Praia de Ipanema Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SE-SSW
Wind
Calm or offshore from the NW to NE.
Surf Height
Chest high to slightly overhead
Tide
Medium to high
Praia de Ipanema Surf Guide
Although all of the inner-city beaches from Copacabana to Leblon are fickle and can be dead flat, they also can be very good. The beachbreaks of Ipanema and Leblon can offer shifty peaks from playful, waist-high peelers to giant closeout pounders, all depending on the shifting sands. Check the beach and pick a peak when it's working. And if it's dead flat, don't despair -- those are the days when you need to head out to the beachbreaks of Barra da Tijuca and the super-consistent Prainha to the west. Flat in town doesn't mean the surf can't be good a 30-minute drive away.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All levels, but depends on size and sandbank formation.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
No problem when it's spread out.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Hot weekends have the beach filled with tens of thousands of brown bodies. The surf isn't as crowded.
Spot Rating
Poor
Often just a poor wave (closing out next to the beach) but it has its good days.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Breaks close to the beach and the rides are short.
Water Quality
Fair
Worse after rain. Avoid the water around the canal between Ipanema and Leblon.
Hazards
Rip currents.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Bodyboard
Access
Easy.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
Fall and winter are best with swells coming more consistently and better sandy bottoms.
Do you have local knowledge about Praia de Ipanema?
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