Nazaré holds a very special place in my heart. Seven years ago, I fell so deeply in love with the Atlantic Ocean there that I decided to move to Portugal. The raw beauty of this place, where towering waves collide with ancient cliffs, has always felt like home.
2024 was a heavy year for me and I was about to spend the Christmas Eve completely alone so at least wanted to be close to something that had always given me a sense of connection – the ocean. And, of course, there was no better place for that than Nazaré.
What started as an unplanned journey suddenly turned into something truly magical! One morning while visiting the lighthouse, I stumbled upon Jorge Leal’s exhibition that immediately caught my eye. It was my first encounter with his breathtaking photography of Nazaré’s legendary waves. Little did I know that behind those images was an even more powerful story—one of resilience, transformation, and an unbreakable bond with the ocean.
While some of the artists find their voice in the quiet, in the stillness of a studio, Jorge’s art has always been born from movement, from the raw power of nature itself. From behind the lens, he photographed the untamed waves of Nazaré, bringing the world’s attention to one of the most extreme surf destinations on the planet. His images weren’t just about surfing—they told the story of the ocean’s relentless force and the courage of those who dared to face it.
Then, in 2022, everything changed. A sudden, life-altering event forced Jorge to shift his perspective—not just in art, but in life itself. No longer able to chase the waves through his camera, he turned to painting, transforming his struggle into bold, storm-filled canvases that echo the energy of the ocean he once documented.
This exclusive interview is a glimpse into Jorge’s journey—from his early days documenting Nazaré’s legendary swells to his artistic reinvention. It’s a story of facing the unknown, finding new ways to create, and never losing sight of what truly moves you.
Could you introduce yourself in a few words?
I’m Jorge Leal, a Portuguese visual artist, who’s now embarking on a new chapter. My journey now extends into painting: creating canvases of raw intensity—storm-filled compositions where lighthouses stand in awe of lightning’s fury and the serenity that follows. Each brushstroke here unveils a destination, confessing its path on the canvas. Like Adamastor and Hope, always facing their tempests, fear here always shrinks before boldness. And the moment the brush meets the canvas, it ignites a light that serves as a guide for our eyes, leading us toward understanding. Nothing is left to chance; what might seem excessive is, in truth, a deliberate disguise.
When and what brought you to Nazaré?
I don’t even know where to begin, but to keep the story short—this journey started in 2010. A friend I had worked with before introduced me to the idea. At the time, they were planning to invite Garrett McNamara, and for the first three years, they wanted full creative freedom to document this adventure through film and photography. I also wanted to acknowledge the role of bodyboarding and the “Special Edition” event, which had already been showcasing the potential of Praia do Norte. Yet with Garrett, I moved to another level: the waves could be as big as we wanted, and trust me, they can be massive…
When did you start photographing big wave surfing? What was the biggest challenge back then?
I had been into photography long before that, but shooting at Praia do Norte quickly became a passion—I realized right away that these waves were special. It was extremely challenging at first because, back then, everything was new. Convincing the locals wasn’t easy. The beach had a dark reputation, as nearly every family in Nazaré had lost someone to the ocean. This is a fishing town, and we were often seen as outsiders—or even crazy ones—for wanting to take a ride on those waves.
What was the most special moment from all these years of photographing and filming in Nazaré?
One of the most special moments was McNamara’s record-breaking wave in the second year of the project—a truly magical day, just for us.
Could you share more about your current exhibition at Nazaré’s Lighthouse?
I finally have a space there—something that should have happened much sooner. After all, if the lighthouse is open to the public today, it’s because of certain people… And I say “certain people” because I want to recognize those who were part of the group that put Nazaré on the map. Many think it was all because of McNamara, and while I have immense respect for him, the truth is, there were many more of us. I received some recognition because I was filming and photographing everything, but without that, I wouldn’t have been acknowledged either. I’ve seen Nazaré change, but unfortunately I’ve also seen how my own country fails to recognize the people who bring millions of visitors—and millions of euros—here every year.
One thing I’d like to point out: the lighthouse really needs some renovations. There are no restrooms, not even a place to grab a coffee. So I wonder—where is all the entrance fee money going?
What makes Nazaré so special?
Nazaré is a natural amphitheater for witnessing giant waves up close. Its unique phenomenon, in simple terms, happens when two waves collide, creating staggering heights.
How would you describe the feeling of being so close to the biggest waves in the world?
No matter how much I search for the right words, I can’t find an answer. You have to see a massive swell hitting Nazaré to understand what I mean.
What’s your favorite spot in Nazaré and why?
There are several. I’m the kind of photographer who doesn’t like to stay in one place. Depending on the conditions, the best location changes.
Could you tell us more about October 26, 2022, and how that day changed your life?
There isn’t much to say… it all happened so fast. I woke up as usual, got dressed, and while sitting on my bed, I suddenly felt my head hit the headboard with an excruciating, unbearable pain. It happened twice. I still managed to call a friend and explain that something was wrong. After that, everything changed…
Over the past year, despite the challenges, you’ve painted dozens and dozens of artworks. How has painting helped in your recovery?
Art has always been with me, and I knew I couldn’t just stay still. Although I’m naturally left-handed, I had to learn to paint with my right hand, flipping the canvas sideways and upside down to reach every part. Always with some assistance, I used painting as therapy—an escape that helped shift my focus away from the difficult moments. Cognitively, I’m fine, but this condition is also tormenting because you feel trapped inside your own body 24/7.
What does the ocean mean to you?
It means everything. It was my office. As someone who already belonged to the ocean—as a surfer—it was pure gold. It was also a place of healing, where I could leave all my troubles behind.
26th of October, 2022 marks a day which turned Jorge’s entire life upside-down when the unthinkable happened and he suffered a stroke. Now he has to teach his body to move, adjust the sound to the words and find a new way of how to live again. Various medical professionals work 24 hours a day on the recovery of Jorge’s physical condition and neurological rehabilitation yet it’s not easy since the expenses are very high. Therefore Jorge needs all of our help.
You can purchase one of his artworks which transmit the mesmerising beauty of Nazaré HERE or help Leal directly on GoFundMe page HERE.
Life doesn’t simply get better by chance—it transforms through change, and that change begins with us, in the choices we make and the actions we take. I truly believe that together, we hold the same power as the giant waves of Nazaré—unstoppable, full of energy, and capable of creating something extraordinary beautiful and inspiring. So let’s be that force of light and positivity, and let’s stand beside Jorge on his journey of healing.
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Interview • JORGE LEAL
Nazaré holds a very special place in my heart. Seven years ago, I fell so deeply in love with the Atlantic Ocean there that I decided to move to Portugal. The raw beauty of this place, where towering waves collide with ancient cliffs, has always felt like home.
2024 was a heavy year for me and I was about to spend the Christmas Eve completely alone so at least wanted to be close to something that had always given me a sense of connection – the ocean. And, of course, there was no better place for that than Nazaré.
What started as an unplanned journey suddenly turned into something truly magical! One morning while visiting the lighthouse, I stumbled upon Jorge Leal’s exhibition that immediately caught my eye. It was my first encounter with his breathtaking photography of Nazaré’s legendary waves. Little did I know that behind those images was an even more powerful story—one of resilience, transformation, and an unbreakable bond with the ocean.
While some of the artists find their voice in the quiet, in the stillness of a studio, Jorge’s art has always been born from movement, from the raw power of nature itself. From behind the lens, he photographed the untamed waves of Nazaré, bringing the world’s attention to one of the most extreme surf destinations on the planet. His images weren’t just about surfing—they told the story of the ocean’s relentless force and the courage of those who dared to face it.
Then, in 2022, everything changed. A sudden, life-altering event forced Jorge to shift his perspective—not just in art, but in life itself. No longer able to chase the waves through his camera, he turned to painting, transforming his struggle into bold, storm-filled canvases that echo the energy of the ocean he once documented.
This exclusive interview is a glimpse into Jorge’s journey—from his early days documenting Nazaré’s legendary swells to his artistic reinvention. It’s a story of facing the unknown, finding new ways to create, and never losing sight of what truly moves you.
Could you introduce yourself in a few words?
I’m Jorge Leal, a Portuguese visual artist, who’s now embarking on a new chapter. My journey now extends into painting: creating canvases of raw intensity—storm-filled compositions where lighthouses stand in awe of lightning’s fury and the serenity that follows. Each brushstroke here unveils a destination, confessing its path on the canvas. Like Adamastor and Hope, always facing their tempests, fear here always shrinks before boldness. And the moment the brush meets the canvas, it ignites a light that serves as a guide for our eyes, leading us toward understanding. Nothing is left to chance; what might seem excessive is, in truth, a deliberate disguise.
When and what brought you to Nazaré?
I don’t even know where to begin, but to keep the story short—this journey started in 2010. A friend I had worked with before introduced me to the idea. At the time, they were planning to invite Garrett McNamara, and for the first three years, they wanted full creative freedom to document this adventure through film and photography. I also wanted to acknowledge the role of bodyboarding and the “Special Edition” event, which had already been showcasing the potential of Praia do Norte. Yet with Garrett, I moved to another level: the waves could be as big as we wanted, and trust me, they can be massive…
When did you start photographing big wave surfing? What was the biggest challenge back then?
I had been into photography long before that, but shooting at Praia do Norte quickly became a passion—I realized right away that these waves were special. It was extremely challenging at first because, back then, everything was new. Convincing the locals wasn’t easy. The beach had a dark reputation, as nearly every family in Nazaré had lost someone to the ocean. This is a fishing town, and we were often seen as outsiders—or even crazy ones—for wanting to take a ride on those waves.
What was the most special moment from all these years of photographing and filming in Nazaré?
One of the most special moments was McNamara’s record-breaking wave in the second year of the project—a truly magical day, just for us.
Could you share more about your current exhibition at Nazaré’s Lighthouse?
I finally have a space there—something that should have happened much sooner. After all, if the lighthouse is open to the public today, it’s because of certain people… And I say “certain people” because I want to recognize those who were part of the group that put Nazaré on the map. Many think it was all because of McNamara, and while I have immense respect for him, the truth is, there were many more of us. I received some recognition because I was filming and photographing everything, but without that, I wouldn’t have been acknowledged either. I’ve seen Nazaré change, but unfortunately I’ve also seen how my own country fails to recognize the people who bring millions of visitors—and millions of euros—here every year.
One thing I’d like to point out: the lighthouse really needs some renovations. There are no restrooms, not even a place to grab a coffee. So I wonder—where is all the entrance fee money going?
What makes Nazaré so special?
Nazaré is a natural amphitheater for witnessing giant waves up close. Its unique phenomenon, in simple terms, happens when two waves collide, creating staggering heights.
How would you describe the feeling of being so close to the biggest waves in the world?
No matter how much I search for the right words, I can’t find an answer. You have to see a massive swell hitting Nazaré to understand what I mean.
What’s your favorite spot in Nazaré and why?
There are several. I’m the kind of photographer who doesn’t like to stay in one place. Depending on the conditions, the best location changes.
Could you tell us more about October 26, 2022, and how that day changed your life?
There isn’t much to say… it all happened so fast. I woke up as usual, got dressed, and while sitting on my bed, I suddenly felt my head hit the headboard with an excruciating, unbearable pain. It happened twice. I still managed to call a friend and explain that something was wrong. After that, everything changed…
Over the past year, despite the challenges, you’ve painted dozens and dozens of artworks. How has painting helped in your recovery?
Art has always been with me, and I knew I couldn’t just stay still. Although I’m naturally left-handed, I had to learn to paint with my right hand, flipping the canvas sideways and upside down to reach every part. Always with some assistance, I used painting as therapy—an escape that helped shift my focus away from the difficult moments. Cognitively, I’m fine, but this condition is also tormenting because you feel trapped inside your own body 24/7.
What does the ocean mean to you?
It means everything. It was my office. As someone who already belonged to the ocean—as a surfer—it was pure gold. It was also a place of healing, where I could leave all my troubles behind.
26th of October, 2022 marks a day which turned Jorge’s entire life upside-down when the unthinkable happened and he suffered a stroke. Now he has to teach his body to move, adjust the sound to the words and find a new way of how to live again. Various medical professionals work 24 hours a day on the recovery of Jorge’s physical condition and neurological rehabilitation yet it’s not easy since the expenses are very high. Therefore Jorge needs all of our help.
You can purchase one of his artworks which transmit the mesmerising beauty of Nazaré HERE or help Leal directly on GoFundMe page HERE.
Life doesn’t simply get better by chance—it transforms through change, and that change begins with us, in the choices we make and the actions we take. I truly believe that together, we hold the same power as the giant waves of Nazaré—unstoppable, full of energy, and capable of creating something extraordinary beautiful and inspiring. So let’s be that force of light and positivity, and let’s stand beside Jorge on his journey of healing.