Cumbuco's beach is one of the best kitesurfing spots in the Americas. The trade winds blow reliably from the east and northeast for most of the year, with the strongest and most consistent conditions from August to December, when 10–14m kites handle the conditions comfortably. The beach is long enough to accommodate beginners and experienced riders without crowding, and the water is warm (around 23°C) year-round.
The main kitezone is near the centre of the beach, in front of the main cluster of pousadas and kite schools. Several schools offer lessons for beginners — a three-day course is enough to get someone self-launching and riding downwind. Intermediate and advanced riders should consider the 6-kilometre downwinder to the Lagoa de Cauipe, which ends at a flat freshwater lagoon. The most experienced riders make the longer run to Paracuru, about 50 kilometres north, for wave riding on a reef break. Equipment rental and storage are widely available; the kite schools on the beach are well-organised and take safety seriously.