Was it the biggest surfable south swell that Sagres has ever seen? On October 22, 2023, around 3:00 PM, the wind shifted north after a storm, perfectly grooming the waves rolling into Mareta Bay – a rare and breathtaking moment for surfers in Sagres.
Earlier that day, I paddled out for a quick session in still smaller conditions. Sensing the magnitude of the moment, I quickly wrapped up my session and raced back to grab my camera.
I wasn’t the only one ready to seize the opportunity. Local surfing talent @João Mendonça was out there, carving up these incredible waves with skill and style. Capturing his rides on camera felt like documenting history in the making.
This day wasn’t just about size; it was about perfection. A south swell like this, combined with the clean-up from a strong north wind, created a spectacle that’s rare even in a place as wave-rich as Sagres. Whether it was truly the biggest south swell ever surfed here is up for debate, but it’s undoubtedly a day that will be remembered by everyone who witnessed it.
