Brazil has some of the best flat water natural lagoons in the world. They are three that need to be named and a must during your stay in Cumbuco. Not only is the easiest and sometimes only way to reach them by Beach buggy, and when I say this I mean directly along the sand there are no roads but the water is fresh and the temperature is hot.

The first lagoon on your list should be Cauipe as it’s the closest and if like us the only reason you’re visiting Brazil is for the flat water then you’ll be there in a shot.  We hired a car and shared it between three, the lagoon is only ten minutes if you drive a buggy along the beach but by the road its an al together different story. The is one road which goes to the lagoon and it is normally half covered in sand, it blows over the road from the beach and sometimes it’s necessary to rally over it. On many occasions we saw people stuck in the dunes but if you are stupid enough to put the brakes on whilst trying to cross a deep sandy section then you deserve it! I found it fine, just keep your speed constant and go about 30 mph and you kind of jump over it..

The lagoon is perfect for learning new moves and you can sit under shady areas and watch the action just meters away from your feet. Generally the lagoon starts to fill up in the afternoon with around forty kites but we went early with the photographers to get the best light and it was only us there.

There is food available at Chopperchilds but it’s basic, chips, fish and beans. There are cold drinks available and it’s generally known as a meeting place for beers after kiting to tell tall stories of the day.

The air temperature in Cumbuco is very nice.  It’s warm, not humid with a nice breeze.  All year around during the day, the air temperature is between 28C and 35C and at night over 20 degrees centigrade. Important: high sun protection factor!

The water temperature is around the 26° all year round.

Within the months of June until January there is no rain. The wind strength is between 15 and 30 knots and can be even stronger up in the north. There are only very few days with wind under 15 knots.

Rainy season is from February until May. It normally rains daily for a couple of hours, mainly in the morning.  This can increase the humidity.  The wind is between 10-30 knots but not as consistent as June through January. 

This trip was going to be great from the start, 2am wake up call from Kev and Paul at my house an instant Red Bull before even a conversation was started and then as the juice kicked in the banter began. It was going to be Kev and my first time in Tarifa and we had a perfect guide with us. Paul knew a few nice local spots and also the best killer free from tourists amazing flat water bays which were couldn't wait to get to.

The Wind Capital of Europe, Tarifa is also the southernmost point of the Old Continent, looking across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco and Africa lying only fourteen kilometres away. An old Moorish settlement of Roman origins, the old walled-in town is dominated by the “Guzman El Bueno” medieval castle.

Today, Tarifa narrow cobble streets are the meeting point of windsurfers, kite surfers and surfers from across Europe, a melting pot with a unique atmosphere where tradition meets vanguard. There are many restaurants, internet cafes, surfshops and bars in town, displaying video recordings of the day and other radical sports. The Moskito bar is recommended, where Jorge prepares the best Mojitos and Caipiriñas in town! The Hostal is right in downtown Tarifa, within walking distance of the old town’s nightlife and Los Lances Beach, the kite and wind surfing Mecca. In good wind conditions, it is not unusual to count over 250 kites in the sea and on the beach.

Kite Surf Spots Tarifa...

Los Lances is the most famous spot, a five kilometre long sandy beach extending from the very town centre! In good wind conditions, it is not unusual to count over 250 kites in the sea and on the beach ! The Kite Surf School is on Los Lances Beach. At the end of Lances is Valdevaqueros, a quieter spot with huge sand dunes.

Further up the coast, Bolonia is another superb spot backed by large sand dunes and the Roman ruins of Baleo Claudia, well worth a visit. These spots are also ideal for the practice of windsurfing.

Surf Spots...

Although Tarifa owes its reputation to wind and kite surf, there are also excellent surf spots in the area. So bring your surf board along! Right in town, Tarifa’s Balneario beach is a regional classic with a left and right beach break. The coast extending from Tarifa to Cadiz has several further surf spots, the most famous ones being Canos de Meca, next to Trafalgar lighthouse, and El Palmar

Wind...

Tarifa has two prevailing winds, the south easterly known as the Levante and the westerly known as the Poniente. This is because of the mountain ranges on either side of the straits which not only bends other winds but also acts as a funnel, intensifying it.

However strong winds are also the result of other conditions such as the temperature difference between the Atlantic and Mediterranean and the high and low pressure zones that place themselves on either side of it's coast. The wind, and the weather in general, can change very quickly here and even the most accurate weather forecasts are not always reliable.  

As a rule the Levante is stronger, blows night and day and can last for weeks. Because it blows from land, it is warmer and does not form waves. The Poniente blows from the Atlantic. It's colder and brings in waves, mostly in winter. Nevertheless the best wave seasons are spring and autumn, specially when the winds coincide with full moon. Tides are negligible for the average surfer, but if it's waves you are looking for, it's always best whilst the tide grows.

From the UK it is so easy, go for the weekend!