Cape Verde, Sal (Santa Maria)

Trip	Ports of Call	Dates	Days	Trip Type
73	Palmeira, Sal	Feb 7 - Feb 16, 2011	10	Adventure

Strong winds, killer waves, one of the most famous breaks for kiting in the world. This poor nation off the west coast of Senegal is comprised of 9 main islands. Known for its soulful music, headed by its most famous musician, Cesaria Evora; and its colorful Portuguese culture the Cape Verdes have more recently become popular for kite and surf adventurers seeking more remoteness than the nearby Canaries. Not quite African and not quite European, Cape Verde today is almost Brazilian in feel.

This 10 day trip for the Best Photo contest winners and your own private instructor, 9 time world champion Kristin Boese starts and ends on the island of Sal. Short distances, big fun. It is most well-known for surfing and kiting in the island group due to Ponta Preta, a rippable, long right hander (see clips below). If we find Preta too crowded there are several other breaks around the island, one of them for experts only and Discovery will give us the best access, which is very difficult from land, and some flat water spots as well. There is a mix of waves that will keep the expert to the intermediate quite thrilled. But the waves get BIG, and the winds howl- get your practice in beforehand!

More info on Ponta Preta here.

Winds in Cape Verde blow consistently and strong and swell arrives from the north just as regularly. For those of you looking to perfect your wave riding techniques, with some very interesting culture thrown into the mix, this is the trip.

RESOURCES: For information on flights, please visit here. Domestic flights are often booked up well in advance, so make your bookings early. For information on visas, please visit Visa Help and Lonely Planet

Summary: + Wild + Wind and Waves + Culture + Music/dance + Whalesharks + Cool land excursions - Rolly, tenuous anchorages - Dengue fever outbreaks - Rather touristy on Sal - Crowded Ponta Prieta

Cape Verde Jean Robert, Lonely Planet photo

GUEST RIDER: Kristin Boese Air: 70.2F Water: 70.5º F Mean Wind Avg.: 13.9 NE Miles: 70

Reservations

Cabin 1 - Best Kiteboarding - Guests: Best

Cabin 3 - Best Kiteboarding - Guests: Best

Cabin 4 - Best Kiteboarding - Guests: Best