La Barra de Maldonado is a surf spot located at the mouth of the Maldonado River in Uruguay. This area features a mix of rocky coastline and sandy beaches, creating a variety of surf conditions. It's a spot that's known for its powerful waves compared to other places in Uruguay, making it more suited for surfers with some experience. The combination of the river's mouth and the rocky features shapes the sandbars, providing different wave types that can cater to diverse styles of surfing.

When it comes to surfing, La Barra offers a playground for intermediate surfers looking for some excitement. The optimal swell direction is Southeast, but it also handles swells coming from the East and South. You can expect waves to be rideable when the swell sizes hit around 2ft (0.6 meters) or more. The beach produces both left and right breaks with rivermouth waves, making it interesting as you navigate between the rocky ledges and sandy patches. For the best experience, try to hit it during low to mid tide with a North wind, as these conditions really bring out the best of this spot.

Keep in mind that La Barra can get pretty powerful, especially during tidal extremes, so be prepared for some rips. The rocks can be a concern when you're jumping in or out of the water. Overall, if you're looking for a bit of a challenge and some fun waves, La Barra de Maldonado is worth checking out.