Overview
Contendas is a left-breaking wave over an uneven reef, built around a short, sucky peak that goes dry on the rights and runs left back into the southern corner of the bay. Further outside, a righthand point breaks big and mushy, filtering the swell before it reforms on the inside reef. When everything lines up, the peak can throw proper barrels, though it also closes out easily.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from east through south to southwest (E-S-SW), with south swell the best match. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. The bay also comes alive on big southwest, southeast, or east swells, which halve in size as they refract and reform into the bay. The prime recipe is a 4-6 ft south groundswell with a period of 12 seconds or more.
Wind and Tide
Look for west offshore wind, though anything from southwest to northwest can shape it up nicely. The wave breaks on low and mid tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call — low and incoming is the window to watch, when barrels form on the peak.
Local Tips
Contendas suits intermediate surfers. Expect company when it's on: the southwest and even south winds that drive the best swells can groom the wave at the same time, so good days rarely go unnoticed.
Access
Parking is free, with roadside parking available.
