Foam

Head to Praia do Norte this morning. The swell is lined up perfectly to wrap into the canyon and focus onto the beach north of the lighthouse, and at thigh to stomach height with a 10-second period, the faces are holding shape well because that long interval means the wave energy is organised and clean rather than choppy. Wind is light and cross-shore from the north, so it won't be pushing the faces around. It's fair to good conditions and worth the dawn patrol while the tide is falling and the window is still yours.

By mid-afternoon the wind swings onshore and picks up to 17 kph, which will soften the wave shape and close out the better peaks. Today's window runs until early afternoon, so make the most of it before the onshore wind takes over.

Tomorrow peaks at a solid five out of five, with waves probably reaching stomach height in the morning before the day trends sideways. The canyon's magnifying effect on these sizes is always uncertain, the forecast is a guide, not a promise, but it's worth your attention if you can get there early.