Baixio

comment by Old Surfer, 2007-12-23 22:28:17

Rare wave
If you are planning to go somewhere in the world to get big waves, do not waste your time and money here. There are much better, less crowded and more consistent spots in the world, even in Brazil (like Saquarema or Imbituba). But if you happen to be in Rio when a really big swell hits Copacabana, then you should try this one. The wave breaks almost a mile from the beach in a long submerged sandbar (called "baixio" in portuguese). You can choose the left or the right from the peak and then it´s a very long ride, altough the wave is fat most of the way. So you will be working hard most of the ride just to stay in the wave, but along the way it will form some good walls (but no tubes) for you to launch the big moves. If you manage to make it to the beach the wave will reform and launch a fearsome tuberide that will probably end with a very heavy wipeout. It´s always very crowded, but there´s room for everybody, for it´s not easy to be in the right spot where the ride starts. Many waves go unridden. The long paddling outside will wear you out and you will be tired even before dropping the first one. You must be very fit if planning to get more than three waves in one day. Besides all that, when this break works, Copacabana gets an hawaian atmosphere, with people stopping their cars just to watch the big waves breaking. It´s an awesome view indeed.

comment by anonymous, 2003-11-26 15:16:41

rare
huge powerful wave that breaks about 5 times a year, maybe 2 days glassy, the other are stormy. when it's on, it's on!

comment by anonymous, 2003-09-12 23:39:36

Myth or reality?
Has anyone actually seen it breaking more than ten times in the last 20 years or so? It is by far the most inconsistent break in Rio. I would take a chance and guess it does so once every 2/3 years, sometimes even more spaced out. Shouldnt even be in this site...The chances are null for a visitor travelling through Brasil to find it breaking, so what is the point of it being even discussed in here????