The site has just been updated: reload the page to get everything working again.
Rife / Sal kitesurf and surf spot
Cape Verde · Sal
Overview
Rife (also written Rifes) is a wave spot on the west coast of Sal Island, Cape Verde, located south of Ponta Preta. It's one of the less-documented spots on the west coast, offering powerful reef breaks in a completely wild and remote setting.
When solid northwest swell combines with the northeast trade wind, Rife produces fast, hollow waves breaking over volcanic reef. The spot is expert-only territory — offshore wind, no infrastructure, remote access, and powerful waves make it a serious undertaking.
Rife sees far less traffic than Ponta Preta, which is just to the north. For experienced wave riders looking for uncrowded, raw wave riding, it's a hidden gem — but the risks match the reward.
Access is typically by 4x4 along dirt tracks on the west coast, or by riding downwind from Ponta Preta.
Spot forecast for Rife / 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 6.4 km from the spot.
- Monday 19 October High tide · 0.6 m Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 0.5 m Low tide · 0.4 m
- 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 · 0.3 m High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.3 m
- Friday 23 October High tide · 0.8 m Low tide · 0.2 m High tide · 0.7 m
Rife / 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…)
378h
in January · 31 rideable days
The spot works year-round: 29 rideable days a month on average, at 28 °C. It peaks in January, with 378 hours of usable wind.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 13 and 20 knots — 53% 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: Rife / Sal
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.0 | 378 h | 26 °C | 0 mm |
| February | 28.5 | 390 h | 26 °C | 0 mm |
| March | 31.0 | 434 h | 25 °C | 0 mm |
| April | 30.0 | 408 h | 27 °C | 5 mm |
| May | 31.0 | 452 h | 27 °C | 0 mm |
| June | 30.0 | 458 h | 27 °C | 0 mm |
| July | 25.0 | 299 h | 28 °C | 5 mm |
| August | 24.0 | 253 h | 29 °C | 35 mm |
| September | 26.0 | 316 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 | 404 h | 26 °C | 6 mm |
Photo gallery of Rife / Sal
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Rife / Sal spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, ENE, NNW.
Spot functioning
Access by 4x4 and launch from the rocky shore (difficult), or ride downwind from Ponta Preta area.
Powerful reef break — directional board essential. Waves can be fast and hollow, demanding quick reflexes and solid wave riding skills.
Return: upwind back to Ponta Preta/Santa Maria (demanding), or arrange a 4x4 pickup.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
Year-round, main season November to May/June. Biggest swells December–March.
- Required level
- Expert
On the water
Open Atlantic with powerful NW groundswell. Waves break over volcanic reef. Height 1.5–5+ metres depending on swell.
Water temperature 21–24°C. 3/2mm wetsuit recommended. Strong currents possible.
Parking
Rife is on the remote west coast of Sal, south of Ponta Preta. Access requires a 4x4 vehicle on dirt tracks.
Some riders access it by riding downwind from Ponta Preta or the Santa Maria area. The coastline is exposed and uninhabited.
No infrastructure whatsoever — no bar, no facilities, no rescue. Bring everything you need.
Wind specificities
NE trade wind blows offshore at Rife, crossing the island before reaching the west coast. Wind grooms the wave faces to perfection.
Wind strength: 15–25 knots in season (November–May). Kite sizes 7–11m.
The exposed position south of Ponta Preta means Rife can receive strong, clean wind with less terrain interference.
Hazards
EXPERTS ONLY — serious, high-consequence wave spot.
Powerful waves on reef: fast, hollow waves breaking over shallow volcanic reef. Helmet and impact vest strongly recommended.
Offshore wind: NE trade wind blows from land to open Atlantic. Equipment failure means drifting out to sea. Never ride alone.
Completely remote: no rescue, no mobile signal, no infrastructure. Help is very far away.
Shallow reef: extremely dangerous at low tide. Check tide tables.
Less documented: fewer riders know this spot, meaning less local knowledge available and less backup on the water.
Something out of date? Suggest an edit
Live
INMG HQ SAL11 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
-
Ogimet - Sal (Cape Verde)11.3 km
Readings reserved for Premium members
source ogimet
All the details of your session on windtracker.app
Webcams near Rife / 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.