Backdoor.

Backdoor breaks just east of Itaúna's main peak, on the far side of the Laje de Itaúna, the rock ledge that anchors Brazil's most famous wave. The wave jacks up and pitches directly over an exposed stretch of reef, and locals treat the drop as one of the most dangerous in Saquarema: it is common to bail rather than commit, timing a jump clear of the rock to avoid landing on it headfirst. It wants a southwest groundswell paired with west to southwest wind, a narrower combination than the swells that light up Itaúna itself, so it rarely turns on. That rarity, combined with the exposed rock, keeps the lineup thin even on weekends when Itaúna and Vila down the beach are packed. There is no dedicated infrastructure at the peak itself, surfers reach it from Itaúna beach, where parking, showers and lifeguard posts serve the whole stretch. This is not a spot to learn on. It rewards surfers who already know the reef and can read when tide and swell line up enough to clear the rock safely.

The wave breaks straight over an exposed rock, and locals say it is normal to bail and jump clear of it rather than try to ride through.