Yesterday, when expectations were low, the ocean delivered something extraordinary. With a combination of a west swell and a northwest pulse, Nazaré transformed into a surfer’s dream. This unique confluence of swells created conditions some have described as the best in years. For a beachbreak known for its unpredictability, the waves aligned to form a perfect setup—comparable to some of the most iconic surf spots in the world.
A Rare Connection of Swells
The west swell met the northwest swell at just the right angle, running down the beach like a point break. Long, peeling left-handers dominated the day, and local surfers claimed it was the best they’d seen in 5–10 years. Some waves resembled Bali’s famed setups in the morning, only to evolve into something closer to Desert Point or even Pipeline by afternoon. This wasn’t just an ordinary day—it was history in the making for Nazaré.
Barrels and Perfection
Around 3 PM, the swell reached its peak. Waves became “growers,” gaining size and shape as they broke. The barrels were nothing short of legendary:
Surfers reported riding waves with multiple barrel sections—taking a turn, getting covered again, and exiting only to re-enter the barrel. One surfer recounted riding a wave from the third peak to the fifth, weaving through three separate barrels. For a sandbar setup, it resembled the precision of a machine-like point break.
Surfing Legends in Action
The lineup was stacked with some of the best surfers in the world, including:
- Ítalo Ferreira
- Lucas Chumbo
- Michelle Bourez
These surfers put on a clinic, showcasing top-tier performances on waves that locals are calling once-in-a-decade conditions. Watching them navigate the barrels and pull off maneuvers was as thrilling as catching waves yourself.
Beyond XXL: A Unique Nazaré Experience
Unlike the typical XXL monsters Nazaré is famous for, the waves yesterday were more refined—6 to 8 feet Hawaiian scale. The size wasn’t overwhelming, but the quality was unmatched. It was the kind of session that makes surfers rethink what’s possible at Nazaré. The sandbars produced waves that looked like something out of Indonesia, complete with top-to-bottom barrels and long, rippable walls.
For many surfers, yesterday was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As one local summed it up, “That was probably one of the best sessions I’ve had so far.” If the rest of the season brings even a fraction of what yesterday offered, it’s going to be a year to remember.
What’s Next?
While the forecast suggests this season might feature smaller, more manageable swells compared to the iconic 20-meter giants, that’s not a bad thing. Perfect barrels and flawless waves might become the norm rather than the exception—a shift that surfers and spectators alike can celebrate.
Here’s hoping for a few more magical days like yesterday at Nazaré.