Coxos

Very close to Ribeira d’Ilhas where the Billabong Buondi Pro is being held is located a beach called Coxos. North of the famous Ribeira d’ Ilhas Beach, close to Ribamar and about 6.0 km north of Ericeira is Coxos beach. With very large waves reaching the shore, it is a favourite with experienced surfers. Considered by some Europe’s best right. It’s ironic, actually, because it was one of the last “discoveries” in the Ericiera area.

The wave breaks along a shallow rock shelf into a very small bay. Swells muscle their way in from deep water just offshore and form into these fast-moving symmetrical right walls that seem to concentrate all their power into the base of the wave rather than the lip. There’s no easy entry at Coxos: you’ve got to paddle like mad, get to your feet and start driving, otherwise you’ll get sucked over an end up on the reef. If you do it right, though, it’s the best barrel in Europe.