Kitesurfing in Sal Cape Verde
Kite Beach in Sal is one of the most popular kite spots on the island, with a mix of waves and flat water, and is also one of the only places on the island where you can learn to kitesurf. It is located a short distance from the main town of Santa Maria, and due to the pretty friendly kitesurfing conditions and the fact you can choose to kite with either your surfboard or twintip, it tends to be one of the busiest spots in Sal. The island is home to multiple world champion wave kitesurfers, and kite beach is the place where a lot of people hone their skills before hitting the more aggressive wave spots around the island. The wind blows cross onshore, so it’s perfect if you aren’t super comfortable with the waves as you know you will always be blown back to the beach.
In the heart of the expansive Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Senegal, lies the invaluable archipelago of Cape Verde. This seemingly modest cluster of islands, however, holds immense significance, not only for its geographical allure but also as a haven for board sports enthusiasts. The ION CLUB Sal, with its two distinct centers strategically placed on the beautiful Santa Maria beach and in Ponta Leme, embodies the essence of this aquatic paradise.
Ponta Preta is a gnarly but incredible wave spot, with a wave that breaks close to the rocks and with offshore wind, so it’s definitely for advanced kitesurfers only! If you are at a level to take this one on you’ll be stoked with the long pumping waves and perfect cross offshore wind direction. The waves can get really big here, and the launch isn’t exactly the easiest with a big shore break to get through, but it’s totally worth it for the kitesurfing conditions once you get out. The wave kitesurfing world tour has stopped here more than once, and it’s home to Mitu Monteiro and Airton Cozzolino, two of the best wave kitesurfers in the world. If you could name a reason they got so good, it might be having Ponta Preta on their doorstep!