Praia da Joaquina

Key corrections & additions:

• Praia da Joaquina is primarily advanced-level surfing (north end), not intermediate overall—though the south end has mellower peaks suitable for all levels
• The wave is world-class on the left-hander at the Costão (north end), but the beach also has occasional rights and multiple peaks
• Winter (June–September) is peak season for the biggest Atlantic swells
• The "Santa Catarina Pro" was actually the 2014 ASP 6-Star "Oceano Santa Catarina Pro" (not WCT); the 1986 event was simply the Hang Loose Pro
• WSL Layback Pro Joaquina returned to the beach for the first time in 9 years in March 2025
• Adriano de Souza and Gabriel Medina are notable local surfers with roots here

DESCRIPTION:

Praia da Joaquina's famous peak at the north end (Costão) is a world-class left-hander that breaks hollow and powerful on a sand bottom, handling 1-meter days through 10-meter-plus Atlantic swells. The beach stretches three kilometers with additional mellower peaks toward the south, including occasional right-handers. Southeast swell is ideal, though Northeast to South swells work as well, with Northwest wind blowing offshore and winter months delivering the biggest, cleanest conditions. Low to mid tide is best. The north end is primarily for advanced surfers, while the south end offers terrain for intermediate and beginner surfers on smaller days.

The beach hosted the Hang Loose Pro Contest beginning in 1986 as Florianópolis's first World Championship Tour event. The Hang Loose Pro became an established QS event, marking its 30th anniversary in 2016. The ASP 6-Star Oceano Santa Catarina Pro was held here in 2014. The WSL Layback Pro Joaquina returned in March 2025 for the first time in nine years, with Lucas Silveira and Laura Raupp winning that edition. Local surfers Adriano de Souza, a former WSL World Champion, and Gabriel Medina, a multiple-time World Champion, both have roots in the region.

The beach lies five kilometers from Lagoa da Conceição with free parking along the highway and private lots available for 20–30 reais per day in summer. Public facilities include showers, bathrooms, and board rentals. Car break-ins are routine at peak access points, and rip currents pose real hazards alongside typical large crowds at the famous north end.