Andre Lange @Zavial
Wetsuits: Stay Warm and Flexible in the Autumn Waves
"As autumn progresses, the waters of Sagres begin to cool, requiring the use of more robust suits. However, it is still not necessary to resort to boots and hats – those are reserved for winter."
For Beginners: At the beginning of the autumn season, on the sheltered beaches of the south coast, you can still opt for 3/2mm wetsuits, especially on calmer days with light offshore winds. These beaches, protected from the large west swells, provide softer and more consistent conditions, ideal for those who are learning. The focus here is to ensure warmth without losing flexibility.
For Intermediates and Advanced: As the west/northwest swells gain strength, the more exposed beaches, such as Tonel and Beliche, require a 4/3mm wetsuit, like the O'Neill Hyperfreak Fire. This wetsuit offers an excellent combination of warmth and flexibility, ideal for longer sessions in demanding conditions. The TechnoButter 3 material, combined with the FireWall Thermal Lining, is essential for retaining body heat, especially during morning sessions or at the end of the day when the offshore wind starts to blow stronger.
Winds: The Guide to Choosing the Best Day
In autumn, the winds begin to be a crucial factor in choosing the days and locations for surfing. The offshore winds, which blow from the land to the sea, are the most desired by surfers, as they help keep the waves smooth and well-formed, creating ideal conditions for maneuvers and tubes. In Sagres, the prevailing winds in autumn tend to be from the northwest, creating perfect conditions on the south-facing beaches.
Costa Sul (Mareta, Barranco e Zavial): These beaches are protected from onshore winds and benefit from lighter offshore winds, offering gentle and perfect waves for beginners and intermediate surfers. Zavial Beach stands out during this time, as it receives west swells similar to those of Beliche, providing memorable sessions when the wind blows from the north. On these days, the combination of north wind and west swell makes Zavial an excellent choice for those looking to catch good waves on the south coast.
Tonel and Telheiro: These beaches, exposed to the force of the waves from the west and northwest, become perfect playgrounds for advanced surfers during the fall. With offshore winds from the east or northeast, the waves here become perfect – hollow, fast, and ideal for high-performance maneuvers. However, on onshore wind days, the conditions can become challenging, with messy and closing waves.
Essential Accessories for Autumn
In autumn, it's not just the fact of surfing that makes the difference. The accessories you choose can directly influence your comfort and performance, especially on days with variable conditions.
Leash: The Ocean & Earth Premium One-XT is the perfect leash to tackle the strongest autumn waves. With extra strength and a robust design, this leash is ideal for surfers who challenge the most powerful waves of Tonel or Beliche. It keeps your board close at hand, even in rough sea conditions.
Poncho: The Rip Curl Logo Hooded Towel. Getting out of the water in the fall can be a cold and uncomfortable experience. The Rip Curl poncho is essential for drying you off quickly and changing clothes in a practical and comfortable way, especially on days with stronger winds.
Bucket Rip Curl Surf Series 50L: When you leave a beach like Tonel, where sand gets into everything, having a bucket to store your wet suit and accessories is essential. This bucket ensures that you keep everything organized, preventing water and sand from dirtying the car.
The Autumn Waves in Sagres: What to Expect
The beaches of Sagres come alive in autumn. The swells from the west and northwest, which prevail at this time, bring consistent and larger waves, with variable conditions depending on the beach's exposure and the wind direction.
Costa Sul (Mareta, Barranco e Zavial): These beaches are ideal for northwest wind days, shielding the waves from onshore effects and providing gentle conditions. Zavial, in particular, shines when the west swell coincides with north winds, creating long and perfect waves for surfers of all levels.
Tonel and Beliche: These beaches are known for their epic conditions in the fall, when northwest swells combine with offshore winds from the east or northeast. The waves are hollow, fast, and often larger, providing perfect tubes and high-adrenaline sessions. These beaches are recommended for advanced surfers looking for challenges and more demanding waves.
Autumn is one of the best times to surf in Sagres, but it requires the right equipment to make the most of the conditions. From the appropriate wetsuit for the colder waters, to sturdy leashes, and essential accessories to keep you comfortable, at the WAVESENSATIONS SURF SHOP we have everything you need for this season. And don't forget: choosing the right beach, depending on the winds and swells, is the key to enjoying the best waves that autumn in Sagres has to offer.
