Intermediate Surfing in the Azores — Go Beyond the Basics

Already surfing green waves and wish to rip it hard? The Azores offer powerful and mellow waves easy to surf — if you know where and when.

🌊 Is the Azores Good for Intermediate Surfers?

Yes — but it’s not that friendly everywhere.

The Azores are known for powerful Atlantic swells, volcanic reefs, and fast-changing conditions.
For intermediate surfers, this is exactly what makes the islands special.

The key difference is knowing how to read:

Right Swell Direction
Right Wind
Right Tide
Right Spot for your Level

That’s where local guidance makes all the difference.

🧠 What “Intermediate Surfing” Means in the Azores

You’re considered an intermediate surfer here if you can:

Catch Green Waves Consistently
Paddle to the Outside Section
Do the Duck-dive
Feel Comfortable in Head-High Surf
Able to Control your Surfboard

But in the Azores, conditions change fast with the tides and the waves turn on and off for periods of time. That’s why it's crucial choosing the right wave and going for it with no hesitation.

📍 What Are the Best Intermediate Surf Spots in the Azores?

The Entire South Coast is Nice for Intermediate Surfing and One in the North Coast is Special:

Praia das Milícias

Type: Beach break
Best for: All levels
Swell direction: S/SW/W
Notes: The most famous and consistent spot, perfect during mid summer with long period swells (16s), good all year long with big west swells (2 meters plus).

Praia do Pópulo

Type: Beach break
Best for: All levels
Swell direction: S/SW/W
Notes: The uncrowded option, perfect during mid summer with long period swells (16s), good all year long with big west swells (2 meters plus).

Agua Dalto

Type: Beach break and Point break
Best for: all surfers
Swell direction: S/SW/W
Notes: That can be an alternative of the crowd, long rides, fun and calm. Also a very nice point break that offers a next level experience.

Santa Iria (the one in the north)

Type: Point break, rocky
Best for: Intermediate and Advanced
Notes: Long lefts on big swell days, it must be over 2 meters NW swell. The wind doesn’t really affect much but it’s better with no wind

Some days a spot is perfect for progression. Other days, the same spot becomes advanced-only. 👉 This is why forecast reading + local knowledge is essential.

📅 When is the Best Time to Surf in the Azores?

It’s basically all year long with waves. The thing is understanding the forecast around here which is very hard! Nevertheless here are the seasons and conditions to keep in mind before coming to the islands:

Season	Conditions	Best For
Summer (Jun-Sep)	Small, clean waves, warm water	Beginners, Intermediates &Longboarders
Autumn (Oct-Nov)	Consistent swells, still mild temperatures	Intermediates & Advanced
Winter (Dec-Feb)	Big swells, cold water, heavier waves	Advanced surfers
Spring (Mar-May)	Transition period, mix of conditions	Intermediates

Should Intermediate Surfers Take a Lesson or Just Rent a Surfboard?

The honest answer is: it depends on the conditions, not just your level.

In the Azores, waves change quickly and the same spot can feel completely different from one day to the next. For intermediate surfers, choosing what you want to surf is often more important than choosing where, due to the vast variety of waves here.

🏄‍♂️ When Renting a Surfboard Makes Sense

Renting a surfboard can work if:

Conditions are clean and predictable
You already know the spot
You understand currents, entry, and exits
You know a local surfer surfing here
The goal is relaxed, familiar session

When a Lesson or Guided Session is the Better Choice?

A lesson or guided surf session is usually the smarter option when:

Conditions are big and changing
You want to surfing a new type of break
You want to catch many waves
You’re unsure about current & wave size
You’re not confident with the crowd

This is especially true in the Azores, where spot selection and timing matter as much as skill.

🧭 Why Guided Surfing Works Best for Intermediates

Intermediate surfers often don’t need basic instruction — they need better decisions and more waves to improve their level.

A guided session focuses on:

Choosing the Right Spot for your Level that Day
Entering and Exiting Safely
Positioning in the Lineup
Reading the Waves and Catching the Right ones
Fixing the Minor Mistakes that’s Hard to Spot by Yourself

This usually leads to:

More Waves
More Confidence
More Technique

🤙 The Local Advantage

Instead of guessing or following crowds, a guided surf session gives you:

An Accurate Forecast Analysis
Local Knowledge of the Spots
Access to the Best Waves on that Day

Even confident surfers are often surprised by how much difference the right call makes when surfing in the Azores. I am myself included! Often surprised how unique the waves turn on during the same day!