There are so many spots in Ceara to kitesurf that it´s very possible you won´t even know where to go next. And, though the logistics are a bit of a hassle, trying out the different beaches and kitesurf spots around Fortaleza is so worth it! Let me tell you a bit about the kitesurf in Icaraizinho.
Imagine a bay with turquoise waters, palm trees, a pousada right on the beach, strong and consistent winds, a bunch of wind turbines, and just generally ´slow life´. Welcome to Icaraizinho.
How to get to this paradise of kitesurf?
Icaraizinho is about 2 hours north of Cumbuco (and about 2.5-3 hours north of Fortaleza). Basically, the only way to get to Icaraizinho is with a transfer. We arranged our transfer leaving from Cumbuco and shared a car with 4 people. When you tell the driver you´re carrying boards, they´ll make sure to come with a car with a rooftop rack. One way the price is 450 reais (at the current exchange rate, about 70,-). Quite expensive indeed, so try to find people to share your ride with. If you´re planning on hitting the different beaches around Ceara, it might be a good idea to consider hiring a car for the length of your trip. This might end up being cheaper than taking all different kinds of transfers all the time.
Stay right in front of the best spot to kitesurf in Icaraizinho!
There are different hostels in the small town of Icaraizinho. From there on, it´s about a 20-minute walk to ´the spot´. Many people would share a buggy and drive to the spot. We actually stayed in a Pousada called, you guessed it: ´The Spot´. A lovely Austrian-owned pousada right in front of the kitesurf spot. There are different rooms, and with the four girls, we shared a nice apartment with hammocks, tables, two rooms and two bathrooms for 200 reais each, per night. In the end, sleeping in front of the kite spot has no price!!! The pousada includes a great breakfast and offers lunch in the form of salads, pasta, acai, and juices.
Of course, there are different AirBnBs around the area as well. Just make sure that you have some sort of transport to get around and to/from your kitesurf spot.
For eating, there are different options by the beach or in the little town itself, with pizza being the best and easiest option (especially when you´re veggie ;)). I have heard there are different bars to enjoy during the weekend evenings, though to be honest… I was deadly tired every evening and didn´t really make it past 10 pm 😉
How about the kitesurf in Icaraizinho?
Now the real interesting info: I loved the kitesurf spot!!! The wind here is a bit stronger than in Cumbuco. Especially during the high season of the wind (August-October), you´ll be ok with a 7 or 8. I went in December and was perfectly fine with my 9. Just one day I had to change to a 7 due to the strong winds (still!).
Due to a reef, right in front of the hostel, you can ´only´ kite 3 hours before and 3 hours after high tide. This still gives you 6 hours of kiting though. There is also a channel (ask the lady of the Pousada) that leads you through the reef so you can kitesurf behind it if you really want to go for it during low tide as well.
The other spot (though you have to take some transport there) is in front of Los Ventos. Here, some waves will form, making it a favorite spot for kite wave surfers. I, personally, did not go there. Mostly because I am not very great at kite wave (just yet ;))
And if there is no wind?
Of course, if you´re idea is to go for a kitesurf in Icaraizinho, you´ll most likely be here between August and December and chances are pretty high you´ll get wind. But, imagine you don´t: there are other sports to play as well: take a Stand-Up paddle or Kayak tour to the river or mangroves or enjoy the environments and other beaches with a buggy. Or.. just chill for a day in the hammock 😉
When in the area, check out this blog on kitesurfing in Cumbuco as well!
