As the crew for our Portugal trip all slowly started filtered towards the boarding gate introductions were made. There were surfers from all over Ireland there as well as an Estonian, Polish and Swiss surfer. A few were nervous that their skills wouldn’t be up to scratch but after a few minutes it was obvious that we had a very easy going crew and everyone seemed excited by the trip.

As we all arrived in Lisbon we were worried by the locals wearing jackets and they all seemed to be in winter mode however when we walked outside the airport it seemed like a normal Irish windy summer’s day. We all arrived in the camp and sorted who was in the older (party) house and the younger (quieter) house. All seemed in high spirits and ready for food and a bit of craic. We headed for the nearest restaurant were the local waiter was delighted to see 20 odd Irish hungry and thirsty surfers walk in the door. We all sampled the local fish dishes and drank the local beer and wine and had a great meal getting to know each other. The best bit was when we got the bill and including alcohol the bill was only 13euro each. We headed to Chris’s bar and the 1 euro beers went down a treat.

The next day the weather turned and it seemed like the stormy weather reflected the hung over mood in camp. It was wild wet and windy but there was still a few waves at the sheltered Mona leste beach break. On Monday the mood was upbeat as the sun came out and the waves cleaned up. We headed back to Supertubos were there was a few waves on offer. Mona leste offered protection from the wind and the swell. Some found the conditions tough as the wave was a shore break and unlike Irish beach breaks broke fast and close to the shore. There were loads of impressive wipe-outs and while a few found it tough others loved the challenge. The waves were breaking fast so it meant take offs had to be quick. We hung at the beach all day and surfed twice with a short lunch break at the beach bar.

The next day the wind and swell dropped off so we headed to the North shore of Peniche. The waves were mellower than the day before but had less shape so they had less shape but were easier to catch. Surfing twice both days meant everybody was drained and went for an afternoon kip. However in true Irish style all turned up at the evening BBQ that the surf camp arranged. All you could eat with beer and Wine for 12 euro. The surf report looks promising for the next few days so there was a buzz amongst the crew and all seemed in high spirits.

For more photos info etc checkout www.surfbreaks.ie or check their facebook profile at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Surf-breaks-Ireland-and-Abroad/180040166553

We are heading to Morroco in Feb so drop us an email if your keen.