Pedra Branca (translated as white stone) is the first wave of the World Surfing Reserve and is considered the best lefthander in the area. You reach this spot via the dirt road in front of Camping Ericeira. Pedra Branca is located on the southern point of a beach called Praia da Empa, next to the surf spot Backdoor.

It’s a powerful reef break with awesome tubes. The wave is fast and breaks over a shallow reef with holes; mistakes can therefore have serious consequences. The fast take-off into the barrel reminds you of Pipeline, Hawaii. The shallow reef normally becomes exposed around mid tide and this spot can therefore only be surfed with higher tide.

Pedra Branca starts to break in smaller swell, but can hold up to 2.5 meters. The best conditions are east and northeast winds combined with west and southwest swells. This spot is a bodyboarders favorite and can’t handle a big crowd because of the narrow take off zone. So you better respect the locals!