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Espinho · Northern Portugal

Espinho

Peaks by the Espinho groynes, one of the hubs of Portuguese bodyboarding.

Beach breakIntermediate

Espinho has a series of groynes that fix the sandbanks and form peaks on both sides. You paddle out using the current along the groynes.

Watch out for the rock piles on the inside and fishing lines.

Spot facts

Wave typeBeach break
DirectionLefts and rights
LevelIntermediate
Best swellNW, W
Best wind (offshore)E, SE
TideAll tides
Size1–2 m
Best seasonAll year
CrowdHeavy
LocalismMedium

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

ShortboardFish

A shortboard or fish. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.

What to bring to surf Espinho

The water is around 13 °C in winter and 17 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.

4/3 wetsuit

The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.

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5 mm booties

Warm feet in winter and protection on rocks.

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Leash

Keeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.

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Twin keel fins

The classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.

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Cold-water wax

Warm-water wax won't grip in this water.

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Localism and vibe

Lots of people and a large local crew. Respect priority.

Surfing style

Peaks by groynes.

Hazards

Groynes, inside rocks and fishing lines.

Map

Other spots nearby

Ovar

Beach breakAll levels

Peaks for every level and almost never crowded, south of Espinho.

Ovar

Beach breakIntermediate

A quiet beach by rock groynes, with quality waves.

Ovar

Beach breakAll levels

A quiet beach near Ovar, best in small to medium swell.

Matosinhos (Oporto)

Beach breakBeginner

Porto's beach: sheltered by Leixões harbour and full of surf schools.

All spots in Northern Portugal →

Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.