Kitesurf at Jericoacoara & Prea

Endless wind and Brazilian lifestyle

  • Overview
  • Good to know
  • Getting there

Overview

The surrounding areas of the secluded Jericoacoara in the northeastern coast of Brazil has been a particular interest for kitesurfers and windsurfers for many years. Consistent winds, miles of isolated beaches, waves at high tide, hidden flat water lagoons - this location has it all to make a perfect kitesurfing adventure. Jericoacoara (also known as Jeri) is a small fishing village tucked away in the Nature reserve and the surrounding dunes. The streets are still covered by sand, vehicles are not allowed to drive in the town, and there are no street lights. You will find everything from luxury villas to local pousadas and hostels, a variety of restaurant choices and vibrant street food stalls. After watching a spectacular sunset at the Dune por do sol (sunset dune) and cheering locals practising Capoeira at the beach, head to the main square where you can enjoy relaxed ambience under fairy lights, explore local market stalls, listen to live music and enjoy a few drinks. With the tourist attractions located around Jeri, the main kitesurfing activities are officially moved to the neighbouring village of Prea, 14km away from Jeri at the opposite side of the National park. Prea is relatively new to tourism and retaining the local character. It provides a perfect sanctuary for those wanting a more relaxing holiday at the kite beachfront with an option to head to Jeri for a more lively evening atmosphere if they wish. If you decide that you want to take a break from kiting you will find a variety of options from horse and buggy rides, dune exploring, surf and SUP the waves at the main Jeri beach or enjoy good restaurants and nightlife.

Good to know

VISAS: Many EU countries are exempt from visa requirements when visiting Brazil for no more than 90 days. Please check your consulate for more details. CURRENCY: Brazilian Real – BRL – (R$) PRICES: Beer: R$5 - R$7 Food: lunch R$45-90 Accommodation: R$435-R$880 + tourist taxes R$ for every day Kite Lessons: R$190 per hour Kite Gear rental: R$290 per day LANGUAGE: Portuguese INTERNET: Offered in most accommodations, but the signal can be weak. We recommended getting a Local SIM card TRAVEL ADVICE: There are no ATM’s in Jericoacoara. However, some restaurants, shops and hotels will accept credit cards. The closest city with a "reliable" bank is Jijoca (20km), therefore think about bringing cash (Reais) before you arrive. Packing a flashlight is recommended. TEMPERATURE: Water temperatures stay at 22°C / 71°F and more throughout the year, so a wetsuit is not needed. However, all type of sun protection is a must, also pack plenty of sun cream, as it is hard to get good quality stuff here. The air temperature varies from 26 - 34°C / 78 - 93°F and more in the summer months and there is plenty of sunshine all year round, but the wind can bring a chill factor, a long sleeve top may come in handy.

Getting there

NEAREST TOWN: Jijoca NEAREST CITY: Fortaleza NEAREST AIRPORT: Pinto Martins – Fortaleza International Airport [FOR] Jeri is approximately 260 km away from Fortaleza airport. The most common way to get to Jeri is by downwinders and short kite trips from Fortaleza, stopping at all the other kitesurfing spots on the way. If you want to reach Jeri direct, you can book a taxi in advance, get one at the airport or ask your accommodation provider to arrange one for you. The price depends on the taxi company and the type of car you choose (4x4 is more expensive), good estimation for cost per regular car is R$450. There is a regular bus service that goes from Fortaleza to Jijoca and then Jeri; you will be asked to change to the smaller bus more suitable for the sandy roads. It takes around 7-8 hours, with a midway point lunch stop. Mind that the buses only leave in the day; check the schedules and prices at www.fretcar.com.br. A rental car is also an option, but it may be quite adventurous to drive to Jeri and the surrounding area. GETTING AROUND: Buggy rides between Jeri, Prea and surrounding areas are the most convenient way to move around. If you are staying in Jeri and taking lessons or joining for any downwinders, many schools and activity providers will offer the transportation service to the kite beach in Prea or other surrounding locations.

  • Beach
  • Wind
  • Rules/Hazards

Beach

The main beach of Jericoacoara is reserved for beachgoers, windsurfers and surfers and for kitesurfing you will need to head further around the coast. South of Jeri (upwind) - Prea & Barrinha Most of the kite schools will teach closer to Prea, but if you are a more experienced rider, you can choose any part of this strip to kitesurf. The general rule around this coast is that at the low tide the water is shallower and provide flat to slightly choppy water conditions and with the tide rolling in you can enjoy some epic kickers and waves. The wind comes cross or cross-onshore from the east, making the whole 14 km coastal strip from Barrinha downwind to Prea a perfectly safe playground which has no obstacles and provides consistent wind. For flat water spots and lagoons head west of Jeri to Guriu or Tatajuba; Lagoa de Guriu is where you will find the pros practising in this perfectly flat lagoon only short ride or downwinder from Jeri. Tatajuba is another flat water lagoon, but it is very tide dependant and varies in size. At the low tide, the lagoon is very small, at the medium tide point you will find perfectly flat water, but it can be crowded with other kiters, and at the high tide it provides more choppy wind condition. You can also cross the lagoon to the ocean side if you feel like you need more space to practise or enjoy some kickers. There are numer­ous down­winder options for at this location — contact special downwind providers or local kite schools to organise an epic adventure for you. AMENITIES: Kite School, Gear Rental, Beach Assistance, Gear Storage, Kite Shop, Kite/Gear Repair, Toilets, Shower, Parking, Cafe/Bar, Accommodation, Food Shop.

Wind

Due to the wind hugging the coastline and accelerating in the process, this area is counted as the windiest in the northeast of Brazil. The stats speak for themselves; the average wind speed is 17 knots for the entire season from July to February with a 75% probability. The general set up here is cross-shore to cross-onshore winds getting stronger around midday and staying past sunset. In high season you can expect winds from 20-38 knots so smaller kites (7m & 9m for the average 80kg rider) will be used the most. The offseason is usually not as windy and sunny, but still shows 55% probability of winds in a range of 10-20knots. WIND DIRECTIONS: NNE, E, ESE WINDIEST MONTHS: High Season - August, September, October, November, December, January. Mid Season - July, February.

Rules/Hazards

The main kite beach areas are relatively large, sandy beach, no strong currents or rocks at the beach. Therefore, the usual precautions when launching and landing the kite should be considered. There are no such hard obstacles at the beach, but people ride sand buggies everywhere and may not see your lines/equipment, try to keep your gear out of the way. *If you need kite related service like kite repairs, lessons or beach assistance please contact with the local kite centre or camp. ** We always recommend seeking additional knowledge about the spot from local kite school or qualified instructors.

Info

Rider Level:
beginner, intermediate, advanced
Discipline:
freeride, waveriding, foiling
Spot Type:
Flatwater, Choppy, Small wave (up to 1m), Medium wave (up to 2m), Lagoon, Open water
Launch area:
Sand
Tidal:
no
Windiest Months:
Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Around Jericoacoara & Prea

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