the waters are calmer on the two far sides of the beach, and get rougher in the middle by posto 4. at the very end, on the ipanema side near posto 6, surfers often enjoy light waves, especially during the winter.

the width of the beach's sandbank is variable, with its greater width between posto 3 and posto 4, the part of the stretch that tends to get more crowded during the summer months. because of this, on this section of the beach many sporting events and tournaments are organized, often inside small temporary stadiums built for the occasion.

posto 5 is considered the most socially active stretch for foreign visitors, as many speak english here and it is easy to rent beach chairs and meet people. this is where the famous sand sculptures by ubiratan da conceição (called 'bira') have been photographed by countless visitors.