50 years of the Hotel Arpoador: the cradle of Rio surfing
2024 was a very special year for the Hotel Arpoador and for all those who have been and still are part of its 50-year history. Throughout the year we invited everyone to take a trip back in time, revisiting the remarkable moments and iconic characters that make the hotel so special.
Our itinerary featured memories that emphasized Arpoador’s unique characteristics. Each of the characters shared with us inspiring and enchanting accounts of their history with Rio’s waterfront. This blog post couldn’t be any different. This time we’ve enlisted a Brazilian surfing legend to tell us a little more about this historically and culturally rich part of Rio.
Arpoador + Daniel Friedmann
Daniel Friedmann is part of the generation that lived through the beginnings of surfing in our country, more specifically in Rio de Janeiro. During his interview, we had the pleasure of hearing a little more about his career and, of course, his relationship with the Arpoador neighborhood.
Friedmann begins by sharing that he lived much of his childhood in Arpoador, which allows him to share a unique vision of the place. In addition, Daniel’s beginnings in professional surfing coincide with the early years of the Hotel Arpoador, which was founded in 1974.
He recalls the hotel being part of the accommodation for foreigners when he returned to Brazil in 1975 to take part in a sporting event. From then on, the Arpoador brought together talents and people of different tastes and cultures in one of Rio’s most beautiful settings.
Arpoador: cradle of surfing
How can we talk about Arpoador without mentioning surfing? The sport is part of the area’s history and has always attracted surfers in search of the perfect wave. In his interview for Hotel Arpoador, Daniel Friedmann explains that the geography of Arpoador Beach contributes greatly to its fame in the surfing industry.
“The geography of the beach when you get to this point at Arpoador is like a half-moon. And the swell breaks at the ‘ pontão’, what we call the tip of the rock, and comes breaking to the edge in a shape that the rest of the beach doesn’t allow. And the waves are longer,” says Friedmann.
Arpoador in Rio de Janeiro’s Surf Culture
From the 1960s onwards, Arpoador became a meeting place mainly for surfers and young people, who became influential figures in Rio de Janeiro’s cultural scene. In addition to Daniel Friedmann, other legends of the sport began training and competing, such as Pepê and Bocão.
So we can agree with our interviewee, who concludes that Arpoador really is an exceptional place in every way: for its waves, its geography and the view you can get from Arpoador Rock.
Still on the subject of the region’s landscapes, Daniel also highlights Praia do Diabo (Devil’s Beach), next door to Praia do Arpoador, which offers a deeper view of the sea, guaranteeing moments of relaxation and admiration of nature.
“That’s what makes Arpoador what it is. It makes me as passionate about it as we all are.”
Another delightful story to follow, which makes us even more enchanted by the beautiful history of the Arpoador and increases our enthusiasm for celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Hotel Arpoador, with its privileged location and timeless charm.
So keep following the series of blogs in honor of the hotel’s 50th anniversary and check out the incredible interviews we’ve conducted on @arpoador.rio‘s instagram.
