Rio is the largest surf city in Brazil. There are 50 Km of coastline cut out by a unique geography, which is home to beautiful beaches where it is possible to contemplate the relative harmony between the natural and urban, that prevails in the Marvelous City.
The constant swells of the Atlantic Ocean and the diversity of spots make it possible to surf all year round, so it's very unlikely that there will be no good waves during your sta. However, good planning and prior knowledge of the main surf spots will make your life easier and will save you a lot of time. This post aims to do just that, serving as a guide for you.
Best time of the year to surf in Rio
The best and most constant waves hit the coast of Rio de Janeiro during autumn and winter (April to the end of September), these are definitely the best seasons for intermediate and advanced surfers.
During the summer (December to March), the waves are smaller and we have many days with excellent conditions for surfing lessons aimed at beginners.
Spring is a season that tends to be quite windy, which is great for kitesurfing and windsurfing, but it can harm the formation of waves on some of the city's peaks.
Note: If you have a window of at least 7 days in the city, it is very likely that in one or two days there will be good conditions for your level, regardless of the time of year.
Surf spots in Rio de Janeiro:
Leme:
Leme beach has a stunning setting, where you can see Rio's main postcards from the sea, such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Morro Dois Irmãos and Pedra da Gávea.
It is not such a consistent beach in terms of wave quality, since there are many closeouts on vast majority of days. However, when the elements align, there are super fun hollow and tubular waves that live up to the peak's nickname: Pipeleme!
Due to the strength and tubular formation, this is not a very good wave for beginners, but bodyboarders and experienced surfers can score some epic ones there. The best wind is from the north and the best swells are from the east and southeast.
Arpoador:
This is possibly the best wave in the city of Rio: a long, solid and very maneuverable left. Depending on the sand bottom formation and the tide, there are also some barrels there!
In the south zone, this is also the best wave to learn to surf on smaller days. However, Arpoador holds the title of the worst crowd in Rio, it really is an apocalyptic jungle there. I often remember leaving the sea more stressed than before going surfing.
One way to escape the crowds is to go surfing at night, as the peak has floodlights.
The best winds are from the north and east, while the best waves are from the east and southeast.
Praia do Diabo:
Located on the other side of Arpoador's rock, Praia do Diabo is a good surfing option in the south of Rio, especially on southwest wind days.
This is a strong and hollow wave, not suitable for beginners on most days.
São Conrado:
São Conrado is a hollow and tubular wave that is very constant and sought after by more experienced surfers and bodyboarders. In my opinion, this is one of the most sinister waves in the city. On days with smaller waves, this is also a good option to find some fun ones.
The best winds are from the north and east, while the best wave directions are from the east and southeast. The crowd is usually intense.
Praia da Barra:
Praia da Barra is very popular for surfing, stand up paddle boarding and windsurfing and has already hosted the Brazilian stage of the world tour of surfing.
Due to the presence of the Tijucas Islands, which partially block the swell, the waves that break at stations 1, 2 and 3 are smaller than on the rest of the beach. The ideal swell size is between 0.5 and 1.5m and the best swell direction is south.
The best wind direction is north (offshore). Since it is an open beach with no cliffs at its ends, winds from other directions affect badly the formation of waves. The waves at Barra can present tubular sessions when they break over the shallow sand banks, these conditions are more frequent at postinho (near post 2) and at Alfa Barra (between post 8 and the beginning of the reserve beach), but in In general, beach waves are longer and more maneuverable.
Praia da Reserva:
Praia da Reserva has this name because it is within the ecological reserve of the Municipal Natural Park of Marapendi.
The waves are similar to those at Barra beach and the favorable conditions are the same. Surfing in Praia da Reserva is hampered by winds from any direction other than those from the northern quadrant. In some places on Praia da Reserva there are slabs that can generate waves of excellent quality when all the variables align. The beach is also a great place to escape the crowd.
Recreio:
The waves between 0.4 and 3 meters work good there and bests swells directions are from the south, southwest (favoring waves at the height of post 9) and east (which favors waves in the right corner). The best winds are southwest and north.
The right corner has a channel that makes it easier to get to the outside, this makes the place an excellent option for classes, since getting past the breaking waves is normally a huge challenge for beginners. The crowd at Recreio is intense, specially near the right corner.
Macumba:
This is one of the best and most consistent beaches for surfing in Rio de Janeiro. The waves are fuller and more maneuverable, and are popular with longboarders. Closer to Pedra do Pontal, the waves are smaller and very good for beginners.
The best winds are those from the north quadrant, but the beach also works well with the east wind, since the Pontal rock works as a barrier against this wind. The best swell is from the south.
Prainha:
Located in an environmental protection area, this is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and spectacular beaches in the city of Rio.
Prainha is also famous for the constancy and quality of its waves and for work well with many different swell directions, but mainly from the south and southwest. It can withstand waves of up to 3 meters, but on small days it offers great conditions for beginners. The crowd gets quite intense on weekends.
Grumari:
Grumari beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the city and, like Prainha, it is also located in an environmental protection area where a rich diversity of fauna and flora can be found.
The ideal wave size varies between 0.4 and 2 meters and the best direction is south/southeast, but on smaller days the beach welcomes any wave direction. The best wind direction is from the north quadrant, but in the right corner it is possible to surf on southwest days, as long as it is of weak or moderate in intensity.
Find a local surf guide!
At One Carioca Day we offer a unique surfing experience in the city of Rio, where we will take you to the beach with the best conditions of the day for your surfing level, whether you are a beginner or advanced surfer.
Furthermore, our sessions last longer than the average of traditional surf schools, have a very limited number of participants and we offer all surfing equipment, including wetsuits for colder days.
For more information, send us a message on:
Instagram: @onecariocaday
WhatsApp: +55 21 97147-1278
ONE CARIOCA DAY,
Nature connects us!
Gabriel Lannes is the founder and one of the guides and surf instructors at One Carioca Day. His passion for surfing, trails, nature, travel and, of course, the city of Rio de Janeiro, motivated him to leave a traditional career in environmental engineering for undertake ecotourism.
He believes that his work is the materialization of his purpose on earth: show the city he loves through the experiences he loves. It also aims to encourage people to live life to the maximum fullness and intensity it deserves, through activities with deep connection with nature.
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