Surf: If there's no surf at Prainha, then give up for the day. Swells from the E will get lefts wrapping round the point, while the rights at the other end will handle anything around to the SW. Powerful and pretty peaks fill the middle stretch and can be hollow. Environment: Attracts all the best surfers to another lovely natural setting in Rio's only municipal beach park. Crowds are guaranteed all day, any day. This makes it less useful for beginners and visitors need to be respectful. Has been the scene of many a pro contest thanks to it's consistency and shape. Surf: General: Prainha ("Little Beach") is the center of serious surfing in Rio de Janeiro. At the far end of Barra and around two headlands the road will drop you into a small cove-like beach surrounded by high hills covered in tropical jungle. It's a beautiful beach and it picks up the most swell of anywhere around. Even on the flattest days you can find decent surf at Prainha, and it can be good to epic on various swells. The downside is that it is a 45-minute to an hour drive from Ipanema, or worse if it's a hot weekend.

There are several peaks along the beach, all having their day. The paddle out can be a bit tough, as the waves break on outer sandbars and reform. The crowd can be tough but not always, and the surroundings are picturesque. The most consistent spot on the coast, and a great place to surf and hang out. Tides: In general, low to medium at the corners and medium to high in the middle of the beach. Size: Chest high-2X overhead, but can hold even larger. Wind: Calm or offshore from NW, but holds from WSW (right corner) to ENE (left corner) as it is a protected bay. Swell: S to SE. But it is one of the best options of the city to the frequent small ESE swells. Bottom: Sand. Paddling: Usually an easy paddle, even if it is not short. Can be long and hard on bigger days. Spot Rating: Very consistent. Holds bigger swells and also maximizes smaller swells (except from the SW). Furthermore, it is better protected from the prevailing winds. Access: Easy and safe and pretty. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Weekends can be packed; weekdays are not so bad. Local Vibe: Competitive to serious. Could be aggro if it's going off. Be cool and low-key. Environment: Fairly clean for the most part. Hazards: Losing your board next to the rocks in both corners of the beach can be dangerous. Localism on classic days, especially next to the corners. Season: Fall and winter are best, but breaks year-round.