Top five surfing beaches in Rio de Janeiro

The Rio Olympics 2016 are underway and the focus is well and
truly on all things Brazilian. This proud nation is showing off their local
traditions, food, party atmosphere and beautiful locations to the world with
Rio as their focus.

With news that surfing
is now officially an Olympic sport with the first medals up for grabs at
the Tokyo 2020 games there is now an Olympic buzz within the surf industry.
It’s a shame that the sport wasn’t included by the committee sooner as we could
now be watching our favourite surfers battling out in the punchy Rio waves at
one of the many top quality waves in the area.

Surf
holidays in Rio de Janeiro are a fantastic experience for surfers of all
abilities. There is a variety of waves located within the city area ranging
from waist high mellow peelers to triple overhead thick barrels that should
only be tackled by the most experienced of surfers.

The beach is king in Rio and locals
treat a day at the beach like work with many devoting their week to the
leisurely beach lifestyle. People of all ages gravitate towards the golden
sands in Rio to gossip, hold business meetings, play volleyball and football,
work on their tans and, of course, surf!

Surfing in Brazil is huge and they
have produced some of the best surfers in the world like World Champions Adrian
de Souza, Gabriel Medina and aerial specialist Filipe Toledo, and with the
quality of waves it’s no wonder why!

Here at Surf Holidays we have
picked out our top five beaches in Rio, so have a read below and start planning
your Brazil surf trip now and you’ll be enjoying the magnificent scenery,
delicious food, friendly locals and incredible waves for yourself, making surf
memories that will last a lifetime.

1 – Ipanema

One of the most famous beaches in Brazil produces some great
waves and a great atmosphere on the beach any day of the week. A great beach
for surfers of all abilities as it starts working at around two feet, perfect
for learning the sport for the first time in the warm water, and holds up to 12
feet+, perfect for surfers looking to score some heavy waves and propel their
surfing to the next level.

2 – Forte De
Copacabana

Located at another of Brazil’s famous beaches, Copacabana,
we’ve decided not to include the main beach break but the fun right hand point
break known as Forte de Copacabana. A great place to head when the main breaks
are getting too big as it’s protected by a big headland to the south, it
produces long rides perfect for a long board or mini-mal that can go for 300m
when the swell is right. Head back to the main beach for sunset where you can
enjoy a cold local beer or fresh coconut juice.

3 – Joatinga

A small local neighbourhood beach that offers fantastic
surfing away from the crowds found at the bigger beaches. The wave starts
working at around waist height, holds up to six feet and is a great place for
beginner surfers to learn the basics as well as intermediates looking to fine
tune some moves. Due to the size of the inlet, when the waves are smaller it’s
a great place to grab a mask and snorkel and explore the cove from under the
water.

4 – Tropical

Tropical, also known as Posto 1 is heavy beach break
producing some deep barrels that should only be surfed by intermediate and
advanced surfers. The break itself is regulated by the local bodyboarders who
have their pick of the waves, but show respect and you too will get plenty of
rides.

5 – Macumbo Curvo

Located roughly 12km from the centre of Rio this is another
great beach to head to if the crowd gets too thick at places like Ipanema and
Copacabana. Producing left and right punchy waves that are best surfed when it’s
chest to head high for surfers of all abilities. Keep an eye on the sandbars as
it can break extremely shallow depending on tidal position. A great place to
spend the day whilst drinking fresh beverages and eating delicious local
fruits.