Rincão (Balneário Rincão)
- Freeride, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Medium waves, Shallow
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Rincão (Balneário Rincão) is a sandy, tidal beach-break area with cloudy water and fast-acting wave faces. For surfers, the spot is described as a regional classic with hollow, fast, powerful waves and high consistency, working on all tides. The best runs typically come with good offshore conditions (NW/W) and suitable swell, with the surf described as able to handle up to around 2.5 m before closing out when sandbank alignment is not perfect. For kitesurfing, wind is centered on NE and S directions, with a sea-breeze pattern that builds in the afternoon during spring and summer. Typical speeds are cited around 12–25 knots, with higher reliability in the warmer months. Kitesurfing is commonly associated with NE breeze sessions, and the broad sandy launch zone provides room for rigging and launching. Safety is a key consideration: fishing nets are specifically highlighted as a hazard, particularly from May to July during mullet (Tainha) season, and rip currents are reported near sandbars. There is also mention of submerged wooden poles in some areas and a strong shore break that can make entry and recovery more demanding. Local guidance emphasizes staying within fishing zones and checking seasonal restrictions. Crowd and access are generally favorable for planning. Weekday conditions are described as empty/quiet, while weekends and January–February can get busy. Access is reported as straightforward (instant by walking), and rescue availability is noted as limited, with emergency medical care referenced as being about 25 km away in Criciúma.
- NE sea-breeze reinforcement in spring and summer for kitesurfing
- Hollow, fast, powerful beach-break surf with very high consistency
- Seasonal fishing-net hazards during May to July
- Reliable NE sea-breeze for kitesurfing in spring and summer.
- Consistent beach-break surf with hollow, fast, powerful waves on best days.
- Large sandy beach with ample space for launching and rigging.
- Fishing nets can be a hazard, especially during mullet (Tainha) season (May to July).
- Rip currents can occur near sandbars.
- Surf is exposed and can be strong with a moderate-to-strong shore break.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, S, SE, N
- Offshore directions
- NW, W, WSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — NE sea-breeze pattern that can reinforce in spring and summer; also influenced by fronts bringing S winds.
- Reliability
- High during spring and summer months
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, June, July, August, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Medium waves, Shallow
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy bottom and beach.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Medium — Reported as small to medium in some descriptions; medium wave conditions also cited.
- Chop Level
- Light chop
- Launch
- Big — Very wide sandy beach with ample space for rigging and launching kites.
Through the year
Very crowded in January and February; quiet and empty on weekdays during the rest of the year
Rain can occur year-round, with more frequent frontal systems in winter.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Long sandy beach with cross-onshore NE winds for kiting; very consistent access to wind during spring and summer months.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Possible but challenging due to shore break and wave action; sandy bottom helps once beyond the break.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–6 m²
Regional classic beach break with very consistent hollow, fast, powerful waves; works on all tides.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE, E, NE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Best tide position is described as all tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- NW and W winds provide offshore conditions for cleaner faces; NW/W offshore conditions are referenced as best for the surf.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle up to about 2.5 m before closing out; larger swells require better sandbank alignment.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Regional classic; very consistent frequency (about 150 days/year).
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Hollow, fast, powerful waves on best days.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Hollow sections depending on sandbank formation.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Waves can offer short but intense rides; typical ride length 50 to 150 m depending on sandbank.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical normal length 50 to 150 m; also described as short on some waves with intense hollow sections.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rincão (Balneário Rincão) in the full forecast view.
Rincão (Balneário Rincão) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–13 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- SSE148°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.9 m7s period
- Temperature
- 12–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Rincão (Balneário Rincão) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.9–1.9 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
- Bridge
- Fishing nets (especially May to July)
- Rip currents
- Strong shore break
- Submerged wooden poles in some areas
- Seasonal fishing nets and wooden stakes used by local fishermen
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard services along main beach areas.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospitals are in Criciúma, approximately 25 km away.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Respect local fishing zones; during mullet (Tainha) season from May to July, water sports may be restricted in specific areas.
- Mullet fishing season restrictions apply to water sports (May to July)
- The NE wind is the most reliable for kiting.
- Offshore winds from the West provide the best surf conditions.
- Stay alert for rip currents near sandbars.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- I窪ra
- Nearest Town
- Balneário Rincão
- Parking
- Abundant parking available along the main beachfront and boardwalk
- Access
- Instant access (< 5 min walking)
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various pousadas and holiday rentals available in Balneário Rincão.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous beach kiosks (quiosques) and restaurants along the boardwalk.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated kite rental found; some local surf shops may offer boards. Equipment rental is also described as available through local schools or arrangement with the rider community.
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated public storage is limited; most riders store gear at schools or private accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs can often be handled locally via schools; major repairs may need equipment shipped to larger cities.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A classic Brazilian coastal summer destination with lively beach activity and nearby lagoon areas that support calmer water activities.
A lookout point offering panoramic views of the coastline and the urban area of Balneário Rincão.
An archaeological site and museum showcasing prehistoric shell mounds and indigenous history.
A large freshwater lagoon popular for flat-water kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, and jet skiing.
Numerous establishments along the beachfront specializing in fresh fish and shrimp dishes.
A fishing pier area popular for walking and watching local fishing culture.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Rincão (Balneário Rincão)?
The best overall months at Rincão (Balneário Rincão) are September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, June, July, August, December.
Which wind directions work at Rincão (Balneário Rincão)?
Rincão (Balneário Rincão) works with NE, S, SE, N winds. Offshore directions are NW, W, WSW, SW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Rincão (Balneário Rincão)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Rincão (Balneário Rincão): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Rincão (Balneário Rincão) suitable for?
Rincão (Balneário Rincão) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.