Kitesurfers Paradise
The coast of Ceara has been the ”guaranteed wind“ destination for windsurfers since they discovered Jericoacoara in the late 90´s. As kiting developped in the early 2000′s, kitesurfers started flying to the windy coast seeking the same consistancy and tropical setting. The key difference with kitesurfers is the wind direction which is important for safety. Because issues on the water can happen (loosing your board or crashing your kite, and not being able to relaunch), making sure the wind will bring you back to the beach rather than out into the Ocean is key! That is why side onshore winds are important for a safe kite spot. Luckily, Prea benefits from constant side-on-shore winds from 10 am to 6 pm, July through January, every year! Additionally, white sand, tropical temperatures and no obstacles or rocks on the beach make it safe for both beginners and advanced kiters to improve without fear of hurting themselves. .
The constant wind conditions are a result of a combination between the South-easterly trade winds and the local sea-breeze created by the National Park‘s arid climate. Keep in mind that while Jericoacoara is a better spot for windsurfers (with a wave created by the point and offshore winds), the side-on-shore wind direction makes Preá a safer spot for kiting.
Side onshore winds blowing all along Preá beach
The kiter friendly approach starts at the airport, where the driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals gate inside the international airport of Fortaleza. He is used to handling large kitebags and knows how to pack them safely in the back of the 4×4 trucks so you need not worry. Once you get to the hotel, you won’t have to carry your bag since the storage locker is on the beach, about 5 meters away from the reception, where you will be kiting every day. In addition to the tropical breakfast and wireless internet, you also get a kiteboy to help you launch and land your kite whenever necessary.
The kiteboy is always around when it`s time to launch or land your kite in front of the hotel and he is also there to make sure that everyone is kiting safely on the water. He can help rescue you in case things go wrong on the water and can also take care of your kite repair should it be necessary. The kite repair is usually a next day service if you get your kite to the shop in the afternoon, check with the kiteboy or at the reception. Don’t forget to pay the shop or kiteboy directly for the repairs.
With kite equipment lockers less than 100 meters from the water, Vila Prea is the only hotel on the beach that offers quick access to your kite equipment. Unpack, pump up and go! The fact that the beach is unobstructed is also a great advantage, no rocks, no fishing sticks nor poles along the beach*. Additionally, the kiteboy is always there to launch and land your kite, so you can stop for a drink, lunch or dinner at the restaurant right on the water, or just head to your bungalow for a nap a few meters away. Finally, when it is time to go home, there is a large lawn just downwind of the restaurant where you can wash down your kites and let them dry before packing up (*) beach conditions may change at anytime, therefor please read the safety instructions thourougly and talk to the reception before heading out on the water.
Besides the flat water conditions at low tide, Preá is close to three different flat water spots:
1 Tatajuba, the flat-water lagoon
2 Guriú river mouth
3 Barrinha, the shallow beach
Check out the several options below:
Because of the side onshore direction and the consistency of the wind, Preá is the perfect location for Epic downwinders!
There are many types of downwinders you can create, check out the two most common ones below, the 10 km Preá Beach downwinder, and the 36 km Tatajuba downwinder!
