Prainha 2 (Pinheira)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Mixed
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Prainha 2 (Pinheira) is a rarely crowded beach break in a cove-like pocket, described as having a versatile set-up with an A-frame over sand. Surf is generally consistent, and the spot is characterized by a powerful left and a long right wall. The best surf timing is reported as May, with conditions described as fairly exposed to the elements while still benefiting from the cove protection provided by surrounding high hills. Wave size is generally small, and wave quality is described as good to average depending on conditions. Wind conditions are trade-influenced and can be variable. Reported wind performance shows a mix of clean and small periods, with some blown periods as well, and gusts are described as moderate. For surfing, wind direction is described as affecting whether the wind is onshore (NE) or offshore (NW), influencing how the swell comes into shape. For safety, the spot has rocks at the edges of the cove and rip currents are reported. There are no lifeguards reported for this specific launch area, so riders should plan for spot-appropriate self-rescue readiness and extra caution around the rocky margins and any current seams.
- Rarely crowded, consistent beach-break surf
- A-frame over sand with a powerful left and long right wall
- Semi-sheltered cove setting
- Rarely crowded beach-break with consistent surf
- Semi-sheltered cove setting with a sandy bottom
- Works best in May for surf conditions
- Rocks at the cove edges and rip currents are reported hazards
- Wind can be variable and periods are sometimes 'blown' or small
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Wind Range
- 14–16 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-influenced winds.
- Reliability
- Low reported reliability (mixed outcomes: many 'small' and some 'blown' periods).
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- May
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small wave size is reported overall.
- Launch
- Big — Beach break within a cove-like small beach surrounded by high hills.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy launch is reported.
Through the year
Rarely crowded overall; summer months can see more recreational visitors while still remaining quieter than neighboring areas.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A-frame over beach with versatile beach peaks; described as having a powerful left barrel and a long right wall in a quieter setting.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- ESE, SE, SSE, E
- Swell Height
- 0.9–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is specifically mentioned; another source indicates all-tides can work.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — A cove-like setup surrounded by high hills/tropical jungle provides partial protection.
- Wind Effect
- Variable depending on direction; onshore from NE and offshore from NW are reported. West/Northwest offshore winds are also described as grooming the swell.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size on bigger swell (reported up to 2.5 m with a 14-second period); can close out when swell exceeds about 2 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Also described as average in some conditions.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- A long right wall is described, with quick/punchy rides also noted for the beach-break peaks.
- Ride Length Details
- Long right wall; right-side rides are highlighted. Another description notes quick, punchy rides typical of beach breaks in the region.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Prainha 2 (Pinheira) in the full forecast view.
Prainha 2 (Pinheira) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–16 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- SE130°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.5 m7s period
- Temperature
- 14–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Prainha 2 (Pinheira) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.7–1.5 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Rocks at the edges of the cove
- Rip currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported for this spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated rescue reported for this spot.
- Emergency Info
- Brazil emergency numbers: 192 (SAMU) or 193 (fire/rescue).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism reported as none.
Rules of the spot
- It is a quieter spot compared to the main beaches, which can make it a good place for beginners to practice away from the crowds.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Palhoça
- Nearest Town
- Guarda do Embaú
- Access
- At the end of a road cutting through hills within a municipal park (access described via routes past Recreio dos Bandeirantes and Praia da Macumba); also described as accessible via a trail from Praia da Pinheira or Guarda do Embaú.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and rentals are available in Pinheira and Guarda do Embaú; nearby accommodation options are widespread across the area.
- Food & Drink
- Basic tourist infrastructure; restaurants and kiosks are located on neighboring main beaches.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Pinheira is described as tranquil and nature-oriented, balancing coastal preservation with family tourism, with nearby outings including valley viewpoints and state-park hiking as well as a historic fishing village.
Scenic valley between Pinheira and Guarda do Embaú with hiking trails, coastal viewpoints, and wild camping spots.
Large protected area in Santa Catarina with extensive biodiversity and hiking trails through Atlantic Forest and coastal ecosystems.
Traditional fishing village known for a bohemian atmosphere and surfing heritage.
Popular local eatery specializing in fresh seafood and traditional Azorean-influenced cuisine.
Calm area for evening walks and light dining near the river mouth near the Guarda/Pinheira border.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Prainha 2 (Pinheira)?
The best overall months at Prainha 2 (Pinheira) are May.
What skill level is Prainha 2 (Pinheira) suitable for?
Prainha 2 (Pinheira) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.