Ponta Preta Kitesurf Spot in Sal
Africa Kiteboard Spot in Cape Verde
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!
Ponta Preta Kitesurfing wind conditions
The windiest months for kitesurfing in Sal and at Ponta Preta are from November until April, when the trade wind blows and keeps it on average between 15-25 knots. The temperature sits around 20? during this period so on the beach you’ll manage with shorts and maybe a hoodie in the evening, but you’ll want to pack your wetsuit as it can get chilly after a long kitesurf session in the water.
This is a spot for advanced kitesurfers only, and for offshore wind conditions it’s better not to be out kitesurfing alone, especially at a wave which can get as big and powerful as Ponta Preta. The waves can reach 6m high here, so check the swell forecast as well as the wind, and be safe, don’t go out in conditions you aren’t ready to handle!
body wear
- long neo
- short neo
downwinder
- Yes
ride type
- wave
skill level
- advanced
- professional
spot type
- island
- ocean
starting area
- stony beach
water condition
- medium wave
wind daytime
- in the afternoon
Wind Stats for Ponta Preta Kiteboarding
Around the Kiteboarding Spot Ponta Preta
The nearby Santa Maria is a good place to base yourself in Sal, with a variety of restaurants, bars and nightlife for anyone wanting to unwind after a long day of kitesurfing. There are plenty of different options from backpacker to 5 star luxury all over the island though and since it’s a small island you can get around quickly.
If you have a day with no wind there are still sometimes waves and some much friendlier surfing spots on the island. Otherwise there is great diving, deep sea fishing and SUP tours for more water activities. On land you can tour the island via bike or quad bike, and explore some of the more hidden spots. Sal is a quiet little place, so the main activity when not kitesurfing is going to be relaxing.
camper parking
- Not allowed, but possible
car parking
- Nearby
emergency
- A medical center
- Kite repair
How to get to Ponta Preta and how to bring it about while you're there
The nearby Santa Maria is a good place to base yourself in Sal, with a variety of restaurants, bars and nightlife for anyone wanting to unwind after a long day of kitesurfing. There are plenty of different options from backpacker to 5 star luxury all over the island though and since it’s a small island you can get around quickly.
If you have a day with no wind there are still sometimes waves and some much friendlier surfing spots on the island. Otherwise there is great diving, deep sea fishing and SUP tours for more water activities. On land you can tour the island via bike or quad bike, and explore some of the more hidden spots. Sal is a quiet little place, so the main activity when not kitesurfing is going to be relaxing.
Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) otherwise known as Sal International Airport is the one you’ll want to fly to, which is around 20km from Ponta Preta. You can rent a car on arrival or just get a taxi to your accommodation. The kite centres here often offer trips to Ponta Preta so you can get away without having your own car and just using their shuttles, but it will depend where on the island you are planning to stay.
accommodation
- near the spot
public transport
- Poorly developed
rental cars
- Recommended
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Wind Forecast for Ponta Preta Kitesurfing
FAQs
Kiteboarding Spots around Sal
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 Sino lies at the Western end of Kite Beach in Cape Verde, offering a mid size wave generally more suited to intermediate and advanced kitesurfers. The wind here blows cross or cross off shore so be careful not to kitesurf too far out past the point and into the open ocean. It’s one of the kite spots which is popular for jumping and freestyle, due to the waves breaking over a shallow reef with flat spots in between the waves. Kitesurfers wanting to jump should watch out for wave riders and vice versa.
Cape Verde itself is well known for its kitesurfing, and there are multiple local riders competing on the kitesurfing world tour. If you’re lucky you’ll get to see them in action in the waves, and if conditions are perfect you can head to Ponta Preta to watch or partake in some serious wave riding. Santa Maria is the local town where there is generally a really good vibe with all the kitesurfers hanging out in the evening, and the local seafood is as fresh as can be!
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.