Backdoor sits between Pedra Branca at the south end of the beach and Reef to the north, forming a consistent right-hander over exposed reef.
It’s not a giant, hair-raising wave most days, which makes it more accessible than some of the nearby breaks for intermediate and advanced intermediate surfers.
Description of Backdoor surf spot
Backdoor is a right-hand break that works best on smaller swells, around a meter, though it can handle bigger waves if you’re confident and skilled enough. The wave has enough speed to set up turns and manoeuvres, and on good days, it can throw small hollow sections and little barrels that are fun but not terrifying.
As the swell grows, Backdoor becomes more demanding and is better suited for advanced surfers only. Timing is key: the wave isn’t great at low tide, as the shallow reef can make take-offs tricky and lead to scratches with the reef if you suffer a hard wipeout. It works best with north-west swells.
The wave is fairly consistent and not extremely demanding (great for intermediate or advanced intermediate surfers), which is part of its appeal. It’s the kind of spot you can return to repeatedly and know what to expect, as long as you correctly read the swell and tide.
Access and services
The main access to Backdoor, Pedra Branca and Reef is the same and is via the road in front of the camping of Ericeira. In 2024 they paved this road (used to be all unpaved) built a parking, and limited the access, so now you have to park a few meters up on the habilitated car park and walk down to the spot. You can also park on the big parking next to the entrance of the camping.
There are wooden stairs that lead you down to the beach, but sometimes they are damaged from winter storms. After the stairs, you will have to climb down a few rocks in the last section before you can step on the sand.
There are no facilities directly at the spot, the closest cafés and surf shops are a few meters away near the main road. For food, drinks, or supermarkets, just head into Ericeira, which is just a short 1 minute drive away. Public transport can get you close, but if you’re carrying surfboards and gear, a car makes things much easier.
Entry and exit, and hazards
To enter the water you can step in from the sand, though the reef is shallow and uneven, with holes covered in sand (not great for longer walks, start paddling soon) so watch your footing.
The wave is generally forgiving for intermediate surfers on smaller swells, but you still need to be aware of the shallow reef on bigger days or when the tides gets too low.
Big wipeouts on big days and close to low tide may lead to scratches against the reef, be careful with that.
Crowds
Backdoor sees a moderate crowd, mostly locals and intermediate surfers who know the wave. It’s quieter than Reef or Pedra Branca on most days, but you’ll rarely have it completely to yourself when the conditions are ideal.
It’s a good spot for a session when other nearby waves feel too fast or crowded, giving enough space to practice manoeuvres without being overwhelmed by more advanced surfers.
