Surf: Arpoador is Brazil’s surfing birthplace and usually entertains the best surf of the Zona Sul (South Side), easily recognised by its giant granite rock lookout. On medium to big E-SE swell, lefts can reach 10ft, wrapping around the point and catching on the sandbar that builds up next to it. Longish walls with hollow slots and plenty of punch for a full repertoire of manoeuvres, before running back up the beach and jumping off the point. Will show its best in SE swell, lower tides and NE wind, but unfortunately this doesn't occur too often and when it does, thick crowds of Rio rippers will be all over it. Has hosted top-level surf contests, but its inconsistency makes it a lottery. Environment: Since the city installed lighting, night time sessions are entirely doable and far less popular with the locals. wandering down Ipanema beach won't escape the crowds, but the people-watching is special. Surf: General: 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. Tides: Low to medium Size: Chest high to 2X overhead. But holds up to triple overhead with clean SE swells. Wind: Calm or offshore from the NW to NE. Moderate SW winds associated with cold fronts are the worst. Swell: SE. But when the sandy bottom is good the spot has a wider swell window. Bottom: Sand-bottom point. Paddling: Usually an easy paddle close to the rocks at the left corner. Spot Rating: 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. Access: Easy. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Always crowded, and sometimes at night too. Local Vibe: From competitive to aggro, depending on the swell. Humility and respect will serve you well. Environment: Fairly clean for the most part. Worse after rain and with strong SSW swell. Hazards: Localism on classic days. Beginners on other days. 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.