A surfer leaves the beach after a surf session at the Coxos break point in Ericeira, on the central coast of Portugal, on March 10. Ericeira has become a hot spot for surfers from all over the world, featuring 5 miles of coastline and booming surfing-related businesses like schools, gear shops and surfboard factories. The culture has flourished in the area and boosted the local economy.
These photos were made available to NBC News on March 25.