Rio Grande Jetties (Cassino Coast)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- Strong rip currents and dangerous currents near the jetty and channel mouth
- Cold water in winter
- Shipping/port channel traffic nearby
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
Busy during summer weekends (January–February); quiet and locals-oriented in winter
Winter (June–August) tends to bring more frequent cold fronts and stormy conditions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A challenging wave-riding spot for kiters. The wide beach offers space, but proximity to the jetty and strong currents require good board control.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Suitable for wave windsurfing when swells are present and the wind is offshore or cross-shore.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Exposed beach/jetty break producing both left and right-hand waves, with sandbar shape influenced by the long jetty.
- 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.
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.
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
- Strong rip currents
- Currents
- Jetty rocks
- Shipping traffic in the channel
- Cold water in winter
- Rips and currents
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.
- Do not enter or cross near the port navigation channel.
- Avoid getting close to jetty rocks during heavy swells.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Two massive stone piers extending 4 km into the ocean, offering a unique train-cart ride and views of sea lions.
A grounded shipwreck on the beach sand that has become a local landmark and photo spot.
One of the most important oceanographic museums in Latin America, located in Rio Grande.
A large wetland reserve perfect for wildlife viewing, including capybaras and caimans.
The main avenue features numerous seafood restaurants and local bars catering to the summer crowds.
Small rail carts that take visitors along the jetties to see the ocean and marine life.
From riders who've been here
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.