Bordeira (Praia do Bordeira)

Praia do Bordeira is a very exposed, wide sandy Atlantic beach break north-west of Carrapateira, with surf that ranges from friendlier banks in smaller conditions to more demanding setups as swell increases. Sources consistently describe a clean, regular sandbar/beach-break character, with both lefts and rights available depending on the sandbar configuration and swell. Safety is a major theme here. Rip currents are described as common, and rocks are a recurring hazard—especially a clearly visible rocky area in the middle of the beach, plus rocky areas near the headland/cliffs at the ends. One surf-focused note highlights that the left-hand section near the cliff should be surfed only by experienced surfers, and other notes emphasize watching the visible rock features. Wind-based riding is strongly seasonal and tied to summer Nortada/thermal strengthening. One source frames the afternoon thermal window (roughly 14:00–19:00) with prevailing northerly components, and wind reliability is described as high during summer months. Typical wind range for sessions is given as about 15–25 knots, with moderate gusts. For water temperature and wetsuits, conditions are clearly seasonal: water is described as cool Atlantic water, with a more specific monthly range reported by one source (about 14°C in winter up to about 20–21°C in late summer). Wetsuit guidance ranges from spring/neoprene boots notes to a commonly recommended 4/3mm for most of the year and 3/2mm in July and August; boots are also recommended in some guidance. If you’re planning a session, check the lagoon at the southern end (seasonal) for potentially calmer water—especially after heavy rain or high tides. Also, park on the cliffs to visually confirm current conditions before heading down, and respect seasonal zone rules for wind sports during peak summer periods.