Alcabideche

The spot is a large sandy beach open to the ocean, with rocks on the sides of the bay. The main navigation area is located in the center of the beach, where the shorebreak is more regular and access to the water is a bit easier. Launching is done from the sandy beach, but the shorebreak can be violent on days of big swell, which requires experience to get past the bar.

The dominant wind in season is the Nortada, a flow from north to northwest that thermally strengthens in the afternoon. Depending on the exact orientation (N, NNW, NW, or W), the wind generally arrives side-shore to side-on relative to the beach, which is safe for returning to the shore but creates a lot of chop and cross waves. With a strong north wind, it is more side-shore, while with NW to W it tends more towards side-on.

The water surface is mainly wave-oriented, with a mix of chop and swell. The beach captures Atlantic swells very well: one can regularly have waves of 1 to 2.5 meters, or even more on big days. The waves work at all tides, but the shape changes a lot: more volume and power at mid-tide to high tide, a bit more space to manage the shorebreak at lower tide, but it remains rare to find true flat water. One can sometimes find a bit of smoother water between sets or behind certain sections, but the spirit of the spot remains clearly 'wave riding'.

The current is influenced by the swell and strong wind. It can pull along the beach in the dominant direction of the wind and swell, which requires regular upwind riding. In case of big swell, channels and return currents can form and accelerate drift, especially near the rocks on the sides.

The launch area is on the sandy beach, which is wide, but one must deal with the crowds in summer (surfers, bathers, and other kiters). The wind often increases during the day: the thermal can easily reach 25 to 35 knots, or even more on the strongest days. It is important to anticipate this strengthening when choosing kite size. The spot is rated intermediate to advanced due to the strong wind, waves, currents, and side rocks.

In summary, Praia do Guincho is a true spot for powerful waves with strong and often gusty wind, ideal for those who love to ride in ocean swell, much less suitable for freestyle or leisurely cruising.