Kitespot guide – Downwinders Brazil

📍 Location on Google Maps

Summary: One of the most famous kitesurf destinations in Brazil. Cumbuco blends wide sandy beaches on the ocean with flatwater in the iconic Cauípe Lagoon. The perfect mix of freeride, freestyle, and epic downwinders — all wrapped in tropical vibes.

Wind directions:
Trade winds (E / SE): side-onshore, powerful and super consistent (15–25 knots, almost daily).
NE: less common, usually lighter but still rideable.

Level: From beginner to expert. On the ocean: ideal for lessons and downwinders. In the lagoon: pure freestyle and pro-level tricks.

Watch out for: On the ocean a small shorebreak and occasional current → easy to handle, but beginners should pay attention. In the Cauípe Lagoon it can get busy with pros training — give them space and keep an eye out during tricks.

Launching & landing:
Ocean: Wide sandy beaches, plenty of space.
Lagoon: Narrow sand strips, often crowded with kites → getting help for launch/landing is useful.

Tide:
Ocean: Waves and currents shift with the tide, but always rideable.
Lagoon: Water levels depend on the season (higher during rainy season, lower in dry periods).

Kite zones:
Ocean: Open kite zone across the entire beach.
Cauípe Lagoon: Popular freestyle zone shared by pros, locals, and travelers.

Vibe / Community: Cumbuco is a true international kitemekka with a buzzing community. On the beach you’ll find loads of schools and lessons, while the lagoon is packed with pros and freestylers. Off-season = way more relaxed.

Winging & Foiling: The ocean is perfect for wing- and kitefoiling. In the lagoon it’s only possible with enough depth, but most focus here is on freestyle — often too shallow for foils.

📍 Location on Google Maps

Summary: A quieter alternative to Cumbuco, famous for its consistent ocean waves and the flatwater lagoon just outside the village. Perfect mix for wave riders and freestylers — all within easy reach.

Wind directions:
Trade winds (E / SE): side-onshore, stable and powerful (15–25 knots, almost daily).
NE: occasionally, lighter and less consistent.

Level: From beginner to expert. Ocean = freeride & waves. Lagoon = freestyle & tricks.

Watch out for:
Ocean: Strong shorebreak and currents at rising tide → beginners should pay attention.
Lagoon: Smaller than Cauípe and can get shallow during dry season; when busy, keep an eye out for freestylers.

Launching & landing:
Ocean: Wide sandy beaches with plenty of space, usually less crowded than Cumbuco.
Lagoon: Narrow banks, sometimes busy; help with launch/landing is recommended.

Tide:
Ocean: Waves and current change with the tide, but the spot stays rideable most of the time.
Lagoon: Tide- and season-dependent; best conditions at higher water.

Kite zone:
Ocean: Open kite zone across the bay, loads of space for waves and downwinders.
Lagoon: Mainly freestyle, shared with locals and traveling riders.

Vibe / Community: Smaller, laid-back kite community. Lagoon can get crowded with pros, but on the ocean there’s usually plenty of space. Less touristy than Cumbuco, with a relaxed vibe.

Winging & Foiling: Ocean is ideal for wing- and kitefoiling thanks to the steady wind and open space. Lagoon is usually too shallow for foils, especially in the dry season.

📍 Location on Google Maps

Summary: One of Brazil’s top wave spots, famous for its steady trade winds and long, peeling waves breaking over the reef. A true playground for wave kiters chasing challenges in tropical conditions.

Wind directions:
Trade winds (E / SE): side-onshore, strong and consistent (15–25 knots, almost daily).
NE: less frequent, sometimes in December/January.

Level: Advanced to expert. Best for wave riders; not beginner-friendly due to shorebreak and current.

Watch out for: Strong shorebreak and heavy current, especially at rising tide. Rocks and reef at low tide → take care when launching and landing.

Launching & landing: Wide sandy beach with plenty of space, though the slope can be steep. At high tide there’s less room to set up.

Tide: Conditions shift a lot:
Low tide: waves break further out and run longer.
High tide: waves push closer in with a heavier shorebreak.

Kite zone: Open stretch along the coast. Surfers share the reef waves → respect surf zones.

Vibe / Community: A popular wave spot with local surfers and a growing kite crowd. Outside peak hours there’s loads of space, but the reef can get busy.

Winging & Foiling: Great conditions for winging and kitefoiling, but the shorebreak and currents mean it’s best for experienced riders.

📍 Location on Google Maps

Summary: A small but stunning lagoon just outside the village of Lagoinha. Think glassy flat water surrounded by palm trees and sand dunes – the perfect freestyle playground in a tropical setting.

Wind directions:
Trade winds (E / SE): side-onshore, steady and reliable (15–25 knots, almost daily).
NE: less common, but usually still rideable.

Level: Beginner to expert. Flatwater makes it perfect for lessons and freestyle progression.

Watch out for: The lagoon is tide- and season-dependent. In the dry season it can partly dry up or get too shallow. Limited space, so keep an eye on others when it gets busy.

Launching & landing: Narrow sandy strips around the lagoon. Space gets tight at high tide.

Tide: Conditions shift with the tide and seasonal rainfall. Best sessions are usually around high tide or after rainy periods when the lagoon fills up.

Kite zone: Open to everyone, but space is limited – riders mostly share it for freestyle training.

Vibe / Community: Quiet outside peak season; busier with locals and traveling freestylers during the main months.

Winging & Foiling: Usually too shallow for foiling. Wingfoiling only possible when there’s enough depth.

📍 Location on Google Maps

Summary: Tropical fishing village and hidden kite gem in Ceará. Baleia offers the perfect mix: quality wave spots at sea and a flatwater lagoon tucked between the dunes. Everything is close by, with strong trade winds almost every day.

Wind directions:
Trade winds (E / SE): side-onshore, steady and strong (15–25 knots, nearly daily).
NE: lighter and less consistent, mainly around Dec/Jan.

Level: Beginner to expert. Waves at sea for freeride & wave riders; lagoon is ideal for lessons, freestyle and foiling (when deep enough).

Watch out for:
Sea: powerful shorebreak at high tide and some current along the coast → intermediate experience recommended.
Lagoon: water level depends on the season; can get shallow in dry months. No facilities at the lagoon itself → bring what you need.

Launching & landing:
Sea: wide sandy beach, plenty of space, calmer than Brazil’s well-known kite hotspots.
Lagoon: sandy banks between dunes, compact but workable to set up.

Tide:
Sea: conditions shift with the tide – longer wave lines at low tide, stronger shorebreak at high tide.
Lagoon: less tide-sensitive, mainly linked to rainy season for best water level.

Kite zone: No official zones. Free riding on both sea and lagoon – share space respectfully with locals and visiting kiters.

Vibe / Community: Generally quiet with a small kite community and a handful of pousadas catering to kiters. Far less crowded than Cumbuco or Jericoacoara.

Winging & Foiling:
Sea: excellent for wing & kite foiling thanks to steady winds and open space.
Lagoon: butter-flat and great for foiling/winging, provided the water is deep enough.

📍 Location on Google Maps

Summary: Small fishing village turned laid-back kite destination. Famous for its wide bay, steady trade winds and mix of flatwater and waves. A perfect base for downwinders in the region.

Wind directions:
Trade winds (E / SE): side-onshore, steady and powerful (15–25 knots, almost daily).
NE: occasional, mainly around Dec/Jan, usually lighter.

Level: Beginner to expert. Flatwater near the shore is perfect for lessons and freestyle, while outside the bay you’ll find quality waves for wave riders.

Watch out for: Shorebreak can be heavy at high tide. Current changes with tide. No organized rescue like at the bigger spots → independence is key.

Launching & landing: Wide sandy beach with plenty of space. Some fishing boats near the village – keep an eye out when launching/landing.

Tide:
Low tide: more flatwater inside the bay → great for freestyle.
High tide: bigger waves and heavier shorebreak.

Kite zone: Free kite zone across the entire bay. Generally lots of space, but share the water with fishing boats and occasional surfers.

Vibe / Community: Small but lively kite community. A few kite centers and pousadas, without the crowds of Cumbuco or Jericoacoara.

Winging & Foiling: Excellent in the bay with steady wind and space. Flatwater at low tide is perfect for foiling and winging.

📍 Location on Google Maps

Summary: Patos is a hidden gem with a massive lagoon right behind the beach. Mirror-flat water surrounded by dunes and palm trees, with a natural channel to the sea. Perfect for freestylers and kiters looking for peace and space.

Wind directions:
Trade winds (E / SE): stable side-onshore, 15–25 knots, almost daily.
NE: occasional, usually lighter.

Level: Beginner to expert. Lagoon is ideal for lessons and freestyle; through the channel you can head out to sea for waves.

Watch out for: Lagoon water level depends on tide and season. Shallow at low tide, more space at mid/high tide. No facilities → come prepared.

Launching & landing: Wide sandy stretches around the lagoon, calm and safe. Easy access to the sea via the channel.

Tide:
Lagoon: varies with tide and rainfall → best conditions mid to high tide.
Sea: waves and shorebreak depend on tide, but always kiteable.

Kite zone: Open and rarely busy. Lagoon and sea are connected, making it easy to combine both in one session.

Vibe / Community: Super quiet, rarely crowded. At most, you’ll share the spot with a few locals or fellow travelers.

Winging & Foiling: Excellent in the lagoon thanks to flat water and stable wind. With enough depth it’s perfect for foiling; channel access allows wing/wave foiling in the sea.

📍 Location on Google Maps

Summary: World-famous kitespot with a massive flatwater lagoon, separated from the sea by a narrow sandbank. Always wind, always flat water and tons of space – ideal for freestyle, freeride and long downwinders.

Wind directions:
Trade winds (E / SE): side-onshore, super consistent, 15–25 knots almost daily.
NE: rare, lighter and more gusty.

Level: Beginner to expert. Lagoon is perfect for lessons and freestyle, sea more suited for experienced wave riders.

Watch out for: Lagoon is tide-dependent → shallow or dry at low tide, more space and depth at mid- to high tide. Oyster banks in some areas.

Launching & landing: Wide sandbanks and small beaches around the lagoon. Plenty of room at sea as well, though less used than the lagoon.

Tide:
Lagoon: best conditions around mid- to high tide.
Sea: always kiteable, waves and shorebreak vary with tide.

Kite zone: Open lagoon with huge space, often informally divided into lesson areas, freestyle zones, and downwinder lines.

Vibe / Community: Popular international hotspot. Lagoon can get busy in high season, but the area is so vast that there’s always space. Vibrant pousada and kite community.

Winging & Foiling:
Lagoon: excellent for winging and kitefoiling if water is deep enough.
Sea: great for wave-foiling with constant trade winds.

📍 Location on Google Maps

Summary: World-famous kitespot and laid-back hippie village, surrounded by sand dunes and tropical beaches. Famous for its constant wind, stunning sunsets, and a mix of flatwater lagoons and waves.

Wind directions:
Trade winds (E / SE): side-onshore, consistent and strong (18–25 knots almost daily, often stronger in the afternoon).
NE: rare, less reliable.

Level: Beginner to expert. Flatwater areas near the village at low tide (good for learning/freeride). Further out: waves for advanced riders.

Watch out for: Shorebreak and chop can be strong, especially at high tide. Jeri is car-free → transport to other spots by buggy or 4×4.

Launching & landing: Wide sandy beach in front of the village. In high season, crowded with tourists → better to launch just outside the center.

Tide:
Low tide: more flat sections near the village, perfect for freeride/lessons.
High tide: stronger shorebreak, less flat water.

Kite zone: No strict zones. Lessons usually happen just outside the center. Popular downwinders to Preá or Guriú.

Vibe / Community: Large international kite scene. Busy in peak season with kiters and tourists, but atmosphere stays laid-back and vibrant.

Winging & Foiling: Possible but more challenging due to chop and shorebreak. Foiling works better in nearby flatwater lagoons or in Preá.