Kite size chart for Ceará's wind.
Ceará's trade winds are strong and consistent, which simplifies packing — but strong wind also means the margin for choosing the wrong size gets punishing fast. Here's how to get it right.
The basic rule
Kite size is a balance of three things: wind speed, your body weight, and the kite's design — a freestyle kite and a wave kite of the same size don't generate identical power. As wind speed increases, you need less kite to generate the same pull. As your weight increases, you need more kite at any given wind speed to stay powered.
General kite size chart
By rider weight and wind speed. Approximate — actual sizing varies by kite brand, design, and riding style.
| Wind Speed | 60–70 kg rider | 70–85 kg rider | 85–100+ kg rider |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12–15 knots | 12–14m | 14–17m | 17m+ |
| 15–20 knots | 9–12m | 11–14m | 13–16m |
| 20–25 knots | 7–9m | 8–11m | 10–13m |
| 25–30 knots | 6–7m | 7–9m | 8–10m |
| 30+ knots | 5–6m | 6–7m | 7–8m |
Given typical conditions across the state's main spots — roughly 15 to 30 knots through the main season, with spots like Jericoacoara and Icaraí regularly pushing 25–30+ knots in peak months — most riders traveling here are best served by a two-kite quiver: a mid-size kite (9–12m depending on weight) for the more typical 18–24 knot days, and a smaller kite (6–9m) for stronger days or any afternoon session once the thermal wind builds. If you can only bring one, lean smaller rather than bigger — being underpowered is a far safer problem than being overpowered in 28-knot gusts.
Adjusting for spot and season
- Cumbuco and Taíba tend to run slightly lighter than the northern spots — a mid-size kite covers most sessions.
- Jericoacoara, Preá, and Icaraí de Amontada run stronger on average — pack smaller than you think you'll need.
- Rainy season (February–May) brings less consistent wind — a slightly bigger kite than your peak-season choice is a reasonable hedge.
Take AYON Wind with you.
Live wind, gusts, and direction for every spot in this guide — plus route intelligence for the downwinders. Built by riders who call this coast home.