kitesurfing on Jericoacoara

 

General Info:
The location and the Village

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Beautiful white sand beaches, palm trees and high sand dunes, and relaxed village life await you in Jericoacoara, a small tropical paradise in the Atlantic coast of Brazil that is the home of one of the best beaches in the world. Besides picture-perfect beaches and plenty of sunshine, Jericoacoara also offers excellent conditions for kitesurfing, beautiful sunsets, warm waters and a lively nightlife.



Located in the coast of Northeast Brasil in the Brazilian state of Ceará, Jericoacoara, also known simply as Jeri, is an isolated village that is best known for its beautiful beaches and surfing opportunities. Once a sleepy fishing village, Jericoacoara was discovered for tourism in the 1980s, and became famous in 1994 when its wide white sand beach was nominated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Located within a national park of the same name, Jeri only has only had electricity since 1998, and there are still no paved roads to the area. This is part of the magic of Jericoacoara, that has now developed into one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in Brazil.


The seasons and Hotel info

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There is an increasing number of hotels in Jericoacoara, as well as affordable guesthouses and rental apartments. Although the presence of electricity now allows air conditioning and internet access, most services in Jeri are still rather basic. There are no banks of money exchange in Jericoacoara. The many restaurants in Jeri serve mainly local seafood, and there are plenty of small bars and beach parties for nightlife in Jerii. The absence of street lighting in the village makes it possible to see the moon and the stars at night. Jercioacoara is a small place that is much safer than the big cities in Brazil. However, crime is not totally unknown here either, so take good care of your belongings and do not wander off to isolated places at night. As tourism is the mainstay in Jeri, English is spoken by many people. It is still good to know some Portuguese as well.


Possibilities besides kiting

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The big sand dunes makes sandboarding possible. Buggytours are also a nice thing to do. At night you can watch the sunset from the dunes and enjoy the capoeira of local people and drink a cocktail from one of the many locals that sell delicious fruit cocktails.


Climate

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The climate in Jericoacoara is tropically warm throughout the year, with plenty of sun most times of the year, and a pleasant cooling breeze from the ocean. The weather in Jericoacoara is sunny and warm, with no rain from July to November, which is also the best time for kitesurfing in Jeri, and a minor rainy season from February to May, with rainfall mostly at night.


Spot conditions:
The beach

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Jeri offers three beaches. The off shore beach in front of the big sand dune. The wind is almost off shore and because there is no rescue this is not a spot for beginners. From this beach you can make bautifull downwinders (40km).
The second option is a beach a bit back to the right of the windsurf area. This beach has allot of stones so you have to be carefull and it is really not a beginner spot.
The third spot is a littlebit more upwind at the village Prea. This beach is super big and the wind is side shore. The beach is mosty from sand (there is one big kind of island from rocks that is not hard to avoid).


The water conditions

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The water is more clear than in Cumbuco. Its not cristal clear, but in combination with the beautifull white beaches its amazing to kite.
In front of the sand dune the waves are small but beautifull and pefect for tricks or catching some waves.
Near the windsurf area the waves are a littlebit bigger and it is flat between the waves.
In front of Prea the waterconditions are comparable with Cumbuco. A littlebit choppy with a medium shorebreak.


The wind conditions

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In addition to windsurfing, kitesurfing in Jericoacoara is also popular. Especially the nearby beach of Prea is one of the best places in Brazil for kitesurfing, receiving constant strong winds from 20 to 30 knots and a 10-mile wide, shallow beach. Kitesurfing lessons and schools are available in Prea Beach. The best conditions for kitesurfing in Prea and Jericoacoara are from July to January.

The wind can be ghusty and of shore in front of the dune. Near the windsurfarea en on Prea the wind is a littlebit more stable and side shore, but overall the wind in Cumbuco is more stable but the wind in Jeri is always more powerfull than in Cumbuco.



Facilities

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In jeri are enough options to go to toilets @ restaurants and (windsurf)schools. The are only a few kitesufschools in Jeri. The showers are @ the schools, so if you ask nice, maybe you can use them. There is no rescue and there is not a hopspital in Jeri. If you need to be transported to a hospital a helicopter is the only option and it will cost you allot of money, so be carefull.


Downwinder and trip possibilites

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Travelling to Jericoacoara is done usually via Fortaleza, the capital city of Ceará. Fortaleza has an international airport with flights to Brazil from both Europe and North America. From there, travel to Jericoacoara can be done by road with a bus, minibus or private car. The last part of the 300 km road trip needs to be done driving on sand. Package trips and helicopter flights to Jericoacoara are also available from Fortaleza. The streets of the village are made of sand, and walking is the main way to get around in Jeri. Car rental in Jeri is available for dune buggies that can take you to nearby areas.


Links

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http://www.portaljericoacoara.com.br/en/
http://www.kite-prea.com/kitespots-west.html

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