Powerful pier-influenced beach break in Tramandaí, Rio Grande do Sul, named after the Malvinas War, the right-hander running against the pier pilings is the main attraction. SW and S swells, 2-6ft, push the best shape here, with offshore NW-NE winds cleaning things up. The wave starts as a square, punchy tube off the pilings then transitions to a mushier mid-section before squaring off again inside, a two-act ride that suits intermediates and up who can read the current. Weekdays you'll share it with a few locals, weekends bring a full crowd to this short stretch. Bottom: sand. Season: autumn through winter. Consistency: moderate but picks up most rideable ground swell running into the coast. The pier pilings and strong rip currents are the real hazards here, do not paddle out directly near the structure.
Weekdays are manageable with a small local crew who know the rips and pilings cold. Weekends flip the script and the peak fills fast. Fishers on the pier actively dislike surfers, keep your distance from the structure and avoid antagonising them. Respect the regulars and read the current before paddling.
Tramandaí is around 120 km north of Porto Alegre via BR-290. The pier sits on the city's southern border. Parking and amenities are typical of a small resort town. Bring water, the nearby beachfront has some options but prepare for busy weekends. Watch the rip running through the pilings, use the channel intelligently and avoid getting swept into the structure.
Tramandaí's main beach has scattered peaks up and down the strand worth checking when the pier is too packed or the rip is running hard. Imbé, immediately north across the river mouth, offers similar beach-break options with a slightly different crowd.
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