While the big wave fraternity was on a come-down from the mega swell at Nazare a couple of weeks ago, the government issued a full ban on surfing the colossal right. Twenty thousand onlookers huddling on the cliffs didn’t play well with renewed spikes in COVID cases across Europe, so the death-defying wave was off-limits because it was possibly more likely you’d die on the beach because the wrong person sneezed on you. 

Fortunately, there is more to Portugal than Nazare. After Nic Von Rupp talks you through his emotional roller-coaster on the big day at Nazare ( this is very involved) he hits a slabbing Portuguese right that looks far more relatable than a Nazare sky-tickler. Look out for cameos by  Kanoa Igarashi and Fred Morais.