Surf: The best wave, 30 minutes walk from Santa Maria, is Ponta Preta, which has long rights peeling for up to 300m over sharp, black boulders. Barrel sections, speed walls and wind whipped copings are shared out between the surf and wind crews. It’s best with a decent NW swell, low tide and when the usual sideshore wind is light. There’s also an awesome, even hollower left off the outside peak, but it’s exposed to the wind and closes-out suddenly on the barely submerged rocks so experts only. Environment: This is a world-class wave so be sure your ability matches up. Not making a section will usually put you and your board on the rocks. Paddle from the beach, timing the shorebreak or sprint from the point on small days.