Kitesurfing Malhada

Wind & Conditions

Rocky beach just south of Jericoacoara with sandy launch zones; NE-to-E trade wind side-onshore at 18–30 kt July–January. Suitable for intermediate and advanced riders who want to avoid the main Jeri beach crowd.

About Malhada

Malhada sits just south of Jericoacoara on the Ceará coastline — close enough to share the trade wind season, far enough to shed most of the crowd. The beach is a mix of rock and sand: rocky stretches interrupt the shoreline, but there are clean sandy sections that serve as proper launch zones once you've done the pre-session scout. This is the spot for riders who've spent time on the main Jeri beach and want the same wind without the queue. Access is from Jericoacoara, a short distance to the north. Allow time on arrival to walk the shoreline and identify the best sandy launch sections — the mix of rock and sand means your setup spot matters more here than at a clean sandy beach, and what looks workable from a distance may be rocky at the water's edge. The wind arrives from the NE to E quadrant, running side-onshore across the beach. July through January is the reliable season, with trade winds at 18–30 knots. The side-onshore direction carries a built-in safety margin compared to a directly onshore wind, though the rocky terrain neutralises some of that advantage — a kite drop in the wrong place has real consequences. Identify your sandy launch zones, know where the rocks are, and commit to a clean exit before you're in the air. The riding is open coastal with consistent trade wind pressure across the usable kite window (270° through 90°). There is room to work the line upwind and downwind. Intermediate riders comfortable with ocean conditions and uneven beach terrain will find Malhada manageable; advanced riders will find it satisfying. This is not a beginner spot — the rocky sections and absence of on-site facilities set a floor on the skill and preparation level expected. No facilities are at the beach. Jericoacoara, a short distance north, is a well-established kite hub with gear shops, food, and water — pack what you need before heading to Malhada and treat it as a satellite session from your Jeri base rather than a standalone destination. Outside of July–January the trade wind becomes less predictable and rideable days are harder to call from a distance. Shoulder season riding is possible but local knowledge becomes more valuable for picking days. If you are in Ceará outside the core season, ask at a kite school in Jeri rather than assuming the main season wind patterns hold. Malhada is a reward for riders who know what they are doing: quieter water, the same wind, and a beach that takes a read before it gives up its best sessions.

Best Season

Check the Breeza app for the current rideable window at Malhada.

World Ranking

Not globally ranked, but a kitesurf destination — a local favourite worth a check when the wind lines up.

Location

Malhada, Ceará, Brazil, Brazil

Lat: -2.81, Lon: -40.55