Kitesurfing in Preá: guide to the spot near Jericoacoara
Kitesurfing in Preá: wind, tides, level, best season, where to stay and the downwind to Jeri. Guide to the main kite spot near Jericoacoara.
Preá is a fishing village east of Jericoacoara, about 10 to 12 km from the town of Jeri along the beach. For kitesurfers, it is the heart of the region: this is where most of the kite lodges, schools, and riders who spend the entire season sailing are located.
What the spot is like
Preá beach is long, open, and receives wind from the side coming from the sea, making water entry and exit safer. The seasonal wind is strong and consistent and tends to pick up throughout the day.
The sea changes quite a bit with the tide:
- Low tide: shallower, glassy water patches appear near the sand, great for training and those who are progressing.
- High tide and open sea: more swell, excellent for those who enjoy jumps and wave riding with the kite.
Since it is an open sea spot, always ask the instructor or someone who knows the place to evaluate the day before going out alone.
Who it’s for
- Beginners: learn well at Preá with a school, at times and spots chosen by the instructor. For first contacts, the region’s lagoons are also a great option.
- Intermediate: consistent wind and plenty of space to clock up miles.
- Advanced: waves, jumps, and the starting point of the region’s most famous downwind.
The Preá → Jeri downwind
The most popular activity for those who already sail with autonomy is the downwind from Preá to Jericoacoara beach, with the village and dunes appearing on the horizon. It is done with an instructor and a 4x4 accompanying you on the sand, carrying your gear and providing support along the way. See how kitesurfing downwind works.
Best season
The season generally runs from July to December, with the most consistent months between September and November. The chart below shows the average wind for each month and the percentage of days with 15 knots or more.
How to get there and where to stay
Preá is located between Jericoacoara and Jericoacoara Airport in Cruz. From the airport, the journey is short. From Jeri, you can go along the beach by buggy or 4x4 at the right tide.
Many people stay in Preá itself, in pousadas and kite lodges with equipment storage and school nearby, and go to Jeri for dinner and the sunset. Others prefer to stay in the town of Jeri and go to Preá only to sail. For suggestions on pousadas and restaurants popular with kitesurfers, see our partner’s Jericoacoara guide Brazil Kite.
Lessons at Preá and in Jeri
Kitesurfing lessons from Kite Jeri take place at the safest spot of the day, which could be Preá, a lagoon, or another stretch of coast, depending on wind and tide. The instructor will arrange the meeting point with you.
Wind in Jericoacoara month by month
Model forecast for the sea off Jeri. Data: MET Norway (yr.no), CC BY 4.0.
Average wind between 10:00 and 17:00, when sessions happen, and the share of days averaging 15 knots or more.
% of days averaging 15 knots or more: <30% 30–54% 55–79% 80%+· Average wind: knots
| — | Average wind (knots) | Days with 15+ knots |
|---|---|---|
| jan | 13.6 | 35% |
| feb | 12.2 | 24% |
| mar | 10.5 | 5% |
| apr | 11.0 | 15% |
| may | 13.5 | 32% |
| jun | 14.9 | 56% |
| jul | 15.9 | 68% |
| aug | 18.1 | 90% |
| sep | 19.5 | 99% |
| oct | 18.8 | 92% |
| nov | 17.5 | 85% |
| dec | 16.1 | 71% |
Source: 10-year history (ERA5, Copernicus), measured at sea off Jeri. This is a climate average, not a forecast. On the beach the wind can differ by a few knots.
