Regência (Linhares)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced to Expert
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Regência is a remote, exposed river-mouth break at the mouth of the Rio Doce, known primarily for high-quality, long, hollow left-hand barrels—often described as some of the most tubular waves in Brazil. The break is characterized as powerful/very powerful, with fast peeling sections and a barreling wave shape, and it can become very heavy and technical on larger swells. The local lineup attracts an expert-level crowd. Reports emphasize hazards typical for a major river mouth: strong currents, murky water (especially after rain), and debris/logs or shifting sandbars. Sharks are specifically called out as a key risk because the river mouth draws them, with the risk potentially higher in brown, sediment-heavy water after upstream rain. Wind sports are possible but condition-dependent. NE winds are dominant and commonly reinforced by afternoon thermal sea breezes, with a typical afternoon wind build. Spot-level wind consistency is described as fair, and there are windsport notes pointing to wave-kiting potential for advanced riders; wingfoiling is described as challenging due to heavy waves and strong river currents. Overall, the village environment is described as quiet and isolated, with relatively few surfers even on good days. Water-safety planning should include checking water quality after heavy rains, respecting local line-up/community rules, and being prepared for limited organized rescue coverage.
- Long, fast left-hand barrels with strong barreling character
- Remote river-mouth setting with strong currents and debris risk
- Afternoon thermal reinforcement from late morning into the afternoon supports wind options
- Conservation-led, eco-conscious village atmosphere
- Dependable, exposed river-mouth surfing with long, hollow/tubular waves
- Quiet, isolated village vibe with relatively few surfers even on good days
- Afternoon NE trade/thermal winds can support wind sports (wind availability varies)
- Powerful, heavy barrels at a remote river mouth demand expert-level judgment
- Strong currents and debris after river runoff
- Water quality may worsen after heavy upstream rains
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, S
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — NE trade winds are dominant, often reinforced by afternoon thermal sea breezes; reported thermal reinforcement from late morning into the afternoon.
- Reliability
- fair (spot-level), relatively lower reliability in monthly blown percentage context (28% monthly blown reported).
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gust factor reported.
- Best Months
- March
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Big — Wave size described as big; also described as powerful/very powerful surf.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for launching and landing.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty described as moderate.
Through the year
Generally quiet; can get busier on weekends with high-quality swells.
Heavy tropical rains are most frequent between October and January.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Advanced wave-kiting due to strong river currents and the power of the ocean (described as an advanced spot).
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Primarily a surfing destination; wave windsurfing is possible during strong frontal passages.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–5.7 m²
Challenging for wingfoiling due to heavy waves and strong river currents.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly conditions described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Regência is known for long, fast left tubes and world-class/hollow barrel quality from a river-mouth break.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide reported as optimal.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed river-mouth setting.
- Wind Effect
- NW wind provides ideal offshore conditions for groomed barrels (reported).
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well, becoming very heavy and technical.
- Wave Quality
- World class — World-class / excellent quality described.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Described as powerful to very powerful, among the heaviest waves in Brazil.
- Wave Shape
- Barreling — Long, hollow/tubular left-hand barrels.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast peeling left-hand barrels reported.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long and technical left-hand barrels; can peel for a significant distance.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Long, technical left-hand barrels; typical ride length reported as 150–300 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Regência (Linhares) in the full forecast view.
Regência (Linhares) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–18 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- ESE102°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2618 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.3 m7s period
- Temperature
- 23–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Regência (Linhares) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.1–2.3 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
- Sharks
- Currents
- Coral
- Strong currents
- Murky water
- Heavy waves
- River debris
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No organized professional water rescue service; safety relies largely on the local community, with a small health post in the village for minor issues.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Linhares, approximately 50 km away. National emergency number for SAMU is 192.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism described as none at spot-guide level; mild local community/line-up respect expected in other materials.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local community and environment. Notes mention the waves at the mouth of the Doce River have conservation-oriented rules aimed at preserving ecological balance and protecting culturally significant areas.
- Water can be contaminated following heavy rains upstream in the Rio Doce.
- Watch for sharks as the river mouth attracts them, especially in the murky brown water after rain.
- Check local water quality reports before entering, particularly after heavy rains upstream.
- The wave breaks quite far from shore at the river mouth.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Linhares
- Nearest Town
- Regência
- Parking
- Village streets and areas near the main beach access points.
- Public Transport
- Limited bus service to Linhares; private vehicles/taxis are the primary means of transport.
- Access
- Accessible by unpaved roads; can be difficult during heavy rain. Regência described as a quiet, isolated village about 30 km from the main road along an unpaved road.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Eco-pousadas, guesthouses, and camping options in the village serving the surf community.
- Food & Drink
- Small local eateries and bars serving traditional seafood.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental described as available for boards/basic gear locally; some specialized gear for kitesurfing/wingfoiling may be limited.
- Gear Storage
- Most pousadas offer basic storage for boards and sails.
- Gear Repair
- Minor surfboard repairs available locally; specialized kite/sail repair typically requires a trip to Vitória.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A sea turtle conservation center dedicated to protecting local nesting grounds.
Historic lighthouse and a landmark for the village’s maritime history.
Explore the junction of the Rio Doce and the Atlantic Ocean by boat or kayak.
Local eateries offering traditional Capixaba cuisine, including moqueca.
Miles of undeveloped coastline suitable for nature walks and beachcombing.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Regência (Linhares)?
The best overall months at Regência (Linhares) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are March.
Which wind directions work at Regência (Linhares)?
Regência (Linhares) works with N, NE, S winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Regência (Linhares)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Regência (Linhares): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.
What skill level is Regência (Linhares) suitable for?
Regência (Linhares) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Expert.