The Kitesurfing
The Kitesurfing
Sal Island in Cape Verde offers a fantastic variety of kitesurfing spots including some hidden gems which are worth visiting.
From November to May Sal has some of the most consistent wind statistics year in year out and, with five spots to choose from, it is one of the best mid haul destinations for kitesurfing holidays. Typically each kitesurfing spot has varying sized shore breaks and a steep shelf that drops quickly into deeper water and waves from 2 ft to 6 ft plus.
If you are planning on kiting in more than one location regularly, it makes sense to hire a car for your trip as this gives you that much more flexibility to kitesurf to your own time table!
Santa Maria – this is the main area, where our kite centres and hotels are located with a lovely sandy beach. The kitesurfing centres are located in the middle of the bay where the wind is cross/cross off and further west become side shore.
Punte Lemje – a place where both windsurfers & kitesurfers frequent as it is a great spot. Each keep to their part of the beach which works out well for everyone. A well formed wave peals around the point; the wind direction is cross off from the left.
Punta Sino – a small spot at the downwind point of Santa Maria Bay with side shore to cross off winds from the left and the most perfectly formed 2 ft wave.
Punta Preta – one for the wave heads and experienced kiters. Hang on for the ride of your life – rip roaring, very fast and huge waves breaking onto a shallow reef. The wind is offshore here, and there are no life guards or rescue facilities so be very careful and always buddy up!
Kite Beach – AKA Sharks Bay, situated on the east side of the island, this is the best all round kitesurfing spot on Sal. The wind direction is cross on from the left and the 2 ft to 4 ft waves are well spaced out and ideal for intermediate riders and above.
Top Tip: If you don’t have a hire car you please keep an eye on when everyone else is leaving the beach for the day. Taxis can become very scarce at this time, so going for that ‘one last run’ and you and your kit could end up with a long walk home!
 | |
|---|---|
| Beginners | 8/10 |
| Intermediates | 9/10 |
| Advanced | 10/10 |
| Waveriders | 10/10 |
 | |
|---|---|
| Best months: | Nov - May |
| Flat water: | Yes |
| Choppy water: | Yes |
| Shallow water: | No |
| Waves: | Yes |
| Tidal: | Some |
Centre, Courses, & Kit
The Centre
The kitesurfing centre in Sal is found in the middle of Santa Maria bay, literally in front of the Morabeza Hotel – walk towards the beach and you can’t miss it! The centre is in a great location for those staying at either the Morabeza or the Belorizonte hotels. The centre’s English-speaking instructors teach everything from the absolute fundamentals in the beginner course, to water-starting and power control techniques for the intermediates.
To discuss which course best suits you,
please call 01273 224 069 or request a quotation.
| Tuition | Price |
|---|---|
| 7 Hour Semi Private Beginner Course
Semi private tuition in groups of 2. For complete beginners & covers safety, kit set up, kite flying skills, body dragging, culminating in getting up and riding on the board. |
£205 |
| 4 Hour Semi Private Refresher/Moving On Course
Course for those have have completed a beginners course or have had a period of time off the water. Covering everything from waterstarts, longer runs, upwind riding, jumps & toeside turns with groups of 2 students to 1 instructor. |
£269 |
| Rental | Price |
|---|---|
| Kit: North & Ozone kites, Crazy Fly Boards | |
| 7 day Equipment Rental | £205 |
| 14 day Equipment Rental | £315 |
| Storage | Price |
|---|---|
| Includes secure overnight storage. Rescue cover is available locally (30 euros per rescue). | |
| 7 day Equipment Storage | £45 |
| 14 day Equipment Storage | £65 |
NB. The above prices are based on the currency rate applicable at the time of writing and may be subject to fluctuation.
