BARRA DO CUNHAU KITEBOARDING HOLIDAYS

THE LURE:
Just an hour south of Natal airport, beginners to experts will find plenty of flat water and wave time here, while partners or those that are simply kited-out can sip Caipirinhas by the pool of the Blue Dream Resort while watching all the action.

THE SET-UP:
There's an assorted choice of riding spots in Barra do Cunhaú, all of which are within a couple of minutes of each other.

One spot is a huge lagoon (river-mouth) that opens up to the sea. Here you'll find excellent flat water conditions, perfect for those looking to learn or perfect their tricks as well as beginners who want as little to put them off their first runs as possible. It's also not very intimidating for riders in the early stages of their progression as there is a big area of water that is shallow enough to stand up.

To the right of this lagoon, a little further up the beach you'll find good, fun waves up to one metre in height with a shallow area (depending on the tides) where you can still touch the bottom. Perfect for learning to ride waves.

To the left of the lagoon and in front of the river-mouth there are more radical waves, up to two metres or more, depending on the size of the swell. This is a spot for experts only.

There are many more good wave spots near Barra do Cunhaú, such as Lajilha or Praia da Tabatinga.

WIND AND WEATHER:
Similar to the spots further north the strongest and constant wind is from July till mid November with 90% of days with an average of 20 knots cross-onshore most days. From mid November till January the wind drops to an average of 12 to 15 knots on 70% of days. From February till June it´s the off season with 12 knots with an average of 40 up to 50% of the days.

WATER:
The water temperature sits around 26°C.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE:
There are numerous pousadas around the spot in different price-bands. Some are only a five minute walk from the beach, kite spot and kite centre.

This is a really family-friendly location with a lot to see and do when not kiteboarding, from rainforest, fishing, buggy and river trips to horse back riding and tours of Natal city.

The cozy Blue Dream Resort with Brazil Kiteboarding Sportcenter is situated right next to the kite area. The 18 fully conditioned bungalow-style apartments are all 32m² with a balcony, living room, bedroom, bathroom and offer a fantastic sea views. A mediterranean-style restaurant and bar are in the centre of the complex by the pool. From the pool area you can sip a cocktail while watching all the kite action. The pool bar serves cocktails, Caipirinhas and fruit juices all day and for lunch and dinner the resort offer European and Brazilian delicacies. Once a week they surprise their guests with an original Brazilian “Churrasco”. Massages and fishing trips are also available at the resort.

Night and day the restaurants in Barra do Cunhaú offer fresh fish and seafood as well as typically irresistible Brazilian food. There is also a pizzeria and an Italian restaurant. For those with an international palate, Blue Dream restaurant is famous for its fine wines, steaks and other specialities.

Living costs (including food and drink!) in Brazil are very low compared to Europe or the USA. Order one plate of food, which is enough for two people for just  £5 / US$8. A large beer will set you back less than £1 / US$1 and a caipirinha, about US$2.

Weekends are more lively in Barra do Cunhaú, with much dancing, music, drinks and food, but this is usually a quiet place, consisting mainly of watersports peoples and romantic evenings. If you are looking to party, then there are plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, all-night discos and people from all over the world just a 15 minute drive away, in the village of Praia do Pipa. A taxi service is available for those that do not have a car.

Find more spot information and details of the resort at: www.bluedreamresort.com.br

SURFING:
Check out Praia da Pipa, the next village, for some excellent surfing.

DON'T MISS:
Rainforest trips
River tours with Joia do Cunhaú
Horse riding trips
Natal city tour

AIRPORT:
Fly to Natal – Rio Grande do Norte, which is about 85km / 1 hour transfer from Barra. do Cunhaú.
Blue Dream Resort offer airport transfers for their guests.

GETTING ABOUT:
From the airport you can catch a bus or hire a car. If you're hiring a car, it's simple:
Head south on road BR101.
After about 70km turn left on to RN269 to Canguaretama.
After 15km you'll arrive in Barra do Cunhaú.

Riders who have included Barra do Cunhaú as one of their Top Places to Ride are: