Big-wave surfing and jetski adventure of a lifetime
Visiting Nazaré in Portugal to see the giant waves, generated by the Nazaré canyon, at Praia do Norte has been top of my bucket list for years. Like Many fans, I had poured over online footage of the massive waves and streamed the big-wave surfing competitions. When I finally went, I never expected to be able to get out among those waves on a jetski for real. During my taxi luxurious transfer from Faro airport, that included a tour of locals sites, I told Victor from Leiria SilverCoast Transfers about my passion for big-wave surfing, and how I especially admire the skill and courage of the jetski riders and their safety teams-that I was too old to learn to surf, but would LOVE to ride pillion on a jetski to see the waves and surfing up close and personal. Next thing, Victor had put me in touch with surfer Rafa, who then put me in touch with Dino Carmo at NazareJet. I was honest with Dino, and I told him that I am a plus size unfit middle-aged woman who would be unlikely to haul myself back onto a jetski should I land in the water. Dino and his team applauded my self awareness and honesty that meant they could plan and prepare accordingly. They are Nazaré locals who have grown up in and around those unique surf conditions, and they assured me that they are highly trained and experienced to the extent that they have saved unconscious surfers when the need arose. The day before my trip Dino called with the meet up time, after checking the conditions were optimal. When I arrived, there was no faffing around. Dino handed me a wetsuit that actually fit me along with the rest of the safety geer. Him and his team quickly went through all the safety procedures and off we went. Throughout the trip Dino, although constantly vigilant, was relaxed and sociable, and frequently in radio contact with his and other safety teams. We would ride down a wave, then turn and stop to watch the surfers charging towards us, then we would go again. Dino explained how the geography afforded those huge swells to form, told me about some of the local history and culture, and gave me a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what's involved in the big-wave surfing sport. He even introduced me to some of the surfers and jetski teams in the line up. We happened across an injured surfer, so I witnessed first hand the swift across-team cooperation that led to the rescue of that surfer. The sheer magnificence of being so close to this raw power of creation led to a spiritual epiphany - even mentioned during my Baptism testimony! If you want an experience of a lifetime, are like me or a experienced surfer or into photography, I can't recommend these guys highly enough! To top it all off, after my shower and cold drink, Dino gave me a lift up to a local restaurant in Sitio that he recommended. He drove the scenic route, pointing out places of interest that included where he grew up and regaled me with tales of his childhood. I am ready planning my next trip back. Seriously, just do it!