The site has just been updated: reload the page to get everything working again.
Rifes da Parda / Sal kitesurf and wingfoil spot
Cape Verde · Sal
Overview
Rifes da Parda is a stretch of coastline on the east coast of Sal Island, Cape Verde, north of Kite Beach (Shark Bay). It's a less-crowded alternative to the main Kite Beach, offering similar conditions but with fewer riders and more space.
The spot features a mix of flat water near shore and small waves further out, with the northeast trade wind blowing onshore to side-onshore — making it a safe and forgiving setup. The bottom is a mix of sand and scattered reef patches.
Rifes da Parda is popular with intermediate riders who want to practice in onshore conditions without the crowds at Kite Beach. It's also a good option for exploring the east coast beyond the main tourist spots.
There is minimal infrastructure here compared to Kite Beach. Access requires a short drive or walk north from the Kite Beach area.
Spot forecast for Rifes da Parda / Sal
Sunrise 06:25 · Sunset 18:07
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Tides
Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 2.4 km from the spot.
- Tuesday 20 October High tide · 0.6 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 0.5 m Low tide · 0.4 m
- Wednesday 21 October High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 0.6 m Low tide · 0.3 m
- Thursday 22 October High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.2 m High tide · 0.7 m
- Friday 23 October Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 0.8 m Low tide · 0.2 m High tide · 0.7 m
- Saturday 24 October Low tide · 0.2 m High tide · 0.8 m Low tide · 0.1 m High tide · 0.8 m
Rifes da Parda / Sal: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
403h
in December · 31 rideable days
The season runs from October to June, peaking in December: 30 rideable days a month and 403 hours of usable wind, at 27 °C. The low point is August, at 21 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 13 and 20 knots — 54% of rideable hours. That is the most versatile range, where most kites work. The coldest month is March, at 25 °C. The wettest month is September, with 51 mm.
Monthly averages: Rifes da Parda / Sal
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.0 | 377 h | 26 °C | 0 mm |
| February | 28.5 | 390 h | 26 °C | 0 mm |
| March | 31.0 | 429 h | 25 °C | 0 mm |
| April | 29.5 | 401 h | 27 °C | 5 mm |
| May | 31.0 | 452 h | 27 °C | 0 mm |
| June | 30.0 | 457 h | 27 °C | 0 mm |
| July | 23.0 | 269 h | 28 °C | 5 mm |
| August | 21.0 | 220 h | 29 °C | 35 mm |
| September | 26.0 | 311 h | 30 °C | 51 mm |
| October | 29.5 | 386 h | 30 °C | 15 mm |
| November | 29.0 | 372 h | 29 °C | 20 mm |
| December | 31.0 | 403 h | 26 °C | 6 mm |
Photo gallery of Rifes da Parda / Sal
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Rifes da Parda / Sal spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, ENE.
Spot functioning
Launch from the beach and ride in onshore to side-onshore conditions. Flat to choppy water near shore, with small waves developing further out, especially at higher tide.
Good for freeride, practice and progression. Less suited for wave riding than the west coast spots. The onshore wind and relatively flat conditions make it ideal for working on tricks, transitions, and building upwind skills.
Riders can explore the coastline north, but should stay within a reasonable distance of their launch point.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
Year-round, main season November to May/June with consistent NE trade winds. Best months February–April for strongest and most reliable wind.
- Required level
- Intermediate
On the water
Mix of flat water and small wind chop near shore. Further out, small waves develop on reef patches, especially at mid to high tide.
Water temperature 21–27°C depending on season. Boardshorts/shorty in summer, 3/2mm wetsuit in winter months when wind chill is stronger.
Mixed sand and reef bottom. Crystal-clear water.
Parking
Rifes da Parda is on the east coast of Sal, north of Kite Beach. Access by dirt road from the main road linking Santa Maria to the airport.
No paved road directly to the spot — a vehicle (ideally with some clearance) is recommended. Some riders walk north along the coast from Kite Beach.
Very limited infrastructure — no bar, no facilities at the spot itself. The Kite Beach area with its schools and bars is a short distance south.
Wind specificities
Northeast trade wind blows onshore to side-onshore, same as Kite Beach but potentially slightly less disturbed as there are no buildings or terrain features upwind.
Wind strength: 15–25 knots during the trade wind season (November–May). Kite sizes 9–12m typically.
The onshore wind direction makes this a safe spot — any problems and you drift toward the beach rather than out to sea. Good for building confidence.
Hazards
Onshore wind makes this a relatively safe spot — if you have a problem, you're blown back toward shore.
Scattered reef patches: the bottom is not uniformly sandy. Reef shoes are advisable, especially at low tide when rocks can be very shallow.
No lifeguard or rescue service at this spot. Nearest kite schools are at Kite Beach to the south.
Shallow sections: at low tide, some areas become very shallow with exposed rocks. Check the tide before riding.
Isolation: fewer riders here means less backup if something goes wrong. Don't ride alone.
Something out of date? Suggest an edit
Live
INMG HQ SAL4.5 kmsource WIS2 - WMO
Readings reserved for Premium members
Readings from INMG HQ SAL weather station are reserved for Premium members.
- Real-time readings
- Last 48 hours history
- Custom alerts
- Extended weather forecasts
Already a Premium member? Log in
Additional stations
-
Readings reserved for Premium members
source ogimet
All the details of your session on windtracker.app
Webcams near Rifes da Parda / Sal
Webcams provided by Windy.com
Schools, shops and places to stay nearby
Directory: Cape Verde
Nearby spots
All spots: SalComments 0
No comments yet.