Faja da Areia Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NW
Wind
Northeast.
Surf Height
Head-high to several feet overhead.
Tide
Low is typically best.
Faja da Areia Surf Guide
This wave once harnessed powerful Atlantic swells and channeled the raw energy into huge, rolling, righthand walls groomed by an equally massive point. Located on the southwest of the island, access to the lineup requires a well-timed jump off the rocks. Getting back in again can be an even bigger lottery as huge surges sweep up the rocks. Tales of surfers trapped in the lineup in building swells and fading light brought a reality check and demonstrated that this really is a break best left to those who've honed their big-wave skills. In 2003 a controversial breakwater was built along the point and its detrimental effects have had a huge impact on wave quality. According to local surfers the wave now only breaks properly in really big swells and only on the lowest part of the tide. A clear case of what many consider to be another classic lineup lost to shortsighted development.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate to advanced when it is working properly.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Friendly and largely tolerant.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Small local crew.
Spot Rating
Perfect
Was an excellent wave now needs a special day to shine again.
Shoulder Burn
Exhausting
A lot of work when it gets big.
Water Quality
Clean
Some issues.
Hazards
Timing the jump off the rocks.
Bring Your
Gun
Access
Difficult entry and exit from rocks.
Bottom
Rocks.
Best Season
Autumn and Winter.
Do you have local knowledge about Faja da Areia?
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