The Surf Window

Jardim do Mar

Southwest Coast, Madeira

Reef breakExpert

One of Europe's most spectacular big wave and slab breaks, Jardim do Mar on Madeira's dramatic southwest coast is a world-class left-hand reef that detonates on massive North Atlantic swells against a backdrop of towering volcanic cliffs and terraced gardens.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

NE

Offshore

Tide

mid-high tide

LowMidHigh

Season

January–February

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Left

Bottom

Flat volcanic rock ledge

Shape

Thick, powerful left-hand slab, the wave ledges up abruptly over flat volcanic rock and throws a massive, pitching barrel

Length

50–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Expert
  • •Why: A brutal, powerful slab break on volcanic rock, one of Europe's most dangerous and technically demanding waves.

Hazards

  • •Flat volcanic rock ledge, catastrophic injury risk on wipeouts
  • •Powerful Atlantic hold-downs
  • •Seawall behind the lineup (village promenade wall)
  • •Remote Portuguese island location

Local Tips

  • •Jardim do Mar village was controversially developed in the early 2000s, a concrete sea wall was built that nearly destroyed the wave; protests preserved it.
  • •The village terraces of banana plantations above the sea are extraordinary, the contrast of agriculture and surfing is unique.

Location

Map showing the location of Jardim do Mar in Southwest Coast, Madeira

32.7569, -17.2339