Arpoador

Crowded iconic point where city meets perfect peeling lefts.

Arpoador is a historic left-hand semi-point break on the rocky headland separating Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, widely considered the birthplace of surfing in Rio de Janeiro. The wave mushes off the rocks and rolls toward the beach over a sand-and-rock bottom, producing rideable faces from 3 to 10 feet when southeast groundswells arrive, typically between May and September. It works at all stages of the tide, with north-northeast offshore winds providing the cleanest conditions. Uniquely, floodlights on the boardwalk illuminate the lineup at night, making after-dark sessions possible. The spot was once a WCT contest venue and remains extremely popular, so crowded lineups are the norm, particularly on weekends and during solid swells.

Best months to surf Arpoador

Wave consistency

Consistent

Things to do nearby

• Take a cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views of the city and coastline
• Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and take in panoramic views of Rio
• Stroll along Ipanema Beach and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere and stunning ocean views
• Wander through the colorful streets of Santa Teresa, known for its art, culture, and historic charm