Rio [1] is a surfers’ haven, luring wave junkies from around the world to the beaches of Arpoador [2], Barra, Recreio, Prainha, and Grumari [3]. If you want to hone your technique, Escola de Surf Rico de Souza (tel. 21/2438-1821, www.ricosurf.globo.com [4]) offers daily lessons at its headquarters (in front of Posto 4 at Barra) and at Prainha. Private lessons (including equipment) cost R$60 per person for one hour.
The school has lots of information about surfing conditions, events, and equipment rental. It even operates a special surfer bus service (R$2), with buses departing daily from Largo de Machado in Botafogo [5] and stopping off at all the best surf spots between Copacabana [6] and Prainha [3].
To buy or rent surf equipment, check out the stores at Galeria River in Arpoador (Rua Francisco Otaviano, 67).
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/brazil/rio-de-janeiro/rio-de-janeiro-city
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/brazil/rio-de-janeiro/rio-de-janeiro-city/sights/ipanema-and-leblon/beaches
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/brazil/rio-de-janeiro/rio-de-janeiro-city/sights/sao-conrado-barra-and-recreio
[4] http://www.ricosurf.globo.com
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/brazil/rio-de-janeiro/rio-de-janeiro-city/sights/flamengo-and-botafogo
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/brazil/rio-de-janeiro/rio-de-janeiro-city/sights/copacabana-and-leme/copacabana-beach