Sal has long since been a mecca for hard core windsurf enthusiasts from across the globe. Swells from north Atlantic storms arrive during the winter months, combined with steady north easterly trade winds from November through to May.

The main windsurfing and kite surfing area on Sal is at the southern end of the island in and around Santa Maria. The calm, warm water and consistent trade breezes the perfect environment for watersports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, hence the four professional windsurf and kite surf centres that have been established along the beaches. Josh Angulo, Fanatic/North, Mistral, and Surf Zone all provide instruction, safety and kit hire for those keen to get involved. The bay here has a fine-grained, white sandy beach stretching for some 4km with general wind direction being cross offshore offering great conditions for learning throughout the year, but summer only for beginners as the wind is very light. Here you can learn in flat clear warm water with expert instruction and the best equipment.

In contrast, for wave sailors and surfers, the westerly breaks offer a challenge greater than most could wish for. Bring a spare set of equipment or two, unless you’re very confident. These surf breaks feature shallow and merciless reefs, only for the most experienced.

Hawaiian Josh Angulo, the 2003 world wave sailing champion, has made Sal island his home for the last 8 years.

Thanks to Josh, the Professional Windsurfing Association (PWA) visit Sal each year, for a specialist 32-man wave sailing event. In 2009, Sal was the first stop on the 3-leg tour. The competition usually runs in the last week in February or early March, with a two week window to allow the right conditions to arrive. The first year the contest was held here, in 2007, fortune smiled upon the world’s elite as a huge swells raced towards Cape Verde for the best contest in history, held in some of the most epic conditions the sport can produce. To the delight of the home crowd, Josh took victory in style that year.