Surfing on Sal, Cape Verde: Ponta Preta
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You can also surf waves on Sal (Cape Verde, Cabo Verde). Ponta Preta, west of Santa Maria, is a world famous wave spot that has hosted international competitions. From November to March solid north west swell arrives from the Atlantic.
Sun, sea and beach under the palms
Sal is the island for a true sun, sea and beach holiday. You get more than 350 days of sunshine a year, miles of white sandy beaches lined with beach bars, and at Santa Maria you simply walk into the calm, clear sea for a swim. Lying under the palms, a drink on the beach and watching the sun set over the sea: that is a holiday on Sal.
The sea water is around 25 °C on average, and from August to October it is often 28 °C and up to 29 °C. Because it hardly ever rains, the heat is dry: the cooling trade wind keeps it pleasant, never too hot and never cold, and in the evening it cools down a few degrees.
When are there waves?
The wave season runs from November to March. In those months the swell on the open sea averages around 1.4 to 1.7 metres, and more than 2 metres on part of the days. The table on the weather on Sal shows the waves per month. For the current surf forecast see Windguru.
Who is it for?
The waves of Ponta Preta break over reef and rocks and are for experienced surfers. Beginner? Then you can take surf lessons with schools on Sal, who take you to a spot that suits the conditions of the day.
Tips
- Bring or rent reef shoes: there are rocks.
- Do not surf alone and ask locally about currents.
- In winter a thin wetsuit is comfortable.
Read also about lessons on Sal and kitesurfing. Back to watersports on Sal. Questions? WhatsApp: +238 597 56 78.