There are many beaches in Peniche / Baleal: Praia Lagide, Praia do Baleal Norte, Praia do Baleal Sul, Praia da Baía, Praia de Peniche de Cima, Praia da Cova da Alfarroba, Praia do Quebrado, Praia da Gambôa, Praia do Supertubos, Praia do Medão Grande, Praia da Consolação. Not all are good for kitesurfing.
The only beach which is really adequate for kitesurfing is Praia da Gambôa as the wind is less gusty as it less disturbed by Baleal. Try if possible to pick a day where the wave period is of 15 seconds else it becomes challenging.
The wind still can be alright when going up the beach between Praia de Peniche de Cima and Praia da Baía.
It is possible to ride in Praia do Baleal (Sul) nearby Peniche as it is a beautiful sand beach with no rocks anywhere. But there can be some currents when the tides change. The most difficult being when the tide goes up with a north-west wind as naturally you loose speed. Wave riding is extremely difficult, the waves can be very big, and they are often times very close together, and there are areas which are messy with currents. Wind usually is gusty because of the constructions and the peninsula, naturally the wind is more stable on the south part of the beach.
One beach you must avoid is Praia do Supertubos, this spot is extreme! and usually highly dangerous with massive waves and really strong currents.
Choice rating (1 to 5) | ||
---|---|---|
Baleal works all year and the water temperature is good until November with a wetsuit.
Best wind conditions are North to North-west winds to get side and side-on winds in Praia da Gambôa. It is also possible to ride with South-east winds to get side-off winds but this is very rare. Wind usually is gusty on the north part of the beach because of the constructions and the peninsula, naturally the wind is more stable on the south part of the beach.
There is a live webcam in Lagide.
Waves are difficult in Baleal: they can be big, strong with short periods.
There are no kitesurf shops & schools in Baleal and Peniche. There are only surf shops & schools.
Access to the beach is easy from the parking locations.
There are no showers available on the beach.
There are usually lifeguards on the beach, especially when surfers go out. But when there is strong wind and surfers stay at home, usually there are no lifeguards.
Be cautious and know your basic safety. Preferably go out with a group. Sometimes you will find other kitesurfers on this spot.