Monday, 02 February 2009

• Surfing in Brazil

  by Molly
  

  Have you ever wanted to try out surfing but you were just a little too scared? Or you just had no idea what you were doing, so you didn't want to try it? I think I felt a little bit of both when I got out to the beaches in Brazil and looked out at the waves crashing in.

  While there are tons of surfing hot spots lining the coast of Brazil, there was one in particular that stood out for me. Macumba beach, about an hour outside downtown Rio de Janeiro, has some of the most consistent breaks in all of Brazil, and is particularly inviting to beginners.Although, higher level of surfers are also able to find some excitment, as the waves range in side from one side of the beach to the other.
  

  
  

  The beginner side boasts sandy ocean floors, so there is no fear of crashing and cutting yourself up on impact. Also, the waves come in pretty constant sets, so if you fail to catch one of them, you can probably turn right around and try again. Much better than missing one and waiting twenty minutes for the next one to come!

  Also close to this area are Prainha and Grumari, two of the most beautiful, safe and inviting beaches in Brazil. These waves are a bit bigger than the ones found over at Macumba, so if your skills aren't up to par, don't worry - the beauty of the area will make up for it! If you are a more advanced surfer, you definitely won't have a lack of good times here. These beaches draw from crowds all the way from celebrities, to families to backpackers coming up for the day from Rio. Although, the area always seems to be inviting no matter who makes it over. I guess it's hard not to be in such beautiful surroundings!
  
  If you are thinking that you want to take a lesson, try out the Rio Surf n' Stay (www.riosurfnstay.com). This is a hostel that doubles as a surf school, and is run by two amazing surfers...a New Zealander and a Brazilian. You can either stay with them or just take lessons. Either way, they will find a way to accommodate you. Recreio, the area where the hostel is located, is definitely off the beaten track, but in the best of ways.

  
  The Rio Surf n' Stay House
  

  It is truly a unique area, and very interesting to see after leaving the bright lights of Rio City. You can go out in the favela for a very cheap, but amazing Brazilian BBQ and beer at night, and wake up to an adventurous day of surfing in the morning. And don't worry, it is a safe area to walk around in. But if you are unsure, the surf instructors are never against going out for a beer to show you around!

  Have you ever been surfing? What was your experience? Would you ever try it out in one of these places in Brazil if you had the chance?

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