Brazil Kitesurf Travel Tips: 10 Things to Know Before You Fly

We answer the same questions before almost every trip. Here they are in one place, so you can pack and book with a clear head.

1. Choose your dates around the wind. The season on this coast runs from June to January, with the strongest wind from September to November. February to April is the off-season.

2. Check the entry rules for your passport. Many European visitors can enter Brazil without a visa for a short stay, while travellers from some other countries need an electronic visa. Rules change, so check the official Brazilian government information before you buy your flight.

3. Bring a card and a little cash. The currency is the Brazilian real. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, even in small villages, but cash machines are rare outside the cities, so withdraw some reais in Fortaleza. Our trips can be paid in reais, euros or US dollars.

4. Get insurance that covers kitesurfing. It is compulsory on all our trips, and many standard policies exclude it. Read the small print.

5. Take the sun seriously. You are close to the equator and on the water for hours. A long-sleeved lycra, a cap or a hat that stays on, strong sunscreen and sunglasses with a strap are not optional.

6. Leave the wetsuit at home. The water is warm all season. Shorts and a lycra are enough.

7. Pack small kites. With 18 to 25 knots most days, and more at the peak of the season, most riders use kites between 7 and 10 square metres, depending on their weight. Tell us your weight and we will suggest sizes.

8. Travel light on a downwind. You change village almost every day and the support vehicle has limited space. One board, one or two kites and a small bag.

9. Do not worry about the language. Portuguese is the local language and English is less common outside the tourist spots. Our team speaks English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

10. Expect patchy phone signal. Between villages the coverage comes and goes. On our multi-day trips the support car carries a satellite connection, so the group is never out of reach.

Anything we missed? Ask us. A quick message before you book often saves a problem on the beach.