In the nick of time

WHAT DO YOU DO FIRST THING IN THE MORNING? WALK THE DOG,PERHAPS? NICK ROBINSON HEADS OFF TO PADDLE THE RIA FORMOSA the powerful elements of the ocean.

In certain areas, these islands are split and the tide comes racing through to wash the entire system. The water circles around and races out after six hours, bringing the old water out into the ocean to regenerate.

These tidal ‘barrinhas’ are often a place of great danger and should be treated with great caution; I have heard of at least one fisherman losing his life as his boat was tossed about in the waters.

Doing loops in and out of these openings forms a part of my weekend exercise routine. Early morning paddling with the tide inside the lagoon, flip through the tidal raceway and after being carefully pushed out into the ocean by the emptying tide, I commence the return journey on the ocean.

Faro Island is perfect for this, but Fuseta is a solid favourite of mine, as well. Returning to Restaurant Borda d’Água on the lagoon beach is always a treat as they make a great galão, that delicious white coffee that is a Portuguese speciality. Served in a tall glass, it is one quarter coffee and three quarters foamed milk, and just what’s needed after a morning paddle.

I have traversed the entire system in one sitting on at least two occasions and both have been extremely rewarding. Coming across a beach club near Praia da Fábrica was quite exciting one day.

We were struggling down in the marshes below as the tide ground to its very lowest level. Our paddleboards just had no water and we had to drag them through the muddy bottom.

I took a break and jogged up a sandy pathway and this oasis of gin and tonic drinking, bikini clad socialites unveiled themselves before me. What a far cry from our muddy adventures below.

I’d love to hear your stories about the Ria Formosa –send them over on my Instagram @algarveaddicts -