Technical details of spot

Spot functioning

Most riders reach Ponta Sino by riding downwind from Santa Maria beach centre, or by walking/taxi from town. Some centres organize group excursions.

Waves: 1–3 metres breaking over a shallow reef. Powerful and steep — great kickers for jumps. Flat water patches between wave sets offer freestyle opportunities.

Jumping: the sideshore wind combined with the steep wave face creates ideal ramp conditions for big air, loops and powered tricks.

Wave riding: good quality waves for intermediate to advanced riders. Less intense than Ponta Preta but more demanding than Kite Beach reef.

Important: at the end of your session, you need enough energy and skill to ride upwind back to Santa Maria or along the coast. Plan accordingly — don't exhaust yourself before the return trip.

On the water

Waves of 1–3 metres breaking over a shallow reef. Between wave sets, flat water patches provide contrast. Water clarity is excellent — you can see the reef below.

Water temperature 21–27°C depending on season. A 3/2mm wetsuit is comfortable for winter sessions; shorty or boardshorts in warmer months.

Rocky reef bottom — not a place to fall without awareness of what's below. Low tide exposes more reef and makes conditions more technical.

Required level

Advanced

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Year-round, but the main season runs from November to May/June with the northeast trade winds.

Wave quality depends on swell — best when a south or southwest swell combines with the trade wind season (December–March typically produces the biggest swells).

Parking

Ponta Sino is located at the western end of Santa Maria bay, accessible on foot (~15–20 min walk) or by short taxi ride from Santa Maria town centre.

You can also ride downwind from the Santa Maria beach centre to Ponta Sino. Some water sports centres (ION Club, etc.) organize excursions to Ponta Sino with local fees payable.

Limited infrastructure on site. Bring water, snacks and everything you need.

Hazards

Open ocean beyond the point: past Ponta Sino is the open Atlantic. Do NOT ride too far out — the cross-offshore wind will push you away from shore and into open sea.

Shallow reef: waves break over a shallow reef. Risk of impact, especially at low tide. Reef shoes recommended.

Submerged wrecks: two wrecks in the area — one visible upwind, one smaller and completely underwater near shore. The submerged wreck is particularly dangerous at low tide.

Cross-offshore wind: you must be able to ride upwind to return safely. If you can't, you'll drift into the open ocean.

Shared lineup: jumpers and wave riders share the spot. Freestylers should watch out for wave riders and vice versa. Respect priority.

Currents: lateral currents near the point can be strong.

Wind specificities

Ponta Sino faces south, receiving cross-shore to cross-offshore wind from the northeast trade winds. This orientation creates cleaner wave faces compared to Kite Beach's onshore conditions, but means the wind pushes you away from shore.

The wind is less gusty than at Ponta Leme (east end of the bay) and generally more consistent. Sideshore wind combined with the steep reef section creates one of the island's best jump spots.

Wind strength: 15–25 knots during season (November–May). Kite sizes 8–12m.

The combination of cross-shore wind, waves breaking over reef, and flat spots between waves makes Ponta Sino excellent for both jumping/freestyle and wave riding — a versatile spot for intermediate to advanced riders.

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