“I choose Taiba over the other lagoons in Brazil because it offers a more rustic vibe. There’s also more wind than Cauipe, but less wind than Jeri, so for the unhooked tricks I want to do, it’s perfect. What’s better than sharing a lagoon with your friends?”
Brandon Sheid, Liquid Force pro rider
The Lure
Located between Pecem and Paracuru, and away from the crowds that you’ll find at some of the busier spots in the area, Taiba is a firm favourite of many pro riders who return season-after-season to this prime butter flat lagoon located on one of the world’s most well-documented stretches of kiting coastline.
Sensi Graves, Liquid Force / It's always trick-time in Taiba / PHOTOS: David Grahn / Lucas Stiller
Amarela Taiba 2015 - Best of
The Set-Up
The state of Ceara is known for clean, consistent winds and Taiba has something to satisfy any kiter, with a protected flat-water lagoon for freestylers and beginners on less crowded days as well as cross-on wave riding and kickers on the ocean side of the beach. The waves are at their biggest outside the windy season and get bigger on a rising tide, sometimes up to three metres.
Low tide also brings flat water at a number of spots outside the lagoon, giving beginners an opportunity to progress into the open ocean without having to worry about the shore break. It’s worth remembering that the lagoon in Taiba can get quite busy with pros and space is limited, so get there early to be guaranteed a session.
Colleen Carroll, Taiba Lagoon / PHOTOS: Lucas Stiller
Taiba lagoon and wave spot, Brazil / PHOTOS: Amarela
Wind, Weather & Water
The reliable northeasterly trade winds blow crossonshore from July to December between 15 and 30 knots and a windless day is extremely rare. August to November are the strongest months and is when the crowds really descend on Taiba. October and November can get particularly busy, but when that happens just ride on the open ocean side and you’ll have plenty of space.
Average kite sizes vary but you might be out on a six or seven when it’s really blowing, or if you’re on a directional. If you’re riding a twin-tip there are frequent times when you’ll need a 12. The wind normally starts building at around 10am before dropping off a little in the afternoon and then sometimes building back up in the evening. It’s super consistent though and sometimes will just blow round the clock!
Air temperatures vary from 25 – 32°C / 77 – 89°F, while the water temperature is pretty similar at 25 – 27°C / 77 – 80°F, so no neoprene required. Bring a rashie to block the UV rays and it can be chillier in the evening, so pack a jumper, too.
Taiba Lagoon / PHOTOS: Lucas Stiller
Schools
AMARELA is open from September to December operating a Wavebandits VDWS licensed school, teaching all levels on wave and freestyle camps. Instruction is 1:1 or small groups of 4:1 max. A full range of North kites are available for experienced riders to hire or purchase second hand. Downwinder pick up and spot transfer service can be arranged.
Languages spoken by instructors: German, English, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese.
Surfin Sem Fim - If you want to experience Brazil at its best, and enjoy a unique, world-class kitesurfing adventure along some of the most beautiful coast lines in the world, the Surfin Sem Fim team have got you covered. Sign up for an unforgettable immersion in wind, water, nature, beauty, adventure, and physical challenge in the best of Brazil!
Freeride Kitesurf specialise in organising unique downwind adventures and tailor-made trips along the coasts of Brazil and South Africa. Booking a trip with them is a guarantee of adventure, discovering unspoilt and uncrowded spots with unbeatable conditions for kitesurfing. Every detail of the trip is taken care of by a professional team with huge local expertise.
Kitesurf Expeditions run eco-trips around some of the most remote and beautiful areas of northeastern Brazil. Respecting the local flora and fauna, you’ll drive on off-road trails, secluded jungle tracks and remote backcountry roads in fully equipped 4x4s, remaining deeply immersed in the natural world at all times. You’ll kite with sea turtles, meet a native Brazilian tribe and rig up under a full moon; this is not your average kite trip!
Amarela Guesthouse is exclusive to kitesurfers and popular, serving quality food fresh off the barbeque and has well-appointed rooms (single, double and luxury), with good internet and its own bar. There are a number of pousadas in Taiba which serve meals throughout the day and, although Taiba is small and relatively quiet, there are a handful of restaurants and bars to hit up. Some small shops sell the basics. Paracuru is bigger with more options for eating and drinking and is just 20 minutes down the road.
Amerala Lagoon Guesthouse
Stay in a beautiful and quiet guesthouse near the world famous lagoon of Taiba. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast, palm tree garden, hammocks and a swimming pool.
Accommodation setup at Amarela Waves Resort / PHOTOS: Amarela
TRAVEL AGENTS
Surfin Sem Fim - If you want to experience Brazil at its best, and enjoy a unique, world-class kitesurfing adventure along some of the most beautiful coast lines in the world, the Surfin Sem Fim team have got you covered. Sign up for an unforgettable immersion in wind, water, nature, beauty, adventure, and physical challenge in the best of Brazil!
Freeride Kitesurf specialise in organising unique downwind adventures and tailor-made trips along the coasts of Brazil and South Africa. Booking a trip with them is a guarantee of adventure, discovering unspoilt and uncrowded spots with unbeatable conditions for kitesurfing. Every detail of the trip is taken care of by a professional team with huge local expertise.
Kitesurf Expeditions run eco-trips around some of the most remote and beautiful areas of northeastern Brazil. Respecting the local flora and fauna, you’ll drive on off-road trails, secluded jungle tracks and remote backcountry roads in fully equipped 4x4s, remaining deeply immersed in the natural world at all times. You’ll kite with sea turtles, meet a native Brazilian tribe and rig up under a full moon; this is not your average kite trip!
Having no wind is extremely rare in season, but if it happens, then there’s a surf school and surfboard hire, you can go horse riding along the beach or on jungle tours. The big city of Fortaleza is around 90 minutes drive away.
Beach boats and fresh fish, Taiba, Brazil / PHOTOS: Amarela
GET AROUND
If you’re staying in Taiba then you’ll not need a car but, if want to explore further afield, then rent a beach buggy or 4x4 to get around. If you’re not getting a 4x4 then make sure you get some advice before you drive somewhere as not all the roads are suitable for certain cars. Some of the pousadas offer private taxi services and there are local taxis for hire.
Crime is an issue in Brazil sadly and, while Taiba is small, it isn’t without risk, so be sensible and try to avoid traveling with, or displaying, expensive items and only visit areas you know to be safe.
FOOD & DRINK
Many of the pousadas serve meals throughout the day and there are just a handful of local bars and restaurants. Head 20 minutes down the road to Paracuru if you want to find a few more places to eat and drink.
Pinto Martins, Fortaleza (FOR) is 65 kilometres from Taiba / around 90 minutes by taxi. Organise airport pick-ups through your posada.
TRAVEL AGENTS
Surfin Sem Fim - If you want to experience Brazil at its best, and enjoy a unique, world-class kitesurfing adventure along some of the most beautiful coast lines in the world, the Surfin Sem Fim team have got you covered. Sign up for an unforgettable immersion in wind, water, nature, beauty, adventure, and physical challenge in the best of Brazil!
Freeride Kitesurf specialise in organising unique downwind adventures and tailor-made trips along the coasts of Brazil and South Africa. Booking a trip with them is a guarantee of adventure, discovering unspoilt and uncrowded spots with unbeatable conditions for kitesurfing. Every detail of the trip is taken care of by a professional team with huge local expertise.
Kitesurf Expeditions run eco-trips around some of the most remote and beautiful areas of northeastern Brazil. Respecting the local flora and fauna, you’ll drive on off-road trails, secluded jungle tracks and remote backcountry roads in fully equipped 4x4s, remaining deeply immersed in the natural world at all times. You’ll kite with sea turtles, meet a native Brazilian tribe and rig up under a full moon; this is not your average kite trip!
