From all the countries I have lived, Cape Verde most closely fits the saying “paradise where you can forget all your troubles”. Although geographically located close to Europe and main land Africa and Brazil, its location in the middle of a vast ocean, its climate, and its people, seduces you to forget all that is beyond the boundaries of the island.
Rarely is there a day where you wake up without the company of the sun and a breeze that makes the heat more comfortable than intolerable. You are never more than 10-15 minutes from the ocean. This constant presence of the ocean and all the sounds that accompany it, allows you to feel in touch with nature and ease the stresses often associated with “life”. Although everywhere you turn there is construction and the influx of new investment, the glorious beaches, the ocean, and the occasional sight of whales, dolphins, and turtles, allows you to quickly forget the mortar.
Complimenting this scenic environment are the people. Cape Verdeans, although lackadaisical to a certain extent, show a love for life that is contagious. There is laughter to be
heard and an ease that gives off a sense that they have morphed with their island and are at ease with the life that comes with living on an island. They are a talented population excelling in languages, water sports, fishing and partying. The music of Cabo Verde, seeps into your soul and fills you with this tremendous excitement for life, the island, and all that it offers your senses. It is difficult to put words to the feeling I get every time I hear their music, watch the locals and tourists flirt with the beach, toy with the water, play volleyball on the beach or kite/wind surf across the ocean.
I cannot help but smile at the ease in which Cape Verdeans move through life, amidst the obstacles that confront them. Although each island is different, each offering something different, there is this common spirit that connects them to each other and to their country. “No Stress” is a way of life.
The shimmering reflections of the ocean are enticing to all those who love to play in the water. Whether it is wind surfing, kiting surfing, or surfing, the island of Sal has something to offer every surfer off every level. It is heaven on water.
Nowhere in the world are there such a variety of locations at which to surf, kite surf and wind surf, all within 10-30min range. Each spot has a unique quality, allowing for a spectrum of sensations for the most beginner to the most advanced of all surfers, kite surfers and windsurfers. Contrary to popular belief, Sal is not only for the advanced. The Bay of Santa Maria and the Surf School at the Riu hotel on the west coast, offers perfect conditions for those just entering the surfing (wind, kite and surf) world as well as for those more at the intermediate and advanced level.
The months of June to October, are for those wanting to learn to windsurf. The water in the main bay of Santa Maria and often in front of the Riu hotel is flat, warm, and wind ranges between 9 and 15 knots. For new and intermediate surfers, the area beside the main pier in Santa Maria is perfect, when that south swell arrives.
From November to May, the trade winds shift and it start to blow across the island, great for learning to kite surf as well as for seasoned wind surfers and kite surfers.
The only down side of these months is the water gets a little cooler and you have to wear a wetsuit (shortie or long depending on your preference). More specifically, for those wanting the sensation of wave riding, January and February, normally deliver some gob smacking waves at Punta Preta that even the most experienced of surfers, feel a little tremble.
If anyone were to ask me, “What is 1 good reason to come to Cabo Verde?” I would have to say the water sports. But I admit I am biased. We have 2 windsurf, kite surf, and surf schools on the island. However, we have them, because we love all 3 surf sports, and could not think of a better place in the world to merge work and pleasure, 365 days a year.
Trust me, try out the island, you will not be disappointed!
Sheena
Surf Zone Cabo Verde
surfcaboverde.com