(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Wave consistency is poor, on a good day it can be very fun only if the crowds don’t show up, which is never.
The locals are not friendly, only if you are paying for a lesson will they open up to you. God forbid, you accidentally get in their way or heaven forbid attempt to surf “their” wave.
Travel to Barra or Recreio...seems much friendlier.”
Louis from BRAZIL - 26 Aug 2018
Arpoador Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 5 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.6(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.0(1: Arpoador is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.8(1: Arpoador is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Rio de Janeiro. 5: the best break in Rio de Janeiro). |
Difficulty Level: 2.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.2(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Arpoador can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.7(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Arpoador, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.2(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Arpoador are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.8(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 1.2(1: Often too crowded. 5: Arpoador is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.8(1: Getting to Arpoador requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 5.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 2.2(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 4.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Arpoador for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.0(1: Camping at Arpoador is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.5(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Arpoador is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 5.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 5.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Arpoador, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 4.5(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Arpoador where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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