The European Surf Season is Open!

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October is here. The kids are back in school, the summer surf school crowds have gone home, and the winter swells are starting to kick in. By the time you read this, the best month of the year for those world class French beach breaks will practically have been and gone, but if you do want a last minute taste of French perfection before you have to throw on an extra thick fullsuit, Yann Beziers La Fosse, your host at the very relaxing and laid back Jack’s Lodge will be happy to show you all the best spots to surf, wine and dine.
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Your room at Jack’s Lodge

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However, things are just starting to kick into gear in three other classic European destinations, Ericeira and Peniche in Portugal, and Mundaka in the Basque Country in the northwest corner of Spain. Not only do they offer great waves from early October until the end of March, when you’re not surfing there are plenty of things to do from discovering the local culture to enjoying the local cuisine.
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Long right walls at Ribeira d’Ilhas

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In Ericeira, you’ll be surfing classic breaks like Ribeira d’Ilhas otherwise known as the Bells Beach of Europe, the hollow rock bottom lefts of Pedra Branca, the fickle but fantastic rights at the Reef, and if you’re really lucky some all-time point surf at Coxos. The headquarters for your stay will be just a few steps from the beach and the village centre at Laneez Ericeira Surf House put together and run by legendary Portuguese surfer Miguel Ruivo and world-travelled Jersey surfer, Mark Durbano. In the evenings there are plenty of bars and restaurants in town, and the capital of Lisbon is just a short drive away with plenty of cultural and extra-surf activities waiting for you day and night.
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Beach break action in Peniche

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The fishing port town of Peniche is the next destination on the list. It is famous for being home to the European Pipeline alias Supertubes or Supertubos in the local lingo. However, there are plenty of other breaks to the north and south of town like the beach breaks at Belgas, the rock bottom lefts at Lagide, the right wedges of Molho Leste, or the right reef at Consolaçao. The fantastic Surfers Lodge Peniche owned and operated by former Swedish surfing champion, John Malmqvist awaits you with its roof top Jacuzzi and terrace lounge, one of the best restaurants in town, and an awesome bar with live music.
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Mundaka – Europe’s best left

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Last but definitely not least in this hardcore European surfing tri-fecta is the best left on the continent and one of the best in the world, Mundaka. The wave is on every goofyfooter’s bucket list, and does not disappoint. There are other fun beach breaks in the area like in the quaint seaside village of Bakio. Enjoy plenty of cultural activities as well in the nearby town of Guernica made famous by the Picasso painting of the same name, and at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, or just hang out in Mundaka and enjoy the full array of tapas bars in front of the port and on the local square. The very knowledgeable and affable local, Kepa Ruiz Itxaso will reserve a warm welcome for you at the Apartamentos Mundaka, and make sure that you always have something to do to keep you entertained when you’re not clocking up tube time.
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For the most accurate swell reports to help you know when to plan your weekend, week or month long getaway in France, Spain or Portugal, be sure to check out www.magicseaweed.com.
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Have an awesome surf trip!
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Sunset at Mundaka

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Downtown Ericeira

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Post surf coffee break in Peniche

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Surf check from Laneez Surf House

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The picturesque port of Mundaka

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Jack’s Lodge

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Lounge around the pool at Jack’s Lodge

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Roof top terrace at Surfers Lodge Peniche

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