Maxime Huscenot traveled to Madeira Island, to explore the Island, its waves, and the local surfing community. Maxime first traveled to Madeira Island 13 years ago. He was immediately impressed with the beauty of the island, and the epic waves it offers. His appreciation was such that he has visited the island twice in the last three years.
Madeira Island offers a variety of waves. It enables you to use different types of boards, and to enjoy alternative lines, which you wouldn't be able to do in other surf spots.
When he first arrived on the Island with Deeply, he soon met Joao Guedes and Orlando Pereira. After their surf session, Orlando took them to “Serra de Água” to enjoy some “Poncha”, the well known local liquor.
Orlando Pereira is an Iconic surfer of the Madeira Island. According to him, Madeira Island is one of the best surf spots in Europe. Especially the “Calheta” region located on the southwest part of the island.
This area welcomes the best waves on the Island. Its beaches form a circuit which enables people to surf all day long. Not visiting the “Calheta” region is like going to Hawaii and not visiting the North Shore.
Madeira offers big waves, crowdless peaks and perfect rides. Madeira Island is at the forefront of the future of big wave surfing.
The next location was “Seixal” in “Porto Moniz”. Here, they met Rúben Afonso. Founder of the Madeira Surf Center. Rúben considers the north waves to be the best.
Home to numerous beaches such as Fajã da Areia, Baía dos juncos, Ribeira das Janelas and Contreiras. However, his favorite spot is "Cabeço do Boi” in “São Vicente”.
It was only after the dock was built in this region, that Rúben realized the surfing potential that existed here.
Third on the itinerary was Machico. Home to “The Around Freedom Surf School” founded by Roberto Felipe. He started surfing in Madeira in 1989.
Coming from the mainland, he was always passionate about the peaceful and slow living found on the Island. Surfing became a plus.
Although Surfing in Madeira is only now becoming known abroad, its first generation of surfers settled about 40 years ago. Among them was Belmiro Mendes, a local from “Jardins do Mar”, and founder of the “Salty-Madeira water Activities” center, located in Porto da Cruz in Machico. According to Belmiro, Madeira is a tough spot to learn how to surf.
The sea and the waves can get rough. For this reason, he focuses on teaching one-on-one. Not only does he teach people how to surf, but he also transmits the local’s values and how to respect the local community and environment. In order to provide the best experience to his customers, he chooses the beach on the day, depending on what the client is looking for.
It has become clear that Surfing has become an asset for Madeira Island. It offers jobs and promotes sustainability. In Madeira, the role of the surfer is one of preservation and environmental care, as well as raising awareness to environmental issues.
The local surfing community is at the forefront of preserving the integrity and health of the Island. They invest themselves in teaching foreigners on how to respect the island and its locals by leading by example.
If you are planning a surf trip, Madeira Island is the place to go.
