Epic surf at Beliche
If there is one beach in the Algarve where the waves can really get Epic, it is at Beliche in Sagres. The challenge with this high quality waves is that this can only be matched with quality surfing. And to be honest, most recreational surfers we know do not have the skills to match this waves potential. Many other waves you can get away with taking off a little bit wider on the shoulder. Not at Beliche. Every so often we take on the challenge, with mixed results. In the 7 years in the Algarve I have broken 4 surfboards, 3 in Beliche… Today however is a total different story. The waves look super fun. Powerful but not crazy hollow. With our two surf guide guests very ready to take on Beliche, this time we get an amazing surf session.
First surfskate Surf After
Our first ever surf guide guest is in the Algarve again. We kind of lost count on how many times he returned. What we do not lost is our stoke to surf every day. Good or bad, big or small, epic or mediocre. Every wave is fun. Every time he comes here he gets a little bit better in his surfing. A few weeks in a row surfing does a lot to your skill of course. But after the introduction of the surfskate ranch we really see a huge improvement in his surfing skills.
The good thing from the surfskate ranch is that it does not matter if it is onshore or low tide. The wave is always perfect. So we surf first. Rest a little bit, pick up the little tiger from daycare and meet at the surfskate ranch in the late afternoon. The coach making sure every detail is correct and we are ready for the next day.
Back to Beliche
Because of the fast changing weather conditions, swell, wind, tide etc we usually do not get the chance to surf the same beach two days in a row. You can see this as an advantage.You get to see a lot from the region and surf many different surf spots. The disadvantage is that you do not really get the chance to get to know a wave. Every wave is different, but a shoulder high wave at beliche is not to be compared with a shoulder high wave at Porto de Mos for example. The day after the surfskate we get lucky and surf Beliche again.
It is unfair to start taking surf photos after a two hour plus session. The last waves are never your best… But then again, the pictures are bonus. So here is the last wave of our buddy. Note that this does not at all represent the surfing he did before in the session.
