Technical details of spot

Spot functioning

Launch on the beach, which requires getting through a heavy shorebreak. Have someone assist with your launch. Use a directional surfboard — twin-tips are not appropriate for this wave.

Once through the shorebreak, ride out to the lineup and wait for sets. The wave is a long, fast right-hander breaking over reef. Position yourself carefully and respect the priority system with other riders and surfers.

The wave breaks very close to the rocky shore, so every ride ends with a critical exit. Plan your exit strategy before committing to a wave.

Best conditions: big NW groundswell + 15–20 knots NE trade wind. Check both swell and wind forecasts before heading out. Low tide can expose more reef, making it more dangerous but also more hollow.

If Ponta Preta is too big or too dangerous, Ponta do Rife further north offers a good alternative for frontside riding in big waves with less consequence.

On the water

Open Atlantic Ocean with powerful North Atlantic groundswell. Waves range from 1.5 to 6 metres depending on swell size. The wave is a fast, barrelling right-hander breaking over rocky reef.

Water temperature 21–24°C during the kite season. A 3/2mm wetsuit is recommended for comfort during long sessions, especially in winter. Some riders use a 2mm shorty on warmer days.

Strong currents present — lateral sweep and rip currents near the reef. Crystal-clear water with excellent visibility.

Required level

Expert

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Year-round, but the main season runs from November to May/June when both trade winds and NW groundswell are present.

The biggest waves and best conditions for competition-level wave riding occur from December to March.

Summer months (July–October) see less wind and smaller swell, but occasional sessions are possible when systems pass through.

Parking

Ponta Preta is located on the west coast of Sal, about a 30-minute walk or 10-minute drive west of Santa Maria town centre.

Access via the road heading west from Santa Maria along the coast. Park on the sand/dirt area near the beach. Limited infrastructure — no facilities on site.

Most kite schools and camps in Santa Maria offer shuttle transfers to Ponta Preta when conditions are right. A taxi from Santa Maria costs around 500–800 CVE.

The nearest airport is Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), about 17 km north.

Hazards

EXPERTS ONLY — this is not a spot for intermediate riders under any circumstances.

Powerful waves: waves break fast and close to the rocky shore, reaching 2–6 metres. The wave is hollow and barrelling — wipeouts are violent and frequently result in gear being smashed on the rocks.

Offshore wind: the trade wind blows cross-offshore to offshore. If you lose your kite or have equipment failure, you will be blown out to the open Atlantic Ocean. Never ride alone.

Rocky shore and reef: the seabed is rocky reef. Impact with rocks is a serious risk on every wipeout. Helmet and impact vest strongly recommended.

Difficult launch: launching through heavy shorebreak on the beach is challenging and requires experience. The leeward launch demands precise kite control.

Shared lineup: surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers share the wave. Respect the lineup rules and right-of-way. Twin-tips are not appropriate here — directional board only.

Currents: strong lateral and rip currents. Know the ocean and be fit.

Wind specificities

The northeast trade wind at Ponta Preta blows cross-offshore to offshore relative to the west-facing coastline. This creates clean, groomed wave faces — perfect for wave riding — but also means riders are pushed away from shore.

Ideal wind direction: pure NE is already cross-off. The wind shouldn't have too much east in it, as that makes it more directly offshore and more dangerous.

Wind strength: 15–25 knots typical during season, sometimes stronger. Kite sizes 7–11m depending on conditions and rider weight.

Season: November to May/June, same trade wind season as the rest of Sal. The biggest swells combine with strong trades from December to March.

Wind tends to be strongest on the west coast compared to other parts of the island. However, being offshore and accelerated over land, it can be more gusty than at Kite Beach on the east side.

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