped out and the waves mellowed. Despite the weeks surfing everybody headed out for Rhonas 30th birthday on Friday. We had a great night which ended in a sing song and a few sore heads.

We had a great crew and everybody seemed to enjoy the week. It was action packed and we made the most of the week. It seemed to improve most people’s surfing and we all left with a few new friends. The different types of waves in Portugal also presented a different challenge and helped some people leave their comfort zone. This wasthe first of many http://www.surfbreaks.ie/ surf trips abroad. We will have many more trips coming up next year. We are heading to Morroco next and for more details email surfbreaksireland@gmail.com.

As the crew for our Portugal trip all slowly started filtered towards the boarding gate introductions were made. There were surfers from all over Ireland there as well as an Estonian, Polish and Swiss surfer. A few were nervous that their skills wouldn’t be up to scratch but after a few minutes it was obvious that we had a very easy going crew and everyone seemed excited by the trip.

As we all arrived in Lisbon we were worried by the locals wearing jackets and they all seemed to be in winter mode however when we walked outside the airport it seemed like a normal Irish windy summer’s day. We all arrived in the camp and sorted who was in the older (party) house and the younger (quieter) house. All seemed in high spirits and ready for food and a bit of craic. We headed for the nearest restaurant were the local waiter was delighted to see 20 odd Irish hungry and thirsty surfers walk in the door. We all sampled the local fish dishes and drank the local beer and wine and had a great meal getting to know each other. The best bit was when we got the bill and including alcohol the bill was only 13euro each. We headed to Chris’s bar and the 1 euro beers went down a treat.

The next day the weather turned and it seemed like the stormy weather reflected the hung over mood in camp. It was wild wet and windy but there was still a few waves at the sheltered Mona leste beach break. On Monday the mood was upbeat as the sun came out and the waves cleaned up. We headed back to Supertubos were there was a few waves on offer. Mona leste offered protection from the wind and the swell. Some found the conditions tough as the wave was a shore break and unlike Irish beach breaks broke fast and close to the shore. There were loads of impressive wipe-outs and while a few found it tough others loved the challenge. The waves were breaking fast so it meant take offs had to be quick. We hung at the beach all day and surfed twice with a short lunch break at the beach bar.

The next day the wind and swell dropped off so we headed to the North shore of Peniche. The waves were mellower than the day before but had less shape so they had less shape but were easier to catch. Surfing twice both days meant everybody was drained and went for an afternoon kip. However in true Irish style all turned up at the evening BBQ that the surf camp arranged. All you could eat with beer and Wine for 12 euro. The surf report looks promising for the next few days so there was a buzz amongst the crew and all seemed in high spirits.
For more photos info etc checkout http://www.surfbreaks.ie/ or check their facebook profile at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Surf-breaks-Ireland-and-Abroad/180040166553
We are heading to Morroco in Feb so drop us an email if your keen.

Hi this is our new blog for http://www.surfbreaks.ie/ . We will keep you in touch with what we are up to and whats happening in the Surf travel world. Our latest news is the trip we are arranging to Morroco in February.

Morocco
We have provisionally booked a Morocco trip for the 7th of February to the 14th of February. Longer stays are possible. The trip costs 330euros and would include
We offer free surf school lessons for beginners, and technique workshops for the intermediate surfers looking to move on to the next level.
Airport transfers (at whatever day or time of arrival).
Clean and comfortable purpose-built accommodation with a five star feel and service.
Double rooms, some with sea views. (If we can give you your own room we will, without a single supplement.)
A healthy breakfast and lunch.
3 terraces overlooking the points.
Huge dining/sitting room, with views of the surrounding coastline to enjoy whilst you eat. Sky TV, so you will not miss any sport, or your favourite soap drama in the evenings. Reading or chillout area. Top terrace with table tennis table, floodlit for night time competitions (that is if you have any energy!).
Transport to the surf wherever the best waves are breaking, for your ability level, with the most experienced guides in Morocco (we often drive many extra kilometres to score our guests uncrowded waves).
Free surf school/tuition or coaching, with the best fully qualified instructors all day everyday.
Wi-fi for your use.
Even if you can surf we will point you in the right direction, and can promise you will leave an even better surfer! You may even surf waves that you would not normally have surfed on your own before. It's our job to get you the waves of your life!
4x4 desert south trips (conditions pending).
If interested email us on info@surfbreaks.ie