Does wind, waves or wildlife have the biggest impact on a world-class session? We spoke to the 6x world champion, Airton Cozzolino, to answer the ultimate question. Where are the best spots in the world?
In the world of kitesurfing Airton Cozzolino doesn't need any introduction. With six world titles under his belt, and very little left to prove, Airton is now laser focused on simply making the most of everyday on the water. Whether that's at home in Cape Verde or in an exotic corner of the Pacific, if the wind is strong and the waves are pumping it's going to be a very good day. We asked Airton to take a trip down memory lane and reminiscence on his top 10 spots. Read on to hear how wipeouts, sharks and Italian cuisine make for memorable kiting.
Save these for your next holiday on the water.
No 10. Ponta Preta, Cape Verde
"Ponta Preta has given me some of the best sessions of my life, but also one of the scariest moments I've ever experienced. After a wipeout, my legs got tangled in my kite lines, and I couldn't free myself. The kite was pulling me one way while the lines were pulling me the other. Luckily, someone reached me with a kite knife and cut the lines. Without him, I honestly don't know if I'd be here today. Ever since then, I've had even more respect for that spot. It's an incredible place, but it reminds you that the ocean is always stronger than you."
No 9. Mauritius
"Mauritius is pure magic for me. It's where I won my first international competition, which already makes it unforgettable. Another memory is from a photo shoot, where I surfed what I still think was the best barrel of my life... and during that wave, I lost my camera. I never saw it again! Winning my first event and getting the wave of my life all in the same place makes Mauritius special."
No 8. Palmeira, Cape Verde
"Palmeira isn't just about the waves, it's about everything that comes after. Some of the freshest fish you'll ever eat comes straight into the harbour. I remember finishing a session with friends and sitting down to an enormous plate of fresh fish. After a long day on the water, it honestly doesn't get much better than that. Those simple moments are what make a place unforgettable."
No 7. Kite Beach, Sal, Cape Verde
"Whenever I'm back in Sal, I always know I can find some playful waves or just enough wind for a good session at Kite Beach. It's where I can ride without any pressure, catch up with friends, and simply enjoy being on the water.
But I remember one session when I looked out and saw whales passing by while I was kiting. Another day, there were loads of squid in the water, and later they washed up near Santa Maria. People came down to the beach to collect them to eat. Moments like those are the ones that make me never get tired of spending time in the water."
No 6. Dakhla, Morocco
"Dakhla will always have a special place in my heart because it was where I competed in my first ever international event back in 2010. Looking back now, it's crazy how much time has passed. Morocco has so many incredible spots both for surfing and kitesurfing, so picking a faourite one is near impossible."
No 5. Parda, Cape Verde
"Parda is one of those places that makes you feel completely alive because you're sharing the lineup with sharks. One day, a shark swam right underneath me, close enough that I could clearly see it through the water. It was both amazing and intimidating at the same time. But yeah, we're only visitors in their home."
No 4. Tarifa, Spain
"Tarifa is where I landed many of my first tricks. There's something about the energy there that always inspires me to try new things and push my riding. Every time I go back, I feel that same excitement I had when I was first learning and progressing."
No 3. Beach Break PP, Cape Verde
"Beach Break PP is where some of the funniest memories happen. I remember one day a friend got caught inside, and a huge barrel exploded on the shore. The wave literally rolled him up across the sand. We couldn't stop laughing. The wipeouts there make the best stories!"
No 2. Ericeira, Portugal
"One of my favourite memories from Ericeira happened on a day when nobody expected much. The forecast was bad, the wind was completely onshore, and the waves were messy. Most people would have skipped the session, but I decided to go out anyway... Out of nowhere, I got one of the best barrels I've ever had there. It felt like a little gift from Mother Nature."
No 1. My "Secret Spot", Cape Verde
"You'll have forgive me for keeping my favourite home locations on Cape Verde to myself. One day here I was out riding perfect waves while, at the same time, my family was collecting sea urchins on the rocks. Later that evening, we cooked them into an Italian pasta recipe back at home. That is the best combo: an incredible session and special times with great food and family."
Want more inspiration from some of the best athletes in the world? Click here for for more stories, tips and inspiration from outdoors across the community. And when you're ready to gear up, find the perfect SunGods for your next trip to the water here — designed for high-clarity of the oceans, waves and sunsets.
