Nazaré locals always knew their waves were big, although for generations they had no idea of their dimensions. On stormy winter days, they'd drive to the lighthouse to soak up their power. The whole area would feel like it was shaking, the thunderous sound reaching the mountains. While local surfers would surf at Nazaré up to a point, they knew when it was time to get out. They certainly wouldn't dream of tackling the monsters that came in with the big swells.
