OK. Brazil. I did a 3 months stint in Cumbuco last year, about 45 minutes north of Fortaleza. Cumbuco is the place you want to go, Fortaleza is a bit grungy (although cool for a day or two). There are heaps of places to stay, I stayed at this pousada and highly recommend it. J (the owner) is a really solid kiter, the dog Spike is awesome and it's a short walk to the beach.

www.kitesurfingcumbuco.com

Take a cab from the Airport to cumbuco. I can't remember exactly how much, but I think it was about $30. Have whoever you stay with organise the Cab for you though, they all use the same guy anyway. he charges a little more but is reliable.

I flew from Argentina through Sao Paulo, on TAM I think. Flying in South America is not cheap at all. I think you can fly Sydney - Buenos Aires now so that would be a good option for you.

I was there 90 days (the maximum time of the visa) and could have kited 89 of them. My body was so broken all the time I probably did about 80 or 81 days in total - 2 or 3 sessions a day. I know this sounds ridiculous. It really is. The consistency is driven by the sand dunes/trade winds combination. An instructor living there said that Egypt wind was better, but only just - and if you're in egypt you're not in brazil!

In August I used a 12m with a 125cm TT, but needed a 9m. In September and October I bought a 9m and used it every day. Around full moon it really peaks and I could have easily used a 7m. I continued to use my 12m around sunset when the wind would drop a bit, but very rarely.

From cumbuco, there is a lagoon (Lagoa du Cauipe) about a 25 min kite downwind. The waves on the way are ok, fun beach break stuff. the lagoon gets crazy busy some days but is dead flat and there are amazing riders there. We were even treated to some PKRA riders one day practicing.

The other place to check out is Jericoacoara (spelling?), about 7 hours north by bus. You can do the whole trip as a downwinder with support 4WD or just take the bus. You need a 7m for the wind up there. (I'm 90kg)

And do downwinder to Paracuru. Take a buggy for support - J will probably do it with you if you stay with him. That remains the single best session I've ever hdad.

PM me with what else you want to know.

i was thinking of a place where to go kiting overseas.....looks like i just find the place!

Think I know where I might have to go after the shoulders sorted!


Edit: Sebbu - what was the average cost of lunch, dinner, beer? What can one expect to pay a day?

More ass than class I'd say

Maybe pack an Uzi though, if you are going via San Paolo

cRAZY Canuk said...

Edit: Sebbu - what was the average cost of lunch, dinner, beer? What can one expect to pay a day?

I was fricken broke by the time I got there, it was the end of a long trip. Because I was staying so long I managed to get my food costs down to about $6 a day I think. I only ate cheese sandwiches and at the local rice and bean establishments.
Beers were about $2 or so each I think. Mainly you drank caiprhinia (local rum, sugar, lime and ice) - completely wasted after a few of them and they were about $5 each I think. You can buy them by the pitcher too.

Buggy back from the lagoon was normally $5 a person.

Accommodation+food+expenses averaged out about $25 a day over 3 months. You'll spend more for shorter times, but you would be sweet on $50 a day I reckon.

getfunky said...

More ass than class I'd say

Maybe pack an Uzi though, if you are going via San Paolo

While in Brazil I did get tied up at gunpoint, in a pousada (not the one I talked about above). They tied up everyone and took everything they could. Security is an issue. Be sensible.