Ponta da Pinheira (Praia Grande)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Ponta da Pinheira (Praia Grande) is an exposed right-hand point break where wave quality depends heavily on the swell wrapping correctly around the headland. When the setup is right, surfers can find fast, peeling right-hand sections and, on better days, hollow and powerful waves. The spot is strongly tide-dependent, with low tide repeatedly noted as the best condition for the waves to connect. Southwest wind is considered the best wind direction for this line, helping to produce cleaner faces for the point break; if wind/swell alignment is off, sessions can become inconsistent. In terms of safety, the launch and take-off area involve hazards including submerged rocks along the point, rip currents (particularly during larger sets), and occasional jellyfish. Paddling out requires caution around the rock shelf, and local guidance emphasizes watching the rocks and respecting standard surfing etiquette at the point. Seasonally, September is highlighted as a top month for surf at this location, aligning with the overall best winter performance pattern described for the region. Water temperatures vary widely across the year (cooler in winter and warmer through summer), and a wetsuit is commonly recommended for the cooler months.
- Exposed right-hand point break with hollow, powerful waves on suitable swells
- Best conditions repeatedly noted as low tide and southwest winds
- Submerged rocks and rip currents are key safety considerations
- Can produce hollow, powerful, fast right-handers at the point on the right swell setup
- Low tide is typically favored for connecting sections
- Wind can help groom cleaner faces when southwest winds are present
- Exposed point break that only works when swell wraps around the point
- Overall consistency is described as low/infrequent
- Hazards include submerged rocks and rip currents
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Offshore directions
- W, WSW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Spot-level guidance describes frontal wind conditions; seasonal/regional wind includes additional South influence during cold fronts.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- A high headland provides some protection from direct South winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Fine sand around the beach launch.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Overall wave descriptions range from medium to good/great when big east swells arrive.
- Launch
- Medium — Launch is primarily from the sandy beach adjacent to the rocky point.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate take-off due to rocks near the point and headland exposure.
Through the year
Highest during summer holidays (December to February) and weekends; quieter during winter weekdays.
Thunderstorms are common in summer afternoons; winter brings more frequent cold fronts and South winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed right-hand point break. It only works when the swell wraps around the point with the right direction; otherwise it can be inconsistent.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- E, ESE, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open point exposure with some headland influence; conditions are described as exposed overall.
- Wind Effect
- Best with southwest wind; described as offshore for the right-hand point line and helps groom cleaner faces. When wind and swell alignment are off, waves can become less consistent.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size on big east swells (E, SE). On larger swell it can still become sectiony or close out if swell direction is too far from the ideal wrap.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Quality is good when the setup is correct, but overall performance is described as inconsistent.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as hollow and powerful on suitable swells; some summaries rate it as moderate depending on setup.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Often described as hollow on big east swells; can be sectiony depending on swell direction.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Some guidance notes fast right-handers at the point; other descriptions rate peel speed as medium when conditions align.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Good days can produce rides around 50 to 100 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can deliver longer, peeling sections when swell and wind align; good days may reach roughly 50–100 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ponta da Pinheira (Praia Grande) in the full forecast view.
Ponta da Pinheira (Praia Grande) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–15 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- ESE111°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2615 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–0.8 m6s period
- Temperature
- 14–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ponta da Pinheira (Praia Grande) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.4–0.8 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Submerged rocks near the point
- Rip currents
- Occasional jellyfish
- Rock shelf can catch paddlers when paddling out
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguard stations are active during summer (Dec–Mar); outside this period coverage is minimal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional rescue is available via state coastguard services; spot-level information indicates no dedicated rescue presence at the launch.
- Emergency Info
- Brazil emergency numbers: 193 (fire/rescue), 192 (ambulance/medical).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local surfers at the point.
- Best surfed at low tide when the sections connect better
- Watch for the rock shelf when paddling out
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Governador Celso Ramos
- Nearest Town
- Armação da Piedade
- Nearest Airport
- Florianópolis-Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)
- Parking
- Paid and street parking available near the main entrance of Praia Grande.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Pousadas and vacation rentals are available in the Praia Grande and Palmas areas.
- Food & Drink
- Several beachfront kiosks and restaurants serve local seafood and snacks.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited surf rentals may be found at local shops in the nearby Palmas beach.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is typically only available through specific accommodation providers or private surf clubs.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A peninsula with Atlantic Forest surroundings and multiple beaches, offering a calmer coastal alternative while still operating as a hub for water sports.
18th-century Fortress of Santa Cruz, accessible by boat tours.
Ancient whaling station and historic church dating back to the 18th century.
Biological marine reserve known for some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in Southern Brazil.
Regionally known seafood, including fresh oysters and mussels.
Baía dos Golfinhos is a resident habitat for tucuxi dolphins, commonly viewed via boat excursions.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ponta da Pinheira (Praia Grande)?
The best overall months at Ponta da Pinheira (Praia Grande) are September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Ponta da Pinheira (Praia Grande)?
Ponta da Pinheira (Praia Grande) works with SW winds. Offshore directions are W, WSW.
What skill level is Ponta da Pinheira (Praia Grande) suitable for?
Ponta da Pinheira (Praia Grande) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.