Article about Brazilian Surf and Travel on ASL

THE MIGHTY ASL TRAVEL BIBLE 08

Brazil. Soccer, hot women, samba, shitty waves and aggro surfers, right? Well, kinda, but not only. The common perceptions about South America's largest country are afar cry from what you'll encounter in this land of 180 million people and more than 8000 k's of coastline. In the big cities like Sew Paulo or Rio De Janeiro you'll feel like you're in NYC or Los Angeles. Sao Paulo alone has 18 million inhabitants, almost the entire Aussie population, yet once you move away from the big centres you'll find isolated beach communities with a laid-back country feeling.
BY STEVEN ALLAIN

SURFING IN BRAZIL

The northern States have warm water and reefbreaks, but generally suffer from lack of swell. When the waves do come, they're insane - perfectly shaped 'ittle nuggets.

The exception up north 'is Fernando de Noronha - a tiny island chain that has some of the best waves, in the country. Out in the Atlantic, north swells produce short, powerful, spitting beachbreak barrels, During summer, 6-8-foot days are common, making this one of the prime surf destinations in Brazil.

The southern States start getting good waves around autumn, when south swells and cold fronts blast the coast - bringing, cold water that requires a steamer. The surfing centres are Maresias, Ubatuba, Rio de Janeiro, Saquarema and Florianopolis. These towns have a strong surfing culture and consistent waves, and when the variables come together the waves are fun and often powerful - although rarely huge.

It is the general experience that makes a trip to Brazil attractive. Your chin will hit the floor when you go out in a place like Florianopolis and realise that your high schools hottest chick does in fact look like a pig. You'll quickly learn that Oz has better waves .. as it does compared to most countries. You'll witness poverty and inequality that'll make you look up at skies and thank God for being born Down-Under. Yet you'll find there's much more to Brazil than the cliches. Brazilians are remarkably warrn and welcoming, and you'll come to love the place after being immersed in its rich and joyful culture. On top of that, you can still score some surprisingly fun waves, so what are you waiting for?

GETTING AROUND

While you can travel by bus anywhere, for surfers it's still better to fly to the main cities then hire a car. There are three major domestic airlines and the competition has dropped ticket prices considerably. You'll need the freedom to drive up and down looking for waves - plus you don't wanna take that hottie you just pulled to a bus stop at 3am, do you?

GEAR,GUIDES AND ACCOMMODATION.

If you're in the big cities, there's every of accommodation and transport available. One thing to consider is that in the northern States very few people speak English, so if you haven't got a Brazzo buddy, language might be a problem. In the south, most people have a basic grasp.

As for surf camps and the like, it's Brazil, not Java or Sumatra. While there are surf guides available in the southem region, you're better off on your own ­- half the fun is getting there without help.

DANGERS

Brazil can be a dangerous place, but remember, violence is a consequence of poverty, not hatred. Nobody wants to hurt you because you're not down with the Taliban. They steal from you because they have mouths to feed and no money. If all you have is a pair of boardies and 20 bucks in your pocket, no-one will risk jail by robbing you. Away from the main centres, you hardly ever hear about anything other than petty theft. Just be careful where you leave your stuff. In the water, forget all your preconceptions of Zillas. Most surfers are very welcoming, and in the few spots where localism is fierce you'll be able to tell the locals to avoid easily. If you do get yourself in an altercation, walk away. Leave your pride at home, ifs heaps safer.

Another thing to keep in mind is to be sure a girl is single before chatting her up. Brazilians are very protective of their women and don't take advances lightly.

BST features on Surf Bible ASL

Hi all,

Australia's Surfing Life (ASL) the most popular surfing mag in Australia, has recently published their Annual Surf Travel Bible.
Brazil Surf Travel features an ad just before a two page article abou surfing in Brazil. And also features a link on the magazine's website > http://surfinglife.com.au/cms/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=193&Itemid=68 .

We look forward to welcoming many Aussies in Brazil this season!!

Cheers

Aussies in Brazil

I was recently talking to my friends Adam and Eddie from Western Australia, and they said their trip to Florianopolis, Brazil was the best trip they've ever done!

No wonder... them both brought two cute Brazilian girls to Australia with them after their trip!!!

Still, they enjoyed a lot of waves, beach, drinks, sighseeing & parties!!

And yes, they want to go back there this year :)

Winter Time

What about this wave?!

Yes. Mozambique breaks all year long.
The difference is just "some" feet.

August`s swell. Over head and lots of barrels.

Who cares about being alone on the water?

Summer Time

Last shot in Mozambique Beach.
3 feet, warm water, sunny day.

People on the sand are very close.
Waves break a few meters from the sand bar.

Mozambique is the most consistent spot of Florianopolis Island. It holds many different swells. The bay has 27 km.
You may find a perfect "A frame" spot with no body out!

Welcome greetings !!

Hi people worldwide.

This is my very first words on this blog.

Thank you for join us.

Well, firstly I would like to talk about this amazing country, Brazil.

Brazil is as large as a continent. Thus, we have many differences on climate, language accent, culture, and waves as well.
There are more than 6,000km of coast line from north to south. You may realize how many different waves we have here!

The south of country is the most consistent area. Waves break every year, no matter if it is Summer or Winter time.

Definitely during Autumn and Winter swells get bigger and more consistent. From March to August waves easily reach 8 feet. This is the average size this time of year. The South swells come every week and make us happy all the time.
Also, during this time winds are very weak. It just blow when swell is coming.

From August to December waves get a bit smaller (around 6 feet) and wind gets stronger. This season is perfect for Kite and Wind surfing. Specially kitesurfing has grown very fast down south.

Summer Time!!!
December to March.
We may compare it with the flowers on Spring time.
Well... I mean... Girls bloom like roses!
Surf is also very good with waves around 3-5 feet every day.
But this time is hard to keep focused on waves. You easily is forced to turn your head to the sand and forget about your board.
The nightlife is a strong challenger for the surfing.

Actually, the nightlife is awesome all year long but during summer time people are more keen to go out and have fun. This is a Nature law. On winter, hibernate. On Summer, ... socializate.

In a few words: No matter when you come to Brazil.
You will always have a very good time!
People are friendly, Nature is blessed and there are MANY things to figure out.

Do not worry about violence!
Our big cities like Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo do not have more violence than any other big city in the world.
This is an image that other countries like to show about our country.
Brazil is on the international highlights only when something bad happens.

You may come to Brazil and see with your own eyes.

You will love it!
And may not want to leave anymore...

Cheers and good waves!

Stay in peace!