You can't mention Barra Grande without remembering the kitesurf. The sport spread all over Piauí’s coast, just like happened in the state of Ceará. With strong winds, that can vary from 15 to 35 knots during high season (from July to February), Barra Grande is the perfect destination for the athletes. Here at Terra Patris! we constantly host kitesurfers, specially foreigners, looking for the perfect kite conditions offered by the beach. After 2014, when the Kitesurf World Championship – PKRA World Tour took place in Barra Grande, many Brazilians started to learn the sport. Actually, the safety offered by the equipment, which allow people from 8 to 65 years old to learn, was also an important fact to the popularization of kitesurf.
Kitesurf History
The sport, also known internationally as kiteboarding (or “surfing in a board with a kite”), was created by the French brothers Legaignoux in 1985. The main differential of the product developed by the brothers was the invention of an inflatable kite that allowed self re-launching in case of fall. But, by that time, windsurf was on top of the water sports, so none of the brands was interested on commercial manufacturing of kites. Only in 1995 the first kites were finally produced. One of the first athletes of kitesurf, the windsurf world champion Robby Naish, helped to publicize the new sport and today also has a kite brand with his name.
Often described as the combination of the best moments from other radical sports (as surf, windsurf, wakeboard, ski and hang gliding), today the sport allows its practitioners to jump high and do different types of maneuvers. Also is possible to use the kite as transportation on the water, as a sailboat. The security of the equipment also increased since its creation and is in constant development by the brand’s product engineers. Every year, the main brands launch new kite models with new functions and security items, always on the request of its pro-riders: the sponsored kitesurfers.
Equipment Needed for Kiteboarding
To practice kitesurfing, the obligatory items are:
• Kite and bar: every is made of an inflatable kite and a control bar with 4 or 5 lines, depending on the brand and model. The kite sizes vary between 3.5 and 20 m2, and should be considered the weight of the kitesurfer and the wind speed to choose the ideal size for the practice.
• Harness: waistband that connects the bar to the body of the kitesurfer. It can be either a seat harness (like a climbing seat, more confortable) or a waist harness (model usually worn by professionals, as it is better for the maneuvers). You should always connect the kite leash (security leash) on your harness.
• Board: allows the slide over the water. There are several sizes and types of boards, you can choose according to your level of kiting.
There are also optional and security items, used according to the level and preference of the kitesurfer:
• Helmet (obligatory for initiates);
• Vest (flotation or impact);
• Sunglasses (with straps, to avoid losing them);
• Lycra t-shirt (to protect from the sun);
• Cap or hat (also with straps).
Attention: it is extremely not recommended to use board leashes, to avoid accidents.
For the ones learning kite, the school provides all the obligatory and security items for the learner, everything included in the course price.
Important! Never forget to use a good sunscreen, to protect your skin from the hot sun in Piauí.
Kitesurf in Barra Grande
Kite conditions
Due to the wind conditions, Barra Grande is perfect for the practice of the sport in all levels. The wind direction is side-on-shore, in other words, in case of any accident with the kite, you will always be thrown back to the beach, ideal condition for the beginners. Other advantage for the ones learning: with the differences on the tide, is possible to have lessons on low tide, what facilitates the learning process.
The wind season starts on July and lasts until February, but the months with more daily wind (over 25 knots) are September, October and November. Avoid the period from March to June, when the rain keep the wind away from the beach, making it almost impossible to kite.
To learn
The kitesurf course for beginners only requires that the learner knows how to swim. It is also important to attempt to the security orientation given by the instructor: despite being a safe sport, you are responsible for the proper use of the equipment, even during the classes. Kitesurfing is a radical sport! The basic course lasts at least 10 hours and after the end you will be already able to slide a few meters with the board. In Barra Grande there are some options of schools to choose from, with different values (from R$ 800 to R$ 1.600 for the complete course) and services. Ask us from Terra Patris! and we will be pleased to help you finding the best schools for your needs!
To practice
For advanced or experienced kitesurfers, Barra Grande also offers great conditions: there is a big kiting area, with no restrictions and just a few fishing boats anchored in front the village. There are some rocks and corals on the west part of the beach, but to the east is all clear. The ocean is more flat (no waves) during the low tide and a little choppy during high tide. For the ones who prefer, there is also the option for a fast downwind to the mangrove lagoon, only 15 minutes away from the center of the village. To come back from the lagoon, it is possible to come by upwind (20-40 minutes) or even by donkey chart – R$ 15 per person and has to be organized in advance. You can also organize bigger downwind trips to Luís Correia beaches (such as Maramar, Macapá, Coqueiro and Itaqui) or even to the gorgeous Delta do Rio Parnaíba.
Equipment rental
There is the possibility of renting equipment on the kite schools, but there are not many options available. We strongly recommend that you bring your own kite gear! For the high season, sizes between 5 and 9 m2 are the best options for the majority of the days. During low season, be prepared to use bigger kite sizes, between 10 and 16 m2, or even enjoy the windless days doing other activities such as Stand-Up Paddle or kayaking (these you can easily rent from one of the beach tents).
Kite spots & support
There are several options of beach tents by the beach to relax moments between the kite sessions, have lunch, have a fast shower or simply spend the day. Enjoy the winds and kite until the sunset! In case you choose to spend the day in barraca da Croa, the preferred from kitesurfers and located 1.2 km from Terra Patris!, we offer our guests a ride until the kite point, just settle the time with us during breakfast!
Terra Patris! Services for the kitesurfer
We offer to all our guests (free of charge):
• Kite School recommendation and contact;
• Kite storage area in the pousada (locked – you will have the key) ;
• Car ride to kite point Croa;
• Area for washing your gear;
• Orientation on sea tide, downwinds and important tips for your kite session.
