Arpoador Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SE. But when the sandy bottom is good the spot has a wider swell window.
Wind
Calm or offshore from the NW to NE. Moderate SW winds associated with cold fronts are the worst.
Surf Height
Chest high to 2X overhead. But holds up to triple overhead with clean SE swells.
Tide
Low to medium
Arpoador Surf Guide
A lefthand semi-point located on the headland that separates Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach, Arpoador is at the heart of Brazilian surfing. Today, it has stadium lights on the boardwalk that light it up at night, making surfing possible 24 hours a day. The wave is a semi-point of sand built up around the headland, and the wave mushes off the side of the rocks, then rolls toward the beach. On the best days it can be way-overhead with long, hollow walls and barrels. Long rides to the sand are followed by a run back up the beach to jump off the rocks. But when it's good, it can be very good. Give it a go at night, and you can have it to yourself. If the wind is wrong, have a look on the other side of the rocks at Diablo (Devil) Beach. It's one of the only beaches of the city that handles SW winds, and it has its good days now and again.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All levels -- Depends on size of course.
Local Vibe
Doable
From competitive to aggro, depending on the swell. Humility and respect will serve you well.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Always crowded, and sometimes at night too.
Spot Rating
Fun
Can be really good (regional classic) and consistent depending on sand bottom formation, especially from late May to late September. But can also be poor and inconsistent from December to March.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Usually an easy paddle close to the rocks at the left corner.
Water Quality
Fair
Fairly clean for the most part. Worse after rain and with strong SSW swell.
Hazards
Localism on classic days. Beginners on other days.
Bring Your
Shortboard
Access
Easy.
Bottom
Sand-bottom point.
Best Season
Better and more consistent from late autumn (May) to early spring (September), but can break during Spring time depending on the sand bottom formation.
Do you have local knowledge about Arpoador?
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