For Hendrick Lopes, Cape Verde is more than a kitesurfing paradise—it’s home. This season brought unexpected calm, offering time to reconnect with family, train his surf-loving dog Nalu, and inspire local kids to dream big. But when the waves returned, so did the action, transforming quiet days into unforgettable sessions - we’ve got it all, exclusively in IKSURFMAG!

This year, I arrived in Cape Verde earlier than usual, loaded with excitement. In the past, mid-October always marked the start of pumping waves and a winter full of action. But this season surprised me—calm seas and barely any wind stretched from mid-November to early January.

While the downtime allowed me to recover from travelling, train my new Australian shepherd, Nalu (who’s quickly becoming a little surf dog!), and spend quality time with my family, I couldn’t shake the itch to get back on the water. A highlight of this quiet period was a trip to Maio with my mom, Nalu, and the Monteiro family. Unlike the more touristy islands, Maio felt like the “real” Cape Verde—simple, joyful, and rooted in tradition. Our trip wasn’t just about exploring and inspiring local kids to try kitesurfing, showing them they don’t need to leave the islands to follow their dreams.

When the new year arrived, everything changed. The wind returned, the waves picked up, and my days transformed: kiting in the morning, surfing in the afternoon—a dream life!

One night, Mitu called me, buzzing with excitement. “It’s going to be huge tomorrow. Let’s hit this spot at sunrise,” he said. That energy was contagious, and I didn’t need any convincing!

At dawn, we arrived at the spot. The wind was light, and the waves looked flat—not the barreling perfection we’d hoped for. Still, after some hesitation, we decided to go for it.

We started at a trickier, shallow section upwind from the main peak. It wasn’t ideal for barrels, but the conditions were perfect for warming up with some fun airs. It was a challenging spot; the light wind made it hard to keep up with the waves, and the shallow water was intimidating—I realised just how shallow it was after getting washed up the first time. But pushing through the challenge made it all the more rewarding.

Eventually, we moved down to the main peak, where the waves were massive. While they weren’t barreling much, they offered long, open faces perfect for carving. Mitu and I traded waves, shouting stoke at each other and soaking in the adrenaline. Sessions like these, where the ocean’s power feels humbling and exciting, are why I ride.

Another memorable session happened on a day that didn’t seem promising. I was at Ponta Preta with Airton, who had just arrived from Spain and was eager to kite despite the light and shifting winds. Mitu suggested returning to the barreling spot, and I didn’t hesitate.

When we arrived, the waves were smaller and less impressive. Still, we decided to pump up and give it a go. As the tide changed, the spot came alive—perfect barrels rolled in, and it was just Mitu, Capucine, and me out there.

We shared wave after wave, laughing and pushing each other to go bigger. I told Capucine about a past session where I snapped my harness on a barrel and got dragged underwater. Her worried face quickly turned to stoke as she joined us, throwing big turns and having a blast. To top it off, we spotted one of the largest turtles I’ve ever seen—a surreal addition to an already unforgettable session! 

Cape Verde has always held a special place in my heart—a mix of powerful waves, tranquil moments, and lasting memories. This year, the contrast between calm and action, hesitation and reward, made the experience even more meaningful.

Sessions like these remind me why I love what I do. It’s about more than the thrill of riding; it’s about pushing limits, chasing perfection, and sharing incredible moments with friends in places that feel like home.

 

By Hendrick Lopes

Comments