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Curral Joul / Sal kitesurf, windsurf and surf spot
Cape Verde · Sal
Overview
Curral Joul is a wave spot on the west coast of Sal Island, Cape Verde, sitting between Fontona to the north and Ali Baba to the south. The name reportedly comes from local Creole and the spot has a reputation for being one of the most intimidating places to ride on Sal when big swell hits.
On moderate days, Curral Joul produces fun, well-shaped waves over a reef bottom. But when a big northwest groundswell arrives, the spot transforms into a heavy, powerful break that demands respect. The waves are fast, thick and break in relatively shallow water over volcanic reef.
Most riders reach Curral Joul by launching at Fontona (the only practical beach launch on the west coast) and riding downwind. It's usually the first major wave spot encountered when heading south from Fontona.
Like all west coast spots on Sal, the wind is offshore (NE trades blowing from land), there is zero infrastructure, and the coastline is completely uninhabited. Advanced to expert level required.
Spot forecast for Curral Joul / 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 2.3 km from the spot.
- Tuesday 20 October High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 0.6 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 · 0.8 m Low tide · 0.3 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 · 0.8 m
- Saturday 24 October Low tide · 0.2 m High tide · 0.9 m Low tide · 0.1 m High tide · 0.8 m
Curral Joul / 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…)
380h
in January · 31 rideable days
The spot works year-round: 29 rideable days a month on average, at 27 °C. It peaks in January, with 380 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 August, with 43 mm.
Monthly averages: Curral Joul / Sal
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.0 | 380 h | 26 °C | 0 mm |
| February | 28.5 | 389 h | 26 °C | 0 mm |
| March | 31.0 | 434 h | 25 °C | 0 mm |
| April | 30.0 | 410 h | 26 °C | 4 mm |
| May | 31.0 | 453 h | 26 °C | 1 mm |
| June | 30.0 | 462 h | 26 °C | 0 mm |
| July | 26.5 | 324 h | 28 °C | 6 mm |
| August | 25.5 | 281 h | 29 °C | 43 mm |
| September | 26.5 | 333 h | 30 °C | 41 mm |
| October | 29.0 | 390 h | 29 °C | 12 mm |
| November | 29.5 | 372 h | 28 °C | 21 mm |
| December | 31.0 | 403 h | 26 °C | 7 mm |
Photo gallery of Curral Joul / Sal
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Curral Joul / Sal spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, ENE, NNW.
Spot functioning
Launch at Fontona and ride downwind south along the coast. Curral Joul is roughly 1–2 km south, the first significant wave spot you encounter.
The waves break over volcanic reef, producing both lefts and rights depending on swell direction. On moderate days (1–2m), conditions are manageable for advanced riders. On big days (3m+), only experts should ride here.
Directional board essential — this is a wave spot, not a freeride playground.
From Curral Joul, riders can continue downwind south to Ali Baba and eventually Ponta Preta for a full west coast session. Or ride upwind back to Fontona.
Return: upwind to Fontona (challenging but shorter), downwind to Ali Baba/Ponta Preta/Santa Maria (longer but easier with wind), or arrange a 4x4 pickup.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
Year-round, but main season November to May/June with NE trade winds.
Biggest swells December to March from North Atlantic storm systems. Summer months unreliable for both wind and swell.
- Required level
- Advanced
On the water
Open Atlantic Ocean with powerful northwest groundswell. Waves break over volcanic lava reef bottom. Wave height varies from 1–4+ metres depending on swell.
Water temperature 21–24°C during kite season. 3/2mm wetsuit recommended due to offshore wind chill.
Strong currents possible, especially on bigger swell days. Crystal-clear water with excellent visibility.
Parking
Curral Joul is on the remote west coast of Sal, between Fontona and Ali Baba. No direct beach access.
Primary access: launch at Fontona and ride downwind south. Curral Joul is the first significant wave spot reached, roughly 1–2 km south of Fontona.
Some dirt tracks accessible by 4x4 approach the coast near Curral Joul, but launching from the rocky shore is very difficult and not recommended.
No infrastructure whatsoever — no bar, no toilets, no shade, no rescue. Bring all essentials: water, food, sun protection, spare gear, charged phone.
Wind specificities
Northeast trade wind blows offshore to cross-offshore at Curral Joul. The wind crosses the island and arrives at the west coast slightly accelerated through gaps in the terrain.
Wind strength: 15–25 knots during the trade wind season (November–May). The west coast generally receives stronger, cleaner wind than the south coast (Santa Maria). Kite sizes 7–11m.
The offshore wind grooms the wave faces beautifully, holding up the lip and creating clean, rideable walls. Best conditions with moderate NE trades (15–20 knots) combined with solid NW groundswell.
Too much wind (25+ knots) combined with big swell makes Curral Joul dangerous — the offshore push becomes strong and waves become chaotic.
Hazards
ADVANCED TO EXPERT RIDERS ONLY.
Heavy waves on big days: when large NW groundswell arrives, Curral Joul becomes extremely powerful and intimidating. Thick, fast-breaking waves over shallow volcanic reef. This is not a forgiving spot.
Offshore wind: NE trade wind blows from land to open Atlantic. Equipment failure = drifting out to sea with nothing to stop you. Never ride alone.
Shallow reef: volcanic lava reef bottom. Very dangerous at low tide — can destroy equipment and cause serious injuries. Always check tide tables.
No rescue: completely isolated coastline. No mobile signal in some areas. Help is far away if something goes wrong.
Currents: strong longshore and rip currents possible, especially on bigger swell days.
Exhaustion: remember you still need energy to return to Fontona upwind or reach an exit point further south.
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INMG HQ SAL5.5 kmsource WIS2 - WMO
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Additional stations
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Ogimet - Sal (Cape Verde)3.9 km
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