Curral Joul is a right-hand reef break out on the tip of an exposed headland on the north side of the Baía de Joaquim Petinha. It will handle as big as it gets, but a continuous line of rocks makes the line-up hard to read and it sections off badly in places.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from northwest to north (NW-N), with northwest (NW) the best match. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 5.5 m / 18 ft. Consistency can be a mixed bag, so expect worthwhile windows rather than surf you can count on.
Wind and Tide
Look for east (E) offshore wind. The reef can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an expert-only wave, as much for the tricky, hard-to-read line-up as for the size it can hold. Expect a quiet lineup on the days it breaks.
Access
Curral Joul is rarely ridden, and getting in and out is a nightmare unless you surf it off a boat.
