Big Wednesday with Surf Guide Algarve
Long before every man with his dog purchased a jetski and started zipping in huge waves at Nazare, there was the movie Big Wednesday. Only the realest core-lords of the sport paddling in the biggest waves ever seen. Although big wave surfing is a thing on itself – a thing I want no part of to be honest – its very attractive for the eye. Mainly for non-surfers. What is your biggest wave, do you surf Nazare? Daily questions to mr. Surf Guide Algarve in the playground after school with the princess. And then all of a sudden there is that ‘big wave‘ – I have the gear, balls, and I think the skills. Lets go, Big Wednesday, before during and after, enjoy the story.
Good warmup at Hippie Beach
Forecasting the waves in the Algarve is a full on job, see here why Surf Guide Algarve is a thing. Usually the long range charts are not to be trusted and change four times before the day comes. So we take it day by day. Today we surfing Barranco- aka hippie beach. Some size, a very light onshore breeze, a prefect combo for an empty lineup. Golden hour and sunrise so beautiful you have to take a photo. Sets closing out over the small bay, but very good lefts when you know where to look. Turns out to be a super good warmup for the next day, only we do not know this yet.
All for One and One for All
Driving down the hill the waves look amazing. Offshore wind puffing spray off the back of the waves and it looks like a real life surf movie. This looks insane! calls our buddy, while he is already with one leg in his wetsuit. Bro, calm down, we are looking from top down and I think it is way bigger then it looks. While unpacking my 6‘5 magic stepup another local dude who waits for another madman to join him, gets ready. Stoked to paddle out with someone else we walk down, the crew setting up camp and camera at the little lookout. For some reason the other guy never makes it out and I end up surfing some of the biggest waves I can remember, all alone. The support from the homies on the beach is amazing. All for one and one for all!
All together now
After two waves I ride one all the way to the beach, signalling the crew to join. They are all cheering and clapping but showing zero signs to come down to the water. Apparently the other dude never really makes it out to the lineup and after seeing the real size the crew opted safety over quick fix adrenaline. Good decision, to celebrate we jump in at Mareta. Onshore crap but a lot more user friendly then the big stuff. Everyone gets a few waves and the morning is a succes. Are you a big wave charger or just looking to share some normal people waves, get in touch!
