Kitesurf in Sal island
Set against the azure Atlantic Ocean, Sal in Cape Verde emerges as a world-renowned kitesurfing haven, offering aficionados a blend of exhilarating wave rides and a serene island lifestyle. As winter and spring beckon, Cape Verde, within a mere six-hour flight radius from Germany, morphs into a wind paradise, especially coveted by European kitesurfers escaping the brutal cold. The island of Sal is at the heart of this kitesurfing allure, thanks to the consistent north-east trade winds that sweep across its shores during the peak season, blowing at a steady pace of 20 knots, creating an ideal kitesurfing ambiance.
The very air in Sal vibrates with the rhythm of Cape Verde music, setting a melodious backdrop to the thrilling kitesurfing adventure that awaits. The island’s wind statistics, diverse kitesurfing spots, the quality of its waves, and the prowess of Cape Verdean kitesurfers draw enthusiasts from across the globe, marking Sal as a distinguished kitesurfing destination. The warm embrace of the ocean, adorned with a myriad of hues, welcomes both seasoned kitesurfers and novices to its bosom. The waters around Sal not only promise an adrenaline rush, but also a serene retreat with the relaxed lifestyle it offers amidst the enchanting Cape Verdean Creole culture.
Kitesurfers in Sal find themselves spoilt for choice with a variety of spots to hone or showcase their skills. From the well-known Kite Beach to the waves at Ponta Preta, Ponta Sino, and Canoa, each spot has its unique charm and challenges. The Kite Beach spot stands out for its favorable conditions throughout the year, catering to both beginners and experts, whether they prefer freestyle or wave kitesurfing. The bay of Santa María, extending over 3 kilometers, presents ideal conditions for all levels of kitesurfers, with its left side-shore wind averaging at F4/F5. Additionally, the beach is partitioned into two areas for windsurfing and kitesurfing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
The Sal experience transcends the kitesurfing adventure. After a day riding the waves, the evenings in Sal offer a calm retreat. The sweet murmur of the streets of Santa Maria, the taste of local cuisine in quaint restaurants, and the gentle sway of peaceful bars provide a perfect ending to a thrilling day on the waves.
As Sal continues to gain popularity in the kitesurfing community, it’s not just the promise of adventure that calls out to the souls of kiters, but the blend of culture, natural beauty, and the soothing rhythm of island life that makes kitesurfing in Sal a great adventure.
Champions and competitions
Sal island has carved out a niche for itself in the international kitesurfing scene, hosting various prestigious competitions that draw in the crème de la crème of the kitesurfing community from every corner of the globe. The island’s appeal lies not only in its captivating natural beauty but also in the high-octane competitions that unfold on its shores, as agile athletes dance over the waves, their colourful kites painting the sky against a backdrop of the boundless blue ocean.
The GKA Kite-Surf World Cup, an event of international repute, has found a recurring venue on the sun-kissed beaches of Sal, embracing the island’s perfect blend of wind, waves, and warm temperatures. The Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour was thrilled to mark its return to Sal for the first Kite-Surf event of the 2023 season, highlighting the island’s stature as one of the best wave locations worldwide. The event, held between 17-27 March 2023 at the iconic African surf break of Ponta Preta, promised a spectacle akin to the jaw-dropping competitions of the past, especially the one in 2019.
The golden sands of Sal have witnessed the prowess of numerous seasoned kitesurfers, including the home-grown talents of Mitu Monteiro and Airton Cozzolino, who clinched the top spots in the men’s competition in 2019. The heritage of kitesurfing runs deep in the veins of Sal’s local community, a fact exemplified by Vice World Champion Mitu Monteiro, who calls Sal his home. The international competitions held here are not just a display of extraordinary talent, but a celebration of a culture intertwined with the rhythm of the waves.
The 2023 World Kite Surf championship further etched the island’s name in the annals of kitesurfing history. During the event, a thrilling face-off between kitesurfers Matchú Lopes and Mitú Monteiro had the spectators, including the Prime Minister, at the edge of their seats, exemplifying the fervour these competitions generate.
Year after year, as the tides ebb and flow, the allure of Sal’s kitesurfing legacy continues to grow, its narrative enriched with each wave ridden and every championship won. Through international competitions, the island of Sal doesn’t just host the kitesurfing elite but celebrates a tradition, a lifestyle, and a sport that resonates with the heartbeat of Cape Verde.
Global ranking 2023: https://www.gkakiteworldtour.com/rankings-2023/