Surf in Peniche today
Peniche, Portugal · 12 breaks ranked
Nothing in Peniche is worth the drive today. The best of it is Foz do Arelho at well overhead, 8 seconds, rated poor.
Tomorrow, Saturday 19 September
Belgas is the call in Peniche tomorrow - overhead at 14 seconds with almost no wind, rated poor to fair. Almagreira is close behind.
Surfing in Peniche
Peniche is a peninsula, and that is the whole reason to surf here: its beaches face north, west and south at once, so on almost any wind there is a side of it working. Supertubos on the south side is the famous one - a hollow, heavy beach break that hosts a world tour event. Baleal to the north is where most people actually surf.
The trick is picking the right side on the day. A northerly wind that ruins Baleal is offshore at Supertubos; a big north-west swell that closes out the south side lights up the sheltered corners of the bay. This page does that comparison from today's forecast, using the same model as the app.
Where should a beginner surf in Peniche?
Cantinho da Baía - the sheltered corner of Baleal bay - is where the surf schools operate, and Baleal beach itself on a small day. Both are sand, both are forgiving, and both stay rideable when Supertubos is doing its worst.
Supertubos is not for learning, on any forecast. It breaks hard and shallow with a strong shorebreak. Molhe Leste beside the harbour pier is also an experienced surfer's wave.
When is the best time to surf Peniche?
October to March is the season for Supertubos and the south side, when north Atlantic groundswell arrives with size and period. Summer is smaller and better for Baleal and for learning; the water is warmest in September and October, which is also when the swell returns. Winter needs a full wetsuit.
Common questions
Which side of Peniche should I surf today?
Depends on the wind. North or north-east winds favour Supertubos and the south side; south or south-west winds favour Baleal and the north side. The table above already accounts for it.
Is Supertubos good for beginners?
No. It is a hollow, shallow beach break with a heavy shorebreak. Learn at Cantinho da Baía or Baleal instead.
When is the best time of year to surf Peniche?
October to March for Supertubos and the reefs; summer and early autumn for Baleal and for learning.
How far is Peniche from Lisbon?
About an hour and a quarter by car on the A8, or ninety minutes by bus from Campo Grande.
Is Baleal a beach or a reef?
Mostly beach. Baleal is a sandy bay on the north side of the isthmus; Lagide, at its tip, is a mellow reef that breaks left over a rock slab.