The North West coastline offers amazing kiteboarding locations, ranging from sandy flat water bays to epic point breaks and reef breaks. However, due to the vastness of the Australian landscape, the sparsely populated North West coastline can be daunting for unequipped travellers. As a result many of these visitors never get out of the busy metropolitan areas to experience the true magic of our amazing coastline.

This is a ‘must kite’ short list of locations to visit between Perth and Exmouth, Western Australia. Whether you decide to go it alone, or join a kite safari, these are the places to hit up. We guarantee that you will be dreaming about these beautiful, pristine, isolated, and epically windy kitesurfing locations for years to come.

Lancelin

Now home to the International Oceanic Classic, Lancelin is a small crayfishing village that combines flat water bay riding and an outer reef break for wave junkies. There is a great downwinder between Lancelin and Wedge Island, which is 20 km in length. The tiny town has a great little pub to wind down at after an afternoon session.

Dongara

Dongara, is known as the rock lobster capital of Australia and home to the ‘leaning trees’. Most of them grow at 45 degrees due to the consistent strong winds.

This quaint little town comes alive in the summer months for the annual kite stock festival. The strong cross shore winds and rolling waves make this area perfect for downwinders, or head out to the Irwin river mouth for some flat water fun.

Coronation Beach

Coronation Beach, located just north of Geraldton is said to be one of Australia’s most attractive beaches and one of the finest kitesurfing locations in the world. “Coros” as it is known, gets you back to basics. You will need to bring enough food and water for your stay – and believe us you will want to stay!

The outer reef and headland create a protected flat water bay perfect for freestyle riding, or if you prefer a wave, head to the reef break on the outer edge. As the wind swings a little more offshore in the late afternoon this spot provides you with some truly unforgettable wave riding.

Quobba Point

Quobba Point, is off the beaten track, located 60 km off the main highway down unpaved and sometimes corrugated roads. It’s a bit of a hike, but it is worth the effort. It is located within a working station, so driving slowly to avoid cows and goats as well as native kangaroos and echidnas is essential.

Arrive to the sight of majestic whales breaching on the horizon past the outer break, and a small encampment of shacks, dating back to the times where you could stake your claim and build your home in the wild unclaimed outback.

This area is special for a number of reasons… kite at high tide over the reef to see manta rays and turtles beneath your feet, or head to the other side of the bay to the point break. Just down the road is Gnarloo, known for its pumping wind and point break perfection. This spot is not for the inexperienced wave rider.

Carnarvon Gascoyne River

If you’re not interested in roughing it out in the bush at Quobba, the Carnarvon Gascoyne River is an amazing flat water kitesurfing spot. Situated right next to the small town of Carnarvon you can head back to your hotel and to the pub for a meal after your kite session.

Shark Bay Peninsular

Shark Bay Peninsular, despite its name, is home to some great kitesurfing locations. There are multiple lagoons, including Big and Little Lagoon located close to the town of Denham which are great flat water spots. Explore the Useless Loop Road to find other lagoons, including Tamala Station. If you are an experienced wave rider there are some great wave breaks along this road to check out.

Sandy Bay and Graveyards Beaches

Sandy Bay and Graveyards beaches sit within the Cape Range National Park and the Ningaloo Marine Park, about 60 km from the town of Exmouth. These beaches are two of our favourite kitesurfing locations; they sit within a 50 km stretch of pristine coastline, white sandy beaches framed by rugged limestone ranges, and breathtaking canyons, home to multitudes of Australian kangaroos, echidnas and other wildlife.

Picture sparkling turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, strong cross-onshore winds and kiting perfection. You won’t believe the photos haven’t been photo-shopped. Sandy Bay is a perfect flat (unimaginatively titled) sandy bay. Graveyards is a famous local surf spot, perfect for beginners to try their hand at wave riding close to shore, or for the more experienced wave rider with larger fish to fry you can head out to the back of the beach to catch the big stuff.

Other Activities

These locations typically hear the wind god’s call around mid-day and there are a multitude of other activities available if the feeling takes you. The Ningaloo Marine Park is famous world-wide as Australia’s largest fringing reef. Step off the white sandy beaches and into a wonderland of incredible diversity. Stand up paddle boarding, surfing, snorkelling and fishing are all possible at these locations or alternatively go for a trek through the gorges or up the local beaches to see the sights should the wind gods take an unscheduled hiatus.

How to Get There

Perth has a large international airport and there are many flight options from the United States, Europe, UK and Middle East.

Carriers include Virgin, Delta, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Qatar and Emirates airways.

To find the cheapest and quickest flights from your destination consider using a flight search engine such as www.momondo.com.au or www.cheapoair.com.

Kite Safari

A great way to experience the best kitesurfing that Western Australia has to offer is to join a kite safari.

Adventure Kiting WA is a kite safari company based out of Perth, owned by kite enthusiasts Brian and Martina Manning. They created this gem in order to share their passion for kite surfing and local knowledge with other kitesurfers.

They take care of everything so all you have to worry about is which rad new move you will try each day. The tours offer a fun, social atmosphere to kite and explore Western Australia, with all camping equipment and meals provided.

After a big day on the water relax around the campsite surrounded by nature, exchange the days kiting tales with your new kiting buddies and enjoy a beer with some typical Australian cuisine.

If you are interested in finding out about more about travel to Western Australia and the kite safari’s offered by Adventure Kiting WA, visit www.adventurekitingwa.com.au, or contact Brian and Martina at adventurekitingwa@gmail.com and 0433 803 277.

Car Hire

If you prefer to adventure alone there are multiple car hire options on arrival in Perth and in the city surrounds. If hiring a car pay attention to driving kilometres included and restrictions for driving on corrugated roads. Note in some parts of Western Australia it is necessary to bring additional fuel supplies as there are long distances between roadhouses. Wicked campers provide a range of camper options from budget to premium, with 4wd options also available.

Lancelin: If you want to know more about what Lancelin has to offer for kiteboarders, travel blogger, Kelly Wetherington has a great write up on her experiences learning to kitesurf there, and why a one week stopover turned into a 2.5 month extended stay. I think that says it all…

Have you kitesurfed on the North West Coast of Australia? Tell us all about it in the comments below, and let us know your favourite spots…

Images courtesy of Martina Manning, Matt Stevens (Swagman Photography), John Sullivan and Shaun Hutton.

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Western Australia: Kitesurfing the Wild Wild West was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

Editor’s note: To avoid confusion, this is NOT a ranked list of the top 5 kiteboarding destinations in the world, but rather a list of top destinations we think you should experience. There are of course many other great spots; however it is virtually impossible to create a ranked list of the top 5 kite spots, because everyone will have varying opinions on what makes a spot great. It is also virtually impossible for one rider to have kited at every single kite spot around the world. If you know of a spot that should be on this list, tell us about it in the comments below, and we’ll include it in our reader’s choice post in the near future.

1. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

While North Carolina is neither the most exotic nor warmest place in the world year-round, it’s hard to beat this location in the summer months, especially if you live in the United States. And for those who live on the East Coast, Cape Hatteras is just an easy drive or quick flight away to find yourself on its beautiful beaches dotted with blowing coastal grasses! Kitesurfers love it for its generous open space and perfectly consistent summer winds, as well as the fact that they have access to both the shallower sound side and wide open ocean side with plenty of rolling waves. Plus all travelers alike can appreciate the area’s quaint charm, fresh seafood and serene surroundings.

2. La Ventana, Baja California

On the other side of the country and across the border to Mexico you’ll find La Ventana in Baja California. Kiteboarders flock to this breathtaking coastal town for its beauty as well as its pristine kiteboarding conditions, thanks to its steady winter winds and large L-shaped beach. The conditions are perfect for both beginners as well as more advanced kitesurfers looking to practice their skills. Known to locals as the Sea of Cortez, UNESCO declared the sparkling waters a World Heritage Site for its abundance of sea life and natural beauty. Warm, sunny days will lend the perfect backdrop for kitesurfing here, plus you can look forward to awesome Cali-Mex cuisine when you need a break from the water.

3. Maui, Hawaii

There’s no doubt about it–Maui, Hawaii is truly a tropical paradise, but it’s also one of the most incredible kitesurfing spots in the world. Maui has steady trade winds year-round, but you’ll find that the strongest winds are in the spring and summer; and for those who are seeking out monstrous waves, winter is definitely the time to go. Maui offers a lot of space to kitesurf, as surfers, snorkelers and those simply looking to spend the day lounging often flock to different beaches that are better-suited to their needs. The island is warm throughout the year and it’s perfect for both beginners and those with a more advanced skill-set. Plus when you’re not concentrating on the surf, you can enjoy the lush greenery, tropical flowers, incredible sunsets and laidback Maui vibe.

As testament to the quality of kitesurfing on Maui, particularly for wave riding, MAUI was chosen as one of the stops on the KSP World Pro tour two years in a row. Here’s what went down at the Kite Surf Pro Hawaii, along with great images and videos.

4. Boracay, Philippines

Located in Southeast Asia, Boracay is known for its stunning white sandy beaches, and it has become one of the most popular travel destinations amongst tourists. And as an added bonus, it offers some of the best kitesurfing in Southeast Asia! On one side there are a ton of beach-front luxury accommodations perfect for lounging, while the other windier side is ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The windy season is during the dry, winter months, making Boracay perfect for kitesurfers who are looking to escape the bitter chill of winter. In addition to the kitesurfing, Boracay boasts tropical scenery, friendly natives and great nightlife making it the perfect spot for both families and kiteboarders alike.

5. Nabq, Egypt

Situated on the southeastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula in between Dahab and Sharm-el-Sheikh, Nabq, Egypt is by far one of the most exotic kitesurfing locations in the world. The Gulf of Aqaba provides the area with smooth and steady winds while the desert-like beach town provides a beautiful backdrop. The Red Sea is crystal clear and relatively smooth depending where you go, while the weather is great year-round. You won’t have to travel far to find glamorous chic resorts or basic backpacker accommodations, allowing you to lodge wherever you (and your budget) are most comfortable.

Like traveling, kitesurfing is all about adventure, and in addition to these spots, there are so many more to see. Start planning your travels and see where the wind takes you!

Editor’s note: We think Cape Town, South Africa should also be mentioned as one of the top kitesurfing destinations everyone should experience, although we might be a bit biased…

What’s your favorite kitesurfing spot and why do you love it? Let us know in the comments below…

Update: We’ve had a lot of suggestions for top kiteboarding destinations from our readers via our social channels, so we’re planning on doing a follow up article that includes all the suggestions from you guys. So please post a comment below of your favourite spot and what you like about it, and we’ll include it our future post.

Image 1 (Maui, Hawaii) by Richard Hallman courtesy of the KSP World Pro Tour
Image 2 (La Ventana, Baja California) by Raúl Amador Geraldo
Image 3 (Maui, Hawaii) courtesy of the KSP World Pro Tour
Image 5 (Nabq, Egypt) courtesy of High Tech Kite Travel

About the author: Susan is a blogger for InStyleSwimwear.com, an online swimwear retailer based out of Philadelphia. To read more of Susan’s articles or to catch up on the latest news, styles and trends in the swimwear industry, check out their swimwear blog today.

5 Top Kitesurfing Destinations You Must Experience was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

Essaouira

Essaouira gets its name from the ancient fortification, built by the Portuguese king D. Manuel I, that is still standing and provides an excellent backdrop whilst you’re charging the waves. The Berber translation means ‘the wall’ in celebration of the fortification. It also goes by a different name – its Portuguese name of Mogador; just in case you hear people using that name.

Mogador is actually a small island visible from the coast of Essaouira, although to visit you would need official authorization as it is a designated natural reserve.

The island is actually influential in protecting the bay of Essaouira from strong marine winds, but does help create some great waves.

The fishing trade is still rife in the area – although it has suffered due to the growth of the more recognised, bigger Agadir. That doesn’t mean the quality of fish has been compromised in any way, and you’ll often find queues of locals waiting for the fresh catch of the day.

The plethora of small fishing boats mean the immediate harbour isn’t ideal for kitesurfing but there are plenty of other great Kite spots!

Kitesurfing in and around Essaouira

Because Essaouira juts out into the sea, winds regularly hit the low to mid-twenties in terms of knots. It is usually through the morning and the early afternoon that these winds are at their strongest. The windfinder site is well worth checking out before your visit to get an idea of the kind of wind and wave sizes to expect.

In terms of weather and when is best to visit, because the city sits on the north-west of Africa, it enjoys a warm climate. This means that you will probably be able to enjoy warm sunshine, whenever you visit. Alas, July, August and September are the warmest months, with temperatures reaching up to 30oC.

Whilst July will be a great time to go for heat, it is one of three months that are considered the area’s dry season. July is the windiest month according to averages, with more wind days in the month than any other. This will make it the best time for more experienced kitesurfers and water sport enthusiasts. August and September aren’t far behind so these might be better for those less experienced.

It is not just around the immediate area that great kitesurfing and water sports are available though. Peppered along the coast are a number of little beaches and coves that enjoy good waves and swell.

This choice of beaches is a key reason for Essaouira’s continued popularity. All water sports are catered for by a range of different companies and schools, and all levels of ability are welcomed – it is fair to say there is a spot for everyone.

Kitesurfing Spots

There are some really good spots in the vicinity of Essaouira and a little further out. Explora Morocco, who have centres based in Essaouira and at the other popular Kitesurfing location of Dakha, regularly put on trips to the nearby Sidi Kaouki and the brilliantly named The Cave. They also arrange for visits to Imessouane and Safi, which are both a bit further out but worth the visit. Visit Explora Morocco’s website for further details.

Sidi Kaouki

The small town of Sidi Kaouki is often a great place for experienced water sport enthusiasts. The combination of beaches, weather and clear waters, often leads to people saying this is as perfect as it gets for water sports. The waves are long and it is at its best when the wind is light and the tide is up.

It has a reputation for being windy – there is even a hotel called the Windy Kaouki Residence– so those at a beginner level might find this particular beach a little too challenging. It also has some great cafes and souks and you have to pay a visit to the Jimi Hendrix Café.

The Cave

In between Essaouira and Sidi is The Cave. It sounds magnificent and the waves are. It is thought the waves here are the biggest in the area – so be prepared to tackle some serious swell. It’s a quiet spot that is a little hard to reach so it might be worth speaking to someone at a water sports school on how to get there.

Imessouane

This is 100km south of Essaouira but for a beach that offers conditions for all levels of ability, this is perfect. There are two parts, the Cathedral, which enjoys bigger waves and the Bay, which offers conditions better suited to beginners. The latter is usually always popular so it’s worth getting down there early.

Safi

Safi is located on the other side of Essaouira and like Imessouane, there are two spots. It is quite a rocky beach so you should kitesurf or surf here with a little caution. The first swings to the left and breaks in front of an abandoned factory. The second is the main beach.

How to Get to Essaouira

Getting to Essaouira is quite straight forward. There are regular flights from the UK to Marrakech and they start from £60 return according to Skyscanner.

Easyjet, British Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Iberia and a few others fly directly. From Marakech, Essaouira is a two hour drive. Private hire taxis are available and there is a really good coach service.

Alternatively, you can fly to Agadir. Prices to Agadir start from £79, again according to Skyscanner. Easyjet fly direct. It is also roughly two hours to Essaouira with the same transport options available.

Accommodation

There is plenty of choice. From Riads – which are traditional Moroccan houses with an internal garden area or courtyard – and luxury hotels to small hotels and apartments.

Riads are a great way to absorb a bit of the local culture and there is a good choice at very reasonable prices. Maison Du Sud is a particularly nice riad that offers luxury yet traditional Moroccan accommodation with single rooms available from £25 a night.

Apartments offer space to unwind in and they are ideal for storing all of your stuff. Dar Ettouahen is one such apartment that is perfect for people going away in a group, a family or even a couple. It is centrally located and only seven minutes from the beach.

What else is there to do?

Well Essaouira is something of a magnet for the creative-minded. Since the eighteenth century poets, actors, artists, musicians and hippies have graced the crammed streets that are lined with local pottery and handicrafts.

In fact there is a vibrant hippy scene that thrives in the area. To this effect you will find plenty of cafes like the popular Triskara Café that welcome and actually encourage a more laid-back lifestyle. Whilst wandering around it is very hard to miss the air of culture.

The Medina (pictured in the above image) is another popular source of entertainment. This offers a real throw back to traditional Morocco; bustling souks, lots of noises, smells, colours. It can be a bit hectic but it is full of bargains.

If ever you get bored of water sports (unlikely but you never know) there are more sedate sports to play. Despite the rocky exterior of the place, there is a lush golf course that is worth a visit.

Cuisine

When it comes to food, it will probably come as no surprise that fish features prominently. Given that fresh fish is caught daily, most of the restaurants make the most of this. The fish stalls are also really popular places to eat and are along the seafront on the way to the harbour.

There are quite a lot of vegetarian options available too – perfect for a healthy boost ahead of another day of kitesurfing. The Ginger Café is a popular spot for healthy options and they do some great smoothies.

It isn’t always easy to find a place serving alcoholic beverages. That isn’t to say there aren’t any. After a thrilling day on the waves, a chilled beer is in order. There is a great guide here to places that will be able to quench your thirst.

Did you know?

Jimi Hendrix visited Essaouira in 1969. No one person – despite other luminaries such as Winston Churchill and Orson Welles (who has a statue bust in Essaouira) – has caused as much of a fuss and captured the imagination than Hendrix.

The area had started to enjoy a more bohemian atmosphere throughout the sixties and Hendrix’s visit capped it. It has immortalised Essaouira as a cool hangout since and there is a Jimi Hendrix Cafe. There were even rumours than his song – Castles Made of Sand – was about the place (although these seem unfounded).

Jennifer Tulip

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Essaouira, Morocco Kite Spot Guide was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

Since the winds come from the East coast of Mauritius, there are no accelerating factors on this side of the Island. This results in less “kiteable” days throughout the year along the East coast when compared to Le Morne or the North. However, during winter (from June to November,) the East coast definitely deserves your attention… for its beauty, colours, flat water conditions, and especially for its huge lagoons often with no one in the ocean, other than a few fishermen. No crowds, no buzz. Epic!

The main spots along the East coast of Mauritius are…

Pointe D’Esny

A beautiful setting with relatively flat water and on shore wind. Riding along the beach is fun, and most kitesurfers spend days along the bright-white beach, much to the dismay of the holiday makers and swimmers…

Not recommended without properly organised security, but worth mentioning, it is possible to ride 20 kilometres downwind to Trou d’Eau Douce and Ile aux Cerfs, all within the lagoon.

Trou d’Eau Douce

Trou d’Eau Douce is known for its Ile-aux-Cerfs resort, which makes a great kitesurfing spot when conditions are perfect (wind direction S.S.E).

However the whole beach-front of Trou d’Eau Douce is ‘kiteable’ throughout winter (June to November). The lagoon is extra wide, most of it shallow and flat (riders must be careful at low tides). Launching is fine almost anywhere along the beach, especially nearer to the reefs (the East side), where there is plenty of space.

Trou d’Eau Douce also has a gem… bearing the great name of ‘Joyride’. It’s too far from the beach to be accessible from there though. Kitesurfers need to use the shuttle boats to Ile-aux-Cerfs, then walk to its east-facing beach or to its neighbour ‘Ilot Mangenie’ and launch from there. This still leaves a long upwind ride to reach Joyride, comprising of several square kilometres of shallow and very flat water along the barrier reef. It is of course ideal for jumps and speed rides, often with strong, stable and potent winds in winter.

Palmar

Palmar is another great spot on the East coast of Mauritius which is not well-known, and over-shadowed by Le Morne, from which it differs drastically. Palmar is a stretch of relatively narrow lagoon, not very deep, offering several square kilometres of flat water with a generally stable wind. This spot is ideal for jumping sessions.

Its 45-degree on-shore wind also makes it safe and attractive to beginners, and there’s a kitesurfing school based in Palmar from April to November, the winter period in the southern hemisphere. Palmar is probably not suitable outside this period.

Poste Lafayette

Poste Lafayette is great for many reasons:

Beginners

• It’s good for beginners as there is plenty of beach space for launching.
• Owing to the curved shape of the shore, the launching spot is already 20 to 30 meters away from the shore.
• The wind being generally onshore, this spot is safe and does not require boat rescues.
• Relatively shallow a few metres from the shore, although it is not advisable to stand there without shoes.
• No currents or particular hazards.

Intermediate Riders

It is good for intermediate riders as it is far from crowded (just a few kiters on weekends), and for those who are not yet good at staying upwind, as they can safely land at any point on the beach to walk upwind again.

Advanced Riders

Good for advanced riders, since there are two flat water zones that are good for jumping and some wave spots to carefully explore by following the locals.

Excellent regular wind conditions, especially in winter.

About Mauritius

The island of Mauritius can be compared to a gifted child; small in size, but lots happening under the hood. Its population illustrates this; 1.3 million inhabitants on just 720 sq miles… with an apparent booming economy and a relatively active presence on the international political and economical scene.

This nation’s contrasts and contradictions can’t be missed though. The streets are busy with a mix of old choking buses and brand new top-of-the-range luxury cars. Rich businessmen and industrialists next to the very poor. Fair road network, terrible internet connection. The list goes on…

For the kitesurfer or the average visitor, these contrasts are what make this place so enjoyable, special and “sentimentally” tying. Many tourists come back year after year.

Kitesurfing Holidays

Owing to these specificities, it is possible to spend “comfortably simple” vacations in Mauritius. There are daily flights to and from Dubai, the regional hub, and also from Paris and London.

There are also several flights a week from some of Europe’s main cities such as Frankfurt, Rome and Moscow, and from South Africa, India, Malaysia and Australia. Flights can be very expensive in high season, (October to April), and more reasonably fared the rest of the year.

On the spot, almost anything is possible with a bit of organisation, lots of patience and a pinch of forgiveness. Cars can be rented from International brands or from unofficial car rental companies. Accommodation can be expensive for no apparent reason or of high quality in terms of value for money. It all depends on the period you are travelling in and with whom you book.

The windy season is from June to November, which is great because it corresponds with the low season, except during school holidays. The climate is relatively dry in austral winter, but it is windy and humid enough to make the climate not very tropical. The sea remains relatively warm throughout the year.

To get the most out of Mauritius, it is better to avoid the pre-organised tour packages, stay at a Guest house, small hotel or rent a villa, and rent a car or a local driver / guide. Buy your fish from the fishermen and your food from the local grocery shop. It is best to kitesurf for 2 to 3 hours in the morning while conditions are at their best, and then to go inland in the afternoons, visit villages, take walks and make sand castles with the kids.

Recommended Accommodation

There are of course plenty of hotels along the East coast of Mauritius, and three of them have officially declared themselves as “kitesurf-friendly.” These are: The Tropical Attitude hotel (3-star plus) and the Bougainville hotel, both located in Trou d’Eau Douce, offering free shuttles to Ile-aux-Cerfs, which will get you closer to Joyride, and the Emeraude Beach Attitude hotel, located in Palmar.

There is also excellent alternative accommodation such as guest houses, and beach villas which are ideal for groups and families, some of which have beaches suitable for launching.

The website www.bookmauritius-villas.com proposes several great beach villas in Pointe d’Esny, Belle Mare, Poste Lafayette and nearby Roches Noires.

If you have any questions regarding the kitesurfing on the East Coast of Mauritius, please feel free to ask away in the comments below. And if you’ve kited at some of these spots, or you know of any other great spots in this area, we’d love to hear from you in the comments as well.

Written by

Bernard Cayeux

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Mauritius East Coast Kite Spot Guide was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

Discovered in 1999 by kitesurfers looking for favorable winds, Praia do Preá also became an obligatory stop for anyone wanting to get in touch with nature; an authentic fishing village, which has not yet been discovered by tourism, a wild beach and neighboring a national park. Praia do Preá is an ecological paradise, with a rich ecosystem where the winds are perfect for all levels of kitesurfing, from beginner to advanced.

In Preá, the wind blows all year round, but the perfect season runs between July and January, with speeds that range from 20 to 40 knots. These are steady on shore trade winds, with a sea that has a water temperature between 22 to 25 degrees. And there’s something else that makes this kiting destination so special; a downwind with waves that starts in Cumbuco, almost 300 miles away and ends at Preá.

Kite Spots

All in close proximity, Praia do Preá sees good winds through several beaches that are perfect for wave riding and Freestyle.

Cumbuco

Just next to Fortaleza, Cumbuco is an urbanized beach stretch that offers good winds. This is where the kitesurfing championships take place, and it’s a great Freestyle peak.

Icarai de Amontada

Between Fortaleza, Ceará capital, and Preá you’ll find Icarai de Amontada. Originally an authentic fisherman village, today it is well urbanized after being discovered by tourism. Icarai de Amontada has a 7km long bay, and 20-35 knot winds from June to December.

Guajiru Island

The Guajiru Island is easily accessible, but has remained an extremely remote place that has not been developed by tourism. It boasts both ocean with waves and a flat crystalline lagoon. It’s really awesome kiting downwind in the waves and then hitting the flat water pond. The wind blows nonstop here.

Paracuru

Paracuru is a phenomenal place where the guys kite in a beach corner. There’s a bar on the beach front, with lively folk and guaranteed 25 knots at sea from July to January.

Learning to Kitesurf & Renting Equipment

Rancho do Kite on Praia do Preá is considered one of the best kite schools in Brazil. The school is run by Vanessa and Mosquito, both senior level instructors trained by the IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization). Expect great weather, and a radical gang… Watch the video!

Video: Voando das dunas de Jeri – Rancho do Kite

If you are reading this in an email or RSS feed, click here to see the video…

Where to Stay

Rancho do Peixe is a fully eco-friendly hotel, linked with nature and sustainability. They grow their own organic garden and their facilities are made from reforested wood and carnauba straw. The hotel was built on a coconut farm, without felling any trees. The bungalows are nestled amongst vegetation, and have a privileged view of the beach and stunning sunsets.

Attractions

The Kite 270 KM surfin sem fim is an endless kitesafari from Cumbuco to Preá, with 99% of the trip being on the water. It’s a unique experience, passing by inhabited stretches like Flexeiras Icaraí, Icarai de Amontada and other totally wild places. The trip lasts 4 days, and passes Taiba, Piracuru, Guajirú, Flexeiras, Whale, Icaraizinho, and the super visual late afternoon sail at Lagoa do Cauípe. This epic ride is organized by e.Group.

Getting There

The nearest airport is Pinto Martins Airport in Fortaleza. We recommend you schedule a transfer by 4×4 from there. The region’s hotels usually offer this service, and the trip can take about 4 hours.

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Praia do Preá, Brazil: Kitesurfers Playground was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

A 40 km long man-made lake filled each year with shimmering turquoise glacial meltwater (which is actually much warmer than you’d think!). This place is also home to the most reliable wind we’ve ever seen. You can practically set your watch by it. The wind enters at 10:30, and by 1 or 2 o’clock it’s blowing a perfect force 4 or 5, every day when the sun shines, and between the months of June and September the sun shines pretty much every day.

On most days you’ll be riding a 9 or 12m kite. When the mistral blows it’s more likely you’ll be on a 7 or 9. Whatever the wind, you are guaranteed flat water and some of the most incredible scenery you’ll ever have kitesurfed in.

You might think locations such as this would be packed with kitesurfers and windsurfers. However it is a fairly technical spot in that the beaches are quite small and launching and landing can be tricky. While this can be a pain at times it also means that this spot hasn’t been swamped by the kitesurfing hordes. It is very easy to find huge areas of open water all to yourself.

Kite Spots

The main Kite beach is located at Plage Les Eaux Douces (Sweet Water Beach), next to the village of Savines. The launch spot itself is a patch of grass around 300m long. The beach is located just at the point where the lake bottlenecks and so the wind tends to be a little stronger here. Once you get off the beach head up or down wind and you’ll have as much flat water and space as you’d ever need. There is also a kite centre (which will hire kit if needed), a bar on the beach itself and toilets are 200m away.

A few things to be aware of here; the bank of the lake just down from the launch spot is rocky and wooded…make sure you can stay upwind as if you drift downwind here getting back can be difficult. There are several other landing spots further down the beach but you’ll have quite a walk.

Tips

Winds are generally cross/cross on shore at all times on all the different beaches, which makes actually getting out very easy. However the mountains often drop straight into the lake which means shore lines can be rocky and often steep sided. As a result this is not a beginners spot. The only school that actually teaches beginners here takes them far offshore in a boat before letting them in the water.

If you can stay upwind it’s perfect, the water is flat and there’s plenty of room for everyone. You can also explore most of the lake from here, so you’ll usually find a space all to yourself.

There are several other spots around the lake that you can kitesurf from, some better than others but we’ll leave these for you to discover, or alternatively join Tantrum Kitesurf on one of their Total Immersion Kitesurfing Camps and let them do all the hard work for you!

Accommodation is available in a wide variety of different formats. For the more adventurous amongst you, camping is very popular in this area and there are loads of campsites. In general the facilities are good and there are several campsites located right on the edge of the lake – literally allowing you to kite surf off your doorstep. For those of you who prefer your creature comforts, there are several hotels and hostels in town ranging from budget to expensive.

Wherever you stay the cuisine here is finest French with an Italian twist and the results are spectacular. The upside of course is that having kitesurfed all day you can quite happily gorge yourself in the evenings without fear of expanding your belt size!

Other Activities

Probably the greatest appeal of this location is the other activities available. If you have the energy, the calm mornings provide the perfect opportunity to indulge in some of the other extreme sports this spot has to offer. Wakeboarding, climbing, downhill mountain biking, paragliding, skydiving, white water rafting, kayaking, gorge walking, wild mountainside camping under the stars, via ferrata, even mountain biking on the glacier at Deux Alpes (which has to be seen to be believed). If it’s an extreme sport you’re after, you can probably do it here.

Embrun Town

The town of Embrun itself is a beautiful little medieval town nestled on the side of a cliff overlooking the River Durance. Whilst not the liveliest of places in the evening, it does bustle during the day with markets, concerts and street shows. If you have the energy, there are some clubs around the town, but a better option is to head up a mountain and camp out under the stars around a fire, cooking up some of your favourite treats while sharing a beer or two.

Getting There

However you arrive here, you are probably best off renting a car. The easiest airport to fly into is probably Turin, about 2 hours stunning drive away over the mountain passes of the French/Italian border. However failing that, Marseille, Grenoble or Lyon are all options, with around a 2/3 hour drive.

Win a Kitesurfing Holiday

Ladies, how would you like to win a 7 day all inclusive kitesurfing vacation for 2 at Lac de Serre Poncon? Well thanks to Tantrum Kitesurf, you can! All you have to do is nominate yourself, and get your friends to nominate you for the “Most Influential Girl Kitesurfer 2012”. Nominations close on November 1st. See the competition page for details.

And guys, you can win too, just make sure you are the winner’s +1…

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Embrun & Kitesurfing Lac de Serre Poncon was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

Blessed with powder-fine, sandy beaches, deserted sand dunes and azure blue waters, some of which you can have all to yourself and your buddies, the Cape Verde islands are a hidden gem for kitesurfers who are eager to book a holiday in the sun and escape from the more congested kitesurfing destinations.

Think of the 10 emerald islets which make up the Cape Verde archipelago as the Canaries, or some of the island paradises in the Caribbean long before mass tourism and over-development of these popular destinations set in. Cape Verde is still relatively unspoilt, ruggedly charming and most of all, still quite cheap. So a few days in Cape Verde should definitely be on your list of destinations to visit during the winter holidays, as this is a place where you can get your fill of sun, sea and surf almost all year round. The various islands which comprise this gem off the West African coast, offer the intrepid kitesurfer a glimpse at different vistas and spectacular views, from its many beautiful beaches, quaint and rustic towns with cobbled streets, windswept sand dunes, lush tropical greenery, secluded coves, along with a few volcanoes thrown in for good measure… oh, and did we mention the pristine kitesurfing conditions?

Kitesurfers at all levels will be pleased to hear that Cape Verde has pleasant year-round weather, perfect for multi-spot offerings where you can kitesurf to your heart’s content. Kiters who have been fortunate enough to visit Cape Verde will tell you that the waves here are fantastic, and the wind is constant, even during the so-called ‘rainy season’ which runs from August to October. Temperatures during the summer months from May-November range from a sunny 29°C and can reach a moderate 19°C at night-time. Factors such as these and Cape Verde’s reputation as a hidden paradise were what initially convinced the organizers to decide that Cape Verde would play host to the Professional Windsurfers World Cup Competition (PWA) which was held there in February 2007.

More recently however, Cape Verde appeared on the radar of kitesurfers around the world, when the KSP chose Ponta Preta, Cape Verde as the final stop on the 2011 KSP World Pro Tour. This says a lot for Cape Verde as a great wave riding destination, considering the KSP’s incredibly high standards for wave and wind quality and consistency.

KSP Ponta Preta Video

We simply can’t describe Cape Verde better than Phillippe, a local entrepreneur does at 0:44 in the video below, so take a look…

If you are reading this in an email or RSS feed, watch the video here.

Getting There & Accommodation

Booking flights and accommodation in Cape Verde can be done relatively easily through a reputable online tour operator like Thomson.

The 4 most important islands which should be at the top of your itinerary in Cape Verde should include Sal Island, Boa Vista, Santiago and Fogo. And if you’re looking for great wave riding, then add Ponta Preta to the mix.

Sal Island

Sal is home to the Surf Zone, which is easily Cabo Verde’s largest kite and windsurfing school, and has built a good reputation for the safety and quality of its classes, having been in operation for the last 11 years. Sal Island boasts some of the best waves, comparable with other more well-known surfing destinations. Both beginners and advanced kitesurfers will find something that will catch their fancy in Sal.

Boa Vista

Boa Vista is generally less developed when it comes to tourism facilities and infrastructure compared to Sal, but the island also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. Kitesurfing and windsurfing here is also first class, with waves that often range from being calm and flat to rolling big waves and breakers, which even advanced riders will find quite challenging.

Santiago

Santiago also has great beaches, but is better known for the diversity of its landscapes which include lush valleys, volcanic rocks and a few secluded and barren landscapes, which may appeal to your adventurer within. If you fancy a bit of hiking and exploration, you’ll surely love Santiago.

Fogo

Lastly, Fogo is where you’ll find one of the most popular attractions in Cape Verde; the volcano and its verdant crater where aromatic coffee is grown around its slopes, and vineyards are cultivated on the inside of the volcanic crater, the grapes from which the famous Fogo wine is produced. Tourists are enjoined to take a scenic trek up the crater to enjoy the magnificent views of the island and its neighbours afforded you at the top. You may also opt to have lunch at the restaurant right at the top of the crater.

These are just some of the reasons why you should visit the wild and unspoilt hideaway that is the Cape Verde islands. If you are looking to book a kitesurfing holiday in the sun, or you need to escape the chilly winters of Europe, then spend your day’s kitesurfing in a secluded island paradise on the cheap and visit Cape Verde today!

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Cape Verde Kitesurf Spot Guide was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

A multi-spot holiday offering pristine crystalline waters, lagoons and bays…

Kiteboarders can ride a different spot everyday!

Intermediate and advanced kitesurfers have the perfect playground to choose from in the Grenadines: flat protected waters, reef waves and downwinds that are etched into your memory forever. Gliding over turtles and manta rays in these waters is surely in the cards!

The Grenadines

The archipelago of the Grenadines is located in the south of the Caribbean, in the southern portion of the Windward Islands.

Within the 150 sq mile territory, the main island is St Vincent. In the lower 2/3 you’ll find the Grenadines, the smaller chain of islands stretching south from St Vincent to Grenada.

The Grenadines are comprised of over 32 islands and cays, 9 of which are inhabited. All are volcanic in origin, deeply embayed with inlets where clear aquamarine waters shallow up the finest sandy beaches.

Tobago Cays

Kitesurfing in the Grenadines

The trade winds blow from December/January to June, stronger winds generally between January and March. In the beginning of the season the wind direction is NE passing gradually to E as the season progresses.

Generally, the wind is stronger in the morning but it’s not unusual to have some weeks when it blows more then 25 knots, day and night.

The temperature is almost always about 30c, with a water temp that stays around 28c…making it a wetsuit free spot all year.

Kitesurfing Spots

We’ve included a summary of the best kitesurfing spots below. For more detailed information on the various Islands, please visit the Caribbean Kite Cruise’s excellent guide on Kiteboarding in the Grenadines.

Union Island

Union island´s mountainous outline greets visitors with a striking and picturesque array of green peaks and ridges. Clifton is a nice kite spot to stretch your legs on the day of arrival. It will delight you with turquoise shallow waters, protected by reef. Frigate Bay is just around the corner, an amazing flat water spot that works with easterly winds.

Happy Island – Union Island

The Tobago Cays

Known as the jewel of the Caribbean, this National park is a group of small, deserted islands surrounded by a lively horseshoe reef. This is the place to swim with the turtles and enjoy a great snorkeling session, checking out the magically diverse ecosystem under the water…all this after a good kite session of course!

I dare you to see the 225 different fish species in these waters!

The only island you are authorized to launch or land your kite is Jamesby. You need to go upwind of Baradel to find some fun waves to play with. You can also cruise to Petit Tabac to check out the reefs for a more serious surf session. If the wind is light, the dinghy will take you upwind with your launched kite from Baradel Beach…or you can always launch your kite from the boat that you came with!

Jamesby Island

Petit Tabac

Petit Tabac is a small deserted island where the Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. It´s a beautiful day-anchorage for an epic kiteboarding session. From here you can reach very good reefs, and if the conditions are right you will explore some fine waves.

Petit Tabac

Mayreau

The smooth Salt Whistle Bay is the place to anchor. Just a few meters away from the boat on the windward side is the best all-around kitesurf spot in the Grenadines.

It’s perfect for the intermediate kiter with side-on wind, reef and a sandy beach that allows kiters to play. If the anchorage is fairly empty, you can also go for an excellent flat water session in the bay.

If you still have some power in your legs, walk to the top of this one road island to see a stunning view (especially at sunset) of the neighboring islands. A jaunt over to Dennis´s Hideaway for a nice meal and a Pina Colada is always a good day’s end.

Salt Whistle Bay Anchorage

Mopion

This tiny, desolate white sandy-beached island is a great resting spot during a session. Drop your kite and just enjoy the view of all that surrounds you. Remember to bring your ice chest ashore with a few chilled beers!

From Mopion you can go up to discover waves on the north side of Petit St. Vincent. PSV is a private island, allowing you to come ashore for a nature walk and their jazzy beach bar.

Relaxing between sessions at Mopion

Accommodation

By Boat

Taking a kitesurfing trip in the Grenadines on a charter catamaran is the very best way to get around to all the kite spots. Fully enjoying all the different islands and making the most of your time is the ultimate…not to mention waking up in a new spot to launch your kite all through the week!

Captain Rik is the owner and captain of Caribbean Kite Cruise, the largest and most reputable kite cruise operator in the Caribbean. They have 3 sailing catamarans that take up to 8 kitesurfers on 7 – 10-day kitesurfing cruises. They are based in the Grenadines and will find the very best options for your riding style.

All Caribbean Kite Cruise itineraries are flexible and adapt to your kiting preferences, according to weather.

Caribbean kite cruise is a floating hotel on the water! With its green-eco approach, layered with solar panels and water maker, you can avoid civilization, making the most of your day and totally enhancing your kiteboarding experience.

The local boat boys will bring fresh fish, homemade banana bread, croissants and extra ice to the yacht on a regular basis. After your epic sunset kite session, pop down a killer homemade rum punch as you check out your kiting pics & videos from the day.

Caribbean Kite Cruise is also in partnership with one of the world’s leading kite brands, DUOTONE KITEBOARDING. There is a wide selection of the latest kite gear to try out. If you want to travel light, they also offer complete gear rental packages for the duration of your trip at affordable rates.

To enjoy a true kiteboarding expedition with Caribbean Kite Cruise, visit their website at: caribbeankitecruise.com

By Hotel

Union island is the place to stay if you want to be land based. You will find two main hotels, Bougainvilla and Anchorage. There are also a few small guesthouses in Clifton.

The JT Pro center owned by pro-rider Jeremie Tronet takes care of Anchorage reservations. He offers beach houses at the kite spot and can organize boat excursions as well.

His website has plenty of useful information about the Grenadines…offering package kite lessons for beginners, advanced training and kite clinics.

Jeremie Tronet´s Awesome Video

www.kitesurfgrenadines.com

Restaurants

In Union you can find international and local cuisine. For an amazing pizza, check out Marie at Ciao pizza. For a very well priced delicious lobster, sautéed conch, and local Caribbean dishes visit Big Citi just in front of the colourful fruit market. Captain Gourmet offers café style dining and great espresso for breakfast and lunch.

In the Tobago Cays, the local boat boys will arrange a beach bbq for you with the fresh catch and ice cold drinks.

More options are available… these are just the favorites!

Nightlife

Happy Island will serve you up a fresh made rum punch with reggae tunes flowing at sunset. This tiny island made from conch shells is a must see.

I.E.´s new bar, D´Spot is a fun hangout to watch all the small planes land just in front of your bottle of local beer.

Twilight, just down the street from Anchorage pumps the music at night giving you a chance to groove.

The JT Pro Center organizes a full moon kiting party every month that is a must if you plan your trip when the moon shines bright.

How to Get There

There are several low cost options flying into UNION. Fly in from the U.S., Canada or Europe with a stopover in Barbados, Grenada or St. Lucia. The best stopover option is Barbados.

Fly from the U.S. to BARBADOS via Jet Blue, American Airlines, Air Jamaica, Delta or US Airways. Fly EUROPE to BARBADOS via British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from the United Kingdom; Condor out of Germany.

Short Flights to Union Island

SVG Air: toll free (800) 624 1843, (315) 507 8258, (784) 457 5124 or info@svgair.com – svgair.com.

Barbados to Union daily flights departing at 12:30pm and 4:30pm; returning 11:00am and 1:55pm.

Check more connection flights at: mustique.com.

Travel Tips

• Bring your reef shoes and an extra set of your favorite board fins
• $1 U.S. = $2.67 E.C. (Eastern Caribbean dollar-fixed exchange rate)
• 1€ = $3.70 E.C.

Come enjoy the Caribbean Lifestyle !!!

If you’ve been fortunate enough to kitesurf in the Grenadines, we’d love to hear all about it, and if you have any questions, ask away in the comments below.

Written by

Yann Campinos

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The Grenadines Kite Spot Guide: An Untouched Bliss was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

Kite spot review site, Kitespotters recently explored the kitesurfing at Rodrigues Island, a beautiful island paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean that will simply take your breath away.

Rodrigues Island

Named after the Portuguese explorer Diego Rodriguez, Rodrigues Island is the smallest of the Mascarene Islands. With a peak elevation of approximately 355 meters, Rodrigues is located 560 km east of Mauritius. The island is 96 km² in size, and surrounded by a coral reef. The reef creates a perfect turquoise flat water lagoon around the island, with soft white sand below your feet, and without all the broken coral pieces you would expect if you were in Mauritius. The lagoon stretches as far as the eye can see, offering perfect freestyle kiteboarding conditions, often with not another kitesurfer in sight.

Kitesurfing Heaven at Rodrigues Island

Kitesurfing at Rodrigues Island

The South-east trade winds blow straight from Western Australia with the strongest winds being from June to October. The wind is lighter in the mornings and picks up in the afternoons. The average wind strength is about 20 – 25 knots and offers ideal kiteboarding conditions for any beginner to professional. Often these winds can continue to blow right through to December. Rodrigues unbeknown to many offers some world class surf breaks on the outer reef which is 10km offshore. Getting to the best spots will require a ski boat for support and somewhere to store those ice cold beers after that perfect session.

At low water springs, shallows do appear in some areas but other than that it is possible to kitesurf at all states of the tide. A trip with the ski boat to some of the sand bars inside the reef during low tide will often leave you weak at the knees with the breath taking views of turquoise waters, white sand beaches and not a soul in sight or maybe it was just from the exhaustion of kitesurfing all day, either way this little island will get under your skin.

Video: Kitesurfing Rodrigues Island

Kite Spots

Ebony Mouroke Beach

The beach in front of the hotel is a wide open beach, the sand is soft and offers plenty of space to launch a kite. The Osmosis Kite Centre is right on the beach and managed by Jerome. The kite centre is full of atmosphere with a great vibe. The staff are amazing, and very helpful, making any beginner feel safe at all times. For the intermediate kitesurfer, the lagoon in front of the hotel offers wide open waters to practice those freestyle moves, with the water only being about 1.5 m deep most of the time. The SE blows slight cross on shore and with a long tack you can make your way out to the reef along the east side of the Island. The reef here offers a perfect small break that runs an awesome wave for about 50 – 80 meters. If you get the chance to look down while you’re riding you can spot the parrot fish with their amazing colours against the coral reef.

Mourouk Ebony Hotel

Jimmy’s Pass

This is a world famous surf break that has been both windsurfed and kitesurfed, but it’s not something that can be done alone. If you are familiar with ”One Eye” in Mauritius it will give you an idea of what you can be up against, and on a good day you can times that by six.

Jimmy’s Pass

The reef lies on the west side of the Island for which you will need a boat. Speak to Jerome at the Osmosis Kite Centre to help with your arrangements.(See Video)

Video: Club Osmosis – Rodrigues Kitesurfing

Sand Bar

The Sand Bar is on the way to Jimmy’s Pass. It’s a small sand bank large enough to rig your kite and launch from. The water around the bar is super smooth and glassy and offers perfect speed board conditions. Heads up for the crabs on the beach, they are not used to humans.

Rodrigues Island Kiteboarding

How to Get There

From JHB, Durban or Cape Town you can fly direct to Mauritius using Air Mauritius or SAA return for roughly about R 7 000 (US$ 860) and then a connecting flight onwards on Air Mauritius for about R 1 700 (US$ 210) return to Rodrigues, which takes approximately 45 minutes. There is a baggage limit of 20 kg on Air Mauritius to Rodrigues, and this includes sport equipment. What more do you need other than your kite equipment, board shorts and a passport?

Accommodation

There are two international hotels on the island:

The Cotton Bay on the north-east coast which has its own little beach, and the Mourouk Ebony on the south-east coast where the Osmosis kitesurf centre is based.

The accommodation here is awesome, offering a wide range of sporting activities and games for children and a perfect holiday spot for a family with kids. Room rates are about R 750 (US$ 92) per room per night.

In a small corner of paradise, next to the Mourouk Ebony is a charming guest lodge called la Belle Rodriguaise offering you a peaceful place with twelve fully furnished en-suite rooms available to those seeking authenticity, tranquillity and exoticism, in a quiet place surrounded by beaches. (See Video)

Video: LeBelle Hotel Rodrigues

On your days off you can enjoy free cooking classes on request, as well as massage, swimming pool and spa. Hiking and mountain bike hire are also available. Make sure to use Kitespotters as a reference here and you will receive great discounts. Room rates cost about R 600 (US$ 74) per room per night.

Food & Beer

Rodrigues is famous for its dry octopus, salted fish and pickled chillies! Also look out for “Rougaille saucisse” – a red sauce with sausages, black lentils and white rice.

If you want international cuisine as well as local dishes, go to the restaurants in the hotels: ‘Le Bois d’Ebene’ in the Mourak Ebony. Or try “Le Capitaine” in Port Mathurin. It’s worth trying some of the little local shops for their cuisines, but be selective on items, you will know what I mean when you enter this little ‘spaza’ shop in the middle of nowhere. The Rodriguans are predominantly Creole and pride themselves on their warm hospitality so don’t feel shy to say hello.

Local Spaza

Alcohol in the hotels is very expensive, so if you are up for a local Phoenix beer, try the local spaza shops which cost roughly R 12 (US$ 1.48) a beer or dare to try their local Green Island rum for about R 80 (US$ 9.80) a bottle.

Nightlife

Unless you get invited to the owner of Mourak Ebony’s infamous cocktail parties, you came to the wrong island for a party. The island pretty much shuts down when the sun sets. So stock up those beers and enjoy the island tranquillity.

Travel Tips

The islands are prone to tropical cyclones from December to February. April to June and September to November are usually the most pleasant months. The air temperatures vary between 14ºC and 22ºC in winter and average about 30ºC in summer. Take light, comfortable clothing and protective wear for the tropical sun and rain. Don’t forget to pack insect repellent, personal medication and your toiletries. Water temperatures are roughly 18ºC so wetsuits are not necessary.

Visit the Kitespotters website for detailed reviews on kitesurfing spots in Southern Africa.

Written by

Kitespotters

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Kite Spot Guide: Rodrigues Island was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.

It is a far cry from some island paradise or speciality wave kitesurfing destination. Does it deliver on every visit? No, so what is all the fuss about then?

The Place: A Gentle Giant for Kitesurfing in South Africa

Palm Beach also referred to as Mpenjati, named after the neighboring river estuary has had some big names in the wind sports lifestyle pass through it. Some have used it as a secret training ground, others, but few grew up in the area, then some just hung around and then moved on. Not much happens in Palm Beach but that could also be said of the whole of the Lower South Coast of Kwazulu Natal (KZN). Situated on the boundary of a Marine Protected Area and Nature Conservation Area it has maintained its tranquil qualities over the years. To the local kitesurfer it is special in more ways than what can be appreciated if you are not from the area. The KZN coast is known for its surfing and the lower south coast for its good swell, at which extremity Palm Beach is ideally located. Apart from this perfect position the break itself offers something that no other venue this side of the Transkei offers, this being a mellower “continental shelf,” so to speak. Leaving the Eastern Cape one leaves behind the gentler breaking waves for what is pretty much a mountain range that fell in the sea, known as the Transkei or Wild Coast. Thereafter you will find the Kwazulu Natal coastline and not until you reach the Mozambique border in the north will you again experience the gentler lappings of the ocean, except at Palm Beach.

Inside Flats | Palm Beach

The KZN kitesurfer has very limited options in regards to flat water venues and even less options when it comes to progressing into the ocean without paying dearly in terms of gear and body damages. While the continental shelf is not actually gentler per say, Palm Beach is a microcosm on its own. It is in fact the combination of an outer reef, a rocky outcrop in the form of a point and a river system that feeds sand into the equation that makes this place unique. The outer reef transforms the ocean swells into sought after waves while at the same time disarming the waves explosive energy, leaving a calm inside section with a weak shorebreak.

Not to be underestimated though, Palms has many different faces dependent on conditions and one needs to show care. There are no shark nets, no life savers and rarely will anyone be watching you. Of the many faces that Palm Beach will show, its faithfulness rests in the fact that it is a reef based break, which makes this place predictable if you know how to read the charts and forecasts.

Wave and Flat Water Kitesurfing

Apart from the flat inside section where you can break out your freestyle, the waves are what Palm Beach is all about. Strangely enough though, this place has never really been truly exploited by surfers. The main reason being the lack of shark nets but with the advent of Stand Up Paddling and a resurgence in Waveski and Surf Kayaking there should in time be an influx of riders taking advantage on the windless days.

As for the waves: Many a visitor to this spot miss out on the best offerings, simply due to lack of info. Palm Beach as with most of the KZN coastline delivers best on the Southerly wind and swell. While smaller swell conditions are extremely fun, this place can hold up to if not more than a 15 foot swell. (Please refer to the diagram for what follows.)

Palm Beach is made up of a couple of breaks. The Outer Reef, Creamers and Liners are the three main areas to find your action. While most kiters launching from the Palms Accommodation site will head straight out to the Outer Reef and then back in to the Freestyle Flats and repeat this process all day long, this is not the money maker. Similarly riders launching from the Mpenjati Estuary will head out through Liners, this too is not your ticket to the joy train. While both of these options do provide for great entertainment they are not the best of the best.

Liners – Palm Beach

Best of the Best: The Hot Spot

Creamers is where you want to be 90% of the time, if your intentions are set on wave riding that is. Here you will find on most days a gentle, smooth wave rolling into what could be considered a channel of sort. From this point you can spend your whole session riding waves without the need to jump or ride over broken waves to get back out. Here is a place to progress and to learn to love waves. On most days crashing your kite here will put you into the flat water on the inside where you should have the time to re-launch. Creamers runs into Liners if you ride it out. Liners on a good day will hold up, teasing you into a chase down the line which will either end badly as you will have too much speed or end spectacularly as you go for that big close out move. The Outer Reef: It’s a temptation, it’s far and not always worth the journey. It’s fun to visit but not the best wave riding to be had as it is quite peaky and pitchy making it more of a washing machine than anything else. It’s challenging and thrilling without a doubt but never forget where you are and what’s at risk. Outer Limits is probably the better bet for a deep ocean ride, however be sure not to crash your kite as the rocks lie in wait.

Creamers | Palm Beach

Outer Reef, Creamers and Liners Become One

For the diehard wave rider the big thrill is when the Outer Reef, Creamers and Liners link up. This can happen with a strong, small 4 to 6 foot swell on a low tide but more often than not it will only link up from 8 foot plus. The length of ride is crazy and your fitness will dictate your fun. Two tacks will normally get you back into the lineup but never let a good one pass on your first tack. If you are looking for tube rides, there is ample opportunity depending on how much you are willing to put it on the line. For a “safer” tube riding experience the Northern side of the Shallow Reef shown in the Google Earth diagram will deliver a pitchy section on smaller swell conditions, on a lower tide. Be careful however as it is very shallow. On a Spring Low tide you can stand on what would seem to be the backline.

Palm Beach due to its construct can go very flat in small swell conditions and Spring High tides. Be sure not to miss the low tide session if this is the case. A Spring Low on small swell can be epic. The North Easterly wind can be fun at Palm Beach as well. The flat water still exists on the inside, just be aware of the downwind rocks. If you are desperate for waves and the Northerly swell is running, consider walking up the beach or tacking to the North East Reef which is known to deliver some better waves.

Enjoy!

Written by

Dean Bottcher

PS: If you enjoyed this article, help spread the word by clicking the “Like”, “Tweet”, “+1” buttons, or sharing it using the share icons below. Want to read more articles like this? Subscribe to iMK, and get our articles directly to your inbox or RSS reader.

Palm Beach: Kwazulu Natal Kitesurfing at its Best was published by inMotion Kitesurfing.