Christ the Redeemer watches over Rio de Janeiro. Photo: Shutterstock
Editor’s Note: With all the buzz surrounding the Olympics in Rio, we thought we’d take a deeper look into the area’s surf potential – beyond what you might know from the Rio Pro. We asked our social media manager, Shannon Marie Quirk, to share some tricks and tips she learned during her three year stint in Brazil. This, of course, is not a definitive guide. So, if you have anything to add, please share in the comments section below!
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a gigantic city with a population of 6.3 million adrenaline junkies, featuring countless beaches and bays, stunning geographical treasures from the morros (“island hills”), and a plethora of white sand beaches. As one of the largest metropolitan areas in Brazil, the city of Rio – yes, where the midnight Olympic volleyball games are taking place – is located within the Rio de Janeiro state, home to many world class waves. Despite what you see during the WSL World Tour’s stop at the Barra da Tijuca beach break, just a 2.5 hour drive east are some barreling left hand point breaks. During the winter (California’s summer), the water gets a bit chillier, so a shortie/2 mil top come in handy depending on the spot. Water temps usually stay around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit with a chill factor when the wind comes up.
Luckily for city dwellers, the most accessible breaks happen to still be pretty fun, especially during this time of year. However, escaping the madness is usually my goal. There are tons of options to embrace paradise away from the noise and traffic. Public transportation is easy and cheap, and most of the coastline is accessible by bus. Here are some of my favorite surf spots within the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Picturesque Saquarema beauty. Photo: WSL
1. Praia de Itauna, Saquarema
Paradise in Rio is not far from the city, yet somehow Itauna Beach remains quieter than most. Huge stretches of sand beaches are sprinkled with more affordable, quaint hotels. Quiksilver has run the Saquarema ‘QS stop here for several years in the winter, when the lefts go off. Depending on the tides and size of the swell, Saquarema holds solid double to triple overhead. There are a few XXL waves in this region that I won’t name. A beautiful church overlooks two premiere waves, one on either side, creating dramatic backdrops and sunset visuals. I hope to return to this stunning place again soon, likely my favorite waves in the state of Rio.
A sunny Arpoador day. Photo: Cestari/WSL
2. Arpoador, Ipanema Beach
– Majority beach break conditions, with two points on both side of the bay coming off massive morros (“hills”). Impanema holds pedominatly left handers during the winter. Sand bottom. City vibes, urban sprawl, not the cleanest bath water, but damn it’s convenient. Right across from the boardwalk and a park you could compare to Rio’s version of Santa Monica’s muscle beach, Ipanema paints a portrait of Brazilian economy and a dramatic gap between the rich and the poor. Apartments overlooking Apoadar and Ipanema Beach range in comparison to New York City prices. Yet, adjacent to the break is the Ciudad de Dios (“City of God”) which is comprised of the infamous favela (“ghetto”). Ipanema is one beach in which you may find people of all kind and class. Just be weary of who you don’t want to snake in the lineup. Also, don’t leave anything on the beach for even a second. It will be gone when you return, even your sandals no matter how old and undesirable they appear to you. This is city life, people.
Accommodation is competitive in Rio, from 5-star hotels to student hostels for budget travelers. I stayed with friends whenever possible and couch surfed to also feel a bit safer exploring the town with a local. I even worked in a hostel to cut my living cost for a winter season when I was younger (feeling more social). If you opt for a hotel, expect it to be expensive.
Wow. Just wow. Photo: Pixabay
3. Búzios
Búzios has it all: nightlife, tropical vibes, surf shops, honeymooners, and super fun surf. It’s a summer oasis for vacationers, which is funny because it kind of shuts down during the winter right when the waves get good. The million dollar summer homes in Búzios are vastly empty this time of year, so if you can find a reasonable AirBnB/VRBO, you’re set. You can pretty much walk everywhere, or take a bus. The waves are great for beginners, and the bigger days are still pretty manageable. It’s warm year round and all you really need is a top in case the wind picks up. Grab a caipirinha at one of the many beachside barracas (“bars”) post-session. The camarão (“fried shimp”) are staple, and the fishing region’s food is top notch. The spicier the better. Fine dining and romance guaranteed. Barefoot.
View from above during the madness of the contest at Barra. Photo: Salem/WSL
4. Barra da Tijuca
Beach break up the coast from Rio de Janeiro city. Yes, this is the home to the WSL World Tour stop you (barely) watch on the ‘CT. This place has a bad rap, mostly because the waves suck 98% of the year. The pitchy beach break can have some fun storm surf – if you don’t have a car or the guts to take a bus an hour north or south to surf good waves. There are some rad hikes and lakes to explore in the area, which is why you see some offshore winds that can be on point if you’re lucky. One day the WSL will realize the potential of moving this event to another beach further from the mayor’s house… Meanwhile, politics are getting in the way. Typical.
