THE LURE
GOOD FOR:
Pumping wind, epic downwinders and buzzing nightlife
“Super-strong and consistent wind, warm water, constant sun and nice people. I don't think I could ask for anything more from a kite spot!”
CAMILLE DELANNOY: JERI RESIDENT AND NORTH KITEBOARDING TEAM RIDER
The further north you go in Ceara the windier it gets. In Jeri, close to the border with the neighbouring state of Piauí, it blows hard from June through to February.
'Jeri' is a very special fishing village on the northeast coast of Brazil in Ceara, 330 kilometres northwest of Fortaleza. Close to the equator it was once hailed as having one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world by the Washington Post. Surrounded by dunes, fresh water lagoons and set in a national park, there are no proper roads, sand everywhere and wind almost every day.
Photo: Pino Maiorano
THE SET-UP
A 330 kilometre drive from Fortaleza, Jeri is one of Brazil's best established kite spots due to the relentlessly regular conditions during the season. You'll find 25 kilometres of beach to explore and conditions to suit all riders with safe, secluded lagoons for freestylers and beginners, kickers on the open ocean and wave spots, too.
Jeri's also a prime start / finish point for downwinders and there are some great ones you can do with close-by Prea to Jeri a favourite at sunset (you can finish up with a caipirinha!). Heading away from Jeri, you can kite along to Guriu or further still to Tatajuba, which are both awesome kite spots themselves and a beach buggy can bring you back to Jeri.
If you’re after waves then you can score at Prea, Malhada and Mangue Seco on a northerly swell with a full / new moon, while on a low tide you can find some surf in the river mouth at Guriu as well as some flat sections. Be prepared to hire a buggy / buggy driver as the beach going downwind from Jeri is ridable for miles and the wind gets better and better!
The main windy season begins in July but kicks in properly in August, running through until November with wind on 95% of days. It's often windy by 7am and regularly ramps up to 30+ knots of cross-onshore wind from the right in the afternoons (it blows cross-off directly in front of Jeri town). The wind carries on through to January and February and although it's not as strong during that time, it's still very consistent.
Water temperatures average 20 – 25ºC / 68 - 78°F, so nothing more than a rashie and strong sunscreen (factor 40 – 50) are needed. It’s cooler in the evenings, so bring a light jumper.
Photo: Kitestrophik
Photo: Kitestrophik
Photo: Pino Maiorano
Photo: Pino Maiorano
WIND, WEATHER & WATER
The main windy season begins in July, but kicks in properly in August, running through until November with wind on 95% of days. It’s often windy by 7am and regularly ramps up to 30+ knots of cross-onshore wind from the right in the afternoons (it blows cross-off directly in front of Jeri town and becomes more cross-shore further along the beach). The wind carries on through to January and February and, although it’s not as strong during that time, it’s still very consistent. Water temperatures average 20 – 25ºC / 68 - 78°F, so nothing more than a rashie and strong sunscreen (factor 40 – 50) are needed. It’s cooler in the evenings, so bring a light jumper.
SCHOOLS AND TRIPS
SURFIN SEM FIM offer all-inclusive downwinder adventures that pass through Jeri, from fun trips with famous pros up to a full bore six day 'Ironman' journey covering 600 kilometres!
www.surfinsemfim.com
surfinsemfim@egroup.net.br
KITESTROPHIK Kite Surf Club have been based on the main beach seafront for nine years. They teach all levels on Duotone gear which is available for rental or sale along with a range of Ion gear. Surf and SUP lessons / rentals are also available, as well as transfers to other beaches and they also have a bar and restaurant and their own accommodation, too. Search Jerizzhouse on Facebook. Accredited by IKO
www.kitestrophik.com
kitestrophik@gmail.com
TRAVEL AGENTS
Surfin Sem Fim - If you want to experience Brazil at its best, and enjoy a unique, world-class kitesurfing adventure along some of the most beautiful coast lines in the world, the Surfin Sem Fim team have got you covered. Sign up for an unforgettable immersion in wind, water, nature, beauty, adventure, and physical challenge in the best of Brazil!
www.surfinsemfim.com.br
contact@surfinsemfim.com.br
KITEWORLDWIDE specialize in delivering extraordinary kitesurf holidays to exotic destinations while avoiding the tourist traps.
www.kiteworldwide.com
info@kiteworldwide.com
Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
www.planetkitesurfholidays.com
info@planettravelholidays.com
Sportif Kitesurf Holidays provide kitesurfing and multi sport holidays to the very best destinations worldwide. Sportif centres have the latest equipment and highly qualified, experienced staff. Whatever your level, you'll find a range of flexible rental or instruction packages, with a choice of accommodation from budget to luxury 5* hotels, right next to the centres.
www.sportif.travel
info@sportif.travel
Freeride Kitesurf specialise in organising unique downwind adventures and tailor-made trips along the coasts of Brazil and South Africa. Booking a trip with them is a guarantee of adventure, discovering unspoilt and uncrowded spots with unbeatable conditions for kitesurfing. Every detail of the trip is taken care of by a professional team with huge local expertise.
www.freeridekitesurf.com
contact@freeridekitesurf.com
ACCOMMODATION
Jeri’s a popular kite destination, so is busy and really fun during the high season but retains a relaxed, fishing village vibe and is nestled away in the dunes. There’s a wide range of accommodation, from hotels to pousadas, from chic and luxurious to rustic and simple.
VILA KALANGO was built with reused native wood - and today, almost two decades later, it has become an oasis of Jericoacoara. 24 bungalows and apartments are located just metres from the sea and very close to the Sunset Dune.
www.vilakalango.com.br
reservas@vilakalango.com.br
THE HURRICANE JERI HOTEL offers a unique experience on the ocean front of the spectacular Malhada Beach, just a few minutes from central Jeri. Lots of space and comfort with a rustic-chic style, there’s an amazing lagoon-shaped pool, full bar, complete restaurant service, wifi and more.
www.hurricanejeri.com
reservas@hotel-hurricane-jericoacoara.com
Hurricane Jeri / Photo: Cedric Schmidt
Hurricane Jeri / Photo: Cedric Schmidt
Hurricane Jeri / Photo: Cedric Schmidt
Hurricane Jeri / Photo: Cedric Schmidt
Hurricane Jeri / PHOTO – Cedric Schmidt
TRAVEL AGENTS
Surfin Sem Fim - If you want to experience Brazil at its best, and enjoy a unique, world-class kitesurfing adventure along some of the most beautiful coast lines in the world, the Surfin Sem Fim team have got you covered. Sign up for an unforgettable immersion in wind, water, nature, beauty, adventure, and physical challenge in the best of Brazil!
www.surfinsemfim.com.br
contact@surfinsemfim.com.br
KITEWORLDWIDE specialize in delivering extraordinary kitesurf holidays to exotic destinations while avoiding the tourist traps.
www.kiteworldwide.com
info@kiteworldwide.com
Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
www.planetkitesurfholidays.com
info@planettravelholidays.com
Sportif Kitesurf Holidays provide kitesurfing and multi sport holidays to the very best destinations worldwide. Sportif centres have the latest equipment and highly qualified, experienced staff. Whatever your level, you'll find a range of flexible rental or instruction packages, with a choice of accommodation from budget to luxury 5* hotels, right next to the centres.
www.sportif.travel
info@sportif.travel
Freeride Kitesurf specialise in organising unique downwind adventures and tailor-made trips along the coasts of Brazil and South Africa. Booking a trip with them is a guarantee of adventure, discovering unspoilt and uncrowded spots with unbeatable conditions for kitesurfing. Every detail of the trip is taken care of by a professional team with huge local expertise.
www.freeridekitesurf.com
contact@freeridekitesurf.com
NO WIND
It’s rarely windless during Jeri’s main season months, but if it is you can check out the adjoining national park and its ‘Pedra Furada’ – the symbol of Jericoacoara – an imposing rock on the seashore with a large hole in the middle. There’s also horse riding, a gym, capoeira classes, SUPing or surfing at Malhada beach and main beach.
Most of Jeri’s streets are sand-covered, so cars can’t get down them but everything is within walking distance so that’s not a problem (and keeps the town more pedestrianised!).
There are kite shops, supermarkets, bars, cafes and restaurants. Although there’s no cash machine, you can use cards in many establishments or exchange money in town should you need to.
Party night at Hurricane Jeri
GET AROUND
Jeri is a safe and fantastic place to visit, whether you want to get around on foot, in a buggy or on horseback! Rent a dune buggy or quad, but you’re best to do it with a driver who will follow you on a downwinder. Kiteworldwide offer Jericoacoara as part of their tour package through Prea, Jeri and Tatajuba. This and more luxury downwinder excursions in this area and beyond at: www.kiteworldwide.com
CURRENCY
Brazilian Reais (R$) - £1 = R$4 / €1 = R$3 / US$ = R$2.6
There is no cash machine in Jeri, the nearest bank is Jijoca, a small village 35 kilometres away. You can pay by card in restaurants, though. There are plenty of tourist agencies and foreign exchanges, too.
FOOD & DRINK
Jeri is a unique experience as the whole town is sandy and full of buzzing restaurants and bars. There are supermarkets and many great restaurants, offering lovely fresh fish, lobster and shrimp, Brazilian, Italian, Japanese and Arabian foods.
AIRPORT
Pinto Martins, Fortaleza (FOR) is 330 kilometres from Jeri. You can get a bus or a driver (R$500 each way). Kitestrophik organise transfers and if you're renting your own car that isn't 4x4 you can leave it just outside of town.
TRAVEL AGENTS
Surfin Sem Fim - If you want to experience Brazil at its best, and enjoy a unique, world-class kitesurfing adventure along some of the most beautiful coast lines in the world, the Surfin Sem Fim team have got you covered. Sign up for an unforgettable immersion in wind, water, nature, beauty, adventure, and physical challenge in the best of Brazil!
www.surfinsemfim.com.br
contact@surfinsemfim.com.br
KITEWORLDWIDE specialize in delivering extraordinary kitesurf holidays to exotic destinations while avoiding the tourist traps.
www.kiteworldwide.com
info@kiteworldwide.com
Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
www.planetkitesurfholidays.com
info@planettravelholidays.com
Sportif Kitesurf Holidays provide kitesurfing and multi sport holidays to the very best destinations worldwide. Sportif centres have the latest equipment and highly qualified, experienced staff. Whatever your level, you'll find a range of flexible rental or instruction packages, with a choice of accommodation from budget to luxury 5* hotels, right next to the centres.
www.sportif.travel
info@sportif.travel
Freeride Kitesurf specialise in organising unique downwind adventures and tailor-made trips along the coasts of Brazil and South Africa. Booking a trip with them is a guarantee of adventure, discovering unspoilt and uncrowded spots with unbeatable conditions for kitesurfing. Every detail of the trip is taken care of by a professional team with huge local expertise.
www.freeridekitesurf.com
contact@freeridekitesurf.com