The Kitesurfing

Kiting in Sal is pretty unique. In the depths of the UK winter it is hard to find a place to rival the conditions available just a 6 hour flight from home.

From November until May Sal has some of the most consistent wind statistics in the world, with several launch locations to choose from, making it one of the best mid haul destinations for windsports 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.

While it is possible to learn to kite in Sal, and there are some great kite schools located in Santa Maria, we generally advise that this island delivers the best conditions for intermediates and above, as the water conditions can be challenging for those who cannot yet comfortably stay upwind.

For freeriders and above, the conditions just get better and better with arguably the best right hander kitesurfing wave in the world, Punta Preta just 15 minutes from Santa Maria.

Wind conditions throughout the winter are very reliable, with typical north east breezes blowing throughout the day at a strength of 20-25 knots.

Getting around the island to the various kiting spots is usually done by taxi, but if there is a group of you then car hire can be an option, though it’s always worth investing in a 4×4 vehicle as some of the access to the beaches isn’t exactly smooth tarmac!

Kite Beach – The main spot where kiters head to for cross-on conditions and small waves. Situated on the east side of the island, this is the best all round kitesurfing beach 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. Get there by jumping in a taxi and taking the 15 minute drive to the beach.

Santa Maria – This spot is where the majority of the hotels are located and is the most convenient place to kite from – wind shifts between cross and cross offshore from the left and can be a little gusty as the wind comes over the buildings of the town. However, the water is flatter, and with rescue facilities at the kitesurf schools it is the best place for early intermediates to venture out.

Punte Lemje – over to the east of Santa Maria, swells wrap around the point, yet are still protected from the biggest groundswell, creating a fun little wave that usually peaks at about 2ft.

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. Usually pretty quiet as a spot too so perfect for relaxed mini wave sessions at the end of the day!

Punta Preta – The big one! Punta Preta is arguably one of the worlds best right handers breaking fast and hard in the typical cross offshore conditions. The location for the KSP world tour, there is no denying the pedigree of this spot.
The wave picks up swells straight off the Atlantic, breaking close to the rocky beach. There are no lifeguards on this beach, or indeed rescue facilities so be very careful and always buddy up!

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!