This story reached us directly from the author, who contacted our team to share a very personal experience lived in Nazaré — one of Portugal’s most iconic destinations when it comes to the ocean and giant waves.

Fascinated by the sea since childhood, Brian Aikens decided to celebrate his birthday with a solo trip to Nazaré, ticking off a long-held dream: seeing the legendary waves of the Atlantic up close. What began as a simple sightseeing trip quickly turned into an intense and unexpected adventure.

After landing in Lisbon and driving north, Nazaré immediately revealed its scale and energy. Long walks along cliffs and viewpoints offered a first glimpse of the Atlantic’s power shaped by the Nazaré Canyon — a natural phenomenon that attracts surfers, photographers, and travelers from all over the world. For those planning a visit, useful information on points of interest, access, and local experiences can be found here: tourist information in Nazaré.

Curiosity soon took the next step. Wanting to understand the waves beyond what can be seen from the coast, Brian joined a jet ski tour into the canyon with a local team. Being so close to the action, surrounded by waves tens of feet high, completely changed his perception of Nazaré.

Although a camera was lost early on, the experience became more intense and conscious: feeling the speed, the water, and the ocean’s power without distractions. This direct connection to the sea paved the way for something even more unexpected.

Encouraged by the team and with prior experience surfing smaller waves elsewhere, Brian accepted an improbable challenge: to surf in Nazaré itself. The previous night brought doubts, physical fatigue, and nerves, but trust in the team and in the moment ultimately prevailed.

The result was a unique moment — surfing at one of the most unpredictable and respected spots on the planet. More than a sporting achievement, it became a profound and unforgettable personal milestone.

The full experience was recorded on video:

To check real-time sea conditions or simply watch the ocean, live Nazaré webcams are available.

Thanks & Acknowledgments

• Antonio “TO” Cardoso
• Ivo Cacao
• Eduardo Vento
• Diogo Coutinho

Text based on the original testimony of Brian Aikens, shared directly with us by the author.