Brazil has many different waves that are consistent and good enough quality for many professional surfers to spend their days on.
Because of this, Brazil has been gaining more and more traction as a destination for many traveling surfers — especially now in 2024.
In this article, we will take a look at a few different places along the coast of Brazil that can be ridden by experienced shortboarder, longboarders, and even beginners.
What’s So Special About Surfing in Brazil?
Waves
The winter season in Brazil is known to produce more consistent and larger waves throughout the majority of Brazil’s coast.
This would include any months between November and March.
During this time you can expect overhead waves and hollow barrels at a majority of the beaches.
Still, you can find waves here the rest of the year, they may just be a little smaller in size but could be perfect for beginner surfers or learning how to surf for the first time.
The Surf Culture in Brazil
Surfing has always been a part of Brazil’s culture, but in recent years it has begun to spike more than ever.
As more and more local kids climb up the ranks in professional surfing, more people are eager to travel and surf these same waves that create talented athletes.
With this being said, many of the breaks in Brazil are filled with competitive shortboarders who are trying to get as many waves as they can.
This means some spots may be harder to catch waves at than others.
Still, there are tons of different spots within driving distance of each other where you can explore and find an emptier lineup that is more suitable for you.
Equipment Needed to Surf in Brazil
The best part of surfing in Brazil may be the temperature of the water.
No matter when you visit, you can always count on leaving your wetsuit at home. With average water temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, slap on a pair of trunks or a bathing suit and you’ll be good to go!
The Best Surf Spots in Brazil
Maresias
Maresias is located in Sao Paulo where many pro surfers began their journey. T
he most well-known out of the bunch is Gabrial Medina who grew up surfing this consistent wave.
While it has size all year round, you’ll find some of the largest waves in the wintertime during a southwest swell.
When these conditions come into town, some surfers have to be towed in by a jetski to safely get into and ride these hollow and powerful barrels.
Maresias is a beach break so it has lefts and rights for both goofy and regular footers.
It’s pretty clear that this wave can get close to perfection, but because of this expect a large crowd of surfers with extreme talent to be out at almost all times.
Itacare
Itacare is just south of Bahia and provides 8 different surf spots for visitors and locals to test out the waters.
Two of these spots that we will take a closer look at are Engenhoca Beach, which is a softer wave, and Corais, which is a bit faster.
Engenhoca is more popular amongst the longboarders of this town because the wave breaks a bit slower and the ride is much longer.
The waves here are consistently around 2-3 feet, so if you are a longboarder or learning how to surf for the first time, these waves will be perfect for you.
On the other hand, Corais is best for surfers that are always searching for a barrel. At low tide, you will find long lefts and rides that hollow out and are perfect for getting that barrel you may have traveled across the world for.
While this seems nothing short of a good time, surf with caution to make sure you don’t take a tumble on the sharp reef that lies beneath.
The last thing you need is an injury to finish your surf session early.
Itamambuca
About 70 miles out of Mareseis is Itamambuca which is known as one of the best and most popular surf spots in the area.
Here, many of the local and professional surf contests are held which adds to the spot's credibility.
During small swells, this wave can be ridden by all skill levels, longboarders, and shortboarders.
There are various peaks throughout the beach that offer slightly different shapes and speeds that you can tests out to see which you prefer best.
During larger swells that come in the wintertime, Itamambuca can have a lot more size and be better suited for more experienced surfers.
With that being said, a good rule of thumb is to always look at the size of waves before going out to a certain spot to make sure they match your abilities.
Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha must be surfed in the months from November-April, which is known as Austral summer.
Although this makes this break a little less consistent than the rest, you are trading consistency in for an experience of surfing waves on an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
Unfortunately, it is pretty difficult to get to Fernando de Noronha.
Since it is an island, you have to take a flight out of one of the major Brazilian cities which often can be pretty expensive.
However, this does mean that the lineups at pretty much every spot here have very few people or are completely empty.
You’ll only catch more than five people out in the water in February when many pro surfers will take the journey over for s WQS contest.
Praia da Macumba
Although many spots in Brazil are filled with shortboarders aspiring to be just like Gabriel Medina, Felipe Toledo, or Italo Ferreira, Macumba is where you will find a crowd that is dominated by longboarders.
Here, you’ll find a more friendly lineup that is welcoming to all skill levels of surfers. Still, be aware of the size on any particular day and where you paddle out.
Beginners tend to steer toward the left corner of the beach known ad Farofa e Rico Point, while the experienced surfer congregates in the middle and right corner known as CCB and Secreto.
Though this wave tends to be pretty crowded it doesn’t get much better than surfing 15 miles out from the iconic monuments and sightseeing of Rio de Janeiro.
What To Do In Brazil When the Waves Are Flat
Though you will rarely come across a day where every break within driving distance is flat, there are plenty of things to do if a situation like this comes up.
Some of Brazil’s top attractions include the Iguazu Falls, Sugarloaf Mountain, Lago Negro, and exploring Rio de Janeiro.
These are just a few places you could visit, there is so much more to witness if you just walk around and take a look around you.
Being in a new country surrounded by a completely different culture can be a little overwhelming at first, but take the time to learn more about the place and embrace everything it has to offer.
If you aren’t a fan of sightseeing, the weather is almost always warm enough for a beach day, so take some time to relax and enjoy the warm water.
Brazil Surfing
Brazil is without a doubt one of the top countries when it comes to the number of different waves and the quality of these waves.
If you too want to experience everything this country has to offer, use this guide to discover some of the best breaks and which ones would be best for your style of surfing!
