ION CLUB SAL - Kitesurf, Windsurf, Wing Foil, Surf — Local services in Sal

End of April 2024 we went kite surfing at the Ion station on Praia de Santa Maria. The ladies Juliane and Didi, who run the station, are very kind, understanding and manage the station very well.

For kiting we went about 5 minutes to Kite Beach in a pickup truck. There is a beach club run by former kite world champion Mitu Monteiro with a bar, small restaurant that offers a terrace with wifi and a shop. We also saw the current WC Airdon training his jumps. 👌🤩

My companion was not a kiter and was able to wait for me in the shade on the terrace of the beach club. Showers in the club are only available for a fee.

We had minimum 20 knots of wind the whole week. My coach Marlin accompanied me the whole week. I was a wave newbie with VDWS Level 5 and Marlin introduced me to the waves very safely. How to get best into the sea against the waves, to water start, how to kite over the waves and how to ride upwind in the waves. He was always there to help me with the board and kite in the wind and waves. I felt very well looked after and safe. It was also very special and cool that he kited with me and took me beyond the beach waves out to the open sea and always helped me with my board when I lost it in the waves or when jumping. We were always connected via headsets and could talk to each other if I had any questions.

The second coach who was at the kite beach, Arden, was also always there when I needed support.

The entire team at the Ion Club is very helpful, service-oriented and always in best mood and very funny.

The equipment and the large selection of kite material are great! Boards are available in all sizes, including smaller ones for girls and they offer Duotone kites. The Ion Station itself offers super clean toilets and outdoor showers.

A big thank you to the whole team especially to my coach Marlin for this great kite week. We will definitely...

My experience at Ion Club could not have been worse. I am an experienced kite surfer and I had spent the last few months learning Wingfoil. As of my last lesson I was able to foil upwind and even do a few transitions. I was hoping my week in Sal would be a way to improve by Foiling every day. Instead, I was left to struggle downwind in a high swell on a board that was not suitable for learning. The board was really rough and badly burned my knees and feet. As a result I couldn't do anything after this first lesson. Yes, I could have been a better wingfoiler, but then what is the point of taking a lesson... The teacher could have done many things to help me (give me a wetsuit and booties to protect my legs, take me upwind with the boat). Instead he just kept foiling around me and didn't seem bothered that I was injured after.

The club has top of the line gear (Duotone) and has a good website and are responsive by email. This was the main reason I booked my lessons with them. I would strongly recommend going with a local club with local teachers that actually care about...

Super friendly team, great organisation & logistics by Juliane and excellent instructors (special thanks to Hamzer). We were three kiters with 3 different levels : complete beginner, intermediate & advanced. Wind each day around 17 to 21 knots and transport organised each day from Ion club to kite beach. Kite beach was superb if you like waves - was challenging for intermediate - learning new skills (ie waves) if you have only done flat - but even our beginner managed to get up an go in both directions after a few days lessons. The equipment at Ion is first class - all new duotone and most kites SLS. The advice and organisation is impeccable. Really had a fantastic week &...