Praia do Rincao (Praia da Lagoinha)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Praia do Rincao (also called Praia da Lagoinha) is a sandy beach/pier break where surf tends to be most compelling near the north jetty on South swell days. The spot’s wave setting is described as a straight chain of beachbreaks, with average swell reported around roughly 1.5–1.6 meters and occasional larger pulses from the south. For wind sports, the defining factor is the Northeast trade wind (“Nordestão”). The wind is reported as most reliable in spring and summer, with typical speeds around 15–25 knots and thermal reinforcement that often strengthens the wind in the afternoon. The jetty and the nearby fishing platform can create localized flatter water sections, but also create a wind shadow immediately behind them. Surf conditions are described as good overall, with waves taking a peeling shape and supporting medium ride lengths. On bigger swells (reported above about 2.5 meters), the break can close out. Wind direction also matters: NE winds are generally side-onshore, while W and NW are offshore for the surf setup. Safety is an important consideration: rip currents are a stated hazard, and there are hard structures (the jetty and fishing platform) plus fishing lines/hooks near the platform area. Crowds during the summer peak can add complexity in the water, so it’s recommended to respect surfers near the jetty and to avoid riding too close to the platform. Lifeguards are described as seasonal and rescue availability as limited; checking local water-quality updates during peak summer is also advised due to the risk of urban runoff affecting the beach.

  • North jetty area is the most sought-after surf location on South swell
  • Strong Northeast wind season supports kitesurfing and windsurfing
  • Wide sandy beach for launching and setup
Great for
Surfing shortboardKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing waveWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Consistent beach-break surf with a strong local focus on the north-jetty area
  • Northeast wind season supports wind sports, especially kitesurfing
  • Long sandy beach offers practical space for launching and setup
  • Reported good wave quality on suitable South-swell days
Heads up
  • Rip currents present
  • Hard structures (jetty and fishing platform) nearby create snag/impact risk
  • Crowds can make in-water navigation tricky during summer peak
  • Large swells can close out over 2.5 meters
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE, S, SW, W
Offshore directions
W, WNW, NW
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Vento Nordeste (Northeast trade wind), frequently reinforced by thermal heating in the afternoon during spring and summer.
Reliability
High during spring and summer months.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
September, October, November, December, January
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Sand — Fine sand beach.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Reported average swell around 1.5–1.6 m; occasional larger south pulses.
Launch
Big — Extensive sandy beach with ample space for gear setup.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
15–25 °C
Water Temperature
11–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jul, Aug, Sep: 3/2mmJul, Aug, Sep: 4/3mmJan, Feb, Mar: shorty or lycra
Crowds by Season

Peak crowds in January and February; very quiet in winter months (June–August).

Storm/Rain Season

Rain can occur year-round, with occasional frontal storms in winter.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Reliable kitesurfing with consistent Northeast wind; wide beach space for launching, with the jetty offering flatter sections depending on tide.

FreerideWaveFoil
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for windsurfing, especially wave and freeride styles, with strong summer winds supporting medium to small sails.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4.5–6 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible but can be challenging due to shore break and sandy shallows; foilers often go further out beyond the break.

Foil Friendly
Limited
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Beach/pier break with the most sought-after surf near the north jetty on South swells.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SE, E
Swell Height
0.5–2 m
Optimal Tide
All tides
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — The north jetty helps groom sandbanks and provides some protection from certain wind directions.
Wind Effect
NE winds are side-onshore; W and NW are offshore.
Bigger Swell
Can close out on very large swells over about 2.5 meters.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Waves can offer rides of about 50 to 100 meters on good days.
Typical Ride Length
60 m
Ride Length Details
Typical ride length is reported around 50–100 meters on good days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Praia do Rincao (Praia da Lagoinha) in the full forecast view.

Praia do Rincao (Praia da Lagoinha) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–12 ktsGusts 23 kts
Direction
SSE154°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2512 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–1.9 m7s period
Temperature
12–24 °C

Over the next 7 days, Praia do Rincao (Praia da Lagoinha) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 1.0–1.9 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • Rip currents
  • Hard structures (Jetty and Fishing Platform)
  • Fishing lines and hooks near the platform
  • Crowds in the water during summer peak
  • Fishing nets (occasional)
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguard stations operate primarily during the peak summer season.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited.
Emergency Info
Nearest major hospital is in Criciúma, approximately 25km away.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Respect the surfers near the jetty; kitesurfing is generally done downwind of the main surfing zones.

Restrictions
  • Avoid riding too close to the fishing platform for safety and to respect local fishers.
Local Tips
  • The best surf is usually found right next to the north jetty on a South swell.
  • Check water quality reports during peak summer because urban runoff can affect the beach.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Balneᵡo Arroio do Silva
Nearest Town
Balneᵡo Arroio do Silva
Parking
Ample parking available along the beachfront and near the jetty
Public Transport
Access is primarily by car via the BR-101 highway; local bus lines connect Balneário Arroio do Silva with the regional hub of Araranguá.
Access
Accessible by paved roads from Içara and Criciúma
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Portuguese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Showers
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Variety of pousadas, seasonal holiday rentals, and campsites for domestic tourists.
Food & Drink
Numerous kiosks and restaurants offering seafood and snacks along the boardwalk.
Equipment Rental:
Limited on-site rental for kiteboarding; most riders bring their own gear. Surfboards can occasionally be rented from local kiosks in summer.
Gear Storage
Dedicated gear storage facilities are not standard; most visitors use private accommodation or vehicles.
Gear Repair
Major gear repairs usually require a trip to larger hubs like Criciúma or Florianópolis.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Local attractions in the surrounding area include viewpoints and coastal dune experiences, with seasonal community life centered on the fishing pier and beachfront gatherings.

Best time to visit: December to February for warm weather and beach activities; September to November for the most reliable winds.
Morro dos Conventos15km

Famed for massive dunes, cliffs, and the mouth of the Araranguá River, with panoramic views of the coastline.

Platforma de Pesca Entremares5km

A long fishing pier that functions as a central social hub for the local community and traditional rod fishing.

Dune Sandboarding15km

Sandboarding and paragliding activities connected to the nearby dunes at Morro dos Conventos.

Restaurante do Neguinho2km

Traditional local seafood restaurant known for fresh regional fish dishes.

Balneário Arroio do Silva Central Square1km

Features seasonal events, fairs, and playgrounds for children.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Praia do Rincao (Praia da Lagoinha)?

The best overall months at Praia do Rincao (Praia da Lagoinha) are April, May, September, October, November, December, January. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, January.

Which wind directions work at Praia do Rincao (Praia da Lagoinha)?

Praia do Rincao (Praia da Lagoinha) works with NE, S, SW, W winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW, NW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Praia do Rincao (Praia da Lagoinha)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Praia do Rincao (Praia da Lagoinha): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Praia do Rincao (Praia da Lagoinha) suitable for?

Praia do Rincao (Praia da Lagoinha) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner.