São Miguel - Ribeira Grande (Praia do Monte Verde)
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São Miguel
Ribeira Grande, at Praia do Monte Verde on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, is a popular ocean spot for its waves and wind exposure. Located west of the city of Ribeira Grande, this dark sand beach attracts riders seeking thrills with its oceanic conditions.
The spot offers a wild setting typical of the Azores, with ample space for takeoff and a low-traffic atmosphere. It is suitable for intermediates and advanced riders who enjoy combining kitesurfing and surfing.
Close to Ponta Delgada, it is easily accessible by car from the north of the island.
Les données de vent affichées ici proviennent d’ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) sur 4 ans, retraitées pour refléter des conditions réalistes.
👉 Le vent moyen a été calibré pour éviter la sous-estimation habituelle des modèles.
👉 Les rafales ont été corrigées par un ratio médian afin d’éviter des valeurs extrêmes irréalistes.
👉 Chaque jour est résumé par le vent médian (P50) observé pendant les heures utiles (8h–20h), puis classé dans des plages de vent.
👉 Le mode pondéré mélange vent moyen et rafales pour refléter au mieux le vent ressenti.
- 🟢 10–16 nds : vent faible mais navigable (notamment en foil).
- 🟡 16–22 nds : plage idéale, conditions confortables pour la majorité.
- 🔴 22–28 nds : vent fort, réservé aux riders expérimentés.
- 🟣 28+ nds : conditions extrêmes, navigation engagée.
Localisation & Points d'intérêt
Informations utiles
wave
chopThe beach is oriented northwest, favoring side-on or side-shore winds from the north, northeast, or west, generating a chop to wave water surface. Ideal directions include NNE, NE, N, ENE, NW, W, WSW, and SW, confirmed by locals and specialized forums. Launching is done directly from the dark sand beach with some rocks, and the riding area extends offshore where waves can grow with strong wind.
Takeoff is possible due to the available space on the beach, but be cautious of scattered rocks. The water surface is ocean-type with a mix of chop and small to medium waves, particularly good in northwest swell combined with southeast offshore wind. No major tide effect on the riding area, but tides slightly influence beach access.
Conditions are consistent year-round, with freeride or wave sessions possible. Strong winds create powerful waves, ideal for advanced tricks.
Ideal conditions with winds NNE, NE, N, ENE, NW, W, WSW, SW in side-shore, strength 18-28 knots. Southeast offshore is perfect for clean waves.
Water conditions are wave with chop and small to medium waves, larger with strong wind. Beach break with rights and lefts, best in northwest swell. Exposure generates constant movement, rarely flat.
The current is strong due to ocean exposure, especially with powerful swells. Caution is advised offshore where it can quickly pull you out. Tides are moderate (about 2m amplitude), with no major impact on navigation but should be monitored for launching.
Plan for sizes of 9 to 13m² for typical winds of 15-25 knots, and 7-9m² for strong gusts. Larger kites for light wind days.
The wind is steady and can be strong, particularly from the northwest or north, with gusts during Atlantic storms. Dominant directions include NW, N, NE, and southeast offshore for the best sessions. Typical strength of 15-25 knots in the active season, making the spot reliable year-round.
The climate of the Azores is temperate oceanic, with mild temperatures year-round averaging between 15°C and 22°C. Mild winters (December to March) see highs around 17°C, while summer (June to September) reaches 24°C.
Frequent but short rains, especially in autumn and winter. The best months for kitesurfing are from January to December according to stats, with reliable wind.
Profondeur progressive dès le bord avec fond de sable sombre et rochers. On a pied sur les premiers mètres, puis rapide en océan ouvert. Herbe possible en zones proches.
Water temperature around 16-18°C in winter and 20-22°C in summer. A 4/3mm wetsuit is recommended year-round.