Salinas 1 (Cidreira Coast)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Salinas 1 (Cidreira Coast) is an exposed beach/pier surfing break where the nearby pier/jetty helps stabilize the sandbanks, making wave conditions more reliable than an open stretch of beach alone. The spot is best when a south-southeast swell arrives together with West winds, which tend to groom the surface. Conditions are typically described as short and punchy. Waves often work best when the sandbanks near the pier are well-formed. Reported wave quality is average overall, with mushy wave shape and moderate wave power. Safety is a key consideration: strong currents and rip currents are common, especially near the pier/jetty and when swell is larger. Concrete pier/jetty structures are also an important obstacle—surfers should avoid the pier area during higher swell and stay clear of the concrete structure. Seasonally, autumn and winter are the standout windows, with June highlighted as the best month in the surf guide data. Winter water temperatures can drop to around 14–16°C (and colder in some reports), so using a full wetsuit (often 4/3mm in winter) and keeping warm between sets is strongly recommended.
- Exposed beach/pier break with more consistent sandbanks.
- West winds tend to be favorable (offshore grooming).
- June is highlighted as the best month in surf guide data.
- A pier/jetty helps stabilize sandbanks, supporting relatively consistent wave shape.
- West (offshore) winds tend to groom the surf.
- Autumn and winter are the best seasons for surf at this location.
- Currents are a recurring hazard.
- Winter water can be very cold; plan for proper thermal protection.
- Rip currents are reported near the pier/jetty and during higher-swell conditions.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Offshore directions
- W, WNW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- Minor wind shadow directly behind the pier structure.
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · Months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec · Dir: N, NNE, NE, ENE · Thermal effects in the wider Cidreira Coast can reinforce the prevailing onshore/offshore pattern in the afternoon (about 1:00 PM–6:00 PM).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Medium wave size reported.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with easy entry points.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy launch/entry points reported.
Through the year
Very crowded during Brazilian summer holidays (January and February); quiet during winter.
Rain is distributed throughout the year, but winter (June–August) sees more frequent cold fronts and storm conditions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed beach/pier break where a pier/jetty helps shape more consistent sandbanks. Best performance typically comes when a south-southeast swell lines up with West winds.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide reported as mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed break.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the West and Northwest groom the waves; Northeast winds are typically onshore and can blow it out.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out in very large swells exceeding 2 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Average wave quality; works best when sandbanks are well-formed by the jetty.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Mushy waves.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Short — Short and punchy rides.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–80 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves are typically short and punchy, working best when the sandbanks are well-formed by the jetty.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Salinas 1 (Cidreira Coast) in the full forecast view.
Salinas 1 (Cidreira Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–14 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- SE127°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2414 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.7 m7s period
- Temperature
- 13–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Salinas 1 (Cidreira Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.9–1.7 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
- Currents
- Rip currents near the pier
- Concrete jetty/pier structures
- Cold water temperatures in winter
- Strong lateral drift and rip currents (rip currents common due to coastal topography)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are stationed along the main beach areas during peak summer months (December–March). Formal watercraft rescue for kiters is limited.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are located in the center of Cidreira; regional emergency number: 192 (SAMU) and 193 (Fire Department).
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; stay clear of the pier during high swell.
- Stay clear of the pier/jetty during high swell.
- Check the sandbanks near the pier first as they are usually the most consistent.
- Use a proper winter wetsuit (4/3mm with boots in winter months, or full 3/2mm depending on conditions).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Porto Alegre
- Nearest Town
- Cidreira
- Nearest Airport
- Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) ~115 km
- Parking
- Street parking available along the waterfront and near the beach access ramps
- Public Transport
- Intercity buses run regularly from Porto Alegre to Cidreira, and local Litoral buses connect the various coastal towns
- Access
- Easily accessible by car via the RS-786 coastal road
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various pousadas and holiday rentals available in Cidreira town
- Food & Drink
- Several kiosks and small restaurants are located along the main beach road.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited rental options locally; better to bring your own gear.
- Gear Storage
- Storage facilities are limited; most riders store gear at their accommodation or in their vehicles.
- Gear Repair
- Basic sail and kite repairs are available in nearby Tramandaí or through local riders in the Cidreira community.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Cidreira is a relaxed seaside area known for extensive sand dunes and a lively pier-based fishing culture, with nearby coastal landscapes and straightforward access for visitors.
Iconic lighthouse and one of the tallest in the state, serving as a coastal landmark.
Long concrete fishing pier that acts as a social hub for local anglers.
Extensive sand dunes suitable for sandboarding and off-road exploration.
Popular local spot serving traditional Brazilian dishes and seafood.
Nearby freshwater lake offering calmer conditions for swimming and family picnics.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Salinas 1 (Cidreira Coast)?
The best overall months at Salinas 1 (Cidreira Coast) are April, May, June, July, August. The best wind months are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Salinas 1 (Cidreira Coast)?
Salinas 1 (Cidreira Coast) works with W winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW.
What skill level is Salinas 1 (Cidreira Coast) suitable for?
Salinas 1 (Cidreira Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.