Sal to Sao Nicolau Wave Epic

Trip	Ports of Call	Dates	Days	Trip Type
75	Palmeira and Porto do Tarrafal	Mar 5 - Mar 18, 2011	14	Epic

Strong, strong winds, some really killer waves, starting with one of the most famous breaks for kiting in the world. This poor nation off the west coast of Senegal is comprised of 9 inhabited 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 Epic is well....Epic. We begin with some rippable days on Sal, namely on Ponta Preta, then we head west, downwind 60 miles to Sao Nicolau where we can expect to find more serious waves, but much less crowds. Sal is is one of the more touristy islands in the chain, and the most well-known for surfing and kiting in the group due to Ponta Preta. 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. By this time we'll also have the islands well sussed out too, giving us more options depending on swell and wind. There is reputedly a mix of waves that will keep the expert to the intermediate in smiles.

More info on Ponta Preta here.

Winds in Cape Verde blow consistently and strong and swell arrives from the north just as regularly. This Adventure is in the heart of the wind and swell season. 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: + World Famous Ponta Preta + Serious Wind and Waves + Culture + Music/dance + Cool land excursions - Rolly, tenuous anchorages - Dengue fever outbreaks - Possibly touristy - Crowded Ponta Prieta - Relentless wind

Cape Verde

GUEST RIDER: Unannounced Air: 69.5F Water: 69.9º F Mean Wind Avg.: 12.9 NE Miles: 100

Reservations

Cabin 1 - Bryan Roth - Guests: Guest

Cabin 3 - Rogier Brand - Guests: Guest

Cabin 4 - Bruce Marks - Guests: Guest