PERIL POINT
We positioned the ski as best we could with help from communication radios from Jorge. The biggest challenge was getting in the perfect spot. You look to the outside and the waves seem like they are going to break. Then they back off slightly. Then they hit the beach and stand up again. From the cliff top it looks manageable but when you’re on the water it’s so hard to read where the wave is going to break. You are never in a safe place at Nazaré!
Set waves come in on such extreme angles that it actually changes the direction of wind on the wave. Some waves were too onshore and some waves were too offshore to ride. Other sets came in from two different angles and merge together anywhere along the point or beach making it a game of chance rather than skill. The tow surfers with their jet skis can chase these waves doing 30 to 40 km/h, finding that perfect spot. But on a windsurfer in 12 knots of wind you just have to be super lucky. I sat in the water for 6 hours and had two good waves. You can’t imagine how hard it is to stay focused and energized throughout all this time, especially when your adrenaline is pumping all day and you can’t eat. Luckily we came prepared and had plenty of water, Red Bull and protein shakes on the jet ski.