Surf: Encircled by steep hills, Praia Mole offers S wind protection and average beachbreaks that improve to the north. Wont handle much beyond overhead and prefers a dropping tide with E-SE swell. Environment: It's closest to the city so gets a thick crowd of beachgoers and then surfers on the days when everywhere else is blown out by a southerly. Surf: General: The hills around the small bay of Praia Mole also offer great wind protection for everything but straight-onshore E winds, so it's a good place to check when other spots blow out. There are two basic spots: the north end of the beach offers quality peaks when the surf is small, but bigger swells tend to close out the rights - and the lefts can hold to slightly overhead, but anything bigger will shut them down, as well; and the rest of the beach is average beachbreak stuff, but various peaks can have their day, and when S winds blow out the rest of the beaches, everyone will end up here looking for a wave. In the south corner, protected from the wind, is Gravatá, that hold bigger S/SE swells and produces a right hand. Tides: All tides, but best in the medium levels. Size: Waist high to a few feets overhead Wind: Calm or offshore from the NW. Swell: E, S Bottom: Sand. Paddling: The paddle is not bad for smaller days, but becomes more the larger it gets. Spot Rating: Very consistent with many wave options along the beach. Access: Easy. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Crowded but not aggro, usually. Local Vibe: Easygoing. Environment: Fairly clean for the most part. Hazards: Rip currents. Season: Fall and winter are best, but breaks year-round.