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Surfing Brazil
Brazil
is best known for its carnival party and the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, without a doubt. But many
surfers are unaware that Brazilian surfing is good fun and consistent all year
round. Beautiful beaches in Brazil are the norm, while some are downright
exceptional. And let's face it, we have all heard of the legendary Brazilian
Ladies, whom undoubtedly live up to their reputation of exquisite beauty. How about that added bonus!! Yes, it's also likely that you Roxy surf
chicks will dig the Brazilian surf dudes as well.
Fernando de Noronha
The best surf in Brazil is on the island of Fernando de
Noronha, located off the northeast coast of Recife. Volcanic in origin, the
waves have a similar effect to the Hawaiian islands. Tube-riding is the name of
the game here with size averaging head-high and reaching double plus that, up to 4
meters. Conditions during the surf season of November through March are
excellent, with offshore winds blowing all day long with hot sunny days. For
such a tiny island of only seven square miles, it is loaded with quality surf
breaks. It's almost guaranteed that you will score excellent waves during that
time of year.
Excellent
water quality makes it a great dive or snorkeling location.
Cacimba do
Padre is definitely the best that Brazil has to offer: a quality tube with both
rights and lefts, with lefts a bit longer. Located towards the northern part of
the island, the visual is breath-taking. Two rock islets just offshore create a shallow sandbar
and
will leave you contemplating
the meaning of life.
Fernando de Noronha is a must-see destination!
Florianopolis and Santa Catarina The next best would depend on your taste. The biggest and a bit cold is in the
southern part of the country. Florianopolis
in the state of Santa Catarina is considered the surf capital of Brazil by many
Brazilians. Water temperatures range from 18C/60F to 26C/78F and surf size
averages head high, doubling that in the southern hemispheres spring, winter and
fall seasons of April through November. As low pressure systems swing towards
the coast of Brazil, winds can blow from all directions, so it helps to know
where conditions will be best for which wind direction. Conditions can vary
dramatically and beach breaks are the norm. Swells generally are of short
interval resembling wind swell, lasting a day or two.
A few
semi-point setups exist like Silveira in the town of Garopaba, known as one of
the best waves in Brazil. Joaquina is a consistent beach break tube located on
the island capital of Florianopolis. Nearby is Praia Mole, which is good as
well. Nightlife in nearby Lagoa is good fun during summer and it is a good place
to stay as well.
Rio de
Janeiro Coast - RJ
In Rio de Janeiro city, surf options are limited. The majority
of beaches aren't exposed to the open ocean or are shorebreak pounders. Arpoador at the north end of
Ipanema beach is a good left breaking off the headland. It's quite consistent
all year round. Being one of the most accessible in the city, it's zoological
by nature. Drop-ins are a given here.
Further
southwest you have Barra da Tijuca with fun consistent waves and Prainha
a bit further, an ideal spot to get away from the crowds. Prainha has fun
tubing waves, a beautiful setting with a soothing blend of a verdant green and
blue of
mountain and sea.
Saquarema is a
very consistent and powerful beach break northeast of Rio, that picks up more
swell then anywhere in Brazil. Cabo Frio, the largest town close to Saquarema,
has the coldest and most fertile waters in Brazil. This is due to a phenomenon
called upwelling, whereby the colder waters of the deep are bought to the
surface due to local currents. With the colder water comes more nutrients creating fertile fishing
grounds and good diving. The interesting part is that in Brazilian summers, the
waters here are actually colder, the reverse of what you would expect.
Sao Paulo Coast - SP
On the Sao Paulo coast, you have some good options for fun, sun and surf as
well. The Litoral Norte of Sao Paulo is a dramatically beautiful coastline with
crags and coves at every bend in the road. Maresias is well known for its tubes
and crowded weekends, loaded with the city folks (paulistanos) from the megalopolis capital
of the same name
(18 million), hours away.
Itamambuca, a
beautiful nature area with a good right hander, is an idyllic beach getaway. You
will find it 15 minutes outside of Ubatuba town.
Itacaré-Bahia
Looking
for a tropical delight? Look no further than Itacaré, on the central coast of
Bahia.
Itacaré is situated in some of Brazil's last remaining coastal Atlantic forest. The
place is an excellent choice for a surfing adventure with hot temps and coconut-palm fringed beaches. With the exception of Corais (Corals), all waves break on
sand. The waves of
Itacaré
are known for their board-breaking power, due to a submarine canyon just
offshore. Tiririca is the best known break close to town. Night-time transforms
tranquil
Itacaré
into party paradise, with a variety of small bars catering to the hippie and surf crowd.
They just keep on going and going until the wee morning hours, making a dawn
patrol quite difficult indeed.
Brazil is a quality experience
Although
Brazil
does not have the quality waves of Hawaii or Indonesia,
for all that
it lacks, you will be compensated by the fantastic experience. Brazilians are a blast to hang with and the
climate and scenery are superb. There are waves all year round and when they isn't any,
there are plenty of other options to keep you busy and happy. But you shouldn't
have to take our word for it. Just grab your board and passport to check it
out for yourself! Boards and surf instructors for hire as well.
Catch the
Brazilian Wave and you'll be sitting on top on the world. It's a guarantee that
you will not be disappointed!
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