Crazy Left (Ericeira)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Mixed
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Crazy Left (Ericeira) is an exposed reef left-hand wave that’s known for speed and heavy, hollow barrels when swell, wind, and tide all align. The takeoff is shallow and reef-based, so the spot is extremely sensitive to conditions and not forgiving if you mistime your entry. Across the year, the break is described as able to work at any time, with stronger and more consistent surf during autumn and winter. The recommended tide is high: mid-to-high windows are emphasized to reduce the risk of hitting exposed rocks during the ride and wipeouts. From a safety perspective, the main issues are sharp rocks/shallow reef and powerful, fast-moving water. Strong currents (including outgoing channel flow and rip currents reported with larger swells) are recurring concerns, and rescue/lifeguard support is described as unavailable. Local lineup rules are also highlighted, with strict priority behavior expected. Gear and preparation are therefore a core part of the setup: neoprene boots (and spring wetsuit guidance, including gloves in the available material) are recommended for colder months and for protection against reef contact. Early sessions can help with wind and crowding, but the spot remains an expert-only target because of its intensity and reef hazards.
- Expert-level, fast hollow reef/point left with barrel potential
- Works best at high tide (mid-to-high tide windows emphasized)
- Stronger autumn/winter swell and offshore east wind patterns improve consistency
- Reef hazards and currents make timing and experience critical
- Fast, hollow left-hand reef/point break with barrel potential.
- High ride potential with multiple sections when conditions line up.
- Consistent surf reported as possible year-round, with peak strength in autumn and winter.
- Only suitable for expert surfers due to fast, heavy, shallow reef takeoff.
- Dangerous at low tide because of exposed rocks.
- Strong currents and rip currents can affect safety and wave quality.
- Exposed location and wind sensitivity can reduce consistency.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, SE, NE
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed
- Reliability
- Moderate consistency overall; exposed to north wind and not described as highly consistent.
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- January, February, March, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs provide some protection from North and Northeast winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/rocks composition; rocky reef and rocks near the break.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Often described as medium-sized but capable of becoming very powerful.
- Launch
- Small — Launch typically involves paddling out from the neighboring Ribeira d'Ilhas beach area or navigating a rocky ledge directly in front of the break during higher tides.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Shallow reef takeoff and rocky navigation make the spot difficult to access safely.
Through the year
Lineup is most crowded on weekends and when swell is optimal.
November to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Crazy Left is an exposed reef/point-style left-hand break in Ericeira known for fast, hollow barrels. It is best on higher tide and is highly sensitive to tide, swell angle, and current.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- SW, WNW, W, NW
- Optimal Tide
- High — High tide / mid-to-high tide windows are recommended to avoid exposed reef.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef break; affected by wind direction and tidal/current conditions.
- Wind Effect
- Conditions are described as sensitive to wind line-up and exposure; north wind can reduce consistency.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Described as excellent when swell and wind are aligned.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Fast and heavy; strong barrels when the swell and wind line up.
- Wave Shape
- Barreling — High-performance, fast, and hollow with potential barrel sections.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Long — Rides described as fast/tubular with several sections.
- Typical Ride Length
- 80–120 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides are reported around 80 to 120 meters when working well; other sources describe 50 to 100 meters with steep takeoff and possible barrels. (Both indicate consistently long rides for a reef point/reef break.)
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Crazy Left (Ericeira) in the full forecast view.
Crazy Left (Ericeira) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- N355°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–3.1 m11s period
- Temperature
- 11–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Crazy Left (Ericeira) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.9–3.1 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Shallow reef
- Sharp rocks
- Strong currents
- Outgoing current from the nearby channel
- Heavy hold-downs
- Exposure to north wind reducing consistency and affecting conditions
- Rip currents are common, particularly when larger swells are present
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are located in Ericeira town center.
- Localism / Vibe
- Heavy — Local surfing community is described as sensitive/competitive with strict priority rules.
Rules of the spot
Surfing is recommended only at higher tide / mid-to-high tide windows; avoid low tide due to exposed rocks.
- Not recommended for beginners or intermediate surfers.
- Unrideable at low tide due to exposed rocks.
- Only works safely/cleanly with the right tide and timing.
- Only surf at mid to high tide to avoid hitting the reef.
- Park at Coxos and paddle from the bay area if accessing from that side.
- Early mornings are often preferred for lighter winds and fewer people.
- Respect the locals as this is a sensitive and competitive lineup.
- Priority rules are strictly enforced by the local surfing community.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ericeira
- Nearest Town
- Ericeira
- Parking
- Limited parking is available on the cliff tops; larger parking areas are located nearby at Ribeira d'Ilhas. Another approach commonly suggests parking at Coxos and paddling from the bay area.
- Access
- Access described from the Ericeira bay area; parking commonly suggested at Coxos for the approach by paddle. A separate access route is described via a dirt path down from the cliffs north of Ribeira d'Ilhas.
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous surf camps, hostels, and guest houses are available in Ericeira.
- Food & Drink
- A restaurant and bar are located at the adjacent Ribeira d'Ilhas beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental shops are available in the town of Ericeira.
- Gear Repair
- Surfboard repair shops are located in Ericeira.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Crazy Left (Ericeira)?
The best overall months at Crazy Left (Ericeira) are November, December, January, February, October, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Crazy Left (Ericeira)?
Crazy Left (Ericeira) works with E, SE, NE winds. Offshore directions are E.
What skill level is Crazy Left (Ericeira) suitable for?
Crazy Left (Ericeira) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.