Coxos can be spectacular but proceed with caution. If you aren’t confident on rock reefs and surfing amongst a group of advanced rippers, you may want to check out Ribeira or the reefs closer to town that have an easier entry and softer crowd.
Coxos Pictures
About Coxos Surf Break
Break Type: Reef
Skill Level: Advanced
Crowd: Moderate – Crowded
Accessibility: Difficult – paddled out and in through small are between rocks
Description:
Coxos: One of Portugal’s Premier Right-Hand Breaks
Overview
Coxos is well known as one of Portugal’s finest right-hand point breaks. On the right swell, you can get fully stoked and some! It’s a fast righthand wave, often barreling. When it’s working it’s long enough to get a multi-second barrel or 5+ turns.
The Terrain
The seabed here is a rocky reef. The shoreline is a minefield of sharp rock that’s barely possible to navigate barefoot. Paddling out can be challenging, especially on bigger days. For safety, it’s advisable to paddle out and in from a small cove area near the cliffs. If you miss this exit area it’s best to paddle back out and try again.
Swell
Coxos likes medium swells on a moderate period from the NW. Too much west or too long of a period can overpower it, making it difficult to handle and creating a challenging current.
Local Insights
Most locals carry their gear in a backpack or board bag down to the shore. If you’re visiting, the local crew will know you’re a foreigner regardless of what you do, but if you want to try to fit in change in the cove down by the water. A local also told me to be careful about leaving valuables in the car because there are break ins. You don’t get this vibe at all in the beach towns of Portugal, so don’t get caught off guard.
Etiquette
Localism isn’t as gnarly as some other places I’ve surfed, but there’s still a bit of a vibe. As a visitor, it’s respectful to observe from the shoulder, giving locals the space and priority they’ve earned through years of surfing these waters.