Practiced in the air, on land, and in the water, board sports have been gaining more disciplines and enthusiasts. Whether they involve gliding, a board and paddle, aquatic elements, or creative combinations of them all, these sports offer an irresistible mix of exercise, fun, competition, adrenaline, and fresh perspectives on the breathtaking landscapes around us.

In Northern Portugal, the coastal shores, favorable winds, lakes, river beaches, and year-round sunshine create the perfect setting for both national and international athletes to enjoy unique experiences and collect countless stories with a Northern accent. Grab your board and follow our recommendations.

Did you know that modern surfing, as we know it today, was born in the early 20th century on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, at Waikiki Beach? This sport quickly gained enthusiasts worldwide, and Portugal is no exception. Portuguese beaches are now nationally and internationally recognized as perfect spots for surfing. If you're looking to catch some waves, here are some recommendations:  

• In Northern Portugal, close to the Spanish border, Moledo and Vila Praia de Âncora offer excellent beaches ideal for surfing.  
• A bit further south, in Viana do Castelo, Praia da Arda (also known as Praia da Mariana) is considered one of the best in Portugal for surfing and bodyboarding. Popular among young surfers, it features an extensive sandy shore set against a stunning natural landscape. Praia do Cabedelo is also a hotspot for surfers, kitesurfers, and windsurfers, who come here to take advantage of the perfect waves and wind conditions.
• In Póvoa de Varzim, the natural conditions of Praia da Barranha, located between Praia da Codicheira and Praia do Rio Alto, make it an excellent spot for surfing and bodyboarding.
• Praia da Azurara, in Vila do Conde, is one of the best surfing beaches in Northern Portugal due to its geographic orientation.  
• Further south, Praia de Matosinhos is perfect for beginners taking their first steps in the sport.  
• In Espinho, several beaches have become must-visit locations for wave lovers. Did you know that the famous "Direita do Casino" tubular wave forms to the right of the breakwater in front of the Espinho Casino, at Praia da Baía? This is a favorite spot for many surfers, including national and world champions.  

Between September and April, Portugal offers the best surfing conditions. Northern Portugal is an excellent choice for those looking to grab their board and travel along the coast, guided by the sea and the salty breeze.

Bodyboarding allows riders to surf lying on the board (prone) or with one knee down (dropknee). Compared to other surfing boards, a bodyboard is smaller, more flexible, and enables drastic changes in speed and trajectory, allowing for spectacular aerial maneuvers.

1. For beginners: Matosinhos beach

Start at Matosinhos Beach, in Porto, perfect for beginners. Accredited surf schools offer private lessons with experienced instructors and provide all necessary equipment (boards, leash, wetsuit). The area is known for its safety and accessibility.

2. Challenge yourself: Arda beach

Head to Arda Beach, an iconic bodyboarding spot that has hosted international events for decades. The strong, consistent waves make it perfect for intermediate and advanced riders. Check real-time sea conditions using the Info Praia app from the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).

3. Watch or participate: competitions and events

Join or watch stages of the National Bodyboard Circuit. Northern Portugal frequently hosts major competitions, attracting athletes from across the country.

Using a kite and a board with foot straps, kitesurfing allows you to glide and soar over the water. On the other hand, windsurfing, a mix of sailing and surfing, has several variations, such as freestyle, slalom, and wave riding, each requiring different equipment and skill levels.

In Moledo Beach, Caminha, the average wind speed is around 20 to 25 knots, making it easier for beginners. While you're there, take the opportunity to visit Forte da Ínsua, a National Monument since 1910, located on a small island just offshore.

Cabedelo Beach, in Viana do Castelo, offers exceptional natural conditions for kitesurfing and even hosted the 2018 Kitesurf World Championship, welcoming some of the world's best athletes in the sport.

In the 1960s, in Los Angeles, USA, surfers attempted to replicate surf maneuvers on the streets. They adapted the shape of surfboards, added chassis and four wheels, and thus, skateboarding was born.

Today, skateboarding has evolved into various types, including longboard, cruiser, mini-cruiser, carve and double kick.

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is an ancient form of surfing that has recently gained popularity as an independent water sport, attracting more and more enthusiasts every day.

In its simplest form, SUP is practiced on flat water using a larger board and a paddle. When done in the ocean with waves, it is called SUP Surfing. There are also competitive races where participants paddle from one point to another (SUP Racing), either in calm waters (rivers, lakes, and reservoirs) or in the open sea.

Regardless of the style, SUP is an excellent full-body workout, helping to improve balance, strengthen muscles, and promote relaxation. Northern Portugal, with its diverse waterways, is a perfect destination for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Wakeboarding, developed in the 1990s, is a sport derived from surfing that involves riding a board similar to a snowboard while being towed by a boat or cable system. The challenge is to maintain balance while performing tricks and jumps.

Where to try wakeboarding:

• At sea: in Matosinhos, several nautical clubs offer wakeboarding lessons and rental equipment.
• On lakes: wakeboarding can also be practiced in calm freshwater environments.
• In dedicated training centers: many surf and water-ski schools also offer wakeboarding:
  • FeelViana Wake Park (Viana do Castelo), for example. Located on the left bank of the Lima River near Cabedelo Beach, this facility is ideal for both beginners and advanced riders.

If you haven’t decided which one to try yet, perhaps this article will help you find the perfect match. Gather your family and friends—experiences are always better when shared. What are you waiting for? Pick your board and have fun!