What kind of wave is Jardim do Mar?

Jardim do Mar is a point break. It wants W to NW groundswell, the bigger the better swell and works best with offshore from the ne / e wind.

Is Jardim do Mar good for beginners?

No — it's rated advanced surfers and is for experienced surfers only.

What should I watch out for at Jardim do Mar?

A concrete seawall the wave now breaks against, boulders, powerful long-hold rushes, and a wave that turns dangerous fast on size. Not a spot to misjudge.

Point break · Jardim do Mar, Madeira · 32°44′N 17°13′W

Jardim do Mar

Surf

A long right-hand point on Madeira's southwest coast, world-class before a 2003 seawall shortened it and made it more dangerous. Still a heavy, high-quality wave on a big clean swell, for experienced surfers only.

Jardim do Mar is a boulder point in front of a village pinned between the cliffs and the sea on Madeira's southwest coast. In the 1990s it was talked about alongside the best right points in the world.

What changed

Between 2003 and 2004 a concrete seawall was built along the shore. It shortened the ride, took away the low-tide sweet spot, and left the wave breaking straight onto blocks. Locals and Save The Waves fought it and it remains a painful subject.

The wave now

On a big, clean W to NW swell with an offshore wind it still produces a long, fast, powerful right, but the makeable window is shorter and the inside is a hazard. It handles size and gets heavy. Advanced and experienced only, and read the tide before you commit.

When

Autumn through winter, W to NW groundswell, NE or E wind, low tide.

Nearby

Reef break · Paul do Mar

Paul do Mar

A powerful right-hand reef in front of a fishing village on Madeira's sunny south-west coast, known for hollow, cylindrical waves on a solid swell. Strictly for advanced and expert surfers.

Experts onlyAutumn and winter

Beach break · São Vicente

Fajã da Areia

The north-coast spot that made São Vicente known for surfing, among the volcanic landscapes of Madeira's quieter side. Lefts and rights for intermediate and advanced surfers, and still uncrowded.

IntermediatesAutumn and winter

Common questions

What kind of wave is Jardim do Mar?: Jardim do Mar is a point break. It wants W to NW groundswell, the bigger the better swell and works best with offshore from the ne / e wind.
Is Jardim do Mar good for beginners?: No — it's rated advanced surfers and is for experienced surfers only.
When's the best time for Jardim do Mar?: October to March.
What should I watch out for at Jardim do Mar?: A concrete seawall the wave now breaks against, boulders, powerful long-hold rushes, and a wave that turns dangerous fast on size. Not a spot to misjudge.