Ericeira Town & South · Portugal

Surfing Crazy Left

A left reef in Ericeira Town & South, Portugal, for advanced and pro surfers.

Plan a trip that includes Crazy Left

The wave

Crazy Left is a heavy, hollow left over shallow reef just along the coast from Ericeira town. As the swell grows it gets more dangerous, with sections that close out without warning over a rock bottom.

On a clean swell it throws short, thick barrels, and photographers line the cliff to shoot it. It's for advanced surfers only. Watch it from the top first and give the locals space.

38.965, -9.421 · Clean NW swell, offshore wind · Open in Google Maps

When to surf Crazy Left

Crazy Left is at its best from October to March. Conditions it likes: Clean NW swell, offshore wind. This is how the year looks across Ericeira:

MonthsVerdictWhat to expect
October to FebruaryPrimeBiggest, most consistent NW/W groundswell, cold but firing
March to AprilGoodReliable swell, milder water, shoulder-season crowds
May to JuneQuietSmaller and patchier, pleasant weather
July to AugustAvoidSmall summer swell, packed beaches, high season prices

In season: January · February · October · November · December

Waves near Crazy Left

WaveAreaTypeLevelDistance
Reef (Pedra Branca)Ericeira Town & SouthLeft ReefIntermediate / Advancedunder 1 km
Ribeira d'IlhasRibeira d'Ilhas & CoxosRight PointIntermediate / Advanced / Pro2 km
CoxosRibeira d'Ilhas & CoxosRight Point/ReefAdvanced / Pro3 km
São LourençoRibeira d'Ilhas & CoxosRight RivermouthAdvanced / Pro3 km
Foz do LizandroEriceira Town & SouthBeach BreakBeginner / Intermediate4 km
Praia das MaçãsCascais & EstorilBeach BreakBeginner / Intermediate20 km

Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.

Getting there and staying around Ericeira Town & South

Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Ericeira Town & South surf guide →

A week here costs from about $287 with flights from Europe, or around $871 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →

Crazy Left: common questions

When is the best time to surf Crazy Left?

Crazy Left works best from October to March. Ideal conditions: Clean NW swell, offshore wind.

Is Crazy Left good for beginners?

No. Crazy Left is a wave for advanced and pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Foz do Lizandro in Ericeira Town & South, about 4 km away.

How crowded is Crazy Left?

Crazy Left is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.

Where is Crazy Left?

Crazy Left is in Ericeira Town & South, in the Ericeira region of Portugal (38.965, -9.421). The nearest wave we cover is Reef (Pedra Branca), under 1 km away.

Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.

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