European Winter Surf: Nazare Damage, Ireland & Morocco's Gains

Europe’s winter surf season has been defined by a relentless series of low‑pressure systems, a stubborn high‑pressure block over Scandinavia and the fallout from Storm Kirstin that devastated Portugal’s iconic Nazare break.

Meteorological forces at work

Since the start of the year six major low‑pressure systems have battered the Iberian Peninsula, while a persistent high‑pressure ridge over Scandinavia has forced the jet stream southward. “This has been blocking areas of low pressure and milder, wet weather from pushing across from the Atlantic, deflecting the jet stream further south,” explained surf‑forecast chief forecaster Rob Davies. The result has been abundant wave energy accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain across the UK, western Europe and the Mediterranean.

Portugal’s Minister for the Environment, Maria Graça Carvalho, reported that dam and reservoir releases since January have equated to roughly a year’s national water consumption, with a flow of 6,500 cubic metres per second from three dams into the River Targus at Lisbon on Thursday morning.

Did You Know? Six low‑pressure systems have struck the Iberian Peninsula this winter, a frequency that has amplified wave energy for surf spots across Europe.

Impact on Nazare and the wider surf community

Storm Kirstin caused the most damage, prompting the Nazare council to ban all tourist‑maritime and leisure activities—including surfing—until the emergency measures were lifted this week. Veteran surfer Andrew “Cotty” Cotton described the devastation as unprecedented in his many years on Portugal’s coast.

With Nazare offline, top European surfers have chased conditions elsewhere. In Ireland, Nate Florence and Russell Bierke scored well, while County Clare’s Aileens and Riley’s enjoyed favorable swells. Mullaghmore in County Sligo has seen an unprecedented surge in paddle‑surfing, with Cotty noting “the biggest single progression in paddle surfing at Mully in its history.” He highlighted performances by Tom Lowe, Conor Maguire, Gearoid McDaid, Natxo Gonzalez and Jerome Sayhoun.

Morocco and the Atlantic fringe

Morocco has also benefited from the stalled weather pattern. Surfers such as Jerome Sayhoun, Conor Maguire, Natxo Gonzalez and Australian Laurie Towner rode heavy left‑hand slabs along the coast, while Sayhoun’s son Liam began to make his mark. The swell has stretched from Safi in the north to Taghazout’s points and the mysto waves of the Sahara, now beginning to wane after six weeks.

Britain, the Basque Country and the Pyrenees

In the UK, Devon’s North Wye and Cornwall’s Cardinham have endured 40 consecutive days of rain in 2026, yet surfers in those counties and on the North‑East coast have continued to surf on the above‑average swell backed by offshore winds.

Storm Nils later slammed the Basque coast with 100 mph gales, leaving 900,000 homes without power. Between the squalls, French reef breaks near Guethary delivered moments of “magic,” according to WSL commentator Paul Evans.

The heavy rainfall has also turned into a “silver lining” for the Pyrenees, where snowfall has produced base depths that outstrip the Alps, allowing most ski areas to finish the season.

Expert Insight: The confluence of a high‑pressure block and repeated low‑pressure systems has reshaped the European surf map this winter, pushing surfers northward and inland while delivering record‑breaking wave sessions in traditionally secondary spots. This pattern underscores how atmospheric dynamics can rapidly shift surf economies, with coastal towns like Nazare suffering immediate losses and emerging locations such as Mullaghmore and Morocco experiencing a surge in tourism and local surf culture.

Related Resources

Catastrophic Damage: Portugal Needs Your Help

Portugal River Wave Sweeps Surfers Out to Sea During ‘Devastating Crisis’ (Video)

Conor Maguire On Mullaghmore’s Swell Of The Decade

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Nazare closed to surfing?

Storm Kirstin caused significant damage along the Portuguese coast, leading the Nazare council to ban all tourist‑maritime and leisure activities, including surfing, until the emergency conditions were lifted.

What caused the unusually high water flow in the River Targus?

Since January, releases from three dams have combined to produce a flow of 6,500 cubic metres per second, equivalent to about a year’s national water consumption, according to Portugal’s Minister for the Environment.

Which European surf spots have benefited from the winter weather pattern?

Surfers reported strong conditions at Ireland’s Mullaghmore, Morocco’s Safi to Taghazout stretch, the UK’s north‑east coast, and the Spanish side of the Basque coast, including Mundaka and Roca Puta.

How do you think this shifting weather pattern will influence surf destinations in the coming months?

European Winter Surf: Nazare Damage, Ireland & Morocco’s Gains