kite safari in paradise: reaching the reef in Brazil

The north-east of Brazil: a kiter’s ultimate paradise. But this time paradise got an upgrade… introducing “the reef”!

This area is one of my favourite places in the entire world. I’m thrilled to say that a couple of months ago I discovered a new area of the Northeast - just a 7h flight from Europe followed by a 1h drive and you are in the most charming beach place that perfectly blends the kitesurfing culture with great accommodation and fabulous restaurants. Not to mention the myriad of adventure options at your disposal. Think raw, think sand dunes and natural oasis immersed in the palm jungles… think buggy rides at sunset and oyster islands just next door. It’s magical. 

And it’s close to here that I discovered one of the most spectacular places I've ever seen… accessible by kite or boat only. I’ve been there both ways… kiting is the funner option of the two - starting from the beach and sailing downwind to the reef.

The Reef in the North East of Brazil..

The Downwinder

Downwinders are the most fun you can have when kiting in my opinion. Ok, unless you freestyle - then you get a high from the tricks. But besides that, downwinders are the most fun. And why? Because it’s an adventure, it’s a journey… it’s an A to B kind of thing… there is a destination to reach!

We got there on a windy day. To be completely honest, we had a tentative the day before but as soon as we got to our departure spot, the wind dropped (classic!), so we had to drive back. This time it was windy and we were all prepared. Arrived, pumped, set up our lines and off we went - one by one, across the choppy ocean with only a tooth-pick of a signpost out at sea that was barely visible, as our destination and point of reference. 

The beauty of kitesurfing is that no matter how many people you go out on the water with - you still maintain a sense of solitude. You’re still ultimately out on your own, with the elements. WITH, not against – the elements are your friends. The wind is your carrier and the ocean holds you afloat. As long as you know how to navigate, you’re in the best of hands. But coming back to the solitude out on the water… it really gives a sense of wholeness and unity with the world around. There is something so beautiful about cruising with no engines and no other outside force except your manoeuvring of a sail in the right way. I find it a very empowering sport.

If you haven’t already picked up the sport I strongly encourage you to give it a try. Nothing makes me feel as free and euphoric as kitesurfing does. It’s pure meditation. And kiting in the north eastern part of Brazil is the pinnacle of all kite experiences: everything is warm here – the wind, the water, the people – constant wind, innumerable shallow lagoons (PERFECT for learning the sport)… forever have been and forever will be in love with this part of the world.

This sense of heading TOWARDS something, having a destination and not just simply cruising for the sake of cruising is what makes downwinders so special. I guess that gives you more purpose and motivation so you completely lose the sense of time. But downwinders are really special. As soon as you’re an independent kiter with good control over your board and kite - you can try it out.

The Reef

I was on the most beautiful downwinder of my life so far a couple of weeks ago. In Brazil - no surprise there - to the reef in the middle of the ocean! Half an hour of cruising out at sea to reach a paradise of a place. Boats come here for the day, and there are  little barbecue / bar boats floating around serving grilled shrimp and lobster skewers… it’s authentically charming. You’ve got that Brazilian vibe out into the ocean with you… music and all. 

The clear water, the orange - golden corals everywhere… patches across the flat ocean as far as the eye could see. Infinite. Freedom. And absolute beauty. A magical afternoon spent out on the water. Half an hour away from the shore, out into the ocean - kiting over the corals towards the horizon… beauty all around. Bliss and happiness. This moment lives in my heart. 

We kited here for a couple of hours before heading back to shore for a water break. Hydration is important! Then back on the water again along the coastline all the way to the lighthouse… a good 5h experience and one of the best kite days of my life.

30 kites on the water, one jet ski following us and one kiter leading the way… and of course 3 jeeps following us along the beach… a dream.

And as I said, in Brazil the water is always warm. So guess what… no wetsuit needed! Bikini kiting for 5h? Yes please! Just a lot of SPF and good to go! A bunch of hyped up people with boards and surfboards and kites in their hands having an absolute blast! Out of the mind, one with the elements. Will be back soon.