Explore 200+ km of wild coastline from São Miguel do Gostoso to Icapuí — with daily downwinds, untouched beaches, flatwater gems and remote wave spots.
Reserve your spot now
Stretching for nearly 200 km, the Rio Grande do Norte Downwinder is an 11-day kite safari (10 days riding + 1 transfer) that takes you through one of Brazil’s most underrated kitesurfing regions. Starting in São Miguel do Gostoso and finishing in Icapuí, this journey combines flatwater lagoons, rolling wave spots and the raw beauty of fishing villages that few kiters ever reach.
Unlike its famous neighbor Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte remains a hidden gem — yet the wind here is just as consistent, with 95% reliability and a variety of spots to suit every style. Stops in Galinhos, Macau, Ponta do Mel, Tremembé, and Icapuí let you dive deep into each destination, balancing adventure with time to recharge and explore.
With expert guides, 4×4 support, and handpicked pousadas by the beach, you’ll experience authentic Brazilian culture, unforgettable downwind sessions, and the steady trade winds that make this coast a true paradise for kiters.
11 days (10 kiting days + 1 transfer day)
~200–250 km of wild downwind riding
Intermediate to Advanced
4x4 backup vehicle, experienced kite guides, full safety logistics
Authentic beach pousadas, 2+ nights in each stop
Flatwater lagoons, wave spots, remote fishing villages, consistent side-onshore wind
Eleven Days of Wind, Waves & Coastal Freedom
From São Miguel do Gostoso to Icapuí, this 11-day downwind journey blends adventure, authenticity, and flow. Ride more than 200 km through Rio Grande do Norte’s unspoiled coastline — a land of wide beaches, shimmering lagoons and steady trade winds that rarely stop blowing.
Each leg brings something new: buttery flatwater mornings, small wave sections near Galinhos, and long glides through untouched stretches of coast where the only sounds are wind and surf. Between sessions, unwind in locally owned pousadas, swap stories with your crew and enjoy Brazil’s famously warm hospitality.
Guided by experienced Freeride Kitesurf riders and supported by 4×4 vehicles along the beach, this safari combines total freedom with complete peace of mind. It’s not just another trip — it’s a deep dive into the rhythm of Brazil’s northeast, where every day on the water feels better than the last.
11 days (10 kiting days + 1 transfer day)
~200–250 km of wild downwind riding
Intermediate to Advanced
4x4 backup vehicle, experienced kite guides, full safety logistics
Authentic beach pousadas, 2+ nights in each stop
Flatwater lagoons, wave spots, remote fishing villages, consistent side-onshore wind
Local Expertise. Total Support. Endless Stoke.
Every Rio Grande do Norte downwinder is led by Freeride Kitesurf’s seasoned crew — riders who know the wind, tides, and coastline like locals because they are locals. With years of experience guiding kiters through Brazil’s wild northeast, they bring the perfect balance of professionalism and passion.
Each group rides with in-water guides who keep the flow safe and fun, backed by 4×4 vehicles following along the beach with gear, water, and rescue support. Radios and GPS ensure everyone stays connected, while your guides handle all the details — from safety briefings to daily logistics.
Behind the scenes, our logistics team coordinates transfers, accommodations, and meals, ensuring your only focus is on the ride. With Freeride Kitesurf, you’re not just following a route — you’re joining a crew that lives for wind, waves, and unforgettable sessions.
11 days (10 kiting days + 1 transfer day)
~200–250 km of wild downwind riding
Intermediate to Advanced
4x4 backup vehicle, experienced kite guides, full safety logistics
Authentic beach pousadas, 2+ nights in each stop
Flatwater lagoons, wave spots, remote fishing villages, consistent side-onshore wind
DAY 1
Arrive, meet the crew, and ease into the trip with your first warm-up session in Gostoso — a dreamy mix of small waves and smooth flat sections. Perfect for tuning your gear and shaking off the travel dust.
DAY 2
Spend the morning exploring more of Gostoso’s coastline, then ride your first short downwind run in the afternoon. Get a feel for the rhythm of the wind and the support team.
DAY 3
A second full day to enjoy São Miguel do Gostoso. We’ll kite at São Miguel’s main spot both at high and low tide to enjoy both waves and flat conditions. Push your skills to get ready for the following days or simply enjoy the beach culture and local food.
DAY 4
The real adventure kicks off. Ride past untouched stretches of coastline with reliable wind, wide beaches and breathtaking views. Arrive in the charming fishing village of Galinhos by kite.
DAY 5
Spend the day exploring Galinhos’ kite spots — river mouths, mellow waves, and glassy flat sections. A perfect mix of riding and relaxing.
DAY 6
A scenic ride with shifting terrain, remote landscapes, and open wind. This day gives you a real taste of what downwind travel is all about.
DAY 7
Praia da Soledade is one of those spots that you’ll never forget. Huge flat water playground with lagoons forming as the tide comes up, river mouths and a breathtaking scenery. Macau offers both cultural immersion and a solid session for those who still want more water time.
DAY 8
Today’s stretch is wild and beautiful — long sandy sections backed by cliffs and remote vibes. Ride with the group or at your own pace.
DAY 9
A solid day of riding across a dynamic stretch of coast. Keep your eyes peeled for dunes, sea birds, and the occasional dolphin.
DAY 10
Finish with a rewarding ride in Icapuí. Whether you're chasing one last flatwater blast or enjoying the surf, it’s the perfect way to close out the trip.
DAY 11
Transfer from Icapuí to either Natal or Fortaleza airport. Time to say goodbye — or continue your Brazil kite journey with a custom extension.
October to December
18–35 knots (95% probability)
Side-onshore to side-shore
Air 28–38°C / Water 26–28°C
Bring 2 kites (medium & small), 2 bars, 1–2 boards (twintip and/or surfboard), plus spares and repair kit. Strong sun protection (lycra, zinc, sunglasses) is a must.
Men – 8m & 11m; Women – 6m & 9m (depending on weight)
Intermediate/Advanced riders with no previous downwind experience requiredRiders comfortable with 3–4h sessionsAdventurous spirits looking for raw nature, culture, and connection
Each stop along the journey offers carefully selected pousadas — locally owned, beachside or close to the beach accommodations that provide comfort, character, and easy access to the water. These places are more than just somewhere to sleep; they’re part of the cultural experience, offering a taste of Brazil’s coastal hospitality. Meals are rooted in regional flavors, with daily breakfast included, and dietary preferences catered for when possible. Evenings bring a relaxed, social vibe where kiters can unwind, share stories, and recharge for the next day’s downwind ride.
We’ve got you covered. Our guides are always out there with you, riding just like part of the crew, while the support boat follows along in case anyone needs a break or a quick gear swap. Radios keep us connected, and every route is chosen to match the vibe and skill level of the group — so you’ll feel challenged in the best way, but never out of your depth.
It’s all about keeping things fun and stress-free. Knowing someone’s watching your back lets you push a little harder, go for that extra-long ride, or just relax and enjoy the endless wind. Think of it as kiting with a team of friends who know the coastline inside out — adventure first, but always with peace of mind.
It’s important to bring gear in excellent condition, as repairs along the way can be challenging. Two boards and up to four kites per rider are ideal, with a spare bar and extra set of lines as smart backups. Check your footstraps before the trip and pack replacements if possible. We’ll have some repair tools available, but not every brand or system can be supported. Since you’ll encounter both flat lagoons and wave spots, bringing a twin-tip and a surfboard will give you the best of both worlds. With warm water temperatures of 26–28°C, a wetsuit isn’t necessary — a long-sleeve lycra (provided) will protect you from the sun. Booties generally aren’t required, though less experienced riders may appreciate them in certain areas. And if your kite uses a unique valve system, don’t forget to pack your adapter.
We offer fully customizable kite safaris for groups of three or more. You can extend or shorten your stay, upgrade accommodations, or include extra stops along the route — our team will adapt the trip to match your vision. Experience the São Miguel do Gostoso to Icapuí downwinder your way, with the perfect balance of flexibility, comfort, and full support.
6m², 8m², 10m²
8m², 10m², 12m²
9m², 12m², 14m²
Waterproof sunblockSunglasses with leashSun hatHydration packLight reef booties (optional, useful for some launch/landing areas)
This 11-day kite safari includes 10 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, and complete downwind support both on land and in the water. Designed for groups of four sharing double rooms, you’ll stay in handpicked mid-to-superior level pousadas just steps from the sea. Want to upgrade your stay or add a few more days? We’re happy to customize the route to match your group’s travel plans.
Upgrades available on request
*Freeride Kitesurf reserves the right to adjust pricing based on significant fluctuations in the Brazilian Real (R$) against the Euro (€).
I just returned from the Classic Downwinder in Brazil. I am still buzzing with excitement. Garcia and his staff put together an 11/10 package. The support on and off the water, the knowledge of the spots and locations, the accommodations, the food...everything. It was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I got to kite endless amounts of waves and flat water, explore towns i never would have accessed on my own, and met with other surfers from around the world that i now call friends. Brazil has incredible culture, wind, and kite spots, and there is no better way to get so much in, so hassle free, than with Freeride Kitesurf. I will be back for the Wild North trip as soon as i can! Huge thanks to Garcia, Thales, George and Roberto. Selva!
J
I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an amazing kiteboarding experience! We just came back from the October Freeride Wind North Downwinder in Brazil - from Tatajuba to Atins - and it exceeded expectation in every way! Each peice of the experience was carefully thought out, from kite routes and spots to transportation to tides and even to where we would be on the full moon. The accommodations were way nicer than expected, the wind blew strong every day from 11 am to sunset, and the spots were breathtakingly beautiful. But most of all, what made the trip inceadible were our local guides. I highly recommend requesting Thalis as your local kite expert. He's an amazing kiter who knows the coast like the back of his hand while being one of the nicest and most helpful people I've ever met. And the trip wouldn't have been close to the same without our local car expert George Rasto. He's a jungle-trained, high-energy, off-roading guru with the skills to get you through those turbulent sand dunes and local restaurants alike while also being excellent company for a beer or cachaca after sunset. You guys both made me seriously question getting back on that flight to go home!
P
Had an amazing time on the Downwind Classic Express! Everything was really well organized, though the pre-trip info could have been a bit more timely. Once we got going, it was smooth sailing. The pousadas were great—clean, comfy, and good value for money, with solid breakfasts to fuel the day. The team did a great job and with two guides making sure everyone, no matter their level, had a blast. Outstanding, this would seriously have ruined some other trips! Shoutout to the drivers—fun, engaging, and safe behind the wheel and super careful with our gear. Plus, the group vibe was just awesome. I’ve done quite a few downwinders, and this one was definitely among the best-run. Highly recommend!
F
Absolutely amazing experience with Freeride Kitesurf! I’ve joined their trips both in Greece and for a downwinder adventure in Brazil, and I couldn’t recommend them more highly. Every detail was well organized and the vibe was always fun, supportive, and adventurous. Whether you are looking to progress fast or just want to enjoy beautiful spots with great people, this is the team to go with. I’ve made unforgettable memories, improved my skills, and met some fantastic fellow kiters. I can’t wait for my next session with Freeride!
E
Totally recommendable, they organized a spectacular kite trip for us, the whole team is spectacular, from the guides, the photographer, Garcia... spectacular team!!! We will definitely return
R
I have experienced both Brazil and Greece with Freeride Kitesurf, and am looking forward to a third in South Africa. They have been amazing at creating authentic experiences that build friendships and memories that are beyond compare. Even when things don’t go as planned, they respond quickly to get things back on track and end up better than originally expected. If your looking for an adventure of a lifetime, look no further!!
R
Subscribe to our newsletter 
Request information 
