Last updated on November 20th, 2023 at 10:50 am
In this post you will find the best surf spots in Brazil for beginners, where you can learn, practice, and improve your surfing skills.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in Latin America. Therefore, it has a huge coastline that receives consistent swells from the Atlantic Ocean. The variety of surf spots in this country is absolutely incredible. You can find here all types of waves for any type of surfer. Although powerful shore breaks and punchy barrels are pretty common, there are also many beginner surf beaches in Brazil. So, regardless of your skill level, Brazil is always a good choice for a surf trip.
So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in Brazil for beginners:
Florianopolis, Santa Catarina
The state of Santa Catarina is definitely the best surfing area in Brazil. Although the water is cold and it can get windy sometimes, it still offers incredible surf conditions. The waves around Florianopolis are consistent, especially during the Brazilian winter, from April to October. Along the Island of Santa Catarina, there is a huge variety of surf spots of all kinds. Some of the waves here are aggressive, but there are also good beginner surf beaches. For instance, Barra da Lagoa is one of the most popular beginner surf beaches in Brazil. This small fishing village offers a nice beach break for all skill levels. The shape of the rocks on the right corner of the beach creates a shelter from the swell, and therefore, Novice surfers can practice here on smaller waves. If you are more of an intermediate surfer, you can also try your luck in Praia Mole, which offers a mellow beach break with good shape.
For details about beginner surf camps in Santa Catarina, please click here.
Rio de Janeiro
It is impossible to talk about surf beaches in Brazil without mentioning Rio de Janeiro. This enormous city, with its impressive mountains, beautiful bays, and fascinating culture, is definitely a “must-visit” place. Apart from being such a tourist attraction, Rio is also a great surf destination. It offers a variety of different surf spots for any skill level. Although the beaches here are always crowded, you can still have lots of fun in the water.
The most famous beach in Rio is Copacabana. The shore break in the middle of the beach can be extremely powerful, so this is not the place for newbies. However, the right corner of the beach is well sheltered from the swell, and here, you can easily ride a soft right-hand point break. Moreover, if you head further to the next beach, Arpoador, you will find a left-hand point break with mellow waves. This spot is one of the best surf spots in Brazil for beginner and intermediate surfers.
For details about beginner surf camps in Rio, please click here.
Jericoacoara
Jericoacoara is a beautiful beach town in North Brazil, pretty close to the Amazonas. This area is mostly popular among the kitesurfing community, as this is one of the best kite destinations in the world. On top of that, Jericoacoara is also one of the best beginner surf beaches in Brazil. During the Brazilian summer, from December to April, this beach receives consistent swells and offers good surf conditions. The soft waves and the sandy bottom create a perfect environment for novice surfers to learn and practice.
Jericoacoara is also a great place to rent a board and take some surf lessons. A great surf school in town is Xavi Surf School, but there several other good ones as well.
For details about beginner surf camps in Brazil, please click here.
Praia da Pipa
Near the city of Natal, in the eastern part of South America, there is a small fishing village called Praia da Pipa. Over the years, this beautiful town became extremely popular among surfers and backpackers. The beaches here are stunning, and the variety of surf breaks is incredible. For that reason, it is considered one of the best surf areas in Brazil. Although some of the waves here are powerful, there are also several beginner-friendly spots. For instance, Golfinhos and Madeira are both great beaches for newbies. Here, you can easily practice your skills on the small waves over a sandy bottom.
For details about beginner surf camps in Brazil, please click here.
Itacare
Just south of Salvador, in Bahia, Itacare is another great surf town along the Brazilian Coastline. It offers a crazy nightlife scene and fantastic surf as well. If you know how to balance between the two, you can have the best of both. Although this area has a good selection of breaks, the best beach for beginners is Engenhoca. The shape of the bay here creates a shelter from wind and swell, and therefore, the waves are soft and mellow. This is a pure longboard wave and the most beginner-friendly one you can get.
For details about beginner surf camps in Brazil, please click here.
What Should You Bring for a Beginner Surf Trip to Brazil?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
4. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Prepare Your Body for a Surf Trip With Online Surf Training
As a beginner surfing in Brazil, you are going to face several challenges. The waves breaking on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be tough to handle. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to face the ocean:
1. Take an online surf course– You can practice specific online surf exercises to work on the relevant muscles and improve your surf fitness. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to Brazil.
2. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can be surrounded by people just like yourself and get advice from professional surf instructors? To find the best beginner surf camps in Brazil, click here.
Conclusion- Final Thought
In summary, these are the top 5 surf spots in Brazil for beginners. Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg. The Brazilian Coastline is so extensive and diverse that you can find thousands of good breaks for beginners, experts, and everything in between. Apart from surfing, Brazil is an incredible place to visit. With beautiful nature, friendly people, and the rhythm of samba, a surf trip to Brazil is something that you will probably never forget.
Before you leave, don’t forget to visit our post about the best surf camps in Brazil, or the one about surf resorts in Brazil.
