Surf: Campeche is a big beach with a rarely breaking but classic long, hollow right that needs a major S swell. Wraps around the sand point behind the island and spins off fast, leaving many behind on a sprint to the beach. Very wind exposed all the way up to Joaquina. Environment: If it's barrelling, the local tube-masters will appear, usually on your inside. Surf: General: The wave at Campeche is an odd one and a fickle one, and for that reason -- perhaps like Sandspit in Santa Barbara -- it holds a special place in the hearts of gaucho surfers; when it's on, no one wants to miss it. While the wave resembles a long right point, a look at the map will tell you it is not what one thinks of as a classic point. The place is more of a bend in the coastline that catches S swells and has them running sideways down the sandbanks, so that when all the elements are working properly you can find yourself taking off on a chest-high lump and zipping along for several hundred yards. It'll surprise you and it's super fun. It takes a big S swell to make it work, but it can be amazing. On its best days it's almost like First Point Malibu, with non-threatening, rippable walls. It takes a funky mix of swell and wind and tide, but if you catch it right it is memorable. One of Brazil's best waves. Tides: Low to medium Size: Chest high-2X overhead Wind: Calm or offshore from the W to NW. Swell: Big S to turn on the long rights Bottom: Sand. Paddling: Easy, but can be long paddles the bigger it gets. Spot Rating: It is not very consistent, but when it is on it is one of the best waves in the country: a long righthand offering some barrels and different kind of maneuvers. Access: Easy. Crowds: Crowd Factor: When it's on, it's game on. Local Vibe: Everyone wants one when it's breaking. Environment: Fairly clean for the most part. Hazards: Localism and crowds when it's on, especially at the main spot, in front of the Campeche Island. Also, between May and June surfing may be prohibited for traditional "Tainha" fishing. Season: Fall and winter are best, but breaks year-round.