Foz do Arelho

At the bocca of Lagoa de Óbidos, you kite between the exit of the lagoon and the beach of Foz do Arelho. The dominant summer wind is a nortada from the N–NW, which arrives side-on to side-shore on the lagoon mouth area, and rather side-shore on the ocean edge. When it turns more to the west, it becomes more side-on on the beach.

In the lagoon, the water is mostly flat to slightly choppy depending on the wind strength and tide level. At low tide, large areas remain shallow, ideal for freeride and freestyle. At high tide and during filling/draining phases, the current strengthens near the channel and generates chop, especially in line with the exit.

Launching on the lagoon side is done from the sandy beaches near Foz do Arelho or Bom Sucesso, with clear areas for rigging and launching. There is a large launch area on the Bom Sucesso side, more comfortable and wide, while some accesses closer to the bocca are a bit narrower and require careful orientation during launch. You must also respect the seasonal regulations: the area near the estuary on the swimming side is often prohibited for kitesurfing in mid-summer, with a wider opening from September to June for kiting near the mouth.

By crossing the dune, you quickly access the ocean edge. There, the water switches to waves/chop mode with Atlantic waves of varying size depending on the swell. It’s a good option to alternate between flat lagoon and waves in the same session. The beach on the ocean side is wide with a sandy bottom, but launching is more technical when the swell is strong or in case of marked shorebreak.

Kiting takes place over a large area between the inside of the lagoon and the exit towards the ocean. Beginners tend to stay away from the channel, where the water is calm and shallow. More comfortable riders can head towards the bocca or go out on the ocean side to play with the waves. The thermal wind tends to strengthen in the axis of the venturi formed by the hills of Foz do Arelho, often giving a few more knots than the raw forecasts.

In summary, the bocca is very interesting for those who want to enjoy a mix of flat/waves in a very small radius. However, it is essential to consider the tides, prohibited areas in summer, and the current in the channel to choose where to kite and where to safely land your kite.