UN TRIP DE KITESURF AU BRÉSIL PAR VALENTIN

Kitesurfing in Brazil: Choosing Your Destination and First Impressions

Hello everyone, I'm sharing my kitesurfing trip to Brazil with you. After finishing my season at Kite-évolution as a kitesurf and wingfoil instructor, and feeling the cold start to set in, I decided to go somewhere warm. But which destination to choose for a 10-day trip that would allow me to ride every day? Looking closer, I realized Brazil was the best choice for this period. I had a bit of trouble finding accommodation and a plane ticket without breaking the bank for just 10 days.

In the end, on lastminute, I found an all-inclusive package (flight, accommodation, and breakfast) for 1330 euros in Cumbuco, departing from Nantes. Without hesitation, I booked it, and it was perfect because I'd been dreaming of going there since I started kiteboarding.

Kitesurfing in Cumbuco: Discovering the Tabuba and Cauipe Lagoons

Upon arrival, I was worried about my week, as I wanted to avoid renting a buggy or a car to save money, and I was also alone on this trip. Ultimately, my accommodation was near the Tabuba lagoon, a 5-minute bus ride away (free line 01). This line runs every 20 minutes and allows you to travel from Cumbuco to Cauipe and vice versa.

So, I spent the first two days riding on Tabuba. It's a less crowded lagoon than Cauipe and less natural, but still incredible: palm trees, flat water, great heat, and perfect wind at 20 to 25 knots until 3 PM, dropping to 15 knots by late afternoon.

Kitesurfing Experiences and Tips in Cumbuco

Meeting people, I learned it's possible to go down to the Cauipe lagoon on a downwind run starting from Cumbuco. I decided to go for it on my third day.

I spotted a safe starting beach in front of my hotel and did this downwind to Cumbuco, a change of scenery with the beach, open sea, and waves. I'd say a good 45-minute ride, pure joy to be able to move from one point to another with your kite and board and enjoy the surroundings. I arrived at Cauipe, and the view is just magnificent. This lagoon is much prettier than Tabuba, very natural, much larger, and has fresh water with an insane level that makes you want to go hard. However, it's very crowded, so you have to be careful.

After my day there, I went back to Cumbuco by buggy with a group of riders. It's an experience worth doing; you return with a magnificent sunset. Locals also offer the return trip for 50 reals.

My fourth day began, and my body was getting tired; I must say that 4 to 5 hours of riding per day really works the muscles. So I decided to have a more relaxed day.

I started my ride in wave riding mode, so on the ocean side in front of my hotel, then a short downwind, not to the Cauipe lagoon but to Cumbuco in front of the main square. I treated myself during my break at a hotel restaurant. A great atmosphere, good music, superb view, good food, and not too expensive. After my meal and beer, I went back into the water to finish the day.

Well, it must be said that the water outside the lagoon is still a big minefield, but if you're not too picky, it's already great, especially for the waves.

So I'm going to finish my week between these different spots and have a blast; Windguru is in the green-yellow until the end of my trip, so we're on fire.

Conclusion: A Paradise for Kitesurfing Enthusiasts

Cumbuco is a kitesurfer's paradise, offering daily wind and a variety of spots for freeride, freestyle, and wave. It's a must-visit destination for any kitesurf enthusiast.

In summary, if this destination appeals to you, go for it with your eyes closed. For riding, everything is possible: freeride, freestyle, wave, and wind every day from morning to night.

If possible, go in a group; Brazilians don't speak a word of English, even though they are very welcoming.

Small Bonus: If you don't have a taxi included with your reservation, there are Ubers, just like at home, which are much cheaper than airport taxis. Fortaleza is a 30-minute drive from Cumbuco, and there's also a paid bus line, but it's hard to know where to stop if you don't know Cumbuco. 

Another lagoon option is Taiba, which is a 1h30 drive from Fortaleza. I haven't done it, but it's also possible for the more adventurous to do a downwind from Cumbuco to Taiba, which takes about 2h30.

If you fly with Air France, there's no extra baggage fee for the board bag unless it exceeds the 23 kg weight limit.

Avoid exchanging money at the airport; the rate isn't good. Instead, exchange with Junio at the Sunshine Hotel on Cumbuco's main square, or at SuperCumbuco.

Frequently Asked Questions