Gabriele Steindl: Professional Kitesurfer & Freelance Writer - Action, Lifestyle & Travels

• + Home Page
• - Portfolio
• - Publications

The Hawaii of Brazil – Florianopolis (FRA version)

Florianópolis, with currently an estimated population of 360.000 people, today is considered Brazilian’s ’best capital for living’ (due its great quality of life) as violence and poverty levels here are really reduced. Blond children with blue eyes and a strong regional accent make you wonder: Am I really in Brazil? Florianópolis altogether has 42 beaches (!!!) around the island each diverse and unique in it’s own way, an international airport, different hotel chains, many international restaurants and bars.

Floripa, as the city is known locally is widely recognized as THE surf capital or ’Hawaii of Brazil’ and renowned for year-round consistent swell, diversity of breaks and crystal clear water catering to all surf abilities from first time surfers to hardcore big wave riders. Santa Catarina is also host to the annual and only WCT Surfing World Cup stop in Brazil.

I had the pleasure of spending almost one month as part of my winter-training in 2007 on this true wave-paradise-island.