42 TRAVEL ADVERTORIAL
And that is the island of Sal. Planet
Windsurf Holidays has the scoop:
As one of ten islands that make up the archipelago of Cape
Verde, or Cabo Verde, Sal is a dreamy destination for sun
seekers and windsurfing fanatics. Located off the coast of
north-west Africa and south of the famed Canary Islands,
Cape Verde offers a unique holiday destination in the
northern hemisphere winter months. Situated only a five-
hour flight from the United Kingdom, Cape Verde is the only
super-reliable short hall destination for a windsurfing holiday
during winter.
The windsurfing
Sal's position within the winter trade-wind belt supplies
steady windsurfing conditions from November until May. It is
a fantastic destination for intermediate to advanced
windsurfers looking for a great wave spot where you can
build on your skills and practice your gibes and tricks. When
it comes to the windsurfing in Sal there are three main spots;
the main bay of Santa Maria where the accommodation is,
Ponta Leme which is great for blasting and offers some of
the best all round windsurfing on the island, and of course
Ponta Preta for down the line wave riding. Sal is not ideal for
learning to windsurf, and is best suited to water start level,
although a full range of courses are available for those who
are up for the challenge.
On the main Santa Maria beach, the cross-offshore or side-
shore wind from the left enables effortless upwind sailing to
various sections of the beach. Here you will find some small
easy waves for those that want to gibe and windsurf in a safe
spot. The centre here also has some big beginner boards for
those renting or just starting out. This four kilometre stretch of
sandy beach is also ideal for lazy days spent simply soaking up
the sun. For intermediate and experienced windsurfers and
enthusiastic wave novices, Ponta Leme is perfect. Here you
will find a large blasting area with an easy, rolling swell that
results in clean, unbreaking waves up to two metres. It truly is
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SURFING
a windsurfer’s paradise. Guests who need smaller windsurfing
boards (e.g. anything below a smaller Fanatic Gecko 133) can
rent suitable equipment here. A shuttle service is offered
between these two centres free of charge.
For those looking for waves of epic proportions, the most
famous and photographed wave spot on Sal is at Ponta
Preta. Here you will find an extraordinary three to six-metre
wave peeling just 50 metres from the shoreline. This is only
for advanced windsurfers as there is cross off-shore wind
(perfect wave sailing direction) with no safety cover.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Sal is limited, although the island is
becoming increasingly commercialised. If you are looking for
a homely, character-full accommodation that still exudes the
culture the island is famous for, you can’t go wrong when you
book a stay at the Morabeza Hotel. A holiday here is an
experience to remember. This family-run establishment is
located right on the beachfront on an enviable position at
one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, while still
being an easy 10-minute walk into town.