Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast)

KitesurfingWindsurfingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Rio Grande Jetties is an exposed beach/jetty break in Rio Grande do Sul, positioned at the entrance to the Rio Grande port area. The jetties shape sandbars that can produce consistent surf, with both left- and right-hand waves reported. Conditions are most often described as best during autumn and winter, with June singled out as a top month. Wind is commonly reported from the west to west-northwest, where it can turn offshore and help keep the surface clean. Reported conditions for June include a meaningful share of “blown” weather and a smaller share of “clean” conditions, but the spot’s offshore wind direction is specifically associated with better surf quality. Broader seasonal patterns also bring frontal influences that can affect reliability. The main challenge is safety: strong rip currents and currents are a persistent hazard, especially near rocks and close to the jetty and channel mouth. Riders are warned that currents can be extremely dangerous, and they should avoid getting too close to the jetty structure during heavier conditions. Local guidance also emphasizes checking port traffic before moving anywhere near the mouth and staying clear of navigation areas used by port vessels. Water temperatures are notably cold in the winter period (down to the low-to-mid teens °C), which typically requires thicker neoprene. While lifeguards are described as seasonal and rescue is limited, emergency services are available in the nearby towns/region.

  • Exposed beach/jetty surf with left and right waves
  • Best with south swells plus offshore west to west-northwest winds
  • Autumn and winter provide the most consistent conditions
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Exposed beach/jetty break that can produce consistent lefts and rights
  • Offshore west to west-northwest winds can produce clean conditions
  • Autumn and winter are the optimum seasons for the spot
Heads up
  • Strong rip currents and dangerous currents near the jetty and channel mouth
  • Cold water in winter
  • Shipping/port channel traffic nearby
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, WNW
Offshore directions
W, WNW
Wind Range
12–25 kts
Wind Type
Gradient — Wind described as gradient; also influenced by broader coastal/frontal patterns in the region.
Reliability
Moderate; often affected by frontal systems moving up the coast
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported.
Best Months
June
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Also described as medium in some reports; wave size depends on swell and sandbar configuration.
Launch
Big — Wide sandy beach extending south from the jetty.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
13–24 °C
Water Temperature
9–28 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
May–Oct: 3/2mm or thickerMay–Oct: 4/3mm + Boots
Crowds by Season

Busy during summer weekends (January–February); quiet and locals-oriented in winter

Storm/Rain Season

Winter (June–August) tends to bring more frequent cold fronts and stormy conditions.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

A challenging wave-riding spot for kiters. The wide beach offers space, but proximity to the jetty and strong currents require good board control.

WaveStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for wave windsurfing when swells are present and the wind is offshore or cross-shore.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4.5–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach/jetty break producing both left and right-hand waves, with sandbar shape influenced by the long jetty.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Overall exposed beach/jetty environment; described as semi-sheltered for the break.
Wind Effect
West and Northwest winds provide clean offshore conditions; west-northwest offshore produces best conditions.
Bigger Swell
The spot can hold significant size, but currents become extremely dangerous.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Rides can extend for 50-150 meters depending on the sandbar configuration.
Ride Length Details
Rides can extend for 50-150 meters depending on the sandbar configuration.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast) in the full forecast view.

Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–17 ktsGusts 28 kts
Direction
SE144°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2417 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–1.7 m6s period
Temperature
13–19 °C

Over the next 7 days, Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.8–1.7 m with a period of about 6s. 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

  • Strong rip currents
  • Currents
  • Jetty rocks
  • Shipping traffic in the channel
  • Cold water in winter
  • Rips and currents
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is limited.
Emergency Info
Emergency services available in nearby Rio Grande and Cassino.
Localism / Vibe
None — Mild to none reported; overall access described as not strongly local-restricted.

Rules of the spot

Stay clear of the navigation channel used by port vessels. Avoid surfing too close to the jetty rocks in heavy swells.

Restrictions
  • Do not enter or cross near the port navigation channel.
  • Avoid getting close to jetty rocks during heavy swells.
Local Tips
  • The currents can be very dangerous here, especially near the rocks.
  • Take care of rips and currents.
  • The best waves are usually right next to the western jetty.
  • Check the port traffic before attempting to cross anywhere near the mouth.
  • Winter requires thick neoprene as the water can drop below 15°C.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Rio Grande
Nearest Town
Rio Grande
Parking
Parking is available directly on the sand of Cassino Beach or in paved areas nearby
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Portuguese
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Many pousadas and hotels are available in Cassino and Rio Grande.
Food & Drink
Numerous kiosks and restaurants line the nearby Cassino beach front.
Equipment Rental:
Limited surf rentals may be found in the town of Cassino. Equipment rental availability also reported through local schools/clubs primarily focused on kitesurfing and surfing gear.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Molhes da Barra (Jetties)5 km

Two massive stone piers extending 4 km into the ocean, offering a unique train-cart ride and views of sea lions.

Navio Altair Shipwreck12 km

A grounded shipwreck on the beach sand that has become a local landmark and photo spot.

Oceanographic Museum of FURG20 km

One of the most important oceanographic museums in Latin America, located in Rio Grande.

Taim Ecological Station100 km

A large wetland reserve perfect for wildlife viewing, including capybaras and caimans.

Cassino Avenue Restaurants2 km

The main avenue features numerous seafood restaurants and local bars catering to the summer crowds.

Vagonetas Ride5 km

Small rail carts that take visitors along the jetties to see the ocean and marine life.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast)?

The best overall months at Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are June.

Which wind directions work at Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast)?

Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast) works with W, WNW winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.

What skill level is Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast) suitable for?

Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.