Peniche, Oeste · Portugal
Surfing Supertubos, Peniche
Supertubos, officially Praia do Medão Grande, is the long sand beach on the south side of the Peniche isthmus and one of the heaviest beach breaks in Europe. On its day it throws fast, shallow barrels in both directions a short paddle from the sand, which is why the WSL Championship Tour has made it a regular stop since 2009. The one thing to know: it is a wave for experienced surfers, and the shorebreak punishes mistakes.
At a glance
- Wave
- Beach break · Lefts and rights
- Bottom
- Sand
- Level
- Advanced, Expert
- Best swell
- SW, WSW, W, WNW
- Best wind
- N, NNE, NE, E
- Tide
- Mid to high tide
- Best months
- Oct–Mar
- Water
- 14–19 °C · 4/3 mm → 3/2 mm
- Crowd
- Crowded
The surf at Supertubos
The wave breaks over sandbanks that shift with each winter's storms, so the best peaks move along the beach from one season to the next. It likes west to south-west swell, and north to north-east wind blows offshore across the beach, so it can hold clean shape while the prevailing north wind wrecks other spots. Mid to high tide is the stage most often recommended; at low tide the banks are shallower still. Size runs from waist-high to double overhead, and it turns serious from head-high up: steep, late take-offs, thick lips and a hard sand bottom that snaps boards regularly.
Rips run along the beach when the swell is up. October to March is the main season, with autumn often bringing the cleanest mix of groundswell and offshore mornings; summer is frequently small or flat. The line-up is competitive, with a strong local surf and bodyboard crew, and it gets very busy on good days and around the contest. Advanced surfers should choose waves carefully; intermediates and beginners are better served at Baleal, on the north side of the peninsula.
Photographing surf at Supertubos
The beach faces west-south-west, so morning sun comes from behind you and lights the wave faces; after midday the light swings round to your side and then in front of you. Late in the day the sun sits over the sea, giving backlit spray, glare and silhouettes, and in winter it sets almost straight out from the beach. The peaks break close to the sand, so 200–600 mm from the beach fills the frame, and 100–400 mm is enough when a peak sets up right in front of you.
The low dunes behind the beach give a little extra height, but keep to the paths and off the vegetation. During the WSL event the beach fills with stands and media zones, and the best spots on the sand go early. From the water, a housing in the shorebreak gets the classic barrel angle, but only for strong swimmers used to heavy, shallow beach breaks, and never in the middle of a crowded line-up.
Getting there
Supertubos is on the south side of the Peniche isthmus, a few minutes by car or about 20 minutes on foot from the town centre. Lisbon is about 90 km away, around 1 h 15 min by car via the A8 and IP6. There is a car park by the beach, lifeguards in the summer season, and beach bars, showers and toilets. On contest days and good swells the parking fills, and walking or cycling from Peniche is easier.
Surfing or shooting here?
Surfing at Supertubos?
Post your surf plan with your dates. Photographers in the area can see it and offer to shoot your session.
Shooting at Supertubos?
Share your photos with the beach tagged. Surfers looking at Supertubos find your work and can message you.
Nearby spots
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to surf Supertubos?
October to March is the main season, when west to south-west groundswell lines up with north-east offshore mornings, and autumn is often the cleanest. Mid to high tide is usually preferred. Summer is frequently small or flat, so if you visit in July or August, keep Baleal and Lagide on the north side of the peninsula in mind.
Is Supertubos good for beginners?
No. Supertubos breaks fast, hollow and shallow over sand, with a heavy shorebreak and rips, and it is best left to experienced surfers who are comfortable with late drops and barrels. Beginners should learn at Baleal, on the north side of the peninsula, where the bay is more sheltered and surf schools teach.
Where can you photograph surfing at Supertubos?
From the sand directly in front of the main peaks, with 200–600 mm and the morning sun behind you. The low dunes behind the beach add a little height, and late afternoon gives backlit spray and sunset silhouettes. During the WSL contest, arrive early to find space away from the event structures.
Why is it called Supertubos?
The nickname comes from its fast, hollow tubes; the beach's official name is Praia do Medão Grande, and it is sometimes called the European Pipeline. The wave became known worldwide with the Rip Curl Pro Search in 2009 and has been a regular WSL Championship Tour venue ever since.
How can I get photos of my surf session at Supertubos?
Post your surf plan on Makai with the dates you will be here, so photographers in the area can offer to shoot you, or browse surf photographers and message one before your session. Agree on what you will get before you paddle out.
Updated September 2026