From all the countries I have lived, Cape Verde fits the saying “paradise where you can forget all your troubles”. Although geographically located close to Europe, main land Africa and Brazil, its location in the middle of a vast ocean, its climate, and its people, seduces you to forget all that is beyond the boundaries of the island.

Rarely is there a day where you wake up without the company of the sun and a breeze that makes the heat more comfortable than intolerable. You are never more than 5min from the ocean and therefore feel enveloped by the beauty of the water, constantly. It’s constant presence allow you to feel in touch with nature and ease the stresses that comes with living in concrete jungles, now associated with developed nations. Although every where you turn there is construction and the influx of new investment, the glorious beaches, the ocean, and the occasional sight of whales, dolphins, and turtles, allows you to quickly forget the mortar.

Complimenting this scenic environment are the people. Cape Verde, although lackadaisical to a certain extent, show a love for life that is contagious. There is laughter to be heard and an ease that gives of a sense that they have morphed with their island and are at ease with the life that comes with living on an island. They are a talented population excelling in languages, water sports, fishing and partying. The music of Cabo Verde, seeps into your soul and fills you with this tremendous excitement for life, the island, and all that it offers your senses. It is difficult to put words to the feeling I get every time I here their music, watch the locals and tourists flirt with the beach, toy with the water, play volleyball on the beach or kite/wind surf across the ocean.

I can not help but smile at the ease in which cape verdians move through life, amidst the obstacles that confront them. Although each island is different, each offering something different, there is this common spirit that connects them to each other and to their country. The saying “No Stress”, is not just a saying here it is a way of life.

The shimmering reflections of the ocean are enticing to all those who love to play in the water.  Weather it is wind surfing, kite surfing, or surfing, the island of Sal has something to offer every surfer off every level. It is heaven on water.

I have been very impressed how the cape verdian surfers I have worked with will share all their equipment and personal items with other surfers. There is a comradely here that is commendable and almost surprising given the cost of equipment here.

Lastly and most important there is KITE SURFING, WIND SURFING AND SURFING. It does not get better than this. There is the Bay of Santa Maria for those just embarking on their journey to learn and conquer the sport. The bay area, allows for safe learning and long runs on your wind or kite surf board. With slight off-shore winds at the top of the bay (where we are located) and slight on shore waves at the end of the bay, ending up in Brazil is not an option. Then there is the infamous kite beach. Side on-shore winds and waves that range from small to challenging, it is great for intermediate and advanced kite surfers as well as wind surfers. However, just when you think it can’t get better than this, a swell comes in and there is Punta Preta. With world class waves and winds to match, this is the ultimate thrill for advanced surfers from all three of the surfing categories (kite, wind and surf). It doesn’t get better than this! Watch out for the boys from Surf Zone at Punta Preta. These cape verdian surfers will awe even the most advanced surfers in the world, with the confidence and gusto with which they ride these waves (kite, wind or surf)

Then there is the surf. At either end of the bay, waves arrive at all heights and strength, impressing even the most experienced of surfers. There are also a number of spots on the island that provide surfing heaven on earth for all those who dare.

For the avid surfer, Sal is unforgettable and very much repeatable.  

Sheena Patel