Kitesurfing Holidays In Sal

The island of Sal, in the Cape Verde islands which is located just off the coast of north-west Africa, is one of the most reliable kitesurf holiday destinations for the UK winter season (November to April) and is only a quick five hour flight.

The accommodation on Sal is of a moderate standard. However, there is a superb 4 star hotel called the Morabeza Hotel, with its perfect beach front location and the kitesurf school just next door makes it the ideal place to stay.

The kitesurfing on Sal caters to all skill levels, whether you are a beginner or an established wave rider. However, the conditions in Sal are best suited to intermediate and advanced kiters.

The Kitesurf Area On Sal

On the Island of Sal there are three main kitesurf zones; Santa Maria beach, Kite Beach and Ponte Preta:

The kitesurfing on the very large bay area of Santa Maria beach offer a great fall out of your bed onto the water spot as this is where most of the better hotels are based. This area is where the kitesurf lessons are held as there is plenty of beach space for training. Further around the bay there is some easy waves for the novice wave rider.

The main kitesurf area on Sal is Kite Beach, around a 20-minute taxi ride away to the south-east. The wind here is very clean and a good side on shore direction. There is an excellent area of reasonably flat water for those kiters who want to try out some freestyle tricks and newly independent kite surfers. There are few facilities on Sal, however, there are always lots of other kiters around to help out.

The most famous wave spot on Sal is at Ponta Preta; a must visit spot for all kite surfers. The impressive 3 to 6 metre wave peels just 50 metres from the shoreline. This is only for advanced kiters as there is a cross offshore wind (perfect wave riding direction) with no safety cover.

The Wind In Sal

Sal is positioned within the winter trade-wind belt supplies steady force 4 to force 5 kitesurfing conditions from November until May.

On the main Santa Maria beach the cross-offshore, or side-shore wind from the left enables effortless upwind sailing to various sections of the beach.

Things To Do In Sal

The main activity, aside from windsurfing or kitesurfing, is scuba diving. The dive centres have an excellent set-up and offers a full range of courses and daily diving.

Other activities Sal offers are buggy tours, SUP, boat trips to Boa Vista, surfing, quadbiking and full island tours.

The Nightlife In Sal

Santa Maria has a few clubs with regular live music, restaurants and bars with a friendly buzzing atmosphere.