Kite Verde
IKOSanta Maria Bay / Kite Beach
Kite Verde has taught at Santa Maria Bay and Kite Beach since 2010, run by Swiss owner Odile and a Cape Verdean team. It keeps courses private or semi-private with IKO instruction and safety-boat backup, and adds gear rental, repairs, storage and downwind trips alongside wing and surf lessons.
Santa Kite Cabo Verde
IKOSanta Maria (Tanquinho)
Santa Kite is a small, family-run IKO school in the Tanquinho area of Santa Maria, a hundred metres from the beach, led by local instructor Ricardo Bettencourt. It teaches kite from beginner to wave and strapless coaching, adds wing and surf lessons, rental and downwinders, and offers simple rooms and apartments in the same building for an all-in-one stay.
Island Kite School
Ponta Preta (by RIU)
Island Kite School is a German-run school on the flat, clear-water beach at Ponta Preta, in front of the RIU resorts at the south end of Santa Maria. It covers the full progression from first lessons through freestyle and strapless freestyle, and adds surf and wing-foil coaching, with booking direct through the school.
Sal is one of the Atlantic's great winter kite islands, a bare volcanic desert ringed by warm, reliable trade winds. The action centres on Kite Beach just north of Santa Maria, a big cross-onshore bay that blows riders back to shore and is forgiving to learn on, while the world-class wave at Ponta Preta peels down the coast for experts. It is the home break of Cape Verdean wave legend Mitu Monteiro, and the winter line-up reads like a who's who of pro riders.
Next 3 days in Sal
Common questions
When is the best time to learn in Sal?
The kite season in Sal runs Nov–May, and most reliable from Dec–Mar. Expect around 15–25 kt, typically the Trade winds (NE).
Is Sal good for beginners?
Yes. Sal is a beginner-friendly spot, and the schools listed here run courses from your very first lesson.
Do I need to bring my own gear?
No. The 3 schools in Sal include equipment in their lessons, and most also rent kites and boards once you can ride independently.
How long does it take to get riding?
Most people need roughly six to twelve hours over three to five days to get up and riding upwind on their own. The schools in Sal run this as a structured course rather than one-off sessions.
What should I bring?
Just swimwear and sun protection. The schools provide everything else: kite, board, harness and a wetsuit. The water here runs 22–25°C.
Should I book lessons ahead?
Yes, especially around the Dec–Mar peak, when the wind is most reliable and courses fill up. Booking ahead also lets the school match you to the right instructor and conditions.