Cabedelo Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

NW, W, SW

Wind

E, NE

Surf Height

Waist high to double overhead.

Tide

Past low towards medium tides generally best.

Cabedelo Surf Guide

The jetty at Cabedelo is known for its consistency. Though classic Cabedelo -- when the rights are roping alongside the jetty and the rip pulls you back out exactly where you need to be -- doesn't happen every day, this stretch of beach accepts anything the North Atlantic can dish up, with a huge jetty to protect it from NW winds. The key factor for perfection is sand. There needs to be at least one big winter-type storm to move the sand into its proper place next to the jetty. When it's on, the right is a mind-bogglingly perfect performance wave with a tube section on the takeoff; and the left into the jetty is shorter, though equally good. But in spring and summer, when it's less consistent, the sand can settle in a straightish line, rendering the jetty wedge invisible. This is okay, as there are a bunch of scattered peaks farther south. And if you drive north of town, there are some ultra-consistent beachbreaks that stick out even farther than Cabedelo.

Ability Level

All Abilities

BegIntAdv

OK for all levels - beginners best when small.

Local Vibe

Doable

WelcomingIntimidating

Yes. The locals know the wave well and will either yell at you, paddle inside you or both.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

Popular break, gets busy.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

Fun, flexible beachbreak inside a protective groyne, with fun wedges and good quality walling waves.

Shoulder Burn

Light

LightExhausting

Pretty mellow since the rip next to the jetty takes you straight out.

Water Quality

Fair

CleanDirty

Has a bad reputation - suffers from raw sewage discharge from the river.

Hazards

Can be heavy and wedgy; crowds.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Fish, Longboard, Bodyboard

Access

Parking by the groyne and to the south near the hospital.

Bottom

Sand.

Best Season

Best September to May.

Do you have local knowledge about Cabedelo?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]