A left hander point break which breaks over 12 feet and requires a lot of experience. It is quite inconsistent and needs a low tide big swell to work. There is a left and right hander peak with great barrels, which sometimes works on the inside. The strong currents are this spot’s main obstacles.

Southeast of São Miguel island, near Ponta Delgada

A beach break which works perfectly at mid outgoing tide, throwing out left and right handers up to 6 feet in ideal conditions. This is one of the Azores’ most crowded spots, but on the other hand there are plenty of peaks to choose from. This is a good choice for the summer, because the spot is more exposed to the southerly swell. At this time of the year left handers work best.

Southeast of São Miguel Island, in Povoação.

A left hander point break which offers long and manoeuvrable waves and works best with an incoming tide and waves between 3 and 6 feet. It is reasonably consistent and can get quite crowded in the summer, with its southerly swells. The water here is famous for being warmer than in other spots, but also because of the sea urchins.

East Coast of the Island of São Miguel, in the North-Eastern region.

One of the island’s most dangerous spots, with its very fast, hollow and shallow wave. The take-off can be difficult, with a very steep drop, followed by fast and hollow sections. Not very consistent, it needs an empty tide and 9 to 12 foot waves to work. However, when it does it is one of the longest and most power-packed waves with what are probably the best tubes on the island.

On the South coast of São Miguel, near Ponta Delgada.

A beach break with a good location which is ideal for surfers of all levels of experience. Can get crowded, since the beach is ideal for those who are just learning to surf. Works consistently year-round but is best at mid-tide. On the best days you can bag 150 meter long rides. The spot breaks over 3 feet and handles up to 8 feet.

In Calheta, on the Island of São Jorge.

A right hander and consistent point break with long and very manoeuvrable waves. These can reach 9 feet, but when the size is average you can get better rides. Works best at mid-tide and with a northerly or north-easterly swell, ideally with a southerly wind. Requires some experience but is definitely a wave you don’t want to miss in the Azores.