I’ve just returned from a love affair with Nazaré. It was hard to leave her, but some things just seem too good to be true. The big wave mecca of Europe gathered all the best surfers for the WSL Big Wave Tour stop just before Christmas. She produced for them – so much so that critics were blaming her for PTSD. As the event coordinator, I have no doubt that there would have been more complaints had the waves been “too small” or had Nazaré under delivered. Headlines like “Nazaré – Too Dangerous For the Big Wave Tour” really puts things in perspective.
The day after competition went down in history as one of the most successful paddle sessions. With all the boys in town, the best big wave watermen took to Praia do Norte – more paddlers in one session that Nazaré had ever seen. Some of them caught the waves of their lives. Many were spooked and shaken up. Everyone – including myself, absolutely mesmerized from the lighthouse – was humbled. Jet skis slammed into the cliffs, clean-up sets were rampant, and the dark legend of the spot came to life.
After the spectacle unfolded, a forecast of offshore winds and solid conditions kept me grounded in this wordly fishing town. I snuck in a few paddle sessions once the crowds dispersed, and attempted to tow-surf, all of which I will never forget as the most scared I’ve ever been, and most rewarding once returning to shore unscathed. Of every big wave break in the world, Nazaré takes the jackpot on defining the “Challenge” in the Big Wave Tour circuit – due to its deep underwater canyon, multiple peaks, and no safe channel to speak of – this natural phenomenon is now at the top of the list of the most dangerous big waves on the planet.
Naturally, after postponing my flight and paying the hefty adjustment fees, I’m already wondering if I made the right decision in leaving this big wave time-bomb.
Muita obrigada a todos os locales por acolher-nos e o WSL a Nazaré e partilha-lo connosco. Boas ondas!
See more imagery from Nazaré and other big wave venues on Instagram @shannonreporting and her Facebook page.
