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Surf spot guide · Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Praia do Pontal is a punchy beachbreak beside Pedra do Pontal in Recreio, throwing hollow rights and lefts favored by bodyboarders.
Praia do Pontal sits at the western tip of Recreio dos Bandeirantes, tucked against the granite dome of Pedra do Pontal, the rock made famous by Tim Maia's song Do Leme ao Pontal. The peak throws hollow rights and lefts off the point, running from half a metre up to roughly two and a half metres, with barrel sections that have made it a regular bodyboard contest venue and a draw for television crews. It sits between the busier central Recreio beach to the east and the mellower longboard beachbreak of Praia da Macumba on the far side of the rock to the west, giving it a sharper edge than either neighbour. A sand tombolo links the rock to the beach and only shows at low tide. There is no vehicle access here: surfers walk, cycle, or ride an e-bike in past the Pontal Surf shop and the Longboard Paradise hostel. South swells run heaviest from April through October, and ressaca periods bring strong rip currents around the point, so check the flags before paddling out.
Waves wrap off Pedra do Pontal into hollow rights and lefts where Rio's bodyboarders chase barrels.
Rio de Janeiro
Praia da Macumba is a consistent Rio beachbreak known for its mellow vibe and popularity among longboarders and surfers of all levels.
Rio de Janeiro
Farofa is a sheltered left along the west face of Pedra do Pontal, small most days but good size on a south to southwest swell.
Rio de Janeiro
A heavy right-hand corner where waves wrap and wedge along the rocks of Pedra do Pontal in Recreio dos Bandeirantes.
+9 MORE →Quieter and more tranquil than the main Recreio strip day to day, but the peak fills with bodyboarders when swell hits and during contests.
Laid-back beach, hollow peak
Rip currents strengthen fast during ressaca swings, so check the flag before paddling out.
There is no direct vehicle access along this stretch: walk, cycle, or take an e-bike in from Recreio.
The sand tombolo linking Pedra do Pontal to the beach only surfaces at low tide.
Board rental and repairs are available at the Pontal Surf shop right by the beach.
HAZARDS · KNOW BEFORE YOU PADDLE
Quieter and more tranquil than the main Recreio strip day to day, but the peak fills with bodyboarders when swell hits and during contests.
Laid-back beach, hollow peak
No car access on this stretch: reach it on foot, bike, or e-bike from Recreio's boardwalk; parking is back toward central Recreio.
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