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THROUGH

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THROUGH

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Tess Nooijen / Brazil

Exploring the Coast of Brazil

Through the Eyes of a Traveling Kitesurfer

Tess Nooijen,

Marketer and Wind Chaser

Hey, I’m Tess Nooijen, CRM Manager at Ekster. Although I call the Netherlands home, I’ve been lucky enough to chase the wind across the globe. And let me tell you, nothing compares to Brazil’s 1,000 km stretch of kitesurfing heaven.

This place has it all: constant winds, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibe that feels like freedom. If you’ve ever dreamed of combining adventure, sport, and sun-drenched beaches, Brazil should be at the top of your list.

Why Kitesurfing is Pure Magic

There’s something about kitesurfing that’s just… different. It clears your mind and makes you forget everything except the kite, the waves, and the wind. It’s like therapy, but with saltwater in your hair. And you’re always learning new tricks, new challenges, and new ways to push yourself. Plus, let’s be real, kitesurfing on a beach is basically anyone’s dream scenario. 

After every session, I feel sore, salty, and completely alive.

How the Kitesurfing Bug Bit Me

Kitesurfing wasn’t my first love, skiing and snowboarding were. Ever since I was four years old, I was all about carving through the snow.

So much so that I became a ski and snowboard instructor later on. But I wanted that rush year-round, not just during winter. One day, while chilling on a beach in the Netherlands, I spotted some people kitesurfing. It looked like they were having the most fun in the world.

When I decided to learn, I didn’t do it halfway. I traveled to Cabo de la Vela, Colombia. It’s a remote spot with no electricity, no running water, and a sky full of stars above your hammock where you sleep. It was challenging (20 hours of lessons before I could even ride properly), but the moment I nailed my first ride, I was addicted.

Kitesurfing isn’t just a sport for me; it’s my way of life.

This is Your Sign to Surf the Coast of Brazil

Brazil’s northeast coast is any kitesurfer’s dream. The wind blows consistently from July to January, and with countless spots to choose from, there’s always a new adventure waiting. Unlike most places, Brazil’s kite spots often have pousadas (like cozy bed-and-breakfasts) right on the beach. Imagine waking up, checking the wind, and hitting the waves without even needing a car.

One of the best things about Brazil is the chance to do downwinders.

The wind here is strong and reliable. You won’t need big kites, which makes everything more dynamic and fun. And while some places are easy to access, others require you to trek along sandy roads to find hidden gems. Trust me, the effort is worth it.

Downwinders are where you start at one beach and ride the wind to another. My first downwinder was a disaster. I quit halfway, too scared to continue. But after a couple more attempts, I finally nailed it. Now I’m easily doing long downwinders of 70 km, playing around along the way and jumping in the waves.

There’s nothing like gliding down the coast, watching the scenery change and feeling that unbeatable sense of freedom. Sharing these moments with my boyfriend this year made it even better. Kiting together, playing in the waves, and cheering each other on—it doesn’t get much more special than that.

Here, Adventure Is Around Every Corner

I just love the coconut life in Brazil. The country’s coastline is dotted with stunning destinations. From sandy roads to buggy rides over the beach, the journey is as beautiful as the destination.

The people, culture, and food only add to the magic. Everyone is super nice and helpful, and I’ve never felt unsafe in the northeast. For food lovers too, Brazil is a paradise. I love açai, caipirinhas, and coconuts. You can find those three things everywhere, even in remote places where supermarkets are rare.

If you’re a first-time kitesurfer exploring Brazil,

I have some advice for you:

  • Travel with your own kite gear. Renting is pricey and not always available.

  • Start your adventure in Cumbuco, just 40 minutes from Fortaleza airport. While Fortaleza itself doesn’t offer much for kitesurfers, Cumbuco is the perfect launch point.

  • Map out your route, but keep in mind that not all roads are easily navigable. A 4-wheel drive or pickup truck can be a lifesaver, especially on sandy roads.

  • Check the tides before heading to beachside kite spots to avoid getting stuck.

If you’re a first-time kitesurfer exploring Brazil, I have some advice for you:

  • Travel with your own kite gear. Renting is pricey and not always available.

  • Start your adventure in Cumbuco, just 40 minutes from Fortaleza airport. While Fortaleza itself doesn’t offer much for kitesurfers, Cumbuco is the perfect launch point.

  • Map out your route, but keep in mind that not all roads are easily navigable. A 4-wheel drive or pickup truck can be a lifesaver, especially on sandy roads.

  • Check the tides before heading to beachside kite spots to avoid getting stuck.

Top Kitesurfing Spots In Brazil

Brazil has so many incredible kite spots, but here are three of my all-time favorites:

Tatajuba
This tiny village is remote and magical. It’s hard to reach, with sandy paths leading the way, but the reward is incredible. The community is warm, the food is delicious, and the wind is powerful. Whether you’re into lagoons or waves, Tatajuba delivers. Pro tip: Go during high tide for the best conditions.

Barra Grande is kitesurfing paradise with everything you could want—great wind, cozy pousadas, and amazing food. One highlight is the downwinder to Macapá, home to Brazil’s most amazing lagoon (seriously, it’s like kiting through a mangrove fairytale). After a session, relax at one of the local beach bars.

Atins
If you want a kitesurfing experience unlike any other, head to Atins in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Here, you can kite through lagoons nestled among dunes. It’s only possible after the rainy season, so plan your visit between July and mid-October. Kiting solo in one of these lagoons made me feel like I was on top of the world.

Take the Plunge, Book that Ticket

With its mix of natural beauty, welcoming locals, and endless adventure, Brazil is more than just a stunning kitesurfing destination. It’s an experience that will stay with you forever.

There’s a rhythm here that’s impossible to put into words. Waking up with the sun, chasing the wind, sharing caipirinhas under starry skies, and sleeping to the sound of waves. It’s the kind of place that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

And if you're lucky, like I was, you'll leave with more than just sore muscles and salty hair. You'll leave with stories, friendships, and a whole new sense of freedom.

With its mix of natural beauty, welcoming locals, and endless adventure, Brazil is more than just a stunning kitesurfing destination. It’s an experience that will stay with you forever.

There’s a rhythm here that’s impossible to put into words. Waking up with the sun, chasing the wind, sharing caipirinhas under starry skies, and sleeping to the sound of waves. It’s the kind of place that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

And if you're lucky, like I was, you'll leave with more than just sore muscles and salty hair. You'll leave with stories, friendships, and a whole new sense of freedom.

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