The once little fishing village of Cumbuco is around just 30 minutes Journey North of Fortaleza airport in the North Easter state of Brazil of Ceara. From the months of June to December this part of Brazil has to be one of the windiest places on the Planet! Combined with some of the friendliest people you are ever likely to meet, and a vibrant South American atmosphere, Cumbuco makes for a Kitesurfing Holiday of a lifetime.
PLANET first visited this area about 5 years ago on a research trip along the entire Northern Coastline from Fortaleza right up to Jericoacoara. At that time Cumbuco was a relatively little known quiet spot. Since then the word has got around about what an astounding place this is and so the resort has been transforr4ed into a Kitesurf Mecca.
THE SPOT
Cumbuco: On one side of Cumbuco are big dunes and on the other flat sea, but the warm air radiating off the dunes builds the wind up - it‘s proper trade wind too. There is miles of flat wide beach to chose a spot to launch from so you shouldn’t get too crowded even if it seems like there are lots of people around town or the hotels.
Paracuru: One of the best spots of the north east of Brazil for the beautiful waves and the flat water at low tide. Situated at 70km north from Cumbuco, Paracuru is a really quiet place to enjoy the waves on the reef. Wind is on shore and blows around 30 knots and more (stronger than Cumbuco). The reef protects the kite area and offers a flat spot at low tide. At high tide the kite area becomes a bit choppy.
Pecem water spot: 20km northern from Cumbuco, the spot is situated just upwind to the very long bridge. With the nice tide and swell you can ride very nice waves. The best it’s to drive on the beach from Cumbuco with the buggy. You can also use the normal road but you’ll have to walk a bit to access to the spot. Be careful with the current and the “side off shore wind”.
Lagoa Cauipe: Situated 10km downwind (north) to Cumbuco the Lagoa Cauipe is a beautiful lagoon close to the sea. Flat water or waters, you choose. You need a buggy or a 4x4 to drive from Cumbuco to the lagoon if you want to use the “road beach”. With a normal car you can take the normal road. You can also make a nice downwind from Cumbuco.
THE WIND IN CUMBUCO
From June to December North Eastern Brazil has some of the best wind in the planet with reliable 20 - 30 knots 80% of the days!!
NIGHTLIFE IN CUMBUCO
Cumbuco is relatively low key with some beach pubs but if you want a big night out then Forteleza offers just about everything. It is only 20 - 25 minute away by Cab so it easy to plan a night out there.