Directly at the mouth of the Rio Mino is a beautiful and sometimes almost unknown spot. A headland separates a bay from the rough Atlantic here. This creates an ideal learning area for wingsurfers on the inside, as the bay is enclosed on three sides and the water is correspondingly smooth.
Austrian Stefan Schafgassner opened a pure wingfoil school here in 2022 with a Portuguese partner. "The wind yield for wingsailing is enormous, between May and August it is around 80 per cent. In the morning, there is often a moderate easterly wind from the river valley, which arrives onshore at our station. And of course the Nortada also ventilates this section of the coast extremely reliably. This northerly wind usually sets in at around 11.00 a.m. and increases to up to 25 knots by early afternoon," says Schafgassner, describing the typical wind conditions. The only thing you should keep an eye on here is the tidal current, and you should definitely get a spot briefing. A lifeboat is also available at the centre in case of an emergency.
While trips to the Atlantic wave were previously only possible with your own equipment, Mainpeak will also be offering wave courses from the 2024 season. "On the Atlantic side," says Schafgassner, "we have two different waves: A gentle, round wave breaks to windward, which is suitable for taking your first wave rides. The wave breaks into deep water, so you can slowly feel your way towards the breaking part - this spot is perfect for our training. You can also practise jumps here. The second surfable wave breaks to leeward, the sandbank is shallower there and the wave is more powerful. You should already have wave experience here," says Schafgassner, explaining the spot. If you are interested in wave courses, you should be able to turn and cross safely and be past the beginner stage with large-volume boards. The wave courses cost 280 euros and can be booked via the Website can be booked at the Wingsurf School.
The wave spot at Praia do Camarido is within walking distance of the main peak station. Keyword "within walking distance": the distances to possible accommodation are also short in Moledo. A campsite ("Parque de Campismo") is located directly at the spot, hotels and holiday accommodation can also be found. Even if the wind yield in summer probably leaves little time for an alternative programme: Porto is only around 50 minutes away, but there are also numerous alternatives on site, such as MTB or SUP tours or the archaeological sites on the other bank of the river.
Further information also HERE on the Mainpeak website.
