Kitesurfers in Ibiraquera: Community, Spots and Events
Quick facts
- Main location: Ibiraquera Lagoon (Imbituba, SC)
- Nickname: "Hawaii of kitesurfing in southern Brazil"
- Wind season: November to March (steady thermal wind)
- Water type: Shallow lagoon (sand floor, no waves) + occasionally open sea
- Skill range: Beginners to advanced (the lagoon serves all)
- Local schools: Several around Barra de Ibiraquera
- Gear: Rentals available, all major brands
- Community: Active year-round, especially summer
Kitesurfers in Ibiraquera form one of the most established kitesurfing communities in southern Brazil. The Ibiraquera Lagoon offers ideal conditions — shallow water, steady thermal wind from November to March, no waves to worry about. A learning ground for beginners and a progression spot for advanced riders. There are also the "sea kiters," who use Barra de Ibiraquera for wave freestyle.
Why Ibiraquera Is a Kite Spot
Shallow lagoon instead of open sea. The Ibiraquera Lagoon has a firm sand floor, depths rarely above the waist in the centre, and complete absence of waves. For anyone learning, it's the gentlest possible setting — falls don't turn into washes, and instructors can always reach students on foot.
Steady thermal wind. Between November and March, the afternoon thermal blows consistently at 15-25 knots, generally from the east-northeast. It's not the strongest wind in Brazil — but it's the steadiest, with long sessions and few surprises.
Space. The lagoon extends over several kilometres. There's no traffic crossing as in busier spots (Cumbuco, for example). Every kiter has real room to manoeuvre.
Sea right next door. A few metres from the lagoon's edge, you cross the dune and reach Barra de Ibiraquera beach — for kiters wanting to try waves, it's the simplest possible transition between lagoon and ocean.
The Main Spots
Ibiraquera Lagoon (the base)
Central point of the kiting community. Multiple access points along the Barra. Most-used areas:
- North bank: More space, ideal for beginners and lessons.
- South bank: More technical, freestyle and wakestyle.
- Centre: Classic crossing, long legs with clean wind.
Barra de Ibiraquera (sea)
Two dunes from the lagoon. Stronger wind and waves. For riders comfortable on the lagoon and wanting to migrate to waveriding. Wide space, sand bottom, no rocks in the entry/exit zone.
Praia do Luz (occasional)
South or southeast wind brings character waves. Not the most-used kiting spot — surfers dominate here — but offers rare conditions for wave freestyle. Advanced level only.
When to Visit (Wind Calendar)
| Season | Wind | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Strong, consistent thermal | High season, busiest, best for beginner lessons |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Decent wind, less predictable | Good window for intermediates |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Cold fronts, strong southerlies | For experienced — intense sessions, rough sea |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Thermal returning | Season restart, idyllic conditions |
Schools and Gear Rental
Several schools operate at Barra de Ibiraquera and along the lagoon's edge. They offer:
- Beginner lessons (typically 8-12 hours to autonomy)
- Intermediate lessons (specific techniques, transitions, basic freestyle)
- Full gear rental (kite, board, bar, harness)
- Board-only rental for kiters bringing the rest
For current recommendations, see the Ibirahill guide — we update seasonally.
Events and Community
The kiting community in Ibiraquera gathers informally at Barra year-round. Group sessions, post-wind barbecues, collective gear maintenance. In summer, occasional events: clinics, amateur competitions, themed meetups. No fixed official calendar — the best way to know is to ask at the local schools.
Where to Stay for Kiters
Most kiters rent accommodation within walking distance of the lagoon, around Barra. For those combining kitesurf with other activities (surf, trails, whales between July and November), Morro Elegante in Ibiraquera is the most central position — 5 min by car from Barra, 15 min on foot from Praia do Luz, 10 min from Praia do Rosa.
Ibirahill — three exclusive houses on Morro Elegante — regularly hosts kiters. There's space to store and dry gear, outdoor area to rig kites, and fibre-optic Wi-Fi for those combining the trip with work.
→ See the three houses at Ibirahill — a practical base for kiters who want wind plus quiet.
Read More
- Kitesurfing in Ibiraquera: complete guide to lagoon and waves — the in-depth editorial guide.
- Best time to visit Ibiraquera — wind calendar integrated with the rest of the year.
- Things to do in Ibiraquera — all activities in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ibiraquera good for learning kitesurf? A: Yes — probably one of the best in Brazil. The Ibiraquera Lagoon has shallow water, no waves and a firm sand floor, which makes learning much safer than open sea. Several schools operate there with beginner lessons.
Q: What's the best time of year for kitesurfing in Ibiraquera? A: Between November and March, when the thermal wind is steadiest (15-25 knots, east-northeast). Summer (December-February) is the peak, but October-November and March-April also deliver good sessions.
Q: Where is the Ibiraquera Lagoon? A: In the municipality of Imbituba, Santa Catarina, 90 minutes south of Florianópolis. The lagoon sits a few metres from Barra de Ibiraquera, where it meets the ocean.
Q: Can you rent kite gear in Ibiraquera? A: Yes — several local schools rent full gear (kite, board, bar, harness) or board-only. Booking ahead is recommended in high season (December-February).
