Any advice on surfing in Rio Brazil?

[grossmisconduct]

Hi I am a 32 year old Norwegian nubie surfer. Probably somewhere between beginner and intermediate. And definetly beginner on shortboards. I am going to Rio for 3 weeks in July. Anyone have any advice on surfspots,localism, buying/renting boards, transport, acomodation, nightlife or any other helpful information?

[pat42]

I surfed Rio in February.

I thought I was going to have problems with localism, but the people are so friendly!!!

I 'surfed' Arpoador which was way too crowded..........didnt really get a wave cos about 10 other bods were on every wave! Just the way it is there!

So, I got the 2113 bus out to Barra every day.........It's about 20-30 minutes from Copacabana, Ipanema and you can pick a spot all to yourself

About 15 Km of beach breaks........better to get off the bus at posto 6,7 or 8 because the beach nearer to the centre of Rio is crowded.

There's a surf shopping mall right next to Arpoador.......in between Copacabana and Leblon, where you can pick up a decent new board with leash, deckpad and wax for about $300 US or a decent second hand board for about $150

[drowningbitbybit]

Okay, grossmisconduct has failed so who's next for 'Try And Find A Spot That Pat Hasn't Surfed'

Actually, grossmisconduct may be onto something... Norway... cold water, Pat wont have been near it

[grossmisconduct]

Thanks Pat! I apreciate your information. I must admit I have been to Rio once before(also in July) but I did not surf at that time( allthough I did try a surfboard there for the first time at Arpoador, but I did not have a clue and to call it surfing would be a great exageration), so my memories of waves and such are not "stored" with a surfers perspective and therefore not very reliable. I lived at Arpoador that time and I do remember a couple of surf shops there(in Fransisco Otaviano) but not a warehouse though. I will try to find that, but between copacabana and leblon..That leaves a pretty big area hehe. Thanks for the price information. I will defenetly buy a board while there with those prices. The bus nr to Barra is also noted, although I just trailed the internet and read about a Surfbus http://ricosurf.globo.com/pagina_escolinha/surfbus.htm I read from The Stormrider Guide(or The bible as I call it now) that July/August would have the best waves, but also lower temperatures, so hopefully less crowds. Anyone know about crowd conditions in July?
Thanks again Pat, and with a little extra neopren I am sure you can apreciate the norwegian water too hehe

[pat42]

Okay, grossmisconduct has failed so who's next for 'Try And Find A Spot That Pat Hasn't Surfed'

Actually, grossmisconduct may be onto something... Norway... cold water, Pat wont have been near it

Like it Drowning

Yeah grossmisconduct, that surf bus is actually a lot cheaper and handier.......takes you all the way to Prainha if Barra isnt working................the only thing is there arent any hot Brasillian chicks on it.............just grubby surfers

The surf mall is right next to the Arpoador break...........walk through the little park turn right, and its about 20 meters.

No coldwater surfing for me,thank you very much

[grossmisconduct]

Thanks again Pat. Guess Ill have to give that bus a second thought..