The North Canyon Show by Garrett McNamarra

The 42-year old extreme surfer Garrett McNamara is in Portugal since de beginning of November. On his first trip to Europe, Garrett will dedicate it to exploring all the wave potential of Nazaré beaches, with special interest to Praia do Norte. The main goal of this task will serve as a rehearsal for a major international big wave event that will be held in Nazaré in 2012 (the first in Europe), which may be with or without jet skis aid.

The "Nazaré Canyon" is a rare geomorphologic accident, the largest in Europe and one of the largest worldwide, which involves a 170km long and 5km deep flaw in the continental plate, close to Praia do Norte, that attracts the Atlantic Ocean swells to this beach, with practically no obstacles.

The power and energy of the swell in open waters is the same intensity until its arrival to the coast line, creating a unique show of nature with big waves, when compared to the rest of the Portuguese coast.
In addition to this search, Garrett will also provide a "Tow-in Clinic and a Stand-Up Paddle meeting, for all Portuguese and European surfers that wish a privileged contact with this sportsman and rider.

About this mission Garrett said “I have always wanted to visit Portugal and I’m so honoured and excited about this opportunity the town of Nazaré has offered. I cannot wait to meet the people and experience the culture. I have heard Nazaré has amazing seafood and pastries, not to mention a wave like Jaws but on a sandbar, what more could you ask for!! I always get extremely excited to explore a new break and Praia de Norte should provide some awesome challenges. I just talked to Kelly Slater and he told me how narly it is which is how I love it!!!”

If you want to be updated about this sick event just consult the official blog the event at nazarenorthcanyon.blogspot.com.

Organization: Village of Nazaré, Nazaré Alternative Sports Club, Nazaré Qualifica.

Sponsors: West Tourism Council of Portugal, Lightning Bolt, Go Pro, Filipe Motoshow, Isuzu, Lena Automoveis, Portuguese Hydrographic Institute, Surftotal and Surf Portugal.