Arpoador
Arpoador is Brazil's most iconic urban surf spot, a rocky point break between Ipanema and Copacabana that has been the heart of Rio's surf scene for over 50 years. The wave is lit at night for after-dark sessions, a unique feature that has made it famous worldwide. The left peels along the rocks toward the beach, offering clean walls when SE swells wrap in. The sunset views from the rock are legendary, drawing crowds of spectators who applaud as the sun dips below the horizon.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (157°)
- Direction range
- 90° - 180°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 270° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
9/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Arpoador?
Arpoador handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
What wind direction is offshore at Arpoador?
Offshore wind at Arpoador blows from the NW (315°). Anything in the 270° to 45° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Arpoador?
Arpoador wants SSE swell (90° to 180°) between 0.9m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Arpoador?
The main season at Arpoador is Mar-Oct. Best in autumn/winter
How do I get to Arpoador?
Fly into GIG, then allow about 20 minutes by road.
What kind of wave is Arpoador?
Arpoador is a point break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Best in autumn/winter
Getting There
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