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Six Tips for a Great & Smooth Sal Kitesurfing Trip
A bit of preparation and local insight can go a long way in ensuring you get the most out of your Sal kitesurf holiday. Here are some helpful hints and tips for visiting kiteboarders:
1. Choose the Right Season
As mentioned, the period from October to May is prime time. Mid-winter (Dec–Feb) brings the strongest winds and biggest swells – great for experts and wave riders, but also the most crowded. Late fall and spring can be a sweet spot for steady wind with slightly smaller waves and fewer people. The summer off-season (Jul–Sep) sees much lighter winds; some schools close then for a break. Plan your trip when the wind stats are in your favour.
2. Pack Smart
Bring a shorty wetsuit or a 3/2mm full suit if you’re coming from November to March, especially if you easily get chilled during long sessions in 21°C water. A sturdy pair of polarised sunglasses with a strap, a brimmed surf hat or cap, and high-SPF waterproof sunscreen are must-haves – the sun and glare in Sal are intense. Also, consider a light windbreaker or hoodie for evenings. The “cool” season nights in winter can drop to ~18°C.
If you normally kite with booties, you can bring them; however, at Kite Beach, the bottom is sandy. Reef booties are only really useful if you plan to tackle Ponta Preta’s rocks.
Don’t forget casual beachwear and flip-flops – it’s a very relaxed island, and formal clothes are not needed.
Travel tip: No special power adapters are required for visitors from the European Union. Cape Verde outlets are the same as European 220V two-pin.
3. Mind the Surf Etiquette
At busy spots like Kite Beach, practice good kite manners. Launch and land in the designated areas (or with the help of staff). Kite Beach’s size prevents it from feeling too crowded, but near the shore, you’ll have many learners – so keep a safe distance when blasting through. Advanced riders hunting waves on the reef should yield to those already on a wave and give a wide berth to surf schools closer to shore.
If you venture to Ponta Preta or other wave breaks, be hyper-aware of right-of-way on the wave face and consider using a line mount or helmet cam instead of a drone (drones have been known to annoy or even endanger riders in lineups).
4. Stay Safe
Although Sal’s kite spots are relatively safe (thanks to onshore winds in beginner areas), it’s essential to continually assess conditions honestly. If the wind is blowing 30+ knots or the waves look gnarly and you’re not experienced in those kinds of situations, sit it out or watch the pros.
There’s no shame in taking a rest day – injuries will ruin a trip faster than missing one session. On the water, keep an eye on the wind direction. If you somehow end up downwind outside the bay at Kite Beach, you’ll be blown toward a distant beach (eventually, as the island curves – but it’s far).
In Santa Maria Bay, an offshore trend in wind could carry you out – ensure a rescue boat is available or that you can confidently self-rescue. Wearing an impact vest or helmet is not a bad idea, especially if wave riding.
Lastly, hydration is key: the climate is dry, and you may not realise how much water you lose through wind and sun exposure. Drink plenty and consider bringing rehydration salts if you plan to do multiple sessions per day.
5. Logistics: Getting There and Around
Sal Island is easily accessible via Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), with direct flights from Europe (around 5–6 hours from Lisbon, Amsterdam, etc.). Many travellers come on package holidays, but it’s also simple to book flights and accommodations independently.
Santa Maria is about a 20-minute taxi or shuttle ride from the airport. Once in town, you can walk to restaurants, bars, and some beaches.
To reach Kite Beach, if you’re not travelling with a school shuttle, taxis are readily available for approximately €5–€7 each way, or you can arrange for one through your hotel. Some kiters rent a car or quad, but it’s not necessary unless you plan to explore the island extensively.
Tip: If bringing your own gear, be mindful of airline weight limits – pack efficiently or be ready to pay extra.
Cape Verde has a visa-on-arrival or online e-visa system for many nationalities. Check entry requirements before you fly. Euros are widely accepted on Sal, and the local currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo.
6. Embrace the Vibe
Perhaps the best advice is to embrace Sal’s easygoing culture. Things might not always run with clockwork efficiency (island time is real), but that’s part of the charm. The locals are friendly, and many speak enough English to communicate with international visitors. A smile and a few words in local Creole – such as “obrigadu” (thank you) – are greatly appreciated and welcomed with warm smiles.
Don’t hesitate to chat with your instructors over a coconut drink or a Strela beer, listen to some live morna music in the evening, and savour the relaxed pace. Kitesurfing travel is as much about the people and culture as it is about he wind and waves.
