Experiences
Kitesurf, windsurf and wingfoil
Steady side wind, flat water and kilometres of sand with nothing in the way
Experiences
Kitesurf, windsurf and wingfoil
São Miguel do Gostoso is a reference point for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Brazil and worldwide. Two to three kilometres of beach with conditions for every level, side wind from the right, and a thermal that fills in on almost every day of the season.
The beach and the spot
The sand runs for 2 to 3 km and offers sailing conditions for every level of difficulty. The best stretch is Ponta do Santo Cristo, in front of the schools and gear storage clubs. It is a vast beach of clean sand with no obstacles: no rocks, no trees, no volleyball posts, nothing that could make your session dangerous. There is more than enough room on the sand to rig and launch your own gear.
The wind
The wind blows with steady strength all year, but the best months, when it turns to the most favourable direction, run from September to March. It is a near-perfect wind, never too strong, blowing side-onshore to side-offshore from the right.
A typical wind day in Gostoso starts around 10am, light at first, 15 to 20 knots. Between 11am and noon the thermal fills in and it builds to 20 to 30 knots.
The wind frequency is very high: in peak season it sits around 95% of days in the month, dropping as the season winds down. There is a local saying: come for 15 days and you will sail at least 16.
Flat water and waves
Close to shore the water is flat. About 300 metres out, by the rock reef, waves of up to 2 metres form. Freestyle and freeride riders sharpen their technique here too: depending on the tide a smaller wave sets up, not large, but ideal for radical manoeuvres.
Space and safety
The number of sails on the water is rarely high, and there is all the room you need on the sand to set up. The absence of obstacles and the shallow water close to shore make it a suitable place to learn. The local schools keep a rescue boat on standby for their students and members.
Wingfoiling
São Miguel do Gostoso is known for its strong, constant wind, which has also made it a wingfoiling destination. Many of the world's best wingfoilers come here to train and compete, drawn by the conditions on the town's beaches and the surrounding area. Compared with kitesurfing, wingfoiling:
- reaches higher speed and agility, because the wing is lighter and more manoeuvrable than a traditional kite, allowing more precise manoeuvres;
- offers greater stability and control, making it easier to hold balance and direction;
- needs less space and less wind, which widens the range of days and locations and favours beginners;
- is considered less dangerous, thanks to the combination of lower space requirements and greater control of the wing.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is São Miguel do Gostoso good for kitesurfing?
Yes. It is one of Brazil's reference spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with steady wind year-round, flat water close to shore and 2 to 3 km of obstacle-free sand, with conditions for every level.
What is the best kitesurf spot in São Miguel do Gostoso?
Ponta do Santo Cristo, in front of the schools and gear storage clubs. It has the best conditions, clean sand and no rocks, trees or obstacles.
What is the wind direction in São Miguel do Gostoso?
The wind blows side-onshore to side-offshore from the right, which makes leaving and returning to the beach straightforward.
How many knots of wind does São Miguel do Gostoso get?
The day starts at 15 to 20 knots around 10am. When the thermal fills in, between 11am and noon, it builds to 20 to 30 knots.
What time does the wind start in São Miguel do Gostoso?
There is already light wind around 10am. The thermal fills in between 11am and noon and holds through the afternoon.
What are the best months to sail in São Miguel do Gostoso?
September to March, when the wind turns to its most favourable direction. Outside that window there is still wind, but less frequently.
How many windy days per month does São Miguel do Gostoso have?
In peak season the figure is around 95% of days in the month. The local saying sums it up: come for 15 days and you will sail at least 16.
Is the beach safe for beginners?
Yes. There are no rocks, trees or volleyball posts in the sailing area, the water near the beach is flat and there is plenty of room on the sand. The local schools keep a rescue boat on standby for students and members.
Are there waves in São Miguel do Gostoso?
Close to shore the water is flat. About 300 metres out, by the rock reef, waves of up to 2 metres form. Depending on the tide a smaller wave sets up, good for manoeuvres.
Is the beach crowded with kitesurfers?
Rarely. The number of sails on the water is usually low and there is enough room on the sand to rig and launch without competing for space.
Can you wingfoil in São Miguel do Gostoso?
Yes. The town hosts high-level wingfoilers for training and competition, thanks to the wind conditions and the variety of beaches in the region.
What is the difference between wingfoiling and kitesurfing?
The wing is lighter and more manoeuvrable than a kite, which gives more speed, agility and control. Wingfoiling also needs less space and less wind, which is why it is considered safer for beginners and intermediates.
