Along Brazil’s north-east coast, the trade winds settle early in the day before gradually strengthening until mid-afternoon, following a cycle that repeats over several months. Far from being a sporadic phenomenon, this wind regime remains consistent throughout a long period. From Ceará to Maranhão, this Atlantic shoreline concentrates some of the country’s leading kitesurfing spots, suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Wind conditions and seasonality
While Brazil is often associated with its beaches, it is the north-east coastline that stands out for the consistency of its winds. They blow mainly from July to February, with average speeds ranging between 15 and 25 knots in states such as Ceará and Piauí, offering stable and predictable conditions for kitesurfing.
Water temperatures remain warm year-round and the climate is pleasant, making thick wetsuits unnecessary. Outside the main season, between February and June, winds weaken and rainfall increases, limiting opportunities for intensive riding.
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Spots and diversity of environments
Cumbuco (Ceará)
Located around 30 kilometres north-west of Fortaleza, Cumbuco has established itself as one of the most internationally recognised spots. Its long beach, combined with several lagoons, offers a wide range of conditions: flat water in sheltered areas and slightly choppy open sea along the coast. This configuration allows for safe progression for beginners while providing experienced riders with terrain suitable for technical manoeuvres. Local infrastructure — schools, equipment rental and transport services — supports extended stays and training programmes. Beyond the water, the surrounding dunes lend themselves to buggy excursions or sandboarding.
Jericoacoara
While the main beach is reserved for windsurfing, Jericoacoara features several well-known kitesurfing spots. Preá and Barrinha offer long beaches where the water is flat at low tide, giving way to waves reaching 1 to 2 metres at high tide. Downwinds usually connect these beaches to Jericoacoara or to Duna do Pôr do Sol, with optional land assistance. The Guriú lagoon, located about 30 minutes away, is particularly popular for freestyle.
Ilha do Guajiru (Itarema)
The main spot is the lagoon of the same name, navigable at mid or high tide, characterised by mostly flat water with a few lightly choppy areas. On the wind-exposed side, a more secluded spot — accessible with the help of local fishermen — combines flat water with access to the open sea, where wave conditions vary according to the tide. A secondary lagoon can be reached by downwind from Praia da Barra, but requires good physical condition or local transport, as there is no infrastructure on site.
Competitions and professional scene
Beyond recreational practice, Brazil regularly hosts international competitions, including stages of the GKA Kite World Tour in Big Air and freestyle disciplines. Brazilian riders such as Pedro Matos and Bruna Kajiya have distinguished themselves on the world circuit, contributing to the country’s growing visibility on the professional scene. These events also support the development of specialised infrastructure and the organisation of the most frequented spots.
At the crossroads of favourable natural conditions — consistent winds, warm water and an extensive coastline — and an increasingly structured tourism offering, Brazil’s north-east coast has established itself as an international reference for kitesurfing. From the lagoons of Ilha do Guajiru to the downwinds of Jericoacoara, and the versatility of Cumbuco, each destination makes it possible to design itineraries that combine sport, landscape discovery and local immersion, well beyond time spent on the water.
Photos: Visit Brasil
