Cabo Verde - Sal

(Here is the Overview of Cape Verde Wave Clinics with Mitu Monteiro)

Just a few weeks after receiving an e-mail from Mitu Monteiro himself we decided to go to the island of endless kitesurfing opportunities.

Great weather all year long and wind from December to May is a good start. The kitesurf spots on Sal have something for everyone: the Kite Beach with side-onshore wind and small wind waves. Santa Maria Beach with fairly well conditions for beginners – though not completely perfect, due to water depth – and freestylers. For the more adventurous, there are world-class wave spots (most of all, the waves at Ponta Preta as you may know from the tons of videos circulating around).

There is nearly no better place to learn wave kiting than Cape Verde. That´s why we've put together a wide range of courses matching everyone's needs and level.

The kitecenter of Mitu and his friend Djo is located right on the Kitebeach. It is the perfect spot for beginners and their kiteschool is the only one at this knwon part of Kitebeach. There is even a nice beach bar at the center to enoy the perfect sundowner right at the spot.

For all intermediate and advanced kitesurfers we have the wave kite basic package. This package includes two hours of wave kite introduction, guiding you through the most important steps for a safe and fun start in the waves. In addition you will get the wave board rental for one week.

For all the advanced and pro kiters who wants to spend some more times in the waves we introduce the new the Wave Clinics with spot guiding and training with Mitu Monteiro in person.

We have also arranged an array of other activities for you to meet other kiters and get a feel for real life in Cape Verde. You´ll go to a rockin´beach bar one night and an awesome beach barbeque another.

Beautiful accommodations bring the whole package together and there is something for everyone. Economic and sporting equipment-friendly flights from everywhere in Germany. In just six hours, you´ll be at the very heart of the world of wave kitesurfing

If you know where to go, you'll discover an astounding array of different kitesurfing spots.

There are spots with side-onshore wind and small wind waves for intermediate kiters on the windward eastern side of the island. This is also where you’ll find the so-called Kite Beach and the new and stylish kite school of Mitu and Djo.

The spot Santa Maria in the south is a great, nearly perfect, beginner cove with flat water, so even freestyle kiters get their money’s worth. At the western part of Santa Maria is where you find Mitu and Djo’s professional kitesurfing school. This is also the only place in the bay of Santa Maria where you can kitesurf, as the wind comes in side-shore to side-onshore.

At the western corner of the bay, there is also an excellent wave spot. This is only recommended for proper kitesurfers, as the wind blows offshore. Those who doesn't feel fit enough for the waves in Ponta Preta at the western part of the island, should still check out this spot to check out the pros ripping the waves.

On Cape Verde we offer you the in 2011 finished KiteWorldWide apartments or the brand new Beach Club Sal in combination with different kite services.

If you decide to travel with us, you are not only booking flight and accommodation, and then left on your own afterwards. The package always includes the transportation to one of the different beaches (depending on the conditions), as well as a barbeque and a get together at the beach bar. In addition, the transportation from and to the airport, which will be carried through by Mitu`s staff – like this you will get the current kite information first hand already on your way to the hotel.

Now you can just go ahead and choose the right package for you, depending on your kitesurfing level and your expectations.

KITEWORLDWIDE APARTMENTS CAPE VERDE / SAL / SANTA MARIA

The KiteWorldWide apartments are located centrally and at the same time only a stone throw away from the beautiful sandy beach of Santa Maria. The village center with its numerous bars, restaurants and shops are within a walking distance.

The apartments are located in a small, nice housing complex with a pool, garden and a few shops. All the apartments have a kitchenette with fridge, cooker and oven. Of course you will have a balcony and a fully equipped bathroom.

Bedlinen, towels and final cleaning are included in the price as well as the costs for water and electricity.

Depending on the size of your travel group, you will get an apartment with one (for two persons) or two (for more than two persons) separate sleeping rooms.

BEACH CLUB SAL

A long period of waiting ends with the opening of this project. An accommodation right in the centre of Santa Maria directly on the beach with a pool and a relaxed beach bar. Made by kitersurfers for kitesurfers.

The Pousada, which was completed in January 2012, hosts only five rooms in addition to an integrated beach bar, occasionally with live music or football matches causing some noise in the evenings.

The rooms are fashionable and rustic decorated, and you might get the feeling of being on a sailboat because of the use of natural wood all over.

From the rooftop terrace you have a spectacular view over the whole beach of Santa Maria.

An extensive breakfast buffet with tea, coffee, bread and rolls, eggs, omellete, bacon, yoghurt and fruits is already included in your stay.

Of course you won't miss anything during your stay at the Beach Club Sal:

All rooms are equipped with an own marble flagged bathroom with warm water shower/WC, TV, ventilator, fridge, air condition (additional charge) and comfortable double beds.

The rooms on the first floor and one of the rooms on the ground floor impress with their clear view to the beach and a terrace.

One of the rooms on the ground floor is located in the backend of the pousada and has no ocean view ( therefore a bit cheaper).

In one of the rooms up to four persons can lodge, in the two other rooms up to three persons and in the last one up to two persons.

Now it's time to give you a short run-through of the wide range of other activities for windless days or your non kitesurfing company. The main attraction on the island is definitely kitesurfing, but Sal has more to offer.

Surfing
If you already know the waves around Sal, why not just leave your kite at home and try out the waves without the wind.

SUP – Stand Up Paddle
The different spots around Sal with smaller waves and shallow water are perfect for SUP.

Diving
There are several diving schools in Santa Maria, which can take you on diving trips to bring you a little closer to the underwater world.

Deep-Sea Fishing
In case you’re bringing along hunters and gatherers, there are fishing trips available for trolling and bottom-fishing all around Sal. If you wan't you can catch your dinner yourself!

Sailing
Whether you’re looking for a catamaran or a traditional sailboat, sailing is a good change from kitesurfing and a great alternative for non kitesurfers. You would enjoy a relaxing time on the water and the use the light breeze for a sailing trip. Don’t forget your swimming suits!

Island Tours
If you’ve had enough wind, water and waves, you can take a day tour on the island with the main mode of transportation, aluguer taxi.

Quad-Tours
On the southern part of the island, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the most remote corners of the island on a quad-tour.

The Island Sal and the People of Cape Verde

Cape Verde was coincidentally discovered in the 15th century by Portuguese seamen. Cabo Verde means: “The islands of green capes”. The green cape refers to what is today the Senegal, which was the original name of the whole island group. This explains why the name doesn't really fit, as the island itself is not really that green.

The Republic of Cape Verde is comprised of 15 inhabited and uninhabited islands. Located on the North African coast, it is the southern-most archipelago of the islands . The islands were created by volcanic activity and divided into sotavento (islands facing away from the wind) and barlavento (islands facing into the wind).

Due to the mixture of different cultures and languages, from both European and African island inhabitants, a very eccentric way of life and a own dialect developed, today known as “Creole”. The inhabitants of Cape Verde have, thereby, created their own identity.

Sal: “The island of salt”, naturally belongs to the barlavanto islands and is on the northeastern edge of the archipelago. The island received its name in the 17th century, when the salt production led to colonization.

Stress and rushing are completely foreign words to Cap Verdians, who usually answer with “não problema” or “um momento”. The saying: “The Europeans have clocks and Africans have time” perfectly describes the Cape Verdians. Slacken off and get into the relaxed manner of the island dwellers. Take advantage of and enjoy the flair of the laid-back attitude of the natives.


Restaurants

You’re completely worn out from kiting, surfing, diving, sailing… but you still have enough energy to go out? No problem, because the Cape Verdian kitchen is absolutely delicious.

Fish-lovers will be right at home. Tuna, mackerel, squid, oysters, crayfish, and shrimp, just to name a few, are served boiled, grilled, or fried everywhere on the island. But don’t worry! Meat lovers and vegetarians won’t be disappointed, either.

Airport: Sal (SID)

The short flight to Cape Verde is only about six hours from Germany. Just 1.5 hours longer flight than to Egypt, you’ll be spoiled in the winter with boardshorts/shorty weather and reliable winds.

Holiday airlines, such as TUIFly, leave several days a week from numerous German airports.

From Scandinavia:

Star Tour flies to Sal every Wednesday directly from Stockholm and Copenhagen.

TAP offers good connections several times a week via Lisbon from Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen.

Condor flies via Frankfurt every Friday from all Scandinavian capitals as well as Gothenburg, though the flight back will land both in Banjul and Frankfurt.

Ask us, and we will find the best connections and prices for you.

From the airport it’s only 15 minutes to Santa Maria, and you’ll already see the Kite Beach and the kites from a distance on the way to your accommodation. That’ll really get you ready to head to the beach!