Kitesurfing provides an unrivalled adrenaline rush, whether you're surfing through crystal clear waters or executing gravity-defying feats along the pier. It's a passionate union of wind and water that gives individuals an indescribable sense of freedom.
If you've ever kitesurfed in any kitesurfing places and spots worldwide, you're aware of how the sport promotes inherent qualities such as minimalism, patience, and balance. Lagoons and flatwater kite sites would undoubtedly be your favorites. They do, after all, provide regular winds and smooth water, making them popular kitesurfing destinations..
This guide will assist you in deciding on your next flatwater kite location because we've selected the best kitesurfing spots in the world. Meanwhile, if you're a newbie, you might be curious about the best places to practice.
Before we get into the details of the list, let's take a look at why flatwater locations are regarded as some of the top kite locations in the world.
For individuals who are just learning to kitesurf, the lack of waves in flat water is quite beneficial, especially during the waterstart. There are no storms or strong currents to throw you off balance. If you're learning to kite, we suggest picking a flatwater spot over a wave spot because a flatwater location makes things easier when it comes to handling the kite and staying balanced on the water.
People who are highly accomplished, on the other hand, will find flatwater areas to be ideal locations for honing their skills. All of this isn't to argue that wave places are necessarily worse than flatwater spots. When it comes to kitesurfing, everyone has their own tastes. Wave locations, on the other hand, are just not for you if you are a newbie to the spot or want to learn new tricks.
So, what defines the ideal flatwater kite destination? The top flatwater kitesurfing spots in the world, in our opinion, are those that provide everything for everyone. From the novice who is studying to the expert who is proudly exhibiting his noseslide, there is something for everyone. Normally, the perfect flatwater destination combines a scenic, postcard-worthy setting, dreamy pristine beaches, flat and shallow water, nice weather, and excellent wind conditions
In actuality, finding all of the advantages mentioned in one package is quite impossible. Every flatwater kiteboarding place offers slightly distinct circumstances, yet we consider all of the spots below to be among the greatest in the world when it comes to flatwater kiteboarding.
Kitesurfing conditions that are suitable for learning are exceptions to the general rule. However, some spots are still better than others, and I appreciate how difficult it may be for a novice to find a kite spot. This post is intended to assist you!
However, if you have no prior knowledge about kitesurfing, you should educate yourself on Wiki before reading this.
If I had to describe the ideal location to start (and practice) kitesurfing, it would be a lagoon with flat, waist-high water and a sandy base (even mud to absorb impacts, why not!) and free of any obstacles such as rocks, corals, tree trunks, poles, pylons, sea urchins, or anything else. The shore would be a lovely open spot with no barriers and plenty of space to set up and pick up your kite; perhaps grass to avoid taking sand home at the end of the day. Winds blowing from the sea, transversely to the beach, at 14 to 20 knots (side-on).
Even though places like these exist, it is extremely rare that all of the above criteria are met. At least one of the following will usually be absent: harmful obstructions on the beach or on the seabed, deep water or chop, tides, unpredictable or gusty wind, too strong or too mild wind. Even if you discover a location that meets all of the above criteria, there is one issue that you'll never be able to overcome: overcrowding. While kitesurfing is not soccer, it has grown in popularity and "coolness," and in a location that meets all of the above criteria, expect to see at least twenty people, even on the most secluded atolls. Give it a go!
Avoid looking at pamphlets, websites for tour companies and surf schools, promotional movies, and other marketing materials. They aren't going to be objective.
Investigate the situation thoroughly.
Take a look at the web forums and communities on Kiters are pleasant and eager to assist; you'll always find someone willing to answer your inquiries and offer advice.
Do not rely on "hearsay," but rather on first-hand experiences. Sites that aren't specialised should be avoided.
Each kiteboarding location has its own set of conditions. For novices, some settings appear to be simpler than others, but all conditions provide an opportunity to acquire and practice vital abilities.
Keep in mind that to be a fully independent kiter, you must be able to kite and feel comfortable in various situations. Kiteboarding takes place in various incredible locations worldwide, and you'll want to be prepared to kite in each of them!
Wave Spots vs. Flat Water Learning
For novices who are hesitant to learn kitesurfing in the ocean, the best flatwater kite spots in the world are ideal. The regularity and tranquility of flat water might make you feel more at ease when learning to kite.
A beginner can learn to kitesurf in a more controlled "building block" way without the distraction of crashing waves, focusing first on kite fundamentals, then body dragging, board skills, and board recovery. Once you've acquired those crucial skills, putting them together in flat water is quite simple. Beginners can have a similar learning experience in small choppy water.
Beginners will find that learning in wavy places is more difficult. Although the ocean is more turbulent than flat water, taking kitesurfing classes in waves is an excellent way to acquire important kitesurfing skills, such as body dragging and board recovery. These are two of the most crucial skills for beginners, who frequently become separated from their board. It's impossible to kite if you can't recover your board.
Learning to read the waves is a skill that can only be acquired in the water, and many novice kitesurfers have never surfed before. When a beginner learns to read the waves, they can anticipate the best time to take action in the water, such as a water start in the smooth area between waves.
Deep water and shallow water, like flat water and waves, can be very different. Shallow water can help the novice to stand and feel more "grounded" when acquiring kite control skills, but deep water allows the beginner to practice body dragging and board recovery.
Kitesurfers must acquire fundamental kite control abilities such as maintaining the kite low to pull themselves through when body dragging in waves. Body dragging, kiting upwind, and eventually jumping all require a good understanding of how to position your kite in the sky.
In order to maintain constant communication with pupils during courses in both deep and shallow water, several schools now offer jetski help, boat support, or two-way radio devices. This allows instructors to provide instant feedback to pupils, which helps most novices learn faster.
For novices starting to kitesurf, strong (high) and light (low) winds have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
You may learn on a smaller kite that is lighter and moves faster. This is particularly useful for smaller learners.
In high winds, learning to water-start is easier since the wind assists you in getting out of the water.
High winds have the potential to make everything happen faster, which could be advantageous for learning how to water-start. However, if you're nervous about learning to kitesurf, heavy winds may exacerbate your anxiety. It's important to learn from a qualified IKO instructor in a safety-focused environment to help ease your fears and build confidence.
Advantage: Every kitesurfer needs to know how to kite in low winds. Consider yourself kiting in severe gusts when the wind suddenly goes down. You may find yourself in a self-rescue situation if you don't have light wind kite skills.
Low wind conditions necessitate larger kites, which are slower and heavy than smaller kites. You still acquire light wind abilities and how to operate a larger kite (which is crucial), but a large kite may be difficult for smaller kiters to control.
The factors mentioned below are not strictly related to water or wind conditions, but they are vital aspects of your overall introduction to this incredible sport and its community!
You'll feel more at ease if you can learn to kitesurf in the summer. Beginners spend a lot of time in the water, so learning in water that isn't too cold is good. Warmer water will make the procedure a little easier, whether you take lessons in the Caribbean or learn at a local site in the spring or summer.
If you're going to learn to kite, choose a "destination" area such as Cabarete, Dakhla, or Cape Hatteras where you can meet a lot of other kiters. You can learn a lot by observing other kiters on the water, getting helpful advice, discovering great kiting spots, and hearing inspiring stories. Above all, you can meet new people from all over the world.
If you're taking classes while on the road, try to learn in a location that's similar to your home. It's beneficial to master specific skills that you can apply at home.
If you're taking lessons at a local beach, be friendly. Sit, observe, and follow the local etiquette.
We've compiled a list of the best flatwater kite locations in the world right here! We hope this guide will assist you in selecting your next flatwater kite destination.
When it comes to flat-water kitesurfing, Vella Island is the queen of the crown! It has strong and persistent winds (between 20 and 30 knots depending on the day) from May to September, and lighter winds (between 14 and 20 knots) from January to March. Vella Island is located on Sri Lanka's northwest coast and contains a large amount of flat water. You may enjoy the freedom of being in the middle of nowhere while enjoying the most steady breeze you've ever experienced. Have you heard about Sri Lanka's renowned champions in kiting, such as Mikaili Sol? This is, without a doubt, the correct location. And this is due to the fact that Vella Island never fails to wow.
To reach Vella Island, which is the Queen of the Crown when it comes to flat-water kitesurfing, you will need to take a boat via Kalpitiya, another fantastic flatwater site. Kalpitiya, situated on the vast Indian Ocean, is actually one of Asia's most exotic and affordable kitesurfing spots. It's known for its shallow, flat lagoon, which is ideal for beginners. The Kalpitiya lagoon is considered the best site for beginners in Asia, while Vella Island is the best spot for experienced riders worldwide. Apart from Vella Island and Kalpitiya lagoon, there are several other great kite sites in Sri Lanka that you should consider visiting.
La Ventana, located 40 minutes southeast of La Paz, is a fishing hamlet with breathtaking views of the harbor, Isla Cerralvo, and a diverse range of vegetation that contrasts with the sea's blue. Snorkeling, kayaking, diving, paddleboarding, and fishing are all possible year-round due to the transparency and tranquility of the waters.
When winter arrives in November and December, the serenity of La Ventana transforms into a party of kitesurfers, mostly from the United States and Canada, who flock to this part of Baja California Sur to compete in international competitions and kitesurfing exhibitions, such as the La Ventana Classic. This is why Discovery Channel ranked it number one in the world among "The World's Top 10 Kiteboarding Spots." Despite the increased number of visitors during the winter, there is plenty of space on the water to ride, and the atmosphere is still friendly and laid-back.
Essaouira, sometimes known as the "Wind City of Africa," is located on Morocco's northwest coast. Despite the strong summer breezes that detour thousands of tourists travelling down the coast, Essaouira is rich in heritage and culture. It has become a popular kiteboarding destination due to its high winds and a variety of conditions ranging from flat water to waves, all just a few hours' flight from Europe. The medina, with local stores, hotels, and restaurants, is about a 10-minute walking distance from the kite beach, making everything easily accessible without a car.
Maui is commonly referred to as the windsurfing capital of the world and has been named the best island in the world. It's a place where people who enjoy wind and water sports can put their skills to the test. It is also one of the first kiteboarding locations. In September 1996, Marcus "Flash" Austin won the world's first kiteboarding competition, which took place in Maui. Any international visitor will be impressed with Hawaii's second-largest island. Maui is surrounded by nature, yet it also has a laid-back vibe and a vibrant culture.
Maui is the Mecca of water sports from a climate perspective. Over 30 miles of white, black, and red sand beaches stretch along the island's 120-mile shoreline. Warm sea water, trade winds, and occasional cold fronts characterize "The Valley Isle" weather throughout the year.
Tarifa is well-known in the kitesurfing community, perhaps most for its strong winds, which have been known to send some slightly insane, overpowered riders soaring over the Balneario pier. However, Tarifa has excellent wind conditions for riders of all levels, so it's not all high-octane shenanigans.
Mui Ne was first discovered by the windsurfing community some 20 years ago, but due to the incredibly rapid growth of the sport of kiteboarding (and its members' insatiable desire to travel the globe in search of wind), Mui Ne swiftly became one of Asia's finest kiteboarding destinations.
Not only has it been regarded as Vietnam's number one kitesurfing site for more than a decade, but there are a slew of other reasons for its illustrious reputation.
Cumbuco has an ideal climate for kitesurfers with water temperatures around 26°C and air temperatures around 28°C, making it a kitesurfer's paradise. The warm water in Brazil is usually flat, and there is no need for a wetsuit. The conditions on Cumbuco Beach are perfect for learning, refining, and performing big freestyle tricks. There is a small shore dump wave and only a medium swell.
You can kitesurf downwind from Cumbuco to the 5km distance Lagoa Cauipe. This is a great downwinder, and then you can play in the lagoon, which is completely flat and knee- to waist-high. We will then arrange a buggy ride back to the beach.
The kitesurfing site of Playa de Sotavento is located in the southeast of Fuerteventura, near Costa Calma. It is suitable for individuals of all levels and has a vast area for kitesurfing. Playa de Sotavento is one of Fuerteventura's most popular kitesurfing destinations, thanks to the ideal wind conditions on the beach and the facilities and services provided for kitesurfers, such as equipment rental and purchase.
"This location is well-known for hosting the PWA (Professional Windsurfing Association) Kitesurfing & Windsurfing World Cup every year. During the spring and summer, the strongest and most consistent winds on Sotavento beach can reach speeds of over 50 knots in a northeasterly direction.
In Cape Verde, the island of Sal is the most popular tourism and kitesurfing destination. It's roughly a 6-hour flight from most major European cities and almost guarantees strong and persistent winds from late October to early April!
Even if it's not too cold, remember to pack your long wetsuit; staying warm on the water is always preferable. The air temperature is a lovely 20°C during the day and a light jacket is necessary at night, so you won't need much more than a sweater during the day and a light jacket at night.
All around the world, there are fantastic kitesurfing locations. We've shown you some of the world's best and affordable kitesurfing destinations, but you may have your own favorites.
We can all agree that no single area is superior to others 100 percent of the time. Some offer the best surfing waves, while others have crystal-clear waters and regular winds. While certain kite spots across the world offer a party atmosphere and positive vibes, others are quiet, uncrowded, and relatively unknown.