Oct 1 – Mar 22 | 1st edition

Wave of the Winter

by Swellnest

Join us for the very first edition of Wave of the Winter, a celebration of surfing, community, and the raw power of the Atlantic. Hosted in Ericeira — World Surfing Reserve, this months-long competition will showcase surfers riding the most powerful waves of the season, bringing together ocean lovers from around the globe.

Submit Your Wave

In partnership with:

Olukai
Black background with the word 'ROARK' in white capital letters and a stylized logo featuring a horizon, triangle, and circle to the right of the text.
Suntribe logo with a mountain, sun, and waves on a black background.

About the Competition

Winter in Ericeira means heavy swells, deep barrels, and fearless surfers. The Wave of the Winter by Swellnest was created to honor that spirit and crown the best wave of the season in Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve.

Surfer riding a wave with multiple people watching in the water, shoreline with cliffs in the background during sunset
A person surfing a wave at the beach with other surfers in the water in the background.

How it works

  • Surfers capture their best winter waves in Ericeira, the World Surfing Reserve — exclusively for surfing (excluding bodyboard, SUP, and other wave sports).

  • Submit your video to wow@theswellnest.com (include your name and date).

  • A panel of three local judges will select:

    • Top 10 in Best Wave

    • Top 3 in Most Commitment

    • Top 3 in Worst Wipeout

    • Top 3 in Grom of the Winter (U18)

  • These nominees will then move on to public voting on our website.

  • The community votes to decide the winner in each category.

  • It all wraps up at the Award Ceremony & Viewing Party.

How to Enter

  • Icon of a person surfing on a surfboard with small waves beneath

    1st step

    Surf the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve (between Oct 1 – Mar 22).

  • Outline of a vintage film camera on a tripod, with a large lens and a small circular viewfinder on a black background.

    2nd step

    Record your wave on video (exclusively for surfing; bodyboard, SUP, and other wave sports are excluded.)

  • Icon of an envelope with a checkmark and motion lines indicating speed or delivery.

    3rd step

    Email your submission to wow@theswellnest.com (include your name and date).

  • Icon of a video play button with an upward arrow, indicating uploading or sharing a video.

    4th step

    Optional: Post your video as a Reel on Instagram and tag @theswellnest

  • White outlined star with a number 10 in the center on a black background.

    5th step

    If you make the Top 10, your wave goes to the final jury round.

Submit Your Wave

Prizes

1000 € Cash (Roark x Swellnest)

2 nights at the Swellnest - Luxury Villa
(breakfast included)

Suntribe Pack

Best wave

Videographer of the Best Wave scores a €100 prize.

350 € Cash (Olukai)

Suntribe Pack

50% off 2 nights at the Swellnest - Luxury Villa
(breakfast included)

Most Commitment

150€ Cash

Suntribe Pack

150€ Voucher (EFIX)

Worst Wipe Out

Grom of the Winter (U18)

Roark & Olukai gear

Suntribe Pack

Meet the Judges

Vasco Fortes

Growing up in Ericeira, Vasco found his passion in surfing from a young age, building a deep bond with the ocean. Today, as surf coach and owner of Surfin Ericeira, he is one of the most respected locals. Having spent decades challenging Ericeira’s powerful winter swells, Vasco brings the knowledge, experience, and authenticity that make him one of the best suited judges for the Wave of the Winter.

A person surfing on a large ocean wave.

Pedro Gramanha

Back in 1994, Pedro “Gramanha” shaped his very first surfboard — a challenge that turned into a lifelong craft. For 30 years, he has been creating boards for beginners and pros alike, always chasing the “magic board” that elevates performance. With deep local roots and decades of experience, Pedro brings unmatched authenticity as a judge for the Wave of the Winter.

A man wearing glasses and a dark t-shirt working on a wood project in a workshop.
A man with sunglasses and gray hair is pointing at a red surfboard while two women with brown hair look on. The scene appears to be at a poolside or outdoor area, with a paddleboard, a pool, and outdoor furniture nearby.

Pedro Góis

With over 45 years in the surf, Pedro Góis is a true Ericeira icon. Known for his vintage boards, classic cars, and timeless style, he blends art and surf culture like few can. Through his work at BlackDog Studio, he has collaborated with major surf brands, always bringing design and soul. With deep roots and a sharp eye, Pedro adds a unique perspective as a judge for the Wave of the Winter.

Public Jury

The community votes to choose the winner on our website.

Judging Criteria

Waves will be scored based on:

  • Wave Size

  • Commitment & Difficulty

  • Performance & Control

  • Innovation & Progression

  • Speed, Power & Flow

Scale

Score

Rating

0-1.9

Poor

2-3.9

Weak

4-5.9

Average

6 7.9

Good

8-10

Excelent

One Wave.
One Winter.
One Legend.

Judging Handbook

Official Partners

Olukai
Roark
Suntribe

Brands and institutions that share our passion for the ocean, surfing, and community.

Award Ceremony & Viewing Party

May–July 2026, Ericeira

A person's hands are gripping a tennis racket as they prepare to serve or hit a shot on a tennis court. The image is in black and white.
A group of five people gathered in a living room, sharing pizza, drinks, and socializing on a green couch and around a wooden table.

Let’s celebrate surf, community, and the champions of the Wave of the Winter.

  • Screening of the Top Waves from All Event Categories.

  • Official award ceremony with the jury.

  • Sunset celebration with music, drinks, and partner activations.

Your wave could be the Wave of the Winter

Submit your wave