Coxos
Ericeira's most famous and heaviest right: barrels and powerful walls over rock.
Coxos is a reef right in a small cove north of Ericeira, considered one of the best waves in Europe. It's fast, hollow and powerful, and holds up to 5 m. On the other side of the bay's channel breaks the Crazy Left.
It's a wave for expert surfers.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | NW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE, NE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 1.5–5 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | High |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A performance shortboard; a step-up or gun on big days. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Coxos
The water is around 14 °C in winter and 18 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
There's localism and a very high level in the water. Paddle out via the channel, wait a long time and don't drop in. Leave nothing valuable in the car.
Surfing style
Barrels and powerful walls.
Hazards
Rocks, currents and car-park thefts.
Map
Shapers near Coxos
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Ericeira (Mafra)
A powerful right north of Ericeira that needs big swell.
Ericeira (Mafra)
A long, regular right over rock, an international contest venue.
Ericeira (Mafra)
One of Ericeira's few lefts and, when it works, one of the best waves in Portugal.
Ericeira (Mafra)
Ericeira's sand beach, at the mouth of the Lizandro river: waves for everyone.
All spots in Central Portugal →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.