Sotavento is a perfect spot for kiters. The reliable winds of the spot is legendary and the temperatures of the water and air are comfortable all-year long, in summer and winter. Huge sandy beaches make the launching of the kite easy and there is also no end of room on the water.
See : http://www.rene-egli.com/2006/html/index-en.php
There is a huge lagoon area which is flooded every two weeks with approx. 80cm of water depth - ideal for beginners (check the tide table on their website before you book!).
They have over 180 - 2006 kites and 80 - 2006 Cabrinha boards for school and rental equipment.
Since 2001, they organize the Kiteboard World Cup direct in front of the Kite Center. In 2001 Sebastien Cattelan set a new hang time world record, an 8,87 second long jump. In 2004 Manu Taub succeeded in kiting a new Kite Speed Worldrecord with 40,58 knots (75,15 km/h).
rip off beach...
sotavento is straight offshore and definitely not ideal for beginners. winds are super strong especially during summer season. be prepared to get sandblown!
comment by Anonymous, 2006-09-13 00:17:37
desperate kiters only
The wind in sotavento is completly offshore, but very gusty. Center is catastrophy, unfriendly, arrogant. Only kite here once to see it's really shit. Beach is beautyful
comment by Anonymous, 2007-04-12 09:08:21