SAL, Cape Verde
Kitesurfing our way round the world in our 60’s !
Although Sal is approx 350 miles off the west coast of Africa, it was easier and cheaper for us to fly back to the UK from S. Africa and fly back out to this Cape Verde island than it was to fly direct from Cape town.
Well known as a great place for kitesurfing due to the strong winds, the water is not too cold (we didnt take our wetsuits) and there is a great variety of waves, including one spot that was too much for us – even for Paul!!
Santa Maria – just up from our apartment the beach was littered with smashed conch shells. They are a delicacy in the local restaurants.
Beautiful beaches and colourful buildings characterise this island. Mitu Monteira, pictured above, helped to pioneer strapless kite surfing. He has won many World competitions and is a local hero.
It was Paul’s birthday soon after arriving so, with no wind, we hiref a car and went sightseeing to the Buracona Blue Eye.
where there was also a natural pool …
A great way to cool down 👍
followed by checking out the lemon sharks further round the coastline.
and a quick visit to the biggest salt flats.
before dining out at a waterside restaurant to celebrate the birthday boy ❤️
Kite Beach was fabulous 👌
The wind was good from midmorning and built steadily into the afternoon.
Some days it was howling good fun!! 🤣
The local capoeira group performed weekly in the town square.
There was a wide age range taking part which was good to see. It has been 20 years since I used to go to the Exeter capoeira group with Anita – couldn’t possibly do it now, though…😆
Paul getting a good kicker off the waves
Just another day kiting 😁
The beach site housed a kite school and restaurant, with gear rental and sun loungers – perfect 👌
My kite skills improved quite a bit while here, so I had more confidence in the bigger waves, and less wiping out 😁
Kiting at Sal was a great experience. We also met another kiting couple from Devon who have become good friends.
We stayed for 4 weeks – I would definitely recommend the Kite beach for improving skills.
