Supertubos

Supertubos is the wave that put Peniche on the world map. It breaks over a sandbar on Praia do Medão Grande, on the exposed south-western shore of the peninsula, and on its day it produces some of the most perfect barrels in Europe. Surfers call it the European Pipeline, and the World Surf League has run a Championship Tour event here for years.

What makes it work

The bar is steep and the water deep close to shore, so swell hits it with almost no warning and stands up fast. A clean west to south-west groundswell in the head-high to double-overhead range, with an offshore wind from the east or north-east, turns it into rifling A-frames that barrel both ways. The lefts are usually longer and cleaner than the rights.

It is fickle. The same bank that barrels like clockwork one week can be a shifting closeout the next, and it needs real swell period to show its best. On a weak or short-period swell it just dumps on the sand.

When to come

The season runs from about October to March, with February often the standout month for consistent, clean surf. Summer is mostly small to flat and the beach fills with sunbathers rather than surfers. Autumn is the sweet spot for a mix of size and daylight.

Who it suits

On a small, gentle day beginners and improvers can surf the inside. On anything with size and power it is a wave for advanced and expert surfers only. The take-off is late and steep, the lip lands hard, and boards break here regularly.

Hazards

Heavy closeouts and a shallow, sand-covered bar mean hold-downs and board damage are common. Strong rips run either side of the main peak. It gets crowded fast when it is good and the pack is competitive. Do not paddle out on size unless you are sure you belong there.

Getting there

Supertubos is on the south side of the Peniche isthmus, signposted off the EN114. There is a large dirt car park behind the dune and a short walk to the beach. Amenities are limited, especially out of season.