Boasting about 7,500 km (4,660 mi) of coastline Brazil offers amazing opportunities for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Beautiful protected lagoons, famous Southern Atlantic swells, and steady, strong winds make Brazil one of the world's best destinations for wind and water sports. The wind is good from May/June to January/February. While March and April are not so good.
The north of Brazil has the best beaches, and the steadiest winds are for kitesurfing blowing with force of 20-30 knots. Many pro-kiters flock to Ceará coast between Jericoacoara and Fortaleza every year due to excellent winds and weather. Jericoacoara is one of the top world kiting destinations nicknamed Jeri. Suitable for both wave-riders and free-stylers, Jeri has a long spacious beach surrounded by sand dunes.
Paracuru is another famous spot that attracts wave-riders. There is no lagoon here, just the ocean. But waves reaching 2 m (7 ft) high can be amazing. The water is choppy at high tide, and flat at low tide, which is better for beginners. Cumbuco is the spot that is famous for its strong winds, coconut fringed coast and beautiful flat lagoons attracting kitesurfers from Europe and North America. But if the most popular destinations get too busy, it's always possible to move to a smaller place like Taiba, also located in the state of Ceará, but cheaper and quieter than Cumbuco or Jericoacoara.
Lagoa do Cauipe, is another sweet spot for kiters located not far from Cumbuco. A beautiful lagoon is a real Mecca for wind junkies with plenty of shops, cafes, and bars with kitesurfing themes. Atins in the state of Maranhão is located near the Lençois Maranhenses National Park, a unique dune and lagoon ecosystem, perfect for beginner kitesurfers searching for flat water.
Impressive Atlantic swells, stable winds, and natural beauty make Brazil perfect for windsurfing. The town of Prea, in 10 km (6 mi) south-east of Jericoacoara, is especially favored by windsurfers for steady winds from June to January. However, due to choppy water, especially with high tide, Prea is not suitable for beginners. Icaraizinho is a quieter place in the same area as Prea. It offers better conditions for beginners and slower winds.
São Miguel do Gostoso near the city of Natal in the state of Rio Grande do Norte is a new windsurfing destination, offering the same good conditions with four beaches, flat water, protected by reefs and waves of about one meter. The wind is the strongest from September to March: from 15 to 30 knots.
Rio de Janeiro also is famous for its windsurfing schools and rentals. You can find them at most of the city’s beaches. Praia do Pepe boasting big waves and winds reaching 25 knots is a favorite for local windsurfers.
If you are based in Rio, Buzios is another good windsurfing destination to explore. It is located in 175 km (109 mi) from Rio. Ferradura and Tartaruga Beaches are suitable for beginners. Rasa, Manguinhos, and Geriba will suit experienced riders. Barra de Lagoa is another great beach destination accessible from Rio with dozens of rentals and windsurfing schools to choose from.
Practical info
When is the best time to go to Brazil to kitesurf or windsurf?
The most suitable period for kitesurfing and windsurfing is from May/June to January/February. Avoid the months of March and April. São Miguel do Gostoso, Rio Grande do Norte is a new destination for windsurfing enthusiasts. It has favorable conditions from September to March, with winds ranging from 15 to 30 knots. Show more
What are the popular sites for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Brazil?
Brazil has over 7,500 km (4,660 mi) of coastline, and many of the beaches are perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. For a steady wind at 20-30 knots for kitesurfing, head to the north. Jericoacoara's beach is great for wave-riders and free-stylers while Prea town in the southeast is popular during June-January for windsurfers. Rio de Janeiro and Buzios's beaches provide fantastic experiences as well. Show more
What is the range of wind speeds for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Brazil?
Brazil is known for its stable and constant wind speeds, most suitable for kitesurfing and windsurfing at 20-30 knots. Jericoacoara is amongst the world's top kitesurfing destinations with fantastic beach conditions, while Lagoa do Cauipe in Cumbuco and São Miguel do Gostoso offer beginners smooth sailing experiences. Unfortunately, Prea's choppy waters mean it's not a beginners' spot. Show more
Which areas are ideal for beginners to learn kitesurfing or windsurfing?
There are many beginner-friendly spots in Brazil. Lagoa do Cauipe in Cumbuco is perfect for learning kitesurfing or windsurfing due to its calm lagoon and steady winds. If you're a beginner kitesurfer looking for flat water, Atins near the Lençois Maranhenses National Park is your spot. Icaraizinho is excellent for windsurfing beginners, providing slower winds and being quieter than Prea. Prea is unsuitable due to the choppy water, despite its favorable winds from June to January. Show more
Can you find windsurfing schools in Rio de Janeiro and Buzios?
Absolutely, Rio de Janeiro is known for its many windsurfing schools and gear rentals available at various beaches, including Praia do Pepe. Buzios, a coastal town about 175 km (109 mi) from Rio, offers excellent windsurfing, with Ferradura and Tartaruga Beaches as good spots for beginners. Experienced windsurfers should check out Rasa, Manguinhos, and Geriba, while Barra de Lagoa, another beach within access from Rio, has windsurfing schools and dozens of rental options. Show more
