The Surf Window

Lajes do Pico

Pico, Azores

Reef breakAdvanced

On the island of Pico in the Azores, in the shadow of Portugal's highest mountain, Lajes do Pico is a historic whaling village where Atlantic swells arrive at a rugged volcanic coast and produce powerful reef breaks rarely surfed by anyone.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–SW 1.5–3m at 14–18s

Wind

N

Light to NE under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Apr

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Volcanic rock

Shape

Rights and lefts over exposed lava reef

Length

80–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Remote volcanic reef in mid-Atlantic conditions, completely self-reliant

Hazards

  • •Sharp volcanic reef
  • •Very remote, Faial hospital is a boat trip away
  • •Mid-Atlantic weather is extremely unpredictable

Local Tips

  • •The Whalers Museum in Lajes is one of the world's finest, extraordinary whaling history
  • •Pico wine (grown in UNESCO lava fields) is one of the world's most unique wine experiences
  • •The island's 2,351m volcano is visible from across the Azores on clear days

Location

Map showing the location of Lajes do Pico in Pico, Azores

38.3945, -28.2522