The McNamara Surf Trip Documentary

After the giant wave that got the whole world talking about the town of Nazaré, Garrett McNamara takes a trip around Portugal to discover the rest of the country's waves.  

Follow the adventures of the boldest surfer of all times on his surf trip of discovery around Portugal, and see the country as you have never seen it before. From one end of Portugal to the other, including the islands of Madeira and the Azores, feel the true power of the Portuguese coast. 

Don't miss this swell.

+ info The McNamara Surf Trip http://goo.gl/WwyMgR 

Sumol Nazaré Special Edition 2014

The 6th edition of the most expected Bodyboard championship in Portugal is coming and the dates to the waiting period and to the Special Trials are already known!

In January 2014, Praia do Norte, in Nazaré, Portugal, receives 24 of the best national and international bodyboard athletes, who every two years defy the perfect waves of the “Nazaré Canyon“.

The Sumol Nazaré Special Edition 2014 has a waiting period of almost a month – January 3 to 30 and will be approved by the Portuguese Surfing Federation and the Portuguese Bodyboard Association.

During this interval one day will be chosen to hold the event, according to the best forecasted tides and weather conditions.
This project aims to make known the quality and diversity of these waves and the potential of Nazaré as a unique spot to practice this kind of sport. In ten years of existence (translated into 5 editions held), the Sumol Nazaré Special Edition 2014 attracted to the North Beach more than 50, national and international, top athletes and 15 thousand visitors, under a single event that happens in one day and have innovative molds in the sport’s scene.

In 2012, Pierre Louis Costes was the winner of the 5th edition of the SUMOL NAZARÉ SPECIAL EDITION, being the second and third positions won by the Portuguese António Cardoso and Tiago Moita Silva, respectively.

More information at:
-Site: www.specialedition.com.pt 

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snspecialedition 

-Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/79205679 

Source: Sumol Nazaré Special Edition 

Giant Waves Return to Praia do Norte



©Nazaré Qualifica - Vítor Estrelinha - Jorge Leal

 It was forecasted a big swell this week in Nazaré. But contrary to all predictions, that were pointing to poor weather and wind conditions, Praia do Norte was favored with big and perfect waves, with more than ten meters, which delighted Garrett McNamara, Andrew Cotton, Hugo Vau, José Gregório and Ruben Gonzalez, under the project ZON North Canyon Show 2012.

On Wednesday, Garrett McNamara and Andrew Cotton surfed awesome waves, but also had two of their heaviest beatings, where they could apply what they had learned with Martin Stepanek, Freediver World Champion (free-diving), who was the week before in Nazaré to teach breathing techniques and aquatic survival.

That same day, the Portuguese duo José Gregório and Ruben Gonzalez was also in Praia do Norte to surf some waves, such as the Portuguese surfer Hugo Vau, who was towed by Garrett McNamara in some respectful waves.

All sessions can be monitored directly on the page of the ZON North Canyon on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ZonNorthCanyon ).

The ZON NORTH CANYON SHOW is a three year project, started in 2010, and is developed by Nazaré Qualifica in partnership with the Town Hall of Nazaré and sponsored by ZON. The project includes surfing, tow-in and stand up paddle aiming to internationally promote Nazaré as a reference tourist destination to the practice of big-wave sports and to shoot three documentaries that record the sports activity of Garrett McNamara and the daily life of this village.

Garrett McNamara is one of the most respected big-wave surfers in the world. During the last decade he has traveled the world in search of new challenges at sea and he was immediately surprised by the waves’ potential of Nazaré, in particular the ones of Praia do Norte, which are under the effect of the phenomenon known as “Canyon of Nazaré”. This is a rare geomorphologic accident, the biggest in Europe and one of the largest in the world, consisting on a failure on the continental plate with 170 kilometers long and five kilometers deep. The “Nazaré Canyon” channels the swell from the Atlantic Ocean to Praia do Norte creating large waves and providing unique conditions to this sports.

Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ZonNorthCanyon ) and on the project website (www.zonnorthcanyon.com ).
Also at:
- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Garrett-McNamara
- http://www.facebook.com/andrewcottonsurfer
- http://www.facebook.com/FreedivingInstructorsInternational

Red Bull Mito has arrived to put Portugal on the map

The waiting for the Myth has begun: Waiting Period from the 25th of October to the 30th of November

With a brand new format and lots of stars to the mix, the Red Bull Mito has arrived to put Portugal on the spot of the worldwide big wave competitions. The event may start from now until the 30th of November; the place chosen is Praia do Norte, Nazaré. The water safety has been delegated to the experienced surfer Garret McNamara.

Providing an unforgettable experience to both athletes and fans of surfing, put Portugal and Nazaré in the spotlight of big wave surfing competitions is the main goal of the Red Bull Mito. At Praia do Norte, taking advantage of the potential Nazaré Canyon, we are now in the beginning of the countdown to this amazing Tow in Championship.

For this First edition of the Red Bull Mito we have summon true legends that have dedicated their life’s to conquer waves from the seven seas! The competition will start as soon as the conditions allows. Waves with at least of 10 meters will be needed - and it will work with teams of two surfers, one surfing and the other driving the Jet Ski.

Confirmed, amongst others, is the Brazilian Carlos Burle - that made history in 2001 by surfing a 22 meter wave in Mavericks (California) - the Chilean Ramon Navarro, the first to discover and surf the legendary wave “La Bestia” of the coast of Chile - the Australians Ross Clarke-Jones (the first non Hawaiian to win the Waimea Bay competition in the memory of Eddie Aikau) and Tom Carroll (the veteran that made history during the decade of the 80´s and winner of two world titles of WCT competitions) and also Axi Munain, the European with more nominations on the Billabong XXL. Al Mennie and Andrew Cotton, one of the best teams in big wave surfing will also be present in the competition.

Ruben Gonzalez and José Gregório will defend the Portuguese colors in the Red Bull Mito. The safety of the surfers has been trusted to one of the living legends of big wave surfing - the American Garrett McNamara will be the Head of Water Security.

Looking for the right conditions, the waiting period of the Red Bull Mito goes from the 25th of October to the 30th of November and the call for the surfers is to be done within 72 to 48 hours to the start of the event.

The Rules of Competition

During the Red Bull Mito, each athlete has to surf at least one wave each heat and a maximum of 10 waves, counting for the final score the best two waves from each heat. The three teams with the highest scores will advance two rounds to reach the final. The winning team will be the one that has the best two waves of the final, in a maximum of 15 waves

The heats from round 1 and 2 have duration of 35 minutes, as the final will occur for 60 minutes. The judges will evaluate the performance of the teams, taking into consideration the size of the wave and the maneuvers on the critical sections of the wave (tube ride is also much valued).

The Athletes (Teams)
- Carlos Burle + Felipe “Gordo” Cesarano (Brazil)
- Ramón Navarro (Chile) + Gabriel Villaran (Peru)
- Ross Clarke-Jones + Tom Carroll (Australia)
- Al Mennie (Irlanda) + Andrew Cotton (United Kingdom)
- Axi Munian + Pablo Garcia (Spain)
- José Gregório + Ruben Gonzalez (Portugal)

Backup Teams:
- Backup 1: Jamie Sterling (Hawaii) + Reno Makani (Hawaii)
- Backup 2: Eric Rebiere (France) + Will Skudin (EUA)
- Backup 3: Sebastien Steudtner (Germany) + Tom Buttler (United Kingdom)
- Backup 4: Gabriel “Gabe” Davies (United Kingdom) + Richie Fitzgerald (Ireland)

ABout Praia da Nazaré and The Nazaré Canyon

The Nazaré Canyon is a rare geomorphologic accident, the biggest in Europe and one of the largest of the world, it’s a very big fault line with 170 km of length and 5 km deep. The Nazaré Canyon canalizes the swell from the Atlantic Ocean creating big waves and delivering and delivers unique conditions for the practice of this sport.

More info at www.redbull.pt/redbullmito

Source: Red Bull

Nazaré: Red Bull Mito

The world's best big wave surfing teams will be riding the giant waves of Praia do Norte, in Nazaré, Portugal, for the inaugural Red Bull Mito.

Garrett McNamara, the ambassador of epic surfing moments, will be responsible for water safety of the entire teams that will take on the canyon of Nazaré.

The Red Bull Mito, a tow-in surf contest, will be run until the 30th November and with a 72-hour warning before the kick-off, in Praia do Norte. The event will only run with a minimum of 10-metre waves.

Tom Carroll and Ross Clark Jones, one of the most famous big wave surfing teams in the world, have already confirmed their presence in Portuguese waters. Al Mennie and Andrew Cotton will represent the British flag.

Carlos Burle, the man who surfed a 22-metre wave at Mavericks, will come to Nazaré with Felipe Cesarano, while Axi Munian and Pablo Garcia travel from Spain.

South America will be represented in the Red Bull Mito by Ramon Navarro and Gabriel Villaran, two experience wave riders. The Portuguese crowd will support José Gregório and Ruben Gonzalez in the contest.

The Red Bull Mito defies one charger to ride the biggest wave possible, while his team mate pushes him with the motorized help of a jet-ski.

More info at www.redbull.pt/redbullmito

Source: Red Bull and Surfer Today

New Magic Art Hotel in Nazaré

Located in the beautiful picturesque town of Nazaré, the Magic-Art Hotel is a contemporary building with 17 thematic bedrooms combining art, culture and sophistication with regional traditions in a family environment.

This building boldness and enchantment was designed to fill a gap in Nazaré and give the town an invigorating breath of fresh air.

Very well located, the Magic hotel has two different wings, one of which is restored and the other totally built from the ground.

Its right wing boasts the Indie Shelter with 6 bedrooms and a studio flat. A Low Cost option for the younger generation where the rooms combine a relaxing atmosphere with the building’s traditional traits.


The left wing, although totally remodeled, stands out for its resemblance to the architectural history of Nazaré. The 10 bedrooms in this wing are all different but have a common refined and welcoming atmosphere that characterizes them so well.

The hotel’s privileged location and easy access to the coast, historical areas, religious route and industrial estates make it a reference point and a tourist destination and business venue for both customers and the region.

Right in the heart of the Historic Centre of the typical Nazaré beach, the Magic Hotel promises to provide you with a personalized high quality service in an atmosphere full of charm and sophistication, whose magic is worth experiencing.

Come and discover this place of refuge beside the sea and fall in love with the enchantments of one of the most impressive and picturesque towns in Portugal.

Hotel contacts:

Rua Mouzinho de Albuquerque, 58
2450-253 Nazaré
Telephone: +351 262 569 040
E-mail: info@hotelmagic.pt  
Website: http://hotelmagic.pt/





Source: Magic Art Hotel

Zon North Canyon Show: The Billabong XXL awards are already tomorrow

©Zon North Canyon Show

It takes place tomorrow May 4th, 2012 at The Grove Theater in California the ceremony OF Billabong XXL Awards, considered by the surfing industry as the "Oscars of big waves."

The ceremony, which will be broadcast directly on YouTube, will begin at 7.30 pm local time (3,30 am, on May 5th, 2012 in Portugal).

Garrett McNamara and Praia do Norte of Nazaré are nominated for two categories, Ride of the Year and Biggest Wave of the year 2011. The photographer Wilson Ribeiro and the cameraman Jorge Leal, both belonging to the Team of the Zon North Canyon Show are also in competition for the captured images.

Follow all the action in http://www.youtube.com/BillabongXXL

Remember that Garrett McNamara was in Praia do Norte, as part of an initiative of Nazaré Qualifica, with the sponsorship of ZON during the months of October and November for surfing, tow-in and stand up paddle and film the documentary ZON North Canyon Show 2011. This is a three-year project started in 2010 and played by the Hawaiian surfer who returns to Portugal this year between October and November.

For further information please visit: www.praiadonorte.com.pt

The effect of the phenomenon known as "Canyon of Nazaré" (a geomorphological rare accident, the largest in Europe and one of the world's largest, consisting of a failure in the continental shelf about 170 km long and five meters deep) channels the swell of the Atlantic Ocean to the North Beach creating big waves.

For further information contact: press@praiadonorte.com.pt

Zon North Canyon Show 2011: Garrett Mcnamara nominated for the “Big Wave Oscars”

The extreme waterman Garrett McNamara, who made history in Nazaré while surfing the biggest wave ever in the expedition ZON North Canyon Show 2011, is a finalist in the race to the "Big Wave Oscars."

Garrett McNamara rode, in Praia do Norte, on the 1st of November, a wave estimated at 90 feet (30 meters), a feat that puts the Hawaiian and the Portuguese wave in the favorites in the categories of Ride of the Year and Biggest Wave in the Billabong XXL Awards.

See here the Garrett McNamara’s wave in Nazaré

The nominees are:

Ride of the Year Category: the Hawaiian Garrett McNamara with the wave of North Beach, the Americans Nathan Fletcher and Greg Long with waves ridden in Teahuppo/Tahiti and Puerto Escondido/Mexico and the Australians Ryan Hipwood at Cloudbreak / Fiji and Jeff Rowley in Jaws Maui, respectively.

Biggest Wave Category: In addition to McNamara with the wave of Nazaré, are nominated the Irish Ollie O'Flaherty and the English Andrew Cotton in Mullagmore Head / Ireland, the Basque Axi Muniain in Agiti / Spain and the Australian Damien "Taco" Warr in WA / Australia.

The winners will be revealed on May 4th at the Grove Theater, in Anaheim, California.

Remember that Garrett McNamara was in Praia do Norte, with the sponsorship of ZON during the months of October and November for surfing, tow-in and stand up paddle and film the documentary ZON North Canyon Show 2011. This is a three-year project started in 2010 and performed by the Hawaiian surfer who returns again this year to Portugal - for further information about the 2011 event please visit www.praiadonorte.com.pt.

The effect of the phenomenon known as "Canyon of Nazaré" (a geomorphologic rare accident, the largest in Europe and one of the world's largest, consisting of a failure in the continental shelf about 170 km long and five meters deep) channels the swell of the Atlantic Ocean to the North Beach creating big waves.

For further information contact:  press@praiadonorte.com.pt

Source: http://praiadonorte.com.pt