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Ribeira d'Ilhas beach with lines of swell, Ericeira

Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos · Portugal

Surfing Crazy Left

A left reef in Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos, Portugal, for advanced and pro surfers.

Left Reef · Best Oct-Mar · Advanced / Pro · 3-8 ft

Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos (no photo of Crazy Left yet) · Photo: GualdimG

Crazy Left is a heavy, hollow left over shallow reef under the cliffs at the south end of Coxos bay, breaking the opposite way to the Coxos right. As the swell grows it gets more dangerous, with sections that close out without warning over a rock bottom.

On a clean swell around high tide, with an east wind, it throws short, thick barrels, and photographers line the cliff to shoot it. It's for advanced surfers only. Watch it from the top first and give the locals space.

TypeLeft Reef
LevelAdvanced / Pro
Size3-8 ft
Best monthsOct-Mar
Crowd3/5
ConditionsClean NW swell, E wind, high tide

When to surf
Crazy Left

Crazy Left is at its best from October to March. Conditions it likes: Clean NW swell, E wind, high tide.

October to February: Prime

Biggest, most consistent NW/W groundswell, cold but firing

March to April: Good

Reliable swell, milder water, shoulder-season crowds

May to June: Quiet

Smaller and patchier, pleasant weather

July to August: Avoid

Small summer swell, packed beaches, high season prices

The year across Ericeira

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
PrimeGoodQuiet

Getting there

Where to stay: A handful of surf houses and guesthouses sit right above the point - the closest you'll get to rolling out of bed onto a world-class wave. Book well ahead for the Oct-Nov contest season.

Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos guide.

Ribeira d'Ilhas & Coxos surf guide

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