Kiteworld Magazine - 2018 Travel Guide

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TRAVEL GUIDE

2018

FEATURING 50 OF THE WORLD’S BEST KITESURFING HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS AND EXPERIENCES

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FREERIDE / FOIL

OUT OF COMPLEXITY INTO SIMPLICITY

R I D E R : J E R E M I E T R O N E T / P H OTO : ZO E S C H A F F E R - J E N N E T T

THE NEW MONO

W W W . N O R T H K I T E B O A R D I N G . C O M

R E L AT E D P R O D U C T S

SIZES: 3.5 / 5 / 7 / 9 / 12 / 15

X- R I D E

FREE FOIL

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5 STRUT FRAME INTELLIGENT ARC SHORT BRIDLE SYSTEM CORE INTELLIGENT TRIM SYSTEM (CIT) FASTER TURNING SPEED SPEED PUMP SYSTEM SPEED VALVE 2

BUCKLE UP!

THE NEW XR5 WILL TAKE YOU TO PLACES YOU'VE NEVER BEEN BEFORE. 5.0 6.0

POWERED BY 10 YEARS OF ITERATIVE INNOVATION.

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FOLLOW US ON corekites.com / facebook.com/corekites / instagram.com/corekites / twitter.com/corekites

CORE Kiteboarding +49 (0) 4371 / 88934-0 info@corekites.com Fehmarn, Germany

High Performance Freeride+ Freestyle Wave

ONSTO ARCH LOPM KITE COLLECTION Y23

EMOTION MK3

VISION MK5

PASSION MK9

ONE STRUT / LIGHT WIND

ALL TERRAIN

FREERIDE

3 - 5 - 7 - 9 - 10.5 - 12 - 14.5 - 17

5 - 7 - 9 - 10.5 - 12 - 13.5 - 15

5 - 7 - 9 - 10.5 - 12 LIGHTWIND 13.5 - 15 - 17

RIDERS: COLIN ECRWOOD - PHOTO: SVETLANA ROMANTSOVA

OPRE H&DEV MENT OBSESSION MK10

RELIGION MK8

FREESTYLE

WAVE

5 - 6 - 7 - 9 - 10.5 - 12 - 13.5 - 15

4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10.5 - 12

We started making inflatable kites in 1999.

Only two other brands were making kites before us and one of them is no longer existing today. We breathe, live and dream about making better kites everyday, and everyday we learn something new.

Our R&D team and testing team is working around the clock, all year round. Whenever we are sure that it is time to launch a new kite, you can be sure that it’s not becasue it’s the deadline of our marketing department pushing new products out; it’s the verdict of hands, eyes, water, and wind that has selected the new kite as a better one in all aspects, regardless of any deadlines.

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NON-STOP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

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I 012 / CONTENTS I KITEWORLDMAG.COM TO ADVERTISE CONTACT: STAN@KITEWORLDMAG.COM +44 (0) 1273 808 601 DAN@KITEWORLDMAG.COM +44 (0) 1273 808 601

TRAVEL AGENCIES KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 ION CLUB www.ion-club.net +49 (0) 881 909 6010 SURFIN SEM FIM www.surfinsemfim.com.br +55 21 98237 3411 / +55 11 5561 1016 FREERIDE KITESURF www.freeridekitesurf.com +34 660 484 782 KITESURF EXPEDITIONS www.kitesurfexpeditions.com +55 85 9960 46079

WIND CHART INFO COURTESY: WWW.WINDGURU.COM WWW.WINDFINDER.COM

LEGEND FOR CHOICE RATING: WAVES – 1 FLAT WATER – 2 BEGINNER – 3 WARM WATER - 4 STRONG WIND - 5 CHOICE RATING 1 = NONE EXISTENT 5 = WORLD CLASS

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COVER: RENO ROMEU, COCOS KEELING ISLANDS PHOTO: TOBY BROMWICH / NORTH KITEBOARDING CONTENTS: LO STAGNONE, SICILY PHOTO: PROKITE ALBY RONDINHA

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CONTENTS 2018 014 – INTRO 016 – USEFUL TRAVEL ACCESSORIES 020 – AFRICA 022 – CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA 026 – LANGEBAAN, SOUTH AFRICA 030 – MAURITIUS, INDIAN OCEAN 032 – PWANI MCHANGANI, ZANZIBAR 034 – PAJE, ZANZIBAR 036 – JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR 038 – DAKHLA, MOROCCO 040 – ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO 042 – EL GOUNA, EGYPT 044 – MARSA ALAM, EGYPT 046 – THE AMERICAS 048 – CAPE HATTERAS, USA 050 – THE CRYSTAL COAST, USA 054 – COCOA BEACH, USA 056 – POMPANO BEACH, USA 058 – PITTSBURG, USA 060 – LA VENTANA, BAJA, MEXICO 064 – EL CUYO, MEXICO 066 – CUMBUCO, BRAZIL 068 – ICARAIZINHO, BRAZIL 070 – PREA, BRAZIL 072 – JERICOACOARA, BRAZIL 074 – BARRA GRANDE, BRAZIL 076 – LA GUAJIRA, COLOMBIA 078 – MANCORA AND PARACAS, PERU

080 – THE CARIBBEAN 082 – THE CAYMAN ISLANDS 086 – BONAIRE 088 – ST. LUCIA 092 – PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS 096 – EUROPE 098 – ESPOSENDE, PORTUGAL 100 – VIANA DO CASTELO, PORTUGAL 102 - LISBON, PORTUGAL 104 – TARIFA, SPAIN 108 – SANT PERE PESCADOR, SPAIN 112 – FLAG BEACH, FUERTEVENTURA 114 – SOTAVENTO, FUERTEVENTURA 116 – HANG LOOSE BEACH, CALABRIA, ITALY 118 – CROTONE, CALABRIA, ITALY 120 – LO STAGNONE, SICILY, ITALY 122 – PORTO POLLO, SARDINIA, ITALY 126 – PORTO BOTTE, SARDINIA, ITALY 128 – KEROS, LIMNOS ISLAND, GREECE 130 – ADA BOJANA, MONTENEGRO 132 – ASIA 134 – MANNAR, SRI LANKA 138 – KALPITIYA, SRI LANKA 142 – MUI NE, VIETNAM 144 – PRANBURI, THAILAND 146 – EXPERIENCES 148 – DOWNWINDERS 154 – CRUISING 158 – COMBINED ADVENTURE 160 – BIG AIR SPOTS – WITH WOO SPORTS 162 - FIRST TIME KITE TRAVEL TIPS

I 014 / INTRO / EDITORIAL I

THE 2018 KITEWORLD TRAVEL GUIDE K

itesurfing is of course fantastic any time, but it’s even better when you get to do it for several days in a row in great conditions and (not always, though it often completes the dream) with beautiful sunshine!

Many of you are experienced kiters and will understand the special nature of a kiteboarding holiday. You may already be familiar with many of the destinations contained within this guide, but we have a few new ones too this year, including Viana do Castello in Portugal, Crotone in Italy, Pwani Mchangani in Zanzibar, El Cuyo in Mexico and La Guajira in Colombia. This year we’ve also got the lowdown on several all-adventure trips for those looking for the ultimate out-there experience, from boat adventures to full-on multi-day downwinders.

Find those from page 146.

Also new this year, if boosting big is your desire, on page 160 we speak to the guys at Woo Sports and pick their brains on where you’re most likely to be able to improve your personal best jumping scores. Obviously Cape Town is a given for setting world records, but where else?

Find your ultimate spot!

Photo: Surfin Sem Fim / Brazil

This is our 12th annual Travel Guide and the descriptive juice for each of the 45 featured destinations and their surrounding areas are rigorously researched and filtered by our experts out in the field. On each destination page we provide you with up-to-date information to help narrow down your choices and, this year, have further highlighted a quick indication of what each spot is best for and who it will appeal to most; from wave heads and high wind junkies to the family looking to share sessions.

Handy wind charts and useful stats will let you get an overview for vital information at-a-glance, such as wave quality, flat water availability, suitability for learning and how warm the water is.

We hope we can ignite your desire to get out there and improve your riding in some of the best spots in the world. If you’re keen to take up the sport, we’re sure this guide will tip you over the edge and see you booking time-off work to learn on holiday (the best way!).

See you on the water!

THE KITEWORLD TEAM

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TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

THE LATEST TRAVEL ACCESSORIES AND LEARNING TOOLS TO HELP MAKE YOUR TRIP RUN AS SMOOTHLY AS POSSIBLE! 06

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01-AIRUSH Packing all your kites into your quiver bag can make it heavy, quickly. The Airush Ultra kite may be the answer. A huge wind range means you can get away with taking fewer kites, it’s also 30% lighter thanks to the lightweight but durable one-strut design, folds smaller and therefore also takes up less of your baggage allowance. A versatile design, take it freeriding, in the waves or out foiling!

ULTRA SIZES: 15, 12, 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5m www.airush.com

02-BUOY WEAR Buoy Wear hats are the world’s first floating hats that you can wear on the water without fear of them losing their shape after you dunk the hat (and yourself) in the sea thanks to their 100% waterproof and antimicrobial floating core.

Available in a range of colours, they look pretty sweet on dry land, too! www.buoywear.com

03-CABRINHA The Cabrinha Street Backpack is ideal for keeping your vital items and gadgets protected. There are separate padded laptop and iPad sleeves, a headphone port so you can listen to music while your phone or mp3 player remains in your bag and

06-OCEAN RODEO there’s also a sleeve-lined, padded section for your sunglasses. There’s even a cooler pocket for snacks! www.cabrinhakites.com

04-KITEWORLD SUBSCRIPTION KW is the ultimate reading material for any kiteboarding adventurer, so a subscription to the mag is a true travel essential! Subscriptions are available in print and digital and if you sign up for a combo subscription (print and digital) then we’ll also send you a Kiteworld T-shirt and next year’s annual Travel Guide for free! www.kiteworldmag.com

05-NOBILE If you’re going to travel with just one board then a convertible foil delivers the most bang for your buck due to the range of conditions you can get out in. The Nobile Infinity Split Foil board 5’2’’ features the fourth generation of the W-Connection system which enables it to be easily broken down and then packed into a regular sized suitcase alongside Nobile’s Zen Foil. This means you don’t even need to check in a second bag if you don’t want to and you can ride the board without the foil as a directional; two boards in one! www.nobilekiteboarding.com

Even many of the world’s warmer kiting destinations can be chilly when the wind’s really pumping once the sun goes down. Throw something like the Ocean Rodeo ‘Warm n Fuzzy’ hoodie into your luggage to warm you up after a long day on the water and you won’t find yourself having to leave because you’re cold, missing a good bit of kite banter over a beer in the car park. www.oceanrodeo.com

07-PROGRESSION PLAYER Ensure you come back from your next kite trip with a glowing feeling of accomplishment (rather than just glowing sunburn). Whatever your level or riding discipline, the Progression Player gives you access to the world’s most extensive library of kiteboarding tutorial videos, covering everything from getting up on a foil to stomping a slim-chance handle-pass. Once you start using the Progression Player it’ll begin suggesting relevant videos to suit you and you can download or stream content on your smartphone, tablet or laptop. www.progression.me

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08-QUIVER BAGS There’s something special about loading up your quiver bag for a trip away and if you get a decent one it’ll last you for many years! Most of the bigger kite and accessories brands have their own selection of bags and some are big enough to fit up to three kitesurf boards in and as many kites (perhaps even more). Choose a bag that is just a little longer than your longest board and you can always stuff any extra space with clothes to protect your precious gear! Don’t buy too big a bag though, as they can be quite heavy themselves... eating into your precious gear allowance!

09-STOKED PUBLICATIONS Okay, this is more a product to buy during your search for a holiday than to take on the holiday itself. There’s no more complete a guide to the planet’s kiteboarding hotspots than the Kite and Windsurfing Guides to the World and Europe. There are in-depth explanations of wind, wave and weather conditions throughout the year and the guide also offers authentic travel information on what to expect in each region, the practicalities of travelling there and what you’ll need to take with you. The guide to Europe is even more comprehensive than the World edition and, although it covers a much smaller area, it features

12-WOO a whopping 2,500 kiting and windsurfing locations in 17 different countries! www.stoked-publications.com

The WOO 3.0 is now more durable and reliable than ever before, has an improved battery and better jump detection. The 3.0 can now send your last jump stat immediately to a smart watch, so you can get your satisfaction (or motivation to try harder) straight away! A Woo will record every jump height and trick, save your session, allow you to challenge friends and explore spots via the WOO Sports App for iOS and Android. An added bonus is that you can use the app to check out the local leaderboards wherever you are and find out who’s boosting the biggest. Then you can try and beat them! Read our feature with Woo looking at some of the biggest boosting spots on the planet on page 160. www.woosports.com

10-SEA SPECS Water shades are ideal for protecting your eyes while you’re out kiting. The original surf sunglasses for 15 years, SeaSpecs Classic Floating Polarized Sunglasses are high quality, will withstand impact and they’re 100% UV resistant. They come with a secure strap and they float too so, if they do fall off, you can just scoop them back out of the water and continue your session. They’re available in a range of colours and SeaSpecs have also just added the Destroyer shades to their range; heavy-duty specs for people with a wider face. www.seaspecs.com

11-LIP SUNGLASSES LiP use the highest grade materials available to make their shades - the Typhoon and the Surge.

They feature Zeiss hydrophobic, oleophobic, scratch resistant lenses that are polarised and 100% UV resistant. A Vortex vent system prevents them fogging up and they’re also now available with Trivex prescription lenses. www.lip-sunglasses.com

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Achill Island, Ireland Photo: Irish Tourist Board Dakhla, Morocco Photo: Planet Kitesurf

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AFRICASOUTH AFRICA FEATURING:

MAURITIUS ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA MOROCCO EGYPT

Cape Town, South Africa Photo: Core Kites

Mauritius Photo: ION Club

El Naaba, Egypt Photo: Tommy Friedl

I 022 / AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA / CAPE TOWN I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

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AIRPORT Cape Town international airport (CPT) is 40 minutes from Table View.

SCHOOLS There are a lot of shops and schools in the area.

CABRINHA ZA Based in Big Bay at the Eden on the Bay shopping centre on the beachfront. Lessons are run all year for all abilities from beginner level to high wind shredders. Importers of Cabrinha, RRD and JP SUP, with a massive selection of new and demo / rental gear (and 2nd hand) across their three stores. www.cabrinha.co.za donovan@cabrinha.co.za +27 (0) 21 554 1729 HIGH FIVE operate with the Endless Summer and Mystic Houses, teach all levels and also run frequent pro clinics with famous riders. Complete gear set-ups can be rented, as well as SUP, surf lessons / rentals and outdoor adventure tours.

Instructor courses also available. www.high-five.co.za info@high-five.co.za +27 (0) 72 902 7899 +27 (0) 84 554 3262

CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA ON THE WATER Cape Town is one of the world’s true kiteboarding hubs from as early as October right through until March. There are more than 30 kite spots to choose from and every kind of riding is catered for, from flat water freestyle to wave riding in house-sized waves. The southeasterly Cape Doctor winds are powerful, which is why CT plays host to the Red Bull King of The Air, and if you want to break your WOO PB then Cape Town is the place!

The majority of kiting around the Cape Peninsula happens in Table View, to the north of the city, where the wind blows from the left and one road runs along the seafront, taking you to every spot in the area.

Sunset Beach is the closest to Cape Town city and the southeaster kicks in there first and it can often be blowing there for more than an hour before the other spots further downwind. The wind is a little more cross-off at Sunset so it can be patchy, but the waves are generally pretty clean and you can often sneak a session in there before the wind really kicks in and the waves get chopped up by the wind. It’s well-populated by windsurfers too but there’s usually enough space for everyone.

Ruben Lenten, doing what Ruben does in Cape Town!

Photo: North Kiteboarding

The Table Cloth laid on the mountain means it’s windy!

Photo: Kiteworld

Drive about five minutes further around the bay and you come to Dolphin Beach which is 500 metres before Kite Beach, where the wind blows cross-shore. The wind is steadier and fills in strongly (the King of The Air was moved to Kite Beach this year for that very reason).

Dolphin Beach is the first spot on a long stretch of beach that takes you right up to Doodles restaurant, a few kilometres further along. It gets pretty busy around the main launching areas, particularly during the high season, but the whole stretch of beach is prime for downwinders and many riders often carry their route on around the corner to ‘Big Bay’ and beyond. If you feel out of your comfort zone when it gets really windy then it’s still worth coming down just to watch the pros head out as the best big-air riders in the world ride here during the season and Joshua Emanuel set a World Woo Record of 29 metres here last November!

Round the corner at Big Bay there’s a pleasant grassy area next to the beach with some luxury residential developments, bars, restaurants and shops, making it an ideal spot if you want to go for a kite while non-kiting partners can relax and catch some rays. You’ll

GOOD FOR: Boosting big, riding waves, good food, enjoying a city scene and escaping winter!

I 024 / AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA / CAPE TOWN I KITEKAHUNAS run wave camps and instruct all levels from October – April.

Their epic guided downwinders will take you away from the crowded areas and their advanced instructors will really push your wave riding skills (check some of the wave kitesurfing video tutorials on their website). Two week crash courses and freeride downwind camps for improving are also available. They also have an awesome guesthouse in Sunset Beach and a school at the Boardhouse opposite Kite Beach where they sell Slingshot and Ride Engine gear.

Languages spoken by instructors: English, German, French, Italian, Russian and Polish. www.kitekahunas.com info@kitekahunas.com +27 72 712 0498 KITEWORLDWIDE have a stylish ten bedroom mansion just 100 metres from Sunset Beach with a huge living room, kitchen, braai and rooftop pool with views to the spot and Table Mountain.

A designated kitesurfing guide also brings guests together to make the best out of your stay. Kitesurfing courses, guidance and pro-clinics plus full service travel packages available. www.kiteworldwide.com info@kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 2036 085 777 BOARD AND KITE AFRICA are situated in prime position right opposite Kite Beach and next door to the famous cafe, Carlucci’s. Teaching all levels, they also stock the latest Airush, Eleveight, Mystic, Prolimit and Starboard SUP gear as well as Quiksilver and Billabong clothing. Demos and lots of second hand gear available.

Super friendly, pop in and grab a copy of Kiteworld there, too, before you head next door to Carlucci’s! www.boardandkiteafrica.com info@boardandkiteafrica.com +27 (0)21 556 2765

TRAVEL AGENTS FREERIDE KITESURF www.freeridekitesurf.com +34 660 484 782 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

Kiting off Sunset beach in the morning as the wind builds Photo: KiteWorldWide

be sharing the spot with windsurfers more often than not and most kiters tend to ride slightly downwind, close to the rocks or to the right of them, at Kamers, where the rocks act as a breakwater keeping the surface clean and relatively chop-free. Downwind of there you’ll find Eerste Steen, Derde Steen and Horse Trails which are lesser-kited wave riding gems and they’re usually pretty crowd-free!

Carry on a few clicks up the road and you’ll reach Haakgat, a small beach holding a big, fast wave that’s not for the inexperienced wave rider. Melkbosstrand (Melkbos) is the last spot you’ll get to on this stretch of coastline and it can work well when other spots like Kite Beach are getting blown out. As a rule; when the sou’easter is cranking, head north in search of less wind.

You’ll find some serious wave spots at Cape Point, Scarborough and at breaks like Misty Cliffs and Witsands.

The flat water haven of Langebaan is 90 minutes to the north of Cape Town, read about it on the next pages.

There’s also the super-cool town of Muizenberg to the southeast of Cape Town city where winds are lighter and onshore and the water’s much warmer.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The Cape Doctor earns its name by clearing pollution from the city. It’s generally reliable and strong during the summer from October to March (December and January being peak wind season). It’s often windless in the morning, so ideal for a surf first thing, frequently building to 30+ knots by mid-afternoon.

In the winter (and occasionally in the summer) the wind can come from the northwest, which also works at The Kite Kahunas crew on a regular downwinder in fun conditions / Photo: Kite Kahunas

Kite Beach and all the main Table View spots. 25 – 35°C / 77 - 95°F are typical daytime air temperatures during the summer, dipping to around 20°C / 68°F at night, but the Atlantic Ocean by contrast is relatively cold, averaging 14°C / 57°F. Head southeast of the city to the Indian Ocean side and it jumps up to 19°C / 66°F. You’ll always need a wetsuit, probably up to a 4mm in Table View and thicker still in winter.

OFF THE WATER You’re right on the edge of one of the world’s most vibrant cities and there’s endless stuff to do, from the stunning wine lands and the culture of the city, to the rugged mountains of the national parks.

Most kiters stay around Sunset Beach / Table View / Big Bay (but also check out Muizenberg, southwest of the city) where there’s plenty of choice in accommodation, from guest houses and hostels to luxury self catered homes. Some of the most popular ones are the Endless Summer Beach house and the Mystic house (www. themystichouse.com / www.endlesssummerbeachouse. co.za) where you’ll be staying right by the beach and usually with some pretty outgoing fellow kiters!

Cape Town Guru (www.capetownguru.com) are also very useful for searching out the right house / apartment for you, and the owners Grant and Sheree are Table View locals who make an ideal local connection.

KiteWorldWide have a luxury modern ten bedroom mansion with its own roof top pool that’s just 100 metres from Sunset Beach. Kite Kahunas also run a luxurious guest house in Sunset Beach with a shop right on the Blouberg seafront selling Slingshot gear in the Boardhouse Bar. When it comes to eating out and ‘rehydrating’, Cape Town is pretty much unbeatable for quality and value. For self-catering there are lots of shop and supermarkets close to wherever you stay.

There’s shopping and a wide array of nightclubs in town, the wine farms make for a great day trip and there are innumerable options to check out the local wildlife. On top of that there’s world-class surf, cable parks, sky diving and much more!

Getting around the area is easy with a hire car. Uber is popular here for nights out, too.

SHOP SCHOOL

Shop 1 Portico Building Athens Road, Table View, 7441

+27 (0)21 556 2765 info@boardandkiteafrica.com

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sales rentals repairs demos

Tel: +27(0)76 591 6069 b estk ite b oarding@vo damail.co.za

Kitebeach, Cape Town

lessons supervised-riding iko-instructors

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Our wave camps are for kitesurfers who want to learn or improve their wave riding skills.

-For who; from zero to hero -Strapped or strapless; up to you -How long; from ‘just a downwinder’ to 5 day courses -What’s included; transport, latest RRD/Mystic gear and unlimited smiles and high fives -Optional; accommodation, video analysis, pro-clinics with Carl Ferreira & Steven Akkersdijk

More info; www.high-five.co.za

I 026 / AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA / LANGEBAAN I “An endless playground of butter-flat waters with a little hike through Ostrich country to get to Shark Bay. It feels like you’re on a mini safari!”

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AIRPORT Cape Town international airport (CPT) is 90 minutes away. Check with your accommodation provider about transfers, although it’s recommended you hire a car to make the most of the area and so that you can head down to Cape Town or up the road to other nearby spots like Paternoster or Eland’s Bay.

ON THE WATER Just 90 minutes up the road from Cape Town, Langebaan offers up a very different kiteboarding experience in a massive, spacious, turquoise lagoon that’s ideal for beginners, freestylers, foilers and anyone who needs a break from Cape Town’s seemingly endless swell and, at times, challenging shorebreak. It’s set in the rugged terrain and stunning natural beauty of the west coast with acres of space, white-sand beaches and constant cross-shore winds; it’s certainly one of South Africa’s top kite spots and an ideal place to go if you’re looking to progress your riding in more manageable conditions.

The two main spots in Langebaan are Shark Bay (Kleine Oostewal), just on the outskirts of Langebaan village, and Main Beach which is just off the main road and close to restaurants and shops. There’s another spot further downwind of Main Beach, but it’s for experienced riders as the wind blows offshore. You’ll find flat water close to the shore at Main Beach and behind the island opposite. There’s small chop in the middle but it’s far less taxing on the legs than the rolling swell you’ll regularly encounter in Cape Town. The water’s a little warmer too which attracts more swimmers.

A legendary lagoon Photo: Windtown / Planet

Bear in mind as well that the spots around Langebaan are tidal and Shark Bay (don’t worry – it refers to tiny ones) is particularly effected by that with lots of space for rigging up at low tide and quite a lot less room on a high tide. If you can get there on an incoming tide then you’ll score some ideal conditions for progressing your tricks with plenty of space.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Langebaan’s season runs across the same months as Cape Town with good conditions from October to March.

November to February are the best months and the peak season is from December to January when the wind can sometimes build up to 40 knots in the afternoon.

Langebaan sometimes gets wind when Cape Town doesn’t and vice versa, so you can always travel down to Cape Town if Langebaan has a light wind day or come and shred some flat water for a day if you’re spending the season in CT. Temperatures average 25°C / 77°F in the summer and drop in the evening when a sweater and jeans can be needed. The water temperature at Main Beach is around 17°C / 63°F in the summer (which is warmer than in Cape Town), while Shark Bay can get up to 24°C / 75°F which is much warmer than elsewhere on this coast. You’ll need a wetsuit for Main Beach (although a 3mm would probably be comfortable enough) but you can often kite in a shortie at Shark Bay or even just boardies / bikini.

OFF THE WATER

Club Mykonos Marina Village

If you’re staying centrally in the village then you’ll most likely be able to walk to Main Beach from your accommodation. Public transport is limited though and you won’t find Ubers and taxis in such a ready supply as you will in Cape Town, so a hire car is highly recommended to see areas outside of Langebaan. It’s worth doing too because this is an area of incredible natural beauty and it’s well worth exploring the nearby national parks, game and nature reserves.

There are plenty of accommodation options, from hostels and studio apartments to luxury family homes.

There are a few set-ups specifically designed for kiters where your accommodation and kite school packages

WWW.KITELAB.CO.ZA INFO@KITELAB.CO.ZA +27 (0)22 772 0026

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The beautiful drive over to Shark Bay Photo: Windtown / Planet Kitesurf

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 FREERIDE KITESURF www.freeridekitesurf.com +34 660 484 782

SCHOOLS KITELAB are based just off Main Beach and teach with the latest Cabrinha and Mystic gear. They offer lessons for all levels of rider from the total beginner in their two day beginner courses to the advanced rider who wants to learn new tricks and push their freeriding / freestyle level. They have a well stocked range of equipment and wetsuits available for hire or purchase and teach at a maximum student to instructor ratio of two to one. www.kitelab.co.za info@kitelab.co.za +27 (0) 22 772 0026

are combined. They’re a great option, particularly if you’re travelling alone and looking to stay with a likeminded, friendly crowd. Club Mykonos is also a great option and it’s watersport-friendly resort designed in a Grecian style with three to four star rooms and villas, a number of bars and restaurants, an onsite spa, tennis and squash courts.

Club Mykonos recently opened new accommodation called Marina Village, which is right on the waters edge and has fantastic views across the marina to the Atlantic Ocean, just a few minutes from the bars and restaurants of Langebaan village. www.clubmykonos.co.za Planet Kitesurf Holidays travel agent team up with Windtown in Langebaan for both accommodation and lessons. Their boutique hotel, restaurant and bar is in the middle of the high street leading to the spot at Main Beach and worth checking out.

There are two supermarkets in the village and plenty of places to eat and drink just off Main Beach, serving all types of food, including locally caught seafood.

There’s one nightclub (Flamingos) a five minute drive back up the road and one of the bars in town has live music on certain nights.

If you want a bit more hustle and bustle then Cape Town is 90 minutes or so back down the road. However, if you’re staying around Langebaan, there’s plenty to do, such as horse riding, fishing, sight-seeing, wine-lands visits or you can check out the nearby game and nature reserves. If you’re keen to stay active then go cycling or mountain biking, kayaking or SUPing, take a pilates or yoga class or play golf at the nearby Gary Player signature golf course. Club Mykonos has a gym within the hotel and can also organise sea-fishing charters and quad bike excursions. It’s also a very child-friendly venue with mini-golf, squash and tennis as well as a kid’s club and games room. There’s also a skatepark in town for kids and big kids!

Stoked on the flat water learning conditions Photo: Kite Lab

GOOD FOR: Progression friendly conditions, plenty of space and flat water in a relaxed environment close to Cape Town!

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AIRPORT Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is the only airport and is located in Mahebourg in the southeast, one hour from Le Morne and 45 minutes from Belle Mare.

SCHOOLS ION CLUB operate two centres in Le Morne and one in Anse le Raise, open all year, teaching all levels via radio helmets with max ratio of 2:1. www.ion-club.net mauritiuskite@ion-club.net travel@ion-club.de +230 5 718 5058 +230 5 972 9568 +49 (0) 881 909 6010

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 ION CLUB www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.de +49 (0) 881 9096010

MAURITIUS INDIAN OCEAN ON THE WATER The epic conditions, incredible surroundings and amazing hotels have put Mauritius on just about every kiteboarder’s hit-list.

In the southeast corner of the island Le Morne is a goofy footer’s dream. Trade winds blow from the left and there’s a wide expanse of flat water inside the protective reef that lies 600 yards offshore. Beyond that the set-up for wave fun is literally perfect. ‘Small reef’ is a fun, easy wave close to the beach. ‘Manawa’, a kilometre off the beach, is best at high tide and tends to kick up bigger, rolling waves. The infamous ‘One Eye’ lies to the right, isn’t for inexperienced riders and there’s no rescue boat.

Situated in the same lagoon 15 minutes drive upwind from Le Morne is Belle Ombre. There’s much less kite traffic as well as some great hotels.

Mauritius’ east coast also offers up some fantastic kiting around Belle Mare and Anse Le Raie in the north. The winds are cross-onshore there from the right and generally calmer than in the south (90 minutes from Le Morne). Stay at the Maritim Crystal Beach hotel in Belle Mare and step out of your door and rig up on the private Palmar Beach.

There’s a Kite Globing school in the hotel’s grounds.

GOOD FOR: Potentially the most luxurious kite trip of your life with some of the world’s best waves!

Cruising Anse le Raie in the north of the island. Mauritius isn’t just about massive shallow reef waves, you know... / Photo: Ion Club

Bel Ombre, looking back down the lagoon towards Le Morne Photo: C-Beach Club / Planet Kitesurf

Anse Le Raie is 45 minutes further north with a large protected lagoon. The waves beyond the reef don’t usually get as big as in Le Morne, but they can be challenging to reach, so it’s important to ride with someone who knows the spot and where to cross the reef. Ask at Ion Club Anse le Raie for advice.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Southeast trades blow from April to November at 15 to 25 knots. July, August and September are the windiest months when the direction remains constant but can shift a little from easterly to southerly. There’s little wind from December to March and there can be a bit of rainfall.

Waves are best in July, August and September.

Air temps average 20°C - 26°C / 68 - 78°F in the winter (July, August) and increase to 30 – 35°C / 86 - 95°F in the height of summer (January - February). At night the weather drops by 5°C / 41°F when a jumper can be needed. Water temps stay at 20°C / 68°F in winter and 28°C / 82°F in summer.

OFF THE WATER There are affordable all-inclusive hotels as well as some seriously luxurious ones lining the beach in Le Morne.

If you’re planning to stay longer, the nearby village of La Gaulette has plenty of self-catering accommodation rentals. The Maritim Crystal Beach hotel in Palmar is a relaxed but high quality four star. If you’re staying in Belle Ombre then the beautiful, and recently renovated, Heritage Le Telfair hotel is right next to the beach and has a well-equipped school.

Most hotels have their own restaurants but you can also find some tucked away local venues in villages like La Gaulette or Belle Mare. Getting around is easy enough and there are local buses and plenty of taxis (they’re fairly inexpensive but agree on a price first) or you can also rent a car.

Other than kiting, relax, enjoy the scenery and the mix of cultures. For the active, there’s SUP and surfing, skydiving, swimming with dolphins and trekking up the Le Morne Brabant mountains or day trips to lots of cultural attractions, such as huge waterfalls or giant lilly ponds.

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AIRPORT Zanzibar international airport (ZNZ Kisuani) is an hour away in Stone Town.

Alternatively, fly to Dar es Salaam (DAR) on the mainland and get the 20 – 30 minute ferry to Zanzibar. Surfescape can organise all of your transfers for you.

ACCOMMODATION Surfescape Village Zanzibar have large, independent studios equipped with kitchenettes for up to four guests as well as smaller double rooms close to the beach. The hotel has a private tropical garden, pool, direct access to the beach and free WiFi in all the rooms. www.thesurfescape.com booking@surfescapevillages.com + 39 348 858 0870

SCHOOLS SURFESCAPE VILLAGE have their own school, open June to March, with the latest RRD gear for sale or hire, including kites, twin-tips, foils and surfboards.

Private kite, windsurf and SUP instruction / rental is available and freestylers, wave riders and foilers can also book advanced coaching sessions. Daily trips around the island are available. www.thesurfescape.com booking@surfescapevillages.com + 39 348 858 0870

PWANI MCHANGANI ZANZIBAR ON THE WATER

Island exploration

GOOD FOR: Incredible conditions on the lagoon in a beautiful natural setting with accommodation right on the beach.

The lagoon at Pwani Mchangani is away from the well known spots of Paje and Jambiani and towards the northern tip of Zanzibar. Your riding will be affected by the tide with two highs and two lows per day. It’s a perfect spot for beginners, freeriders and freestylers with shallow, warm water, steady cross-on winds and a sandy seabed that’s free of urchins, sharp stones or coral. It’s a private beach, so you’ll never be tussling with crowds and there’s something to offer all levels of rider with some decent waves out on the reef, 800 metres offshore.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The peak wind seasons are January to February and June to August but there’s usually good conditions from midDecember to March and from June to September. The wind blows from the left in the winter season and from the right in summer, so you get to ride the spot from both sides depending on when you travel. The wind is lighter in the winter, normally 12 to 20 knots, compared to 14 - 25 during the summer months. Air temps average around 30°C / 86°F and the water isn’t far below that at 27°C / 80°F, so most people just choose to wear a rash vest for protection.

The beautiful whites, blues and greens!

Photos: Surfescape Village

Lush lagoon action

OFF THE WATER Pwani Mchangani is 45 minutes from the nearest town and has a relaxed, intimate feel and you’ll feel close to nature during your stay. There are four and five star hotels if you’re looking for full-on luxury and a popular option is Surfescape Village Zanzibar, a friendly guesthouse where you’ll meet like-minded people and stay just 20 metres from the kite spot.

There are numerous restaurants in the hotels and a few on the beach itself alongside local street food vendors. There are also a couple of supermarkets close by where you can stock up.

This isn’t really a party spot but you’ll be in good company and if it’s not windy then there’s the rich culture of Zanzibar to take in, trips to Stone Town, wildlife tours, SUPing and surfing, diving, yoga classes and more besides. Surfescape Village Zanzibar also arrange daily trips on a catamaran or dhow (local sailing boat).

Getting around is easy as taxis are cheap and plentiful and a scooter is good for a day’s sight seeing. Crime isn’t a big issue here but use common sense and remember that Zanzibar is a Muslim country, so don’t wear revealing clothes or be too raucous when in town.

www.thesurfescape.com

#windinmyhair

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Surfescape Zanzibar is located in the uncrowded area of Pwani Mchangani, Zanzibar north east.

The lagoon is the perfect freeride and beginners’ spot whereas the reef provides endless waves for more experienced riders. Enjoy your holiday at Surfescape village Zanzibar’s bungalows, with pool and private beach overlooking the lagoon. Your dream session is just one flight ticket away.

Pwani Mchangani, main road, Zanzibar l +255 (6)57420259 booking@surfescapevillages.com l www.thesurfescape.com Promo code for 10% booking discount : Kiteworld2018

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AIRPORT Zanzibar international airport (ZNZ Kisuani) is an hour from Paje in Stone Town. Alternatively, fly to Dar es Salaam (DAR) on the mainland and get the 20 – 30 minute ferry to Zanzibar.

ACCOMMODATION Ebb & Flow have eight en-suite apartments just a stone’s throw from the beach and they’re all equipped with their own balcony, lounge and kitchenette. The Aquaholics Kite Centre is next door with a pool, bar and restaurant. www.ebbandflowzanzibar.com info@ebbandflowzanzibar.com +255 779 721 630

SCHOOLS AQUAHOLICS ZANZIBAR teach all levels from absolute beginners to advanced riders and their lessons are conducted by highly experienced instructors using radio communication helmets. Using new season Liquid Force gear they also offer gear rental, guided downwinders, SUP / surf rental, surf instruction and boat trips to the best waves! www.aquaholics-zanzibar.com info@aquaholics-zanzibar.com +255 (0) 776 897 978

PAJE ZANZIBAR

Stunning beach vibes right on the spot / Photos: Aquaholics

ON THE WATER

OFF THE WATER

You’ll find everything from fun waves out on the reef to flat water lagoons closer to shore in Paje; all next to this authentic little village on the southeast corner of Zanzibar.

This destination has something for most riders with huge downwinder potential around remote islands situated just offshore. Being just 90 miles long and 40 miles wide, Zanzibar is ripe for exploration. Paje is the island’s main kitesurfing spot with flat water on the inside at low tide that is protected by the reef. As the tide pushes in the chop and kickers start to form. Tides play a big part in Paje and, for six days each month, the inner lagoon doesn’t even empty!

Paje is a small village but it has hotels and guest houses, ranging from three to five star, and all accommodation is pretty much right on the spot. Eight kilometres south of Paje you’ll find the KiteWorldWide Pro Centre and accommodation in Jambiani, right in front of a spot that features a huge lagoon thanks to a two kilometre sandbank.

If you encounter a no-wind spell Zanzibar is rich in history and heritage with a steadily developing tourist infrastructure. Tour the old spice plantations and visit the colourful markets of Stone Town (one hour away), or swim with dolphins, go diving, SUPing / surfing out on the reef, go fishing or take a boat safari.

There are regular parties around Paje and live music down at nearby Uhuru Beach at weekends. There’s also a small supermarket in Paje as well as some lovely restaurants and beachside set-ups. You can survive on as little as $15 a day at local restaurants but hotel restaurants are more expensive.

Getting around is easy as taxis are cheap and plentiful but a scooter is good for a day’s sight seeing. Crime is minimal but common sense is advised and remember that this is a Muslim country, so be modest and respectful when you’re in town.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The two main seasons run from January to February and June to August but there’s usually decent conditions from midDecember to March and from June to September. If you have a foil, you can even further maximise your water time. The wind blows from the left in the winter season and from the right in summer, always safely cross-onshore. Lighter in the winter, usually 12 - 20 knots and 14 - 25 during the summer months. Air temps average around 30°C / 86°F while the water averages 27°C / 80°F. If you’re out for a longer session then a shorty wetsuit can come in handy.

GOOD FOR: Steady 10 to 14 metre kite weather, endless downwinders and a magical Zanzibar vibe for travelling kiters.

TRAVEL AGENTS KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 UNIQUE KITE & SURF CAMPS www.unique-kitecamps.com +255 779 721 630

Luke McGillewie getting his strapless freestyle on in the lagoon

BOOK YOUR SALTY ADVENTURE TO THE PARADISE ISLAND OF ZANZIBAR KITE & SURF HOLIDAY PACKAGES COURSES FOR KITESURF & SURF RENTAL STRAPLESS & WAVE STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING

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AIRPORT Zanzibar international airport (ZNZ Kisuani) is an hour from Paje in Stone Town. Alternatively, fly to Dar es Salaam (DAR) on the mainland and get the 20 – 30 minute ferry to Zanzibar.

UHURU BEACH JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR ON THE WATER

UHURU BEACH RESORT www.uhurubeach.com +255 (0) 7790 41645

For six months of the year, Uhuru Beach in Jambiani offers up epic conditions with no crowds across its long beach and vast, sandy bottomed lagoons. You’ll find a range of conditions for all levels of rider with steady ten to 14 metre kite weather, flat water, chop and fun waves from 0.5 to 2.5 metres out on the reef. You’ll not be battling for space either as, even on a busy day, you’ll never see more than 30 kiters out on the water.

SCHOOLS

WIND WEATHER AND WATER

ACCOMMODATION

UHURU KITE ZANZIBAR are open from June until the end of September, teaching everyone from complete beginner to advanced riders who want to improve their wave riding or unhooked tricks. Lessons take place at low to mid-tide when the water’s flat and waist deep. Instructor ratios never exceed 2:1 but group bookings are possible. The latest Gaastra equipment can be rented by competent riders. There’s a rescue boat on hand should you get into trouble and instruction is available in English, German, Spanish, Italian Dutch and Swahili! www.uhurukite-zanzibar.com info@uhurukite-zanzibar.com info@uhurubeach.com +255 628884515 (in season) +44 (0)7796986711 (off season)

The best time to head to Uhuru is during Zanzibar’s summer months from December to March (January and February being the windiest), or during the winter between June and September. The wind blows from the south almost non-stop 24 hours a day during the summer, side shore from the right with air temperatures ranging between 30 - 35°C / 86 - 95°F. In winter it drops down to between 25 - 32°C / 77 - 90°F with the wind blowing from the north / the left.

The water averages 27°C / 80°F so you won’t need a wetsuit but pack a rashie to avoid sunburn!

OFF THE WATER You’ll find a relaxed pace of life in Jambiani. The Uhuru Beach hotel has 17 beautiful villas situated right on the beach, so you can literally step out of your front door and rig up. They offer everything from single and double rooms to bigger accommodation that’ll house up to four people at once.

Photos: Uhuru Kite

KiteWorldWide’s Red Monkey Lodge is a sustainable set-up and also right on the spot.

There are no nightclubs in Jambiani but there’s still stuff happening including the weekly Monday night jam sessions with local musicians and there’s usually a guest DJ on at the weekends for a post-session blowout. There’s also a fairly regular party scene in nearby Paje which is ten minutes away, but be respectful and modest with your clothing as Zanzibar is a muslim country and raucous behaviour is not appreciated.

If the wind doesn’t blow there’s no reason to fret!

Zanzibar is a spice island rich in history and heritage and there’s loads to do. Go on a cycle tour, SUP through the mangroves, take a cultural / historical tour and visit the colourful markets of Stone Town (one hour away), swim with dolphins, go surfing, diving, deep sea fishing, wakeboarding or take a boat safari. The options are almost limitless!

Ten minutes away nearby Paje has small supermarkets and lovely restaurants with traditional set-ups where beach boys cook your food over an open fire. You’ll spend around $15 a head for a meal in a hotel but a meal at a local place can be as low as $2-3. Either way, it’s not expensive.

Getting around is easy as taxis are cheap and plentiful but a scooter is good for a day’s sight seeing.

You can also rent quad bikes or cars, but everything around Jambiani is within easy walking distance.

You can pay for things using the Tanzanian Shilling or USD but there’s no (reliable) ATM nearby, so withdraw cash at the airport or in Stone Town if you get the chance.

TRAVEL AGENTS KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

Uhuru Beach Resort

GOOD FOR: Steady conditions, excellent food and a real cultural experience!

E A T - S L E E P - K I T E - R E P E A TÂ

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AIRPORT Fly into Dakhla (VIL), although there are no direct flights from outside Morocco, so you’ll connect through Casablanca or Agadir.

SCHOOLS DAKHLA EVASION is an F-One Pro Centre, running private, semi-private and group lessons, offering packages that combine the cost of your lessons with unlimited equipment hire. Situated right on the edge of the lagoon with chalets, bungalows and family-sized cottages to stay in. www.dakhla-evasion.com contact@dakhla-evasion.com +212 661 208819 / +21 661 411 634 ION CLUB Dakhla is part of Ocean Vagabond (also offering accommodation), with beach bar, shop, showers, storage, chill out corner, rentals and excursions. www.ion-club.net dakhla@ion-club.net company@ion-club.de +212 (0) 648 770 844 +49 (0)881 9254 960 KITEWORLDWIDE are at Villa Camp Dakhla with six boutique mini-villas that have stunning views as well as open air bathroom and bathtub. www.kiteworldwide.com info@kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090

DAKHLA MOROCCO

Dakhla has grown to become one of the best and most spacious kitesurfing lagoons in the world Photo: Kiteboarding Club / Planet Kitesurf

ON THE WATER Situated on the edge of the Western Sahara, the Dakhla peninsula shelters a 45 kilometre long lagoon from the Atlantic, though you’ll also find some excellent wave riding at Foum La Bouir and a number of other spots along the coast. The GKA Kite-Surf World Tour (waves) will visit the spot at the Westpoint Hotel at Foum La Bouir for the second time in April this year.

The lagoon can be ridden at both high and low tide.

Ideal for beginners at low tide, it remains waist deep with flat water and no shore break to disrupt your progress as you perfect your board starts. Freestylers and freeriders will also love the acres of space and the flat sections at low tide to explore. Most of the kiting happens around the kite camps, but there’s also the speed spot round the corner from Dakhla Attitude hotel where you can tuck in behind the sandbar and go for broke in offshore winds!

The best wave riding is in the winter months and the schools organise regular transfers to the wave spots of Foum La Bouir and Pointe D’Or. There is generally less wind on the coast at the wave spots where a 4/3 or 3/2 wetsuit is also a good idea. There’s plenty of downwinder potential too and you can ride from the main kiting areas on the lagoon all the way to Dakhla town.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Dakhla offers conditions all year. The wind generally blows from the northeast at 19 - 25 knots in winter, increasing up to 30 knots in the summer months of July and August.

Usually starting off blowing lightly and increasing from

lunch time until it drops off again at sunset, around 7pm.

Waves are best November to February. In summer you’ll use your seven and nine metre a lot and in winter a 12 will see more action.

Annual air temperatures range from 20 – 30°C / 68 – 86°F during the day to 12 – 15°C / 54 – 60°F at night.

Boardshorts and bikinis in mid-summer will suffice and a shorty will do for most of the year, but bring a warm sweatshirt and jeans for the evenings. The water averages 19 – 24°C / 66 - 75°F all year but strong winds make it feel colder. January and February are the coldest months and you’ll need a long suit then.

OFF THE WATER There’s not much else to do other than kite, but if you’re looking for reliable wind, flat water, waves, beautiful sunsets and relaxed evening vibes then Dakhla should be on your list. If you’re staying at a kite camp (and pretty much most people do) you won’t need a car and transfers to town and back can be arranged in camp. Staying at the camps usually includes rescue boat cover, too (if you aren’t staying with them you can buy a voucher). If you stay in town it’s best to rent a car to get to the kite spots.

The small souks, local food and spice markets in town and lunch at the oyster farm are highly recommended.

There’s also a lesser known fish restaurant on the water’s edge on the way to town from the camps.

You can find epic surfing and SUPing outside the summer months and there’s also a cable park at the Dakhla Attitude camp.

TRAVEL AGENTS ION CLUB www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.de +49 (0) 881 9096010 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

White Dune Photo: Dakhla Evasion

GOOD FOR: A fully-focused kite trip with endless flat water in the lagoons and a reeling right hander.

DAKHLA EVASION A KITESURFING CAMP IN MOROCCO

LIVE YOUR PASSION FOR BOARDSPORTS www.dakhla-evasion.com contact@dakhla-evasion.com +212 661 208 819

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AIRPORT You can fly directly to Essaouira from Luton in the UK with Easyjet on a Tuesday or Saturday. You can also fly directly from Brussels or Paris once a week. Marrakesh (RAK) airport is a two hour drive / taxi and Agadir (AGA) is a little further. Most kite schools or accommodation agents can organise a transfer for you.

SCHOOLS EXPLORA www.exploramorocco.com adventure@exploramorocco.com +44 (0) 773 856 3883 / +212 611 475 188 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com info@kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 ION CLUB ESSAOUIRA www.ion-club.net essaouira@ion-club.net company@ion-club.de +212 (0) 524 78 39 34 +49 (0)881 9254 960

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 ION CLUB www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.de +49 (0) 881 9096010 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777

GOOD FOR: A holiday experience that feels far away in terms of culture and experience, yet is a short flight from Europe.

There’s bags of wind, too!

ESSAOUIRA MOROCCO ON THE WATER Protected by the Mogador Islands and known as the Windy City, you’ll find plenty of space on the water in Essaouira with six miles of beach just waiting to be explored. There’s everything from flat water and cross-shore winds to crosson wave riding conditions and everyone from beginners to experts will find something to keep them busy.

The best kiting is found away from town and downwind towards the left side of the bay where the beach is less crowded and the wind is steadier. There’s even some cross-on wave riding there, too. You can score some flat water if you tuck in close to the medina (where the wind is a little gustier as it comes over the town) and there’s standard bump and jump conditions in the open water out in the middle of the bay.

There are a couple more flat water spots that work depending on the season too; one in the river mouth that can be ridden in winter and another at ‘second beach’ which works in the summer.

This stretch of coastline is well known to surfers and, if waves are your thing, then there’s plenty to choose from around Essaouira. Advanced wave riders will love Moulay Bouzarktoune and Sidi Kaoki and you can even kite down to them on one of the weekly downwinders organised by Explora Morocco.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The season runs from April until September and the 15 - 25 knot north / northeasterly trade winds are ramped up by the temperature differences between the land and sea.

It can hit 40 knots in July and August, making the town worthy of its ‘Windy City’ moniker and last season it was windy on 100% of the days in July! Water temperatures stay at a comfortable 17 – 20°C / 63 – 68°F while the air temperatures are very warm when you’re out of the wind.

The northerly winds can be chilly though, so it’s always worth bringing at least a spring suit during the season and, if you’re here in the winter, you can score some awesome wave riding as the swell really increases then, but you may want to bring a thicker suit. The wind is a little less consistent around then though, and switches to a southerly direction, but it’s still good around 60% of the time.

Moroccan vibes / Photos: Explora

OFF THE WATER There’s everything from riads inside the medina where you can have an authentic Moroccan experience, to hotels, guest houses and apartments outside of it. Tourism and traditional life mesh seamlessly in Essaouira and the main focal point of the town is still the bustling harbour which was Morocco’s first ever seaport back in the 19th century.

Eating out is pretty cheap and there’s a great selection of restaurants in the old town serving international cuisine as well as more local fare, like freshly caught seafood and tagines. There are supermarkets too if you’re staying in self-catered accommodation. Morocco is a Muslim country but Essaouira has adapted to tourism and many of the restaurants serve alcohol while there are also bars and a couple of clubs offering some fun, but chilled, nightlife options.

Beach bars and cafes dot the main beach and there’s plenty to do on windless days from SUP and surfing to mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding and more.

You can also check out the incredible shops and stalls in the medina which sell beautiful, locally crafted pots, earthenware, rugs, clothing and jewellery.

Photo: KiteWorldWide

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I 042 / AFRICA / EGYPT / EL GOUNA I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

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AIRPORT Hurghada (HRG) is roughly a 30 minute transfer north of Hurghada. Taxis are fairly cheap.

SCHOOLS KITE TRIBE are open all year and teach all levels in private or 2:1 max ratios. The latest Cabrinha gear is available for sale or hire. There’s safety boat cover on hand and Kite Tribe also run girl’s camps throughout the year - find the dates on their site!

Languages spoken by instructors: English, Arabic, German, Dutch and Croatian www.kitetribe.org kitetribegirls@gmail.com +20 1207 390 448

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090

EL GOUNA EGYPT

Bruna Kajiya competing in El Gouna at the WKL event in 2017 Photo: Svetlana Romantsova / World Kiteboarding League

ON THE WATER El Gouna has two main spots. At Mangroovy Beach, just north of town, the predominantly northerly winds hit the beach cross / cross-on from the left while the second spot is just five minutes to the south and you can reach either one of them quickly by tuk-tuk!

The beaches in El Gouna are tide dependent and particularly so in summer. On a high tide you can ride anywhere but you’ll encounter some shallow spots at low tide, so at that time it’s best to head to the northern end of Mangroovy. On a falling or pushing tide you’ll find some excellent flat water but there’s usually a couple of hours around low when you can’t kite at all.

El Gouna is a stellar freestyle spot and played host to the WKL last year. It’s also great for beginners thanks to the gently shelving beach which means that there’s a large expanse of shallow water for beginners as well as deeper sections further out with good ramps for jumping off.

There are several kite centres in El Gouna on Mangroovy beach. The further north you go along the beach (away from town) the steadier and stronger the wind is and the more space you’ll find. As with most kitesurfing locations in Egypt, all the centres have compressors and helpers on the beach.

The spot to the south sits inside the Mövenpick hotel grounds, just downwind of the city harbours. You can pay a day rate to kite there if you’re not staying at the hotel

GOOD FOR: A warm, stress-free holiday with plenty to keep the family busy while you get out for a kite.

Fun flats!

Photo: Kite Tribe

and it tends not to be so busy as it’s mostly just the hotel guests that kite there. The beach is much smaller though and there’s a swimming area downwind, so watch out for that, but it’s very friendly.

At low tide (or if you’re a beginner) then booties are ‘recommended’ in general for El Gouna but many confident riders go barefoot.

There’s another spot a little way along the coast called Seahorse Bay where Kiteworldwide have a setup in conjunction with the Kite Club.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER You can kite all year round in El Gouna but the summer months are the most consistent. Expect to be on your seven to 12 metre kites on an almost daily basis during that time. Midday mid-summer temperatures can reach up to 40°C / 104°F so it gets seriously hot and the water is incredibly warm. You’ll need a spring suit around October, but the water never really drops below 20°C and winter is still very pleasant by European / American standards, so it’s a great place to go for a crowd-free vacation.

OFF THE WATER The town / resort as a whole is one of the best equipped kite destinations in Egypt. Everything is within no more than a ten minute ride on the little buses and tuk-tuks that circulate the town and you can take your gear on them to the kite centres.

There are numerous hotels, ranging from the intimate and friendly three star, to luxury and boutique four or five star resorts. Restaurant choices cater for all tastes and budgets, and although there’s not a riotous nightlife scene, there are plenty of bars. El Gouna is a self-sufficient town, designed from scratch by a single developer, so it feels more international that authentically Egyptian, but it’s very safe, clean, friendly and really well set-up for all you could need with plenty of shops in the downtown area.

If you get a windless day, take a boat ride around the lagoons on which the town itself is built, play golf on one of El Gouna’s two 18-hole championship courses, go sailing, diving, go-karting, paintballing, head to the cable park or SUP through the lagoons. A sunset cruise is also a great way to round out your day.

KITE TRIBE R I D E

W I T H

PRIVATE AND PARTNER TRAINING Men, women, beginners or advanced Kitesurfers.

Book professional lessons as a solo traveller or a group.

T H E

T R I B E

by:

Tarek Hayek

NO WIND ACTIVITIES

GIRL CAMPS

Wind or no wind, we’ve got you sorted: Wakeboarding, SUP, sailing, diving, hiking, snorkling and quad safari.

Our girl camps bring together likeminded women from around the world to learn kitesurfing or build on their previous skills.

by:

Tarek Hayek

by:

Tarek Hayek

by:

Tarek Hayek

/RideWithTheTribe +20 1207 390 448

@KiteTribe www.kitetribe.org

I 044 / AFRICA / EGYPT / MARSA ALAM / EL NAABA I “A hidden little paradise contrasting the many busy spots in Egypt. Just a short stroll to the beach from the hotel, the blue water is so inviting and there’s also an amazing lagoon for flat water fun and easy learning.”

ANNABEL VAN WESTEROP, CORE PRO RIDER

EL NAABA MARSA ALAM, EGYPT

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AIRPORT El Naaba is just 30 kilometres south of the airport in Marsa Alam (RMF) and Hurghada (HRG) airport is 220 kilometres away. Tour operators, as well as the Pro Center, offer transfers from both airports or there are taxis available.

SCHOOLS THE TOMMY FRIEDL PRO CENTER teach all levels in kitesurfing and windsurfing all year at a max ratio 4:1. Core, Carved, Cabrinha, NP sails and JP boards are available for rent, there is a repair service on site and they also provide safety boat cover. There’s also free WiFi available.

Instructors are VDWS qualified and lessons are available in English, German, Russian and Arabic. www.tommy-friedl.com info@tommy-friedl.com +20 100 66 72 811

Far away from the mass tourism Egypt has been known for in the past, and 220 kilometres south of the more developed resort of Hurghada, lies El Naaba in Marsa Alam.

There are two bays: Beach Bay and Surfers Bay, that are separated by a reef that protects the beach from the shorebreak and focuses the waves out on the reef. Most of the kiting happens in Surfers Bay where you’ll share the space with windsurfers and swimmers and there’s also an additional kite lagoon which is only for kiters.

El Naaba is an accessible spot with shallow water close to shore and no shorebreak in the first 200 metres, so it’s suitable for all levels and great if you’re working on your waterstarts. You can even score some wave riding out front of the kite centre at Surfers Bay. You can kite safely anywhere, even in strong winds, as you’re allowed to land your kite wherever you like, but there are a few sharp stones so it’s a good idea to wear booties if you’re less advanced and see yourself potentially walking back up the beach more often.

Out on the reef the waves run cross-onshore with the wind and they can get up to two or three metres on really good days!

There is another spot which the Tommy Friedl Pro Centre run an unlimited shuttle service to: El Naaba lagoon. Just two kilometres from the main spot there’s a large shallow lagoon area for beginners (the size of a football pitch, depending on the tide) and a super-flat water pool for freestylers with a little sandbar that acts

The protected, turquoise waters remain flat even in strong winds Photos: Tommy Friedl

as a perfect photo platform. Ten kiters can fit on there and it’s not tidal, so the water is deep and safe for tricks. The Pro Centre organise a shuttle service to the lagoon.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The peak season is from October through to March with cross-on winds. The air temperature averages 20 - 30°C / 68 - 86°F and you’ll need a spring suit in winter, a shorty from March until May and just boardies / bikinis / rash vests from May to September. Winter water temperatures average 20°C / 68°F in the spring, in autumn 25° / 77°F and in summer around 28° / 82°F.

OFF THE WATER The Three Corners Equinox Beach Resort is right by the main beach with fantastic service and excellent Belgian cuisine. The hotel leads directly to the Pro Center too, so it’s not a long commute to your daily session!

The town of Marsa Alam is more like Hurghada was 15 years ago, so isn’t overly developed, but the locals are very welcoming and the resort site has a super relaxed atmosphere in a sedate setting. You can eat at the hotel or at the nearby marina and there are also some small shops and a supermarket inside the hotel itself.

If the wind doesn’t blow then there’s SUP, yoga, beach volleyball, or slack-lining at the Pro Center. El Naaba also offers great snorkelling and diving and, if you like to dabble in a bit of windsurfing, then the Tommy Friedl crew can cater for your needs! 65 kilometres away Port Ghalib is a well developed, modern, luxury tourist area with a marina and a range of nightlife and dining options.

GOOD FOR: A relaxing, familyfriendly water sports holiday away from the crowds

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www.tommy-friedl.com

I 046 / THE AMERICAS / INTRO I

La Ventana Mexico Brazil Photo: Ocean Rodeo / Pelican Reef Photo: Bruna Arcangelo / Surfin Sem Fim

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THE AMERICASUSA

FEATURING:

MEXICO BRAZIL COLOMBIA PERU

Pacasmayo, Peru Photo: Wild-K Peru

La Guajira, Colombia Photo: Kite Addict

I 048 / T H E A M E R I C A S / USA / NORTH CAROLINA / THE OUTER BANKS / CAPE HATTERAS I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

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AIRPORT Norfolk, VA (ORF / KORF) is roughly 90 minutes drive from the Outer Banks and the Nags Head area. Add another 30 minutes to make it further south to Hatteras. Other options slightly further away are Newport News, Virginia (PHF) or Raleigh, NC (RDU).

SCHOOLS There are numerous schools in the area.

Real Watersports and Kitty Hawk Kites are the biggest.

ACCOMMODATION RESORT REALTY offer nearly 550 rental properties across the Outer Banks from one bed condos up to luxury estates.

It can be hard to source accommodation during the season but Resort Realty are the experts! www.resortrealty.com info@resortrealty.com +1 800-458-3830

CAPE HATTERAS THE OUTER BANKS, N CAROLINA

Aerial view of the Real slick in action Photo: Ryan Osmond

ON THE WATER

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

Hatteras Island has seemingly endless flat water and wave spots that are open to all swell and wind directions and perhaps the biggest area of linked-up and varied downwinder terrain on the planet.

To the west, in the Pamlico Sound, there’s waist-deep shallow flat water for seven miles out and this is probably one of the world’s best places to learn. Students at most schools are often coached from close quarters by an instructor following them on a jet-ski too!

The wind can blow pretty much all year long with over 140 miles of coastline to suit all levels and styles of rider. Due to the bend in the island, no matter what wind direction, you can always find conditions and Cape Hatteras sits well away from the mainland, so the wind is always steady, stable and consistent.

There are countless spots but Canadian Hole on Hatteras Island, Planet of the Apes and Nags Head are just some of the best. Also, S-curves and Rodanthe provide some of the best waves on the east coast. The whole area makes for classic downwinders, but make sure you know where you’re going. There are a few places you don’t want to land as there’s no access back to the road!

The wind blows mostly southwesterly (during summer) and northeasterly (during winter). The best times of year for freeriding are spring through autumn, although the winter can also provide excellent wave conditions. Wind stats show that you can kite on average 20 days a month, 12 months a year, with June and July getting an average of 29 ridable days per month!

Learning can be done all year, however summer is usually more popular. June to September are the classic months when you can ride in boardies or a shorty. You may need a 4mm in late or early season, and a 5/3 full suit with boots and gloves in winter. You’ll mostly be on a nine but bring your entire quiver of kites. Fall / autumn and spring are typically the best times for waves.

Water temperatures average 18°C / 65°F in spring and 29°C / 85°F in summer, dropping to 10°C / 50°F in the winter.

It’s quite mild compared to other east coast locations and air temperatures are tropical in summer, reaching the low to mid90s (35ºC) in July and August with wider swings in fall, winter and spring. It’s a good idea to bring layers and a wind shell.

Eric Rienstra at the Wind Voyager Triple-S Invitational that takes place annually in June Photo: Toby Bromwich

GOOD FOR: More kite spots than you could hope to ride and the most reliable flat water and wave conditions in the mainland US.

OFF THE WATER Choose from campgrounds to luxury waterfront condos and mansions. The local communities are very laid back with grocery stores and restaurants in each. Most selfcatered properties here are a kiter’s dream home and you may find them hard to leave!

There’s a big Food Lion supermarket in Avon, or plenty more back up the road in Nags Head and numerous options to eat out in Waves, Avon and Buxton. There’s not much international cuisine but you’ll find fresh seafood, some sushi and American classics. Eating in or out isn’t super cheap, but you certainly won’t go hungry. There are also no nightclubs, so if you’re looking to large it you’ll need to make your own party.

It’s best to rent a car so you can get around and find the perfect combination of wind angle, surf, etc. There’s surfing and SUPing of course, but also kayak tours, sailing, fishing, go-karting, cinemas, heaps of shopping opportunities and Cape Hatteras lighthouse and Pea Island Wildlife Refuge provide some fun afternoons out. The beaches are awesome and it’s great for kids with camps and more besides.

SURF HERE. STAY HERE. KITEBOARDING VACATIONS ON HATTERAS ISLAND, NORTH CAROLINA

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I 050 / THE AMERICAS / USA / NORTH CAROLINA / CRYSTAL COAST I “The Crystal Coast is made up of a series of barrier islands, sounds and points, making this region a dream kiting area. Just a quick ferry ride from Cape Hatteras or a couple of hours drive from Raleigh International airport, it’s the little known gem of NC. No matter the wind direction there is always a ridable spot and often a choice of waves or flat water.”

EVAN NETSCH, CABRINHA PRO RIDER 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

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AIRPORT Raleigh - Durham international airport (RDU) is a two-and-a-half hour drive away.

New Bern regional airport (EWN) is just 40 minutes.

SCHOOLS BLOWN KITEBOARDING teach all levels from April through December with safety boat support and they also offer foil boarding and surf-style tuition. Student to instructor ratio is no more than 3:1 and private or group lessons are available.

For an extra fee you can hire a boat to follow you through the shallow water of Bogue Sound or ferry you to some of the best spots in the area. Helmet radios provide excellent communication between instructors and students who teach using the latest gear from Cabrinha, Ocean Rodeo, Liquid Force and Ozone, which is also available for sale or hire. www.blownkiteboarding.com info@blownkiteboarding.com +1 252 269 9843

TOURIST BOARD www.bookthecoast.com +1-252-726-8148

Everyone knows about Cape Hatteras but there’s more than one kiting location in North Carolina. Enter the Crystal Coast, where you can expect some raw kiting experiences around Bogue Banks and the adjoining isles and inlets.

Bogue Banks is a 21-mile south-facing barrier island which gives easy access to the Atlantic and offers up some incredible riding conditions at Coast Guard Point in Emerald Isle, NC. There’s something for everyone there with waves on the outer bar, flat water on the inside (depending on tides) and you can downwind from one end of the island to the other.

On the Atlantic side of the ‘The Point’ there are two large sandbars which kick up some fun, clean surf on a high tide and if you tuck in on the inside of them on a low tide you’ll find some awesome flat sections.

If flat water’s your thing and you want even more of it, then take a boat trip round the island to Bogue Sound on the inland side (it costs $25) and you’ll find countless shallow, flat water spots that are ideal for progressing riders.

There’s even more buttery flats to be had around Carrot Island / Sand Dollar Shoal, which is accessible by boat, where the water is around a metre deep in most Simply so much flat water to rip!

All photos: Blown Kiteboarding

areas. You may also encounter a herd of the wild horses that call these islands home running through the marsh grass when you’re over there!

The ultimate, primo kiting location on the Crystal Coast is Cape Lookout National Seashore – a 56 mile long, totally uninhabited island where the Cape Lookout Lighthouse is to be found. It’s a beautiful natural area and gets the strongest winds on this section of coastline.

Head to ‘The Hook’ for nice flat water and then take a quick walk across the island and you’ll find some of the best surf on the entire Crystal Coast!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The season runs from March through November and a 4mm wetsuit is recommended, except from May to September when you can get by in boardshorts / bikinis.

The best conditions start in mid-April and run through until September with steady southwesterly winds and this is also the best time for waves. Some locals kite year-round, but January and February are strictly for the hardcore. December and March are a bit less savage and can deliver some decent conditions, depending on the quality of the season, but you need to really want it!

Spring and autumn / fall get strongest frontal winds

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that can blow anywhere from 15 to 35 knots. Summer winds are lighter but benefit from thermal winds, so are more reliable – usually around 15+ knots – so expect to be shredding regularly on your nine to 12 metre kites.

Air temperatures vary but rarely dip below 13°C / 55°F in the winter months, 24°C / 75°F in spring and autumn, and 29°C / 84°F in the summer season. Water temps are similar, dipping to 18°C / 64°F in March before warming up quickly

by April to 22°C / 72°F and then building steadily through to September, when they peak at around 29°C / 84°F.

OFF THE WATER You’ll find plentiful accommodation to suit any budget with everything from guesthouses and bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels and there’s a wide range of self-catering beachfront houses and condos to be found on Airbnb.

If you’re self-catering then you’ll find plenty of supermarkets around the various towns in the area and, for meals out, there’s everything from casual burgers and fries to fine dining. The local seafood is good and seriously fresh thanks to the Carteret Catch Sustainable Seafood Programme.

At night there’s live music and buzzing crowds, especially in the peak summer months of July and August and it’s an ideal family destination with numerous activities on offer. Explore the state and national parks and nature reserves, visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores or have a real authentic American sporting experience and watch a game at the local baseball stadium. There are often waves breaking, so surfing and SUPing are obvious no-wind choices and so too is kayaking or sport fishing. There are also a number of golf courses, including an 18-hole championship course with views over Bogue Sound.

Public transport links will get you to most places but car hire is a good idea as there’s a lot to see and do.

GOOD FOR: Endless kite exploration in an incredible natural setting.

I 054 / THE AMERICAS / USA / COCOA BEACH I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

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AIRPORT Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest with direct flights from all over the world. It’s about a 40 minute drive to Cocoa Beach and there are shuttles available, but a hire car is the easiest method.

SCHOOLS GOOD BREEZE KITEBOARDING teach all levels year round and also offer foil coaching. Lessons are 1:1 (group sessions can be arranged) with safety boat cover on hand using Core, Cabrinha and Slingshot gear which is also available for hire. Good Breeze sell equipment from most of the major brands and instructors speak English and Spanish. www.GoodBreezeKiteboarding.com info@goodbreezekiteboarding.com +1 321 252 5483

GOOD FOR: A family-friendly kite vacation with easy access to the attractions and entertainments of Orlando.

Fantastic foiling waters Photo: Roger Scruggs

COCOA BEACH FLORIDA

The awesome 520 slick!

Photo: Louis Barr

ON THE WATER Cocoa Beach has riding locations for all wind directions and the area is a prime kiting destination. The main spot is known as the ‘520 slick’ in the Bicentennial Memorial Park which lies on the south side of the 520 Causeway in the Banana River. This shallow, flat water spot has a grassy rigging area and can be ridden in any direction, but works best in a northerly. Head there in summer when the thermals come in as it usually blows stronger than on the coast.

The water is pretty shallow except in the clearly marked boat channels. The bottom is silty but with a few sharp rocks and shells, so booties are a good idea when kiting there. It’s also the natural habitat for dolphins and manatees so there are some interesting locals around!

On the coast you’ll find waves of various sizes but typically no bigger than waist to shoulder height, except in winter when hurricanes whip up the bigger swells.

If it’s too big, you can always cruise up to Jetty Park where the waves will be smaller and more spread out and downwinders are popular among the locals as you can use the public bus / trolley system to travel back up the coast.

Cocoa Beach is also a great place to learn due to the warm, flat water in the river.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER In winter expect a lot of northerlies (ideal for the 520 slick) which bring with them reliable swell and in spring the wind switches round, blowing steadily from the southeast. The temperature gets very warm in summer and although the wind is generally lighter around then, a thermal effect often builds breezes up to rideable strengths, particularly if you’re foiling or riding your bigger kites.

Hurricane season kicks in from June to November which is when to expect the most waves and you’ll usually be riding anything from a nine to 12 metre for most of the year (bigger in summer).

Water temps range from 28 - 30°C / 82 - 86°F in the summer to 20 - 23°C / 68 - 73°F at their lowest in February.

You can ride in boardies / bikinis though the summer but a spring suit is handy in winter.

The air temperature rarely drops below 16°C / 60°F and goes up to 32°C / 90°F in summer. It cools off a little at night but the most you’ll need is a light hoodie / jacket and jeans.

OFF THE WATER If there’s no wind then check out the theme parks in Orlando which are a 45 minute drive away, go surfing (this was Kelly Slater’s home town!) or kayak / SUP in the Banana River. There’s also the Kennedy Space Centre which kids (or big kids – highly recommended by Kiteworld’s editor) will love and there are beautiful beaches and natural reserves all over this stretch of coastline.

This is a prime seaside location in the USA, so there are lots of supermarkets and everything from fine restaurants to burger joints and the seafood is tasty and generously portioned, of course!

In terms of accommodation, you can expect to pay from $60 to $200 per night and there are self-catering options available too (book early for the summer season).

Public transport links are good but if you want to explore (and there’s a lot to do and see and the US highways are easy to follow) then a hire car is a good idea and they’re readily available at the airport in Orlando and even at some of the bigger hotels.

I 056 / T H E A M E R I C A S / USA / FLORIDA / POMPANO BEACH I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

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AIRPORT Fly into Miami International (MIA) which is 40 minutes away or Fort Lauderdale– Hollywood International Airport (FLL) which is even closer. You can find rental cars at each of them and local transport links are good.

SCHOOLS EPIC ADVENTURES teach all levels in private 1:1 sessions with group lessons available on request. Gear rental is available and Epic stock equipment from all of the major brands. They can also guide you around local spots, organise downwinders and retreats and can organise a local filmer or photographer to document your session! www.epicadventuresfl.com info@epicadventuresfl.com +1 954 675 1695

GOOD FOR: Casual kite life over a long season with the bright lights of Miami within reach!

POMPANO BEACH FLORIDA

Florida’s leisurely lifestyle

ON THE WATER

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

Just north of Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach enjoys a season that can be up to ten months long with November through to March / April being the peak months. The warm weather, 60 miles of beautiful sandy beaches and reasonably close proximity to the beautiful Florida Keys (less than two hours away) make this one of the top kiting locations on the US east coast. The conditions are also ideal for beginners and the local school, Epic Adventures, have their own private beach to teach at.

Protective sand bars provide flat water close to the beach at Pompano and you can score some decent wave riding out on the reef in winter. Throughout the year the wind can blow from all directions, but as Pompano Beach is wide and unobstructed it works in a range of wind-angles and this long coastline is fantastic for downwinders. Epic Adventures can guide you on some awesome excursions and they also recently led a group that included Cabrinha pro-rider Damien Leroy on the first ever crossing from mainland USA to the Bahamas by foil - a distance of 63 miles!

The strongest winds come through in winter from October to February, especially if a tropical cyclone is sitting offshore, and this time of year is also when the best waves can be found from October to January. The wind can be light in early and late season but, if you’ve got a foil or a big kite, you’ll be flying, and the rest of the time you can expect to be out on anything from eight to 12 metre kites.

Water temps range from 28 - 30°C / 82 - 86°F in the summer to 20 - 23°C / 68 - 73°F at their lowest in February.

Simply ride in boardies / bikinis during the summer months but a spring suit is a good option to have in winter, particularly for longer sessions. The only thing to be aware of are the odd man o’ war jellyfish in the area.

The air temperature rarely drops below 16°C / 60°F and goes up to 32°C / 90°F in summer. At night things cools off a little, but the most you’ll need is a light hoodie / jacket and jeans throughout the year.

Enjoy long seasons and lengthy sessions!

Photos: Epic Adventures

OFF THE WATER This part of Florida is popular with holiday goers so there’s a lot of accommodation on offer, with everything from motels to five star hotels and Airbnb properties to suit all budgets. Transportation is plentiful with Ubers, taxis and rental cars all being easy to come by.

There are countless places to eat around Pompano Beach and in nearby Fort Lauderdale, from top-end restaurants to fast-food joints and everything else in between. If you’re self-catering there are also plenty of good supermarkets.

Nightlife in Pompano Beach itself is pretty quiet, but head into Fort Lauderdale and you’ll find plenty of nightclubs and bars just a 15 - 20 minute taxi ride away.

Venture a little further and you’ll be in Miami where the action really steps up after dark!

Kayaking, SUPing, fishing, jet-ski hire, wakeboarding and cable park sessions (just six miles away in Deerfield Beach) are all popular here. If you’re looking for some stuff to do on dry land then Cape Canaveral and the theme parks of Orlando are just a couple of hours drive away. Of course Miami is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and just a 40 minute drive south.

| PRIVATE & GROUP LESSONS | RENTALS | SALES | RETREATS | DOWNWINDERS | | WORLD RECORD SETTING EVENTS |

Kite the warm, clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico Sunny weather and blue skies Year-round tropical winds 10-30+ knots Everything you need just an Uber away Neighboring hotspots: West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Naples and Key West Beaches, Nightlife, Everglades, Florida Keys all within 2hrs of Pompano Beach Ride flat water, surf waves, or catch big air all in the same spot

954.675.1695 | EPICADVENTURESFL.COM | INFO@EPICADVENTURESFL.COM

I 058 / THE AMERICAS / USA / CALIFORNIA / PITTSBURG I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

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AIRPORT San Francisco International (SFO) is 51 miles away, Oakland International airport (OAK) is 41 miles away. You can get a train directly to Pittsburg or hire a car at the airport.

SCHOOLS THE KITE BAR offers lessons and rentals all year on Cabrinha, F-One and Ozone gear.

Jet-ski or rescue boat cover is always on hand during lessons and they also run a weekly seven mile guided downwinder from Pittsburg to Sherman Island with a free beer at the end! They also have an onsite coffee shop and lessons are available in English, Russian and Bulgarian. www.thekitebar.com info@thekitebar.com +1 925-252-1522

Afternoon thermal pick-up!

Photos: The Kite Bar

PITTSBURG CALIFORNIA, USA ON THE WATER Nestled in the Sacramento Delta between San Francisco and Sacramento, Pittsburg Waterfront has a custombuilt launching area built especially for kiteboarders with anchor points for self-launching kites and a grass area for chilling out and rigging up. Launching from Pittsburg, you’ll have access to miles-upon-miles of kiting terrain, stretching up to Sherman Island, from where there are weekly downwinders back to Pittsburg.

This area gets some of the most reliable wind in the U.S between June and August, but it’s not as crowded as many of the beaches closer to San Francisco and has flatter water, too!

More experienced riders will love the freestyle-friendly conditions and the big-air potential when the thermals really ramp up mid-season. For foiling it’s a dream spot with very few obstructions, no shore break and acres of delta to glide across.

All these characteristics make it an ideal venue for beginners and the KiteBar run lessons in Pittsburg all year round.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The large temperature difference between San Francisco and Sacramento draws in the cold air from the Pacific.

GOOD FOR: A family-friendly location with solid summer winds, just 45 minutes from San Francisco

Conveniences of the Pittsburg marina for socials etc!

As the air crosses the hot inland valleys it escalates into pumping thermals that blow across the Delta. Between June and August there’s solid wind for twin-tip riding over 70% of the time. If you’re a foiler, you’ll score even more days. You can usually add a few knots on to whatever the forecast is once the thermal kicks in, too.

During the season the water averages between 13°C / 55°F and 18 °C / 65°F, so you’ll want to wear some neoprene, but a reasonably thin suit will be fine. Air temperatures range between 26°C / 80°F and 32°C / 90°F during the summer and it’s very pleasant through the day.

There can be a cool breeze some nights but the most you’ll need is a thin extra layer of clothing.

OFF THE WATER There are lots of accommodation options in the area, from campsites across the Delta in Sherman Island, to hotels in Walnut Creek, Concord, Berkeley and Pittsburg and there are numerous Airbnb options, too. If you’re sailing through the Delta then there’s also the Pittsburg Marina which allows you to stay right on the spot close to local bars, cafes and restaurants.

For eating out, there’s everything from soup and salad buffets at local restaurants, which typically cost less than $6 per person. The average meal is between $10-$15 and Pittsburg is more budget-friendly than many places further afield in the Bay Area. You’ll find Mexican, American, Italian and Asian Fusion restaurants as well as plenty of supermarkets for self-catering.

It’s worth hiring a car to fully investigate this area.

If there’s no wind during your stay then investigate Pittsburg’s historical museum, catch comedy shows at the California Theatre and check out minor league baseball at the Pittsburg City Park. Of course San Francisco is also home to major baseball and football teams too if you fancy a big game experience. There are countless concerts in Concord, Oakland and nearby Berkley and a drive inland can take you to Napa Valley - one of world’s most famous wine tasting destinations. San Francisco itself is an iconic city and less than an hour away. If you’re determined to log some water time, there’s SUP and kayak rental available at the Kite Bar and plenty of other family friendly activities if you’d rather not travel too far.

I 060 / T H E A M E R I C A S / MEXICO / BAJA / LA VENTANA I “I have spent a month for each of the last four years in La Ventana because it’s so consistent! The wind builds all day as the desert heats up and every few weeks an ‘El Norte’ cooler, stronger wind will bring some fun breaking waves on a couple of reefs close-by.”

LA VENTANA BAJA, MEXICO

EVAN NETSCH, CABRINHA TEAM RIDER 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Cortez cruising

ON THE WATER

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AIRPORT SJD - Cabo San Lucas International airport is a 2.5 hour drive to La Ventana.

LAP - LaPaz Mexico is just 45 minutes to La Ventana by car and you can book a shuttle with Road Runner Shuttles via Pelican Reef’s website.

La Ventana has become a popular option for people looking to escape the North American winter and enjoy the steady northerly winds that blow consistently from November through April. Conditions peak in January and February, making it an ideal winter bolthole. Grab your foil and explore the crystal blue waters of the bay or go on a downwinder from one of four main launch spots. There are numerous launching areas, including the hot springs to the north, Rosta Beach, the campground and south beach near the hotels. January and February can kick up a little swell, and though this isn’t really a wave spot, it is a lot of fun. There’s a serious amount of freeriding and freestyle terrain though and all that open water makes La Ventana an ideal foiling destination on the lighter wind days.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The wind in La Ventana is steady with seven to 10 metre kites the most popular sizes. Heavier riders may be better off on 12s some of the time but, while the area’s wind stats may not suggest it, due to thermic effects the wind here is very reliable during the peak season of January to March

Fantastic biking

and it builds throughout the early afternoon.

During the season, La Ventana can experience up to six foot swells at times, so be ready for those if you like waves and ramps. It’s cooler at this time of year but air temps range from 21 - 27°C / 70 - 80°F and drop to about 10°C / 50°F in the evenings, so bring a hoody and jeans for after sundown. The water temperature during the season hovers at around 21°C / 70°F so you can kite in boardies but consider a spring suit if you’re out for a long day. The same applies if you’re a beginner as this is an awesome place to learn to kite due to the warm water, lack of shorebreak and predictable winds.

This area has become very popular with visiting kiters too and if you’re interested in checking other kite spots in the area then you can always drive 45 minutes to Los Barriles where the legendary Lord of the Wind event has run for the last seven years. You’ll find a little more swell up there if you’re jonesing for some wave action!

OFF THE WATER

The village ALL PHOTOS: Pelican Reef / Ocean Rodeo

La Ventana has an authentic Mexican feel and it’s very popular with ex-pats, particularly American / Canadian kiters and windsurfers, who’ve migrated south to warmer climes in the winter. There are plenty of great accommodation options to choose from with everything from campsites and hostels to hotels and rental houses.

A popular option is the Pelican Reef Ventana Resort which is right in the centre of town and just upwind of the main launch area. It can accommodate 8-10 people in the main villa and a further two in the attached one bedroom studio. During your stay you’ll be treated to a daily complimentary breakfast and will be free to use their kayaks and snorkel gear too on your days off!

oceanrodeo.com

Sizes: 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9.5 / 12

I 062 / T H E A M E R I C A S / MEXICO / BAJA / LA VENTANA I SCHOOLS THE OCEAN RODEO DEMO CENTRE AT PELICAN REEF has its own on-site kite school and offers kite, windsurf and SUP rentals. They’re fully equipped with the latest Ocean Rodeo gear, including Mako twin-tips, the Duke and Jester directionals and the Prodigy, Roam and Flite kites and there’s gear storage too if you’re bringing your own gear. They also have a bar and run a free downwind shuttle service! www.pelicanreefventana.com pelicanreefventana@gmail.com +52 612 197 3689

The greens and the blues!

Pelican Reef villa view

Small wave fun!

GOOD FOR: Long reaches out into the bay, foiling progression amongst the pros, endless downwinders and a relaxed feel.

For night moves there are several bars and a couple of clubs in town as well as a great array of restaurants serving fresh, local seafood and outstanding traditional Mexican food. Head down to the Playa Central once you’ve finished your session for a couple of margaritas and see where the night takes you!

If you’re self catering then check out the organic farmers’ markets that run throughout the week and you’ll find other essentials in the well-stocked minimarkets around town. La Paz is a 40 minute drive away with bigger supermarkets and more shops and if the wind doesn’t come through then there’s world class sport fishing to be had in the Sea of Cortez, as well as kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking and hiking.

If you want to explore on dry land then a trek around the nearby Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve is a great way to experience the natural landscape of the Baja Peninsula. The Sea of Cortez is also abundant with marine wildlife, so try to spot them while you’re out on the water or book onto a whale watching tour during which you might see whales, whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles and sea lions to name but a few. The clear

waters of the bay make it a world class diving location and there are a number of centres to choose from.

Snorkelling is also popular.

This is a very family-friendly destination with plenty for kids to do and it’s also a good place for your young ones to learn to kite if they’re old enough due to the accessible conditions. A hire car is a good idea as it’ll allow you to reach all of the local launch spots (you can get one from the airport) but some accommodations offer shuttle services to the beach as well.

Most places take US dollars at a decent exchange rate. Local bank machines and OXXO exchange smaller US bills, however it might be easier to change your money at the airport or with your local bank before coming to La Ventana.

Most of the Baja Peninsula is safe and La Ventana is particularly so, but exercise caution if you’re going to drive around just as you would anywhere else.

Pelican Reef beachfront

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I 064 / T H E A M E R I C A S / MEXICO / EL CUYO I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

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AIRPORT Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) which is two hours away by car or taxi and three hours by bus. Renting a car is recommended as taxis aren’t cheap.

Some accommodations can organise a transfer for you.

SCHOOLS COME KITE WITH US teach all levels from beginner to advanced with lessons available every day through the season.

They use Cabrinha equipment, which is also available for hire, and you can choose between private or group sessions. They also run epic downwinders and trips around the areas. www.comekitewithus.com info@comekitewithus.com +1 347 407 2588 (WhatsApp)

EL CUYO MEXICO

Session hour-after-hour

ON THE WATER

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

El Cuyo’s uncrowded, shallow water provides a perfect playground for those looking to progress their riding in a laid-back island setting. Nestled on the picturesque Emerald Coast of the Yucatan, here you’ll experience Caribbean-esque conditions without the crowds and you can kite all day before relaxing in the laid-back surroundings of the village of El Cuyo.

Kite Beach El Cuyo has a long, empty, white sand beach and the water’s chest deep until approximately 70 metres from the shore. Choose to rip small waves and go on downwinders up to 23 miles long down the coast from there. The wind is usually cross-onshore but changes throughout the year with more side-shore winds occasionally coming through. The El Norte storms that fire up in January and December can bring with them a much more full-on riding experience along with some larger swell.

El Cuyo has a decent percentage of windy days across the whole calendar thanks to its location and micro-thermal effects. The main season is a long one and it runs from early February to late July with a steady average of 18 - 23 knots.

The wind usually starts light in the mornings, though you can usually get out on a bigger kite and by 1pm, when the thermals come in, you can enjoy a great session and it usually blows strongly until after sunset! If you’re coming here to learn then February to May are the best months as the water is at its warmest and the winds are most reliable. You can also score some good conditions from November to January, but it depends on colder low pressure weather systems coming in.

During the summer season the air temps range from 24 - 30°C / 75 - 85°F and the water is equally as warm so you won’t need extra layers on land or in the sea. During the winter it can drop a little when a cold front comes through and you might want a thermal rashie or a summer suit around that time. Jeans and a light hoodie are a good idea in the evening. In summer you’ll live in shorts and T-shirts.

GOOD FOR: Smooth, reliable conditions and a chance to experience the culture of an authentic Mexican fishing village

OFF THE WATER For accommodation choose from small ‘casitas’ and guesthouses to larger properties that can be found on Airbnb. There’s also a boutique hotel, Casa Morph, that caters to kiters with an air compressor, board racks and a five star experience.

There are local ‘tiendas’ (small shops) where you can get the basics, but most people eat out as it’s relatively inexpensive. The closest ATM is in Tizmin which is one hour away, so stock up on pesos at the airport in Cancun as nowhere in town accepts credit cards.

If you get a no wind spell during your stay then El Cuyo has world-class fishing, you can watch dolphins from the pier or check out the thousands of flamingos that migrate here each year to the nearby nature reserve. There are Mayan ruins in the area to explore and you can also go for a SUP around the bay or just sit back and catch some R&R. What a set-up!

Photos: Come Kite With Us

THE ORIGINAL KITESURFING VIDEO MAGAZINE Rider: Reo Stevens / Photo: John Bilderback

I 066 / THE AMERICAS / BRAZIL / CUMBUCO I “Cumbuco is by far my favourite place to train. There’s steady wind everyday, it’s nice and warm and there’s a huge, tightknit kiting community!”

BRUNA KAJIYA, THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION AND AIRUSH PRO RIDER 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

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AIRPORT Fortaleza Pinto Martins (FOR) is a 30 kilometre ride away from Cumbuco and it takes about 40 minutes by taxi. Check with your accommodation for transfers.

SCHOOLS DURO BEACH KITE CENTRE is the biggest school in Cumbuco, coaching all levels from beginner to advanced in 1:1 sessions in an uncrowded section of the lagoon.

Cabrinha, Core, North, Ion and Mystic gear is available to rent or buy and they offer kite repair and have a compressor too for inflating your kites. Instruction available in Portuguese, Spanish and English. www.durobeach.com kiteschool@durobeach.com +55 853 318 7491

TRAVEL AGENTS SURFIN SEM FIM www.surfinsemfim.com.br +55 21 98237 3411 +55 11 5561 1016 FREERIDE KITESURF www.freeridekitesurf.com +34 660 484 782 KITESURF EXPEDITIONS www.kitesurfexpeditions.com +55 85 9960 46079 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

ON THE WATER Cumbuco is one of kiting’s best-known hotspots that plays host to countless pro riders and travelling kiters throughout the season. It’s also where two-time freestyle World Champion, Carlos Mario, learned his craft.

Cumbuco boasts incredible kiting across its long golden-sand beach and the infamous Cauipe Lagoon, six kilometres from town. The beach is ripe for downwinders and you can kite down to the lagoon from town (or go by buggy). Along the way you’ll find chop and small shorebreak and some sandbanks a little further out that can kick up some fun little waves, too. Cumbuco is also the perfect starting point for longer downwind adventures and a number or companies, like Surfin Sem Fim, arrange trips from there covering up to hundreds of kilometres!

Cauipe Lagoon is a freestyler’s dream with shallow, butter flat water and nothing to obstruct the wind, so it can get busy during the main season. You will see tricks here from the locals that will blow your mind, though. Pull up a seat! There are a couple of basic restaurants, so you can get lunch at the spot.

There’s a wave spot just a couple of kilometres from Cumbuco called Pico dos Almas and Pecem port is some 15 kilometres downwind where there can be clean, peeling waves. You’re also within a short drive of the world class spots like Paracuru and Taiba.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Cumbuco enjoys a long season with perfect air and ocean temperatures that complement its strong, consistent southeasterly trade winds. Blowing cross, to crossonshore from the right, it’s windy enough to kite from June through to January most of the time, although you might

The downwinder to Cauipe Lagoon Photos: Duro Beach

be on your 12 metre in the early season. August onwards you’ll generally be out on a nine with a thermal effect adding to the forecasted conditions. The further north you go the stronger the wind gets.

Daytime temperatures sit at around 29°C / 84°F, dropping to 23°C / 73°F at night. The water temperature is a very pleasant 27°C / 80°F for much of the year.

OFF THE WATER Choose between hotels and guesthouses (pousadas) or rent an apartment / house with a group if you’re planning on staying for most of the season (which many people do). Duro Beach Hotel is right on the beach with stylish, well-appointed rooms and spacious grounds. There’s a restaurant right on the beach too, and you can kite out front of the hotel before coming back and relaxing by the pool after your session! www.durobeach.com There are over 30 restaurants in and around town serving everything from local fish dishes to European and Asian cuisine. There’s also an ATM and three basic supermarkets as well as a couple of lively clubs / bars.

During the high season this is one of the most reliable spots in the world but, if it doesn’t happen, then go quad biking, horse riding, SUPing, join mountain or buggy tours, do yoga classes or check into one of the local spas. There’s also a waterpark.

Fortaleza is about 30 kilometres up the road. It’s a busy city of three million people, crime is more of an issue there, so exercise caution in some parts.

You won’t need to hire a car if you’re planning to stay in Cumbuco as you can walk everywhere and taxis are on hand, too. If you want to travel further afield, rent one in Cumbuco or in Fortaleza.

Cumbuco main beach near the village centre

GOOD FOR: Scoring ultra-flat water and unbeatable conditions with the unreal weather of northeast Brazil alongside plenty of like-minded kiters!

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AIRPORT: Fortaleza Pinto Martins airport (FOR) is approximately 200 kilometres away / 2.5 hours transfer.

SCHOOLS MANGO KITE CLUB operates in the VillaMango grounds right in front of the kite spot, offering perfect kitesurfing conditions ten steps from the centre.

IKO instructors offer lessons with radio assistance for all levels. Ozone gear is available to rent and there are also air compressors, lockers, a large lawn for rigging and cleaning gear, a sea front gazebo and bar service for drinks.

Downwinder trips to nearby lagoons and flat water spots are offered. www.villamango.com.br reservas@villamango.com.br Tel: +55 88 3636 3089 whatsapp +55 85 98703-2820

TRAVEL AGENTS SURFIN SEM FIM www.surfinsemfim.com.br +55 21 98237 3411 / +55 11 5561 1016 FREERIDE KITESURF www.freeridekitesurf.com +34 660 484 782 KITESURF EXPEDITIONS www.kitesurfexpeditions.com +55 85 9960 46079 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

GOOD FOR: Flat water to waves all within downwinder distance with beautiful beachside accommodation to top it off.

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ICARAIZINHO BRAZIL ON THE WATER Icaraizinho has something for any kiter of any level.

There’s flat water at the southeast end of the beach, playful one to two metre waves at the north end and standard coastal chop conditions in-between. There’s plenty of space to launch and land and the beach is free of sharp shells or stones, so it’s ideal if you’re still improving and have to walk upwind.

There are two classic downwinders you can do that are fun and also accessible for those new to downwinding.

Caetanos to Icaraizinho is approximately 15 kilometres with good waves along the way. Icaraizinho to Patos is slightly shorter at 14 kilometres and you’ll find small but rip-able waves as well as some flat water sections along the way on a high tide. Mango Kite Club offer organised downwinders and guidance for these two great routes that suit both experienced riders and those embarking on their first downwinder.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Expect perfect Brazilian board short / bikini weather with air temps at around 35°C / 95°F in the high season. The water averages remain consistent, around 30°C / 86°F, so the only protection you’ll ever need is sun cream or a rashie at most. July to January are the windiest months and thankfully feel a little cooler than the actual air temperature, with 20 - 25 knot average winds from the east, peaking August to November when it ramps up to 25 to 40 knots. The rainy season (February to June) has less wind.

OFF THE WATER Icaraizinho is a small and simple yet picturesque fishing village with basic amenities. There are no ATMs (get cash at the airport or before you travel) and no hospital; just a small clinic that offers a limited service and a small pharmacy. The nearest hospital is in Itapipoca, 80 kilometres away. You won’t need a hire car unless you’re planing to check out other spots on your way to or from Icaraizinho. VillaMango is a charming hotel and the team there can organise your airport transfer as well as trips to other beaches or free shuttles into the village.

VillaMango is just a kilometre from the village centre

Super sessions right in front of your accommodation Photo: VillaMango

or a 15 minute walk along the beach. The hotel and its bungalows / cabanas are completely integrated into the surroundings and the hotel operates as sustainably as it can with efficient appliances, ecological drains and renewable power. The bungalows are built on stilts and from certified wood and eucalyptus trees harvested as part of a reforestation programme. They’re private and extremely comfortable, making for a wonderfully tranquil setting, so VillaMango is ideal for solo riders, couples or those travelling with a family as there’s a swimming pool and rest area with bar service just in front of the kite spot.

There are a handful of small restaurants in the village and some reasonably sedate nightlife. VillaMango has a fantastic restaurant with a signature menu created by their excellent chef, John Honza.

On windless days take a walk to the pristine white sand dunes or the lagoons and natural pools at low tide.

Explore the Aracatiassu river from where freshly harvested oysters are served each day in the hotel. For fitness fans, there’s a swimming pool and the six kilometre long beach is excellent for cycling, walking or running at low tide. For a more relaxed experience, simply enjoy the large gazebo on the seafront with magnificent views, pool with jacuzzi and bar service.

Downwinding to lagoons and flat water spots Photo: TC Photography

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I 070 / THE AMERICAS / BRAZIL / PREÁ BEACH I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

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AIRPORT Fortaleza (FOR) is three to four hours by car. Rancho do Peixe offer a private transfer service from either Fortaleza or Jericoacoara by 4x4.

ACCOMMODATION RANCHO DO PEIXE is seriously special and ideal if you’re looking for a real break ‘away from it all’. www.ranchodopeixe.com.br reservas@ranchodopeixe.com.br +55 88 98867 9459 / +55 88 3660 3118 SCHOOLS RANCHO DO KITE is one of the biggest kite schools in Brazil, with IKO qualified instructors using helmet radios to teach all levels. Set within the grounds of the Rancho do Peixe hotel they stock all the latest Cabrinha equipment. Instructors and downwind guides speak English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. www.ranchodokite.com.br info@ranchodokite.com.br +55 88 3669-2080 / + 55 88 98112-1403 / +55 (88) 9969-8306 TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0)1273 921 001 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0)20 36 085 777 / +49 (0)40 20 93 45 090 SURFIN SEM FIM www.surfinsemfim.com.br surfinsemfim@egroup.net.br +55 11 5561 1016 / +55 21 98237 3411 KITESURF EXPEDITIONS www.kitesurfexpeditions.com +55 85 9960 46079 FREERIDE KITESURF www.freeridekitesurf.com +34 660 484 782

PREÁ BRAZIL ON THE WATER Preá beach is considered one of the best kitesurfing spots in Brazil and it’s easy to see why. Strong cross-onshore winds blow across 14 kilometres of sandy beach and it’s ideal for beginners and riders of any level as the beach is wide and there’s plenty of space for launching and landing.

Many kiters make the daily trip from Jeri to kite here in the steadier, less punchy winds (before downwinding back to Jeri) and you can enjoy total convenience and stay right on the beach at Rancho do Peixe.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The winds in Preá aren’t quite as nuclear as Jericoacoara (which is just a 20 minute buggy ride downwind) but it blows on average at least 25 knots from the east or northeast from July to January. The strongest winds are from August to November and air temperatures average 27 - 30°C / 82 - 86°F during the whole season. The wind chill can be a bit nippy around sunset, so some light layers are sometimes worth having, but the water temperature is 25 – 28°C / 77 - 82°F throughout the year so very pleasant!

OFF THE WATER Unlike some of the most popular kite spots in this region, Preá maintains its authentic small village feel and there are some great places to stay. Rancho do Peixe is one of the best with its twenty-two idyllic bungalows that are linked together with beautiful wooden walkways and perfectly integrated into their natural surroundings. There’s also a fantastic restaurant, snack bar, swimming pool, chill-out area, and an on-site kite school – Rancho do Kite.

Rustic riding where you can find your own zone

You can also choose from locally owned guesthouses and posadas, some of which are right on the beach and there are some excellent local restaurants serving fresh seafood as well as internationally inspired dishes.

Preá is small so it’s easy to walk around and there are free transfers provided between Rancho do Peixe and Jericoacoara (12 kilometres away). You can also rent a car but you’ll need a 4x4 or buggy, so taxis are a convenient option.

Preá has a few shops where you can get the basics / essentials but you’ll find more in the nearby towns of Cruz and Jijoca de Jericoacoara which are around half-an-hour away. There’s no ATM in the village and most hotels and restaurants accept credit and debit cards, but it’s worth taking some cash with you. The crime that occurs in bigger towns and cities in Brazil isn’t really a concern here and Preá doesn’t have Jeri’s party scene, but it’s great for a relaxed break as a result. You’ll feel close to nature during your stay and it’s somewhere you can really shutoff from the outside world for a while.

The wind is basically guaranteed in season but, if it’s not blowing, there’s plenty to do. 30 metre high dunes surround the town which are well worth exploring with picturesque lagoons dotted between them, there are charming local villages nearby, you can get spa treatments, go horse riding, SUPing, kayaking, sailing or just relax on the beach or by the pool.

GOOD FOR: Daily good-wind kiting, relaxation, disconnecting from the daily grind and reconnecting with nature.

The friendly beach crew Photos: Eliseu Souza / E-Group

Charming Hotels and Constant Wind Let this Brazil surprise you

members of egroup.net.br

Visit our websites and book your next kite trip! vilakalango.com.br • ranchodopeixe.com.br

I 072 / THE AMERICAS / BRAZIL / JERICOACOARA I “At the changing of the low and high tides you’ll find the best and flattest conditions are at Guriu river mouth, which is a thrilling downwinder over several kilometres, setting off from Jericoacoara itself.”

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AIRPORT Pinto Martins, Fortaleza (FOR) is 330 kilometres from Jeri. You can get a bus or a driver (R$500 each way). Kitestrophik organise transfers and if you’re renting your own car and it’s not 4x4 you can leave it just outside of town.

ACCOMMODATION: HURRICANE JERI www.hurricanejeri.com www.hurricanejerigardens.com

SCHOOLS AND TRIPS KITESTROPHIK Kite Surf Club have been based on the main beach seafront for eight years. They teach all levels on North gear which is available for rental or for sale along with a range of Ion gear.

Surf and SUP lessons / rentals are also available, as well as transfers to other beaches and they also have a bar and restaurant and their own accommodation, too. Search Jerizzhouse on Facebook. www.kitestrophik.com kitestrophik@gmail.com +55 88 999 299 339 SURFIN SEM FIM Offering you all-inclusive downwinder adventures that pass through Jeri, from fun trips with famous pros up to a full bore six day ‘Ironman’ journey covering 600 kilometres! www.surfinsemfim.com surfinsemfim@egroup.net.br +55 11 5561 1016 / +55 88 99684 2843

Lagoon launch Photo: Kitestrophik / Maiorano – Montorfano

Another great Jeri session!

Photo: Surfin Sem Fim

ON THE WATER Jericoacoara is an idyllic fishing village on the northeast coast of Brazil in Ceara, 330 kilometres northwest of Fortaleza. It’s surrounded by dunes and fresh water lagoons and there’s wind (usually strong) almost everyday from June through to February There are fantastic conditions to be found along the 25 kilometres of beach with something to suit all levels of rider and everything from flat water lagoons to river mouth kickers and ocean waves. There are four tides a day: two high and two low, with the best swell from October through to November. At full and new moons the best waves are at Prea, Malhada or Por-do-so beach. Guriu river is good at low tide and you can downwind there a few

The wind blows cross or cross-onshore, predominantly from the northeast. Right in front of Jeri town it’s crossoff so most kiters head slightly downwind along the beach where it’s more cross-shore. The wind blows hard as the trade winds are whipped up by a slight thermal effect and it’s usually on from 7am until noon when the thermals kick in and the wind ramps up from the high teens to a 20 – 30 knot northeaster.

The main wind season, known as the Temporada do Vento, begins in early July and blows until February when the rainy season begins. The windiest months are August – November, with wind on 95% of days and often over 30 knots in the afternoon. The wind is light from January through to May but it’s still pretty consistent.

Water temperatures average 20 – 25ºC / 68 - 78°F, so nothing more than a rashie and strong sunscreen (factor 40 – 50) is needed. It’s cooler in the evenings, so bring a light jumper.

Downwinders till dusk!

Photo: Bruna Arcangelo / Surfin Sem Fim

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KITEWORLDWIDE The KiteWorldWide0 7 3 Pousada is in Tatajuba, an hour from Jericoacoara and can be reached by downwinder/buggy where you’ll find a lagoon out front that fills with the tide and fantastic kickers on the outside.

There’s a large garden with several lounges surrounded by palm trees and three different types of rooms spread over several bungalows. KiteWorldWide runs its own kite school in Tatajuba with a wide range of 2018 kite gear to rent and test. www.kiteworldwide.com info@kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777

Fun, playful and warm waves!

Photo: Kitestrophik / Maiorano – Montorfano

OFF THE WATER There are many hotels and pousadas covering a wide range of styles, from simple to luxurious.

Vila Kalango pousada kite village has a range of comfortable room styles, including palafitas built into the trees, superb food in their bar and restaurant, plus it’s the closest hotel to the water by the Sunset Dune. www.vilakalango.com.br The Hurricane Jeri hotel offers a unique experience on the ocean front of the spectacular Malhada Beach, a few minutes from Jeri centre. Lots of space and comfort with a rustic-chic style, there’s an amazing lagoon-shaped pool, full bar, complete restaurant service, wifi and more. www.hurricanejeri.com

Just walking around Jeri town is a really unique experience. Numerous buzzing restaurants and bars are linked up by sandy roads and there are supermarkets and kite shops too. There’s no cash machine and the nearest one is in Jijoca, 35 kilometres away. You can pay by card in restaurants though, and there are foreign exchanges.

If there’s no wind you can explore the nearby national park by buggy or walk to ‘Pedra Furada’ – the symbol of Jericoacoara – an imposing rock on the seashore with a large hole in the middle. There’s also horse riding, capoeira, sandboarding down dunes, SUPing or surfing at Malhada beach and main beach.

GOOD FOR: Strong winds, awesome downwinders, bustling bars, streets made of sand and sunset caipirinhas to finish the day!

TRAVEL AGENTS KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 FREERIDE KITESURF www.freeridekitesurf.com +34 660 484 782 KITESURF EXPEDITIONS www.kitesurfexpeditions.com +55 85 9960 46079

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AIRPORT: Teresina (THE) is five hours by car, Fortaleza (FOR) is six hours and there are now domestic flights to Parnaiba (PHB). There are dedicated bus services to Barra Grande from Fortaleza and Parnaiba.

SCHOOLS: BARRA GRANDE KITE CAMP is an accredited ABK (Brazilian Kite Association) school running 1:1 sessions all year for all levels of kiter. A range of new and up to date equipment is available for hire or rent and there’s a compressor for easy inflation, a shaded area to leave your kites in between sessions without deflating them and SUP and kayak rental is available too. www.bgk.com.br contato@bgk.com.br +55 86 98167-7195 (WhatsApp)

TRAVEL AGENTS SURFIN SEM FIM www.surfinsemfim.com.br surfinsemfim@egroup.net.br +55 11 5561 1016 / +55 21 98237 3411 KITESURF EXPEDITIONS www.kitesurfexpeditions.com +55 85 9960 46079 FREERIDE KITESURF www.freeridekitesurf.com +34 660 484 782

BARRA GRANDE BRAZIL ON THE WATER You’ll find a peaceful vibe coupled with pumping winds, classic bump and jump conditions and flat water (depending on the tide state) in Barra Grande, as well as a crowd-free glassy lagoon with heaps of space.

Situated close to the Delta de Parnaiba, one of the three largest open sea deltas in the world, Barra Grande’s key spot is just off the main beach. On a high tide you’ll find some good kickers in the chop that form ideal launchpads in strong winds. This is a great place to ‘send it!’ At low tide, kite in front of BGK where it’s free of rocks with nice flat water.

Two kilometres downwind at the end of Barra Grande beach you’ll find La Boca, a sizeable lagoon in the mangroves with plenty of space and butter flat water.

It’s an untouched part of the region so well worth a look!

Head downwind through this lagoon and round a couple of sandbars and you’ll reach Macapa where the river flows into the sea. These incredible lagoons get better as the water pushes in after low tide and there’s also a restaurant for mid-session refuelling.

If you’re into waves head to Arrombado beach, 20 miles away. Experienced kiters could downwind to it but it’s easier to reach by car

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER: The wind blows strongly, cross-onshore and non-stop from July through to the end of January. Between September and December it regularly tops 30 knots and blows practically everyday. Outside of that peak season you’ll be

GOOD FOR: A fun, laid back kite trip in a rustic setting with immense amounts of wind.

Two shots, one looking out, and one looking back.

Beautiful views whichever way you look!

Photos: BGK

on your eights to tens.

July to February, the air temperature is 35°C / 95°F, dropping at night to a pleasant 24°C / 75°F. The water temperature remains hot at around 28°C / 83°F.

OFF THE WATER: Transfer services are available (speak to your accommodation provider) but there are no car rental companies close by, so if you want to self drive you’ll need to hire from elsewhere. You can travel everywhere in Barra Grande on foot or by donkey (no buggies allowed here which makes a nice change).

Barra Grande’s a small, traditional fishing village but there are mini markets, convenience stores, a pharmacy, medic, bakery and, if you need more, Parnaiba is 40 miles / one hour away. Barra Grande is extremely safe and tranquil and crime is rare but, like anywhere in the world, exercise common sense. Watch out for the animals on the road too if you’re driving out of the village at night!

Some hotels and restaurants accept US$ or Euros, but for the best exchange rates use Reais. You can use your card in most restaurants, but some accept cash only.

There’s an ATM in town but it doesn’t accept international cards, so withdraw somewhere that does before you arrive (airports are a good bet).

Barra Grande’s pousadas feature a hippy-chic style and Barra Grande Kite Camp is right on the beach at the main spot with a popular restaurant and bar. This is a really popular spot to grab a drink, make new friends and watch the kiting action into the sunset dusk.

Most visitors eat out every night in Barra Grande as local restaurants are excellent with everything from meats, pastas and pizzas to fresh locally caught seafood.

Nightlife is sedate but you can find more action, bars and restaurants in Parnaiba.

The stunning Delta region offers a range of things to do on the rare windless days. There’s ecological SUP / kayak tours in the mangroves, you can go on trips with local fishermen to see seahorses, do yoga, or simply take a walk and breathe it all in. You can also visit the nearby ‘Cajueiro Rei do Piauí’ - the world’s largest cashew tree!

Laguna Pousada BGK pousadabgk

www.bgk.com.br contato@bgk.com.br

+55 86 3369-8019 +55 86 98113-4747

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AIRPORT: The airport in Riohacha is Almirante Padilla (RCH), serviced by Avianca. You can get there with one layover in Bogota. The airport is ten minutes from the local kite spot and a three-and-a-half hour drive from Cabo de la Vela.

SCHOOLS KITEADDICT COLOMBIA run lessons all year for all levels. Stocking North, Liquid Force, Cabrinha, Cogua and Tona gear, they can also help you book accommodation in the more remote spots of Cabo and Punta Gallinas. Rescue cover provided in both Riohacha and Punta Gallinas. Languages spoken by instructors: Spanish, English and German. www.kiteaddictcolombia.com info@kiteaddictcolombia.com +57 3205281665

GOOD FOR: Flat water, stunning weather and an eight month wind season in the northernmost point of Central America

LA GUAJIRA COLOMBIA ON THE WATER

OFF THE WATER

There are numerous spots spread out across La Guajira.

Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas are found at the northern tip of the peninsula with Riohacha and its surrounding beaches to the south.

You’ll find strong winds and butter flat water that’s ideal for beginners or advancing freestylers in Cabo de la Vela from December to September. Although the winds can get up to 35 knots on the stronger days, the wind blows offshore, so as long as you’re competent on those days the water remains super flat at all times and it’s shallow too, so you’re never out of your depth.

Punta Gallinas has similar conditions and you can also score some cross-on wave riding at the dunes of Taroa where the bay wraps round.

Further south around Riohacha, the capital city of the region, the wind blows side onshore from the east with long beaches and perfect, tucked-away lagoons.

Other spots around Riohacha include Mayapo, 20 minutes to the northeast, where the wind is usually a little stronger. Alternatively head southwest to Camarones which has similar conditions.

There are plenty of opportunities for downwinders and you can kite the 24 kilometres from Riohacha to Camarones and then roughly the same from Mayapo to Riohacha.

Spots are quite spread out on the peninsula. The region around Cabo de la Vela is a sacred place to the indigenous Wayuu people who believe the area is a gateway to the afterlife for their ancestors. As such, the area remains beautiful and undeveloped.

There are small shops around Cabo and Punta Gallinas where you can get the basics and restaurants serve fresh sea food and goat (there aren’t many vegetarian / vegan options). This part of Guajira is certainly for the adventurous as there’s no running water or electricity, but most accommodations have generators that run at certain times of day and there are water pumps for showers. Take cash as there are no ATMs and embrace the social media-free experience during your stay! The area’s generally safe but be mindful of your valuables as you would be anywhere else.

Riohacha is the capital city of Guajira and has a decent selection of hostels and hotels. It’s not a big city and you can walk everywhere. Should you need one, taxis are cheap at around £1.25 / $1.80 / €1.45 per ride, which is also the cost of a beer! The average meal costs around 25,000 Columbian Pesos (this is the only currency readily accepted) - about £6.30 / $9.00 / €7.25. A bed for a night in a hostel anywhere in the region costs about the same and you can expect to pay around 80,000 Pesos - £20 / $29 / €23 for a hotel room wherever you go.

Getting around the peninsula isn’t easy though and you’ll pass through desert regions, so using public transport or going with a 4x4 tour is recommended when travelling from Riohacha to Cabo and onwards to Punta Gallinas.

If there’s no wind during your time in Riohacha then rent bikes, see the wild flamingos or go SUPing or kayaking. In Cabo you can go snorkelling or explore the beaches and Punta Gallinas has some incredible wildlife to check out.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Flat water freedom Photos: Kiteaddict Colombia

The season in Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas runs from mid-December all the way through September and you could be riding anything from six to 12 metre kite sizes in that time.

Riohacha and the surrounding area gets wind for most of that period, however it briefly dies off in May and the season also ends a little earlier, too; in August rather than September. It’s rare you’ll need anything smaller than a seven metre around there.

Air temperatures vary between 30 - 35°C / 86 - 95°F throughout the year with little difference at night. Water temperatures are Caribbean quality: around 27°C / 80°F.

Punta Gallinas Cabo de la Vela

Mayapo Riohacha Camarones

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AIRPORT LIMA - Jorge Chávez International Airport.

From there fly to Piura. A taxi or bus will then take you the rest of the way (two-anda-half hours). Luxury bus companies also run transfers, taking 16 hours from Lima and cost around USD$45 each way.

SCHOOLS WILD K PERU teach all levels in private or semi-private lessons using Liquid Force gear which is also available for hire or sale.

They run guided trips and also offer video wave coaching, surf lessons and SUP tours.

Tuition is available in Spanish, French or English and they’re open all year, apart from March and April. www.wild-kitesurf-peru.com wildkteam@gmail.com +51 941 324 784 KANGAROO KITE are based in Paracas next to one of Peru’s best kite spots, teaching all levels (freestyle and wave) privately or in groups on the latest Cabrinha gear. Boat rescue is on hand, there’s a compressor, showers and they also offer accommodation close to the spot. www.kangarookite.net vicki@kangarookite.net +51 986 725 376

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

PERU SOUTH AMERICA ON THE WATER This part of the world is gaining a real reputation for wave kiting in particular. On the north coast of Peru, Mancora boasts some world-class wave spots and reliable swell throughout the year. The surrounding coastline is a waveseeker’s paradise and there are waves to suit experienced riders as well as those making their first forays into the surf.

This isn’t really a freestyle destination, although you can find one or two spots when the wind and tides line up that are good for tricks, however the beach at the nearby town of Organos is also ideal for beginners and freeriders.

At the southern end of Peru lies Paracas on the edge of a large desert National Park. This is a much better spot for freestylers with a large, protected lagoon that benefits from thermal winds which make for over 250 kite-able days each year (with wind speeds of 15 - 25 knots).

Make sure you check out Pacasmayo, between Paracas and Mancora (seven hours south of Mancora) home to the world’s longest left-hander!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The kiting season runs May to December but April and January can be good, too. The wind is lighter between April and June (15 – 20 knots) and doesn’t normally kick in until midday, but you can drive to find wind. From July the wind stays consistent (18 – 28 knots) until late December.

South and southwest winds prevail and the waves are good all year, though can dip a little in December.

North or south swells kick up neat, rolling lefts throughout the season.

Although a world-class wave destination, there are conditions for every aspiring shredder

Wide-open potential! / Photos: Wild-K Peru

The air temperature is dry and hot during the windy season, averaging 25ºC / 77ºF during the day. Take a hoodie for the colder nights in winter. The water is around 20 22ºC / 68 – 71º in Mancora, but gets colder in the south in the middle of winter (August to mid-October) dropping to 18°C / 65°F when you’ll want a spring or 4mm suit.

OFF THE WATER There are three towns around Mancora. Lobitos is a small, quiet hippy-town with cross-off wave riding out front and a relaxed feel. Organos is also quiet with a long empty beach and constant side-on winds; perfect for beginners and freeriders. Mancora itself is busier and there you can surf, kitesurf, visit great restaurants (in 2016, Peru had just won the World’s Leading Culinary Destination Award three years running) and there’s some nightlife too. There are also ATMs, a market and shops. If there’s no wind then go SUPing or surfing, check out the local towns or explore the stunning mountains that surround the town.

There are luxurious beachfront hotels in Mancora with suites costing up to $350 per night to more modest lodgings in the villages. You can usually settle hotel bills in USD and Euros if you need to.

Accommodation in Paracas suits all budgets from hostels to four and five star hotels, including The Doubletree By Hilton, a smart four star situated directly on the spot at Paracas Bay. Combine a kitesurfing holiday with some incredible tours, hikes and sightseeing.

The Inca Trail is of course Peru’s best known hike and takes you up to the historical Machu Picchu.

Hiring a car is expensive (as is fuel) and Peru can be hard to navigate. Instead, go with a guide like Wild K Peru who have lots of experience in guiding kitesurfers all over the country. Peru is safe for the most part, but exercise caution in more built-up areas.

GOOD FOR: A sleepy South American feel, unreal left-handers and some of the world’s longest waves!

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St. Lucia Photo: Mystic

THE CARIBBEAN BONAIRE FEATURING:

THE CAYMAN ISLANDS ST. LUCIA PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS

Turks and Caicos Photo: Andre Magarao / CrazyFly

Achill Island, Ireland Photo: Irish Tourist Board Bonaire Photo: Kiteboarding Bonaire

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The Cayman Islands Photo: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

El Naaba, Egypt Photo: Tommy Friedl

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AIRPORT Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Grand Cayman is about a 20 minute drive from Barkers Beach. Edward Bodden Airfield (LYB) is the Little Cayman airport, but you can only fly into Little Cayman from Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac as it’s not an international airport. The Southern Cross Club / Lost Boys Kitesurfing is about five minutes drive from the airport on Little Cayman.

CAYMAN ISLANDS THE CARIBBEAN ON THE WATER The three islands that make up the Cayman Islands; Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman and Little Cayman are just a short flight from Miami and even closer to Cuba. The kiteboarding happens on Big and Little Cayman in picture perfect, warm, tropical Caribbean waters with reliable trade winds making this an ideal spot for comfortable cruising and easy progression.

There are two seasons. In summer you’ll get light southeasterly trade winds and in winter the wind blows from the northeast. Winter’s the key kite season with the strongest trades and Cayman’s hairdryer winds make the waist-deep lagoons a perfect place to learn and really progress!

There are a range spots on Grand Cayman that the local kite schools will take you to, but the main kiting location is Barkers Beach in West Bay on the edge of Barkers National Park. There you’ll find sandy beaches, little to no crowds and some of the most incredible turquoise waters that you’ve ever seen with plenty of space in a large protected lagoon, surrounded by the biggest barrier reef in the Caribbean.

Kiting on Little Cayman / Photo: Don McDougall

Exploring the vast open flats Photo: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism Couple vibes Photo: James Tibbetts

You’ll not be out of your depth at all when kiting there but watch out for some sharp rocks and coral as you approach the beach (booties are quite a good idea particularly if you’re learning).

You can find some fun ramps on a windy day and the swell can get quite big if the wind gets strong with some wave riding to be had on the outside. This coastline is ripe for downwinder exploration too and a trip from the east side of the island round to the west side, where Barkers Beach is situated, is worth experiencing.

The kiting on Little Cayman happens at a spot called South Hole Sound where you’ll find similarly safe and enjoyable conditions. There’s a reef surrounding the bay that keeps the water nice and flat close to shore. Like Barkers Beach on Grand Cayman, it’s mainly standing depth but South Hole Sound is southeast facing, so well set up for the summer southeasterly trades, while the winter northeasterly winds blow cross-shore from the right. There’s a sandy beach with plenty of launching space, but watch out for shallow sections of reef towards the edge of the bay and the jetty that juts out from the middle of the beach.

GOOD FOR: Family fun, diving, good food and easy kitesurfing conditions

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Sun rays above, aqua rays below Photo: Lawson Wood Wind or no wind, there’s action in the Cayman Islands Photo: Don McDougall

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Conditions here are cruisy! Nine to 12 metre kites are usually the order of the day during the winter season unless a front blows through and the spots on Grand Cayman and Little Cayman are ideal if you’re a total beginner, or if you want to push your unhooked tricks without battling gusty, punchy winds. Winds are lighter in summer but it blows at around 10 knots on at least 90% of days, so if you’re into foiling you can still be out pretty regularly. Hovering over crystal clear Caribbean waters is an absolute joy on a foil, though if you’re heading out at Barkers Beach or South Hole Sound on a foil with a full length mast then just be aware of the shallow coral depth in some areas (of course, being so clear, you can see them!).

The average year-round temperature is 28°C / 82°F so warm clothing isn’t necessary and the sea temperatures don’t vary much beyond 25°C / 77°F. A rashvest and boardies / bikini will be plenty of protection. Like everywhere in the Caribbean, the temperature doesn’t cool off that much at night either.

Dreamy evening sessions Photo: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

I 084 / THE CARIBBEAN / CAYMAN ISLANDS I

SCHOOLS KITESURF CAYMAN is based on Barkers Beach in West Bay and has been running for ten seasons with a team of fully qualified IKO instructors. Teaching on a 1:1 basis with Ozone, Slingshot, Ride Engine Book a sunset cruise and Nobile equipment, they always have a Photo: Don McDougall safety boat on hand. Head instructor Jhon OFF THE WATER Mora is a hydrofoil racer offering dedicated There’s an array of accommodation in the Cayman foil coaching sessions on Slingshot foils Islands, most of which is pretty luxurious. Choose from as well as beginner packages, advanced three, four and five star hotels, such as the Ritz Carlton, coaching and equipment hire. Kite repairs, with most of them situated along Seven Mile Beach, SUP and yoga retreats also offered and which is about ten minutes from the kite schools at they have a rescue boat on the beach Barkers Beach (the schools will usually arrange shuttles should you need it. to and from your hotel). www.kitesurfcayman.com You can also book beachfront villas or stay in dive info@kitesurfcayman.com lodges. Being such small islands, you’ll never be far +1 345 916 5483 from the beach. If you’re looking for something with real character that’s easier on the pocket than the Ritz, ACCOMMODATION Jeff’s Resorts offer three separate two-bedroom homes www.jeffsresorts.com just one-and-a-half blocks from Seven Mile Beach. All of jkingstad@jeffsresorts.com them are well appointed and fully equipped with air con, +1 715-686-2232 kitchens, flatscreen TVs and free WiFi with private porches and BBQ areas, too: www.jeffsresorts.com TRAVEL AGENTS There are over 200 restaurants on Grand Cayman PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS alone. Choose from gourmet and silver service dining www.planetkitesurfholidays.com experiences to huts at the side of the road dishing up the +44 (0) 1273 921 001 catch of the day. The local cuisine is distinctly Caribbean, Tranquil surf Photo: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

so you can expect awesome jerked seasoning on chicken and fish, rice and peas and lots of fresh seafood as well.

If you get a chance, try out conch, a shellfish popular in the region (a conch-ceviche is particularly delicious) and if you’re self-catering then head to the supermarkets in George Town on Grand Cayman – the capital of the Cayman Islands.

Getting about isn’t too difficult and car hire is readily available if you want to explore the islands on your own.

Taxis are quite expensive but easy to book and plentiful.

The local bus services are a good cheaper option, running regular services around the islands. There’s no timetable as such but they’re easy to flag down and that’s how many of the locals get around.

If it’s not windy then there’s plenty of stuff to do!

Go SUPing, surfing, kayaking or take a boat trip out to Stingray City - a sandbar where you can swim with wild stingrays. There are reefs all the way around the island that you can snorkel out to, all of which are abundant with marine life.

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Brandon Bowe Photo: Ryan Taylor Visual

The Cayman Islands are one of the top diving destinations in the world with 365 dive sites to suit divers of all experience levels. There are therefore of course numerous schools and guiding operations to choose from. The islands are very family friendly and most activities are open to kids too - even diving, providing they’re over eight-years-old. If you want to experience the deep blue without getting wet then take a trip in the popular Atlantic Submarine.

For dry land adventure, rent bikes, go horse riding or just stroll along Seven Mile Beach, relax and take in the scenery. Finally, the shops and restaurants of Camana Bay are just a ten minute drive from George Town.

Melissa Gill Photo: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Seven Mile beach Photo: Don McDougall

I 086 / THE CARIBBEAN / BONAIRE I “I went there with my family and we had a blast. It’s great for freestyle and the underwater wildlife is spectacular!”

JALOU LANGEREE, NAISH TEAM RIDER, TWO-TIME WAVE WORLD CHAMPION 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

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AIRPORT Bonaire International (BON) is just outside Kralendijk and serviced by direct flights from Amsterdam with KLM or TUI. United Airlines fly in from Newark and Houston while Delta come direct from Atlanta. Flying in via Aruba or Curaçao are other options and a number of South American airlines fly there, too. Most car rental companies operate from the airport.

SCHOOLS KITEBOARDING BONAIRE are IKO certified and teach all levels at Atlantis Kitebeach. The longestestablished school in Bonaire, they operate with full rescue cover at all times and max teaching ratio of 2:1.

Carrying full ranges of North and CrazyFly equipment, supervised gear rental is available and they offer foil coaching as well. There’s also WiFi, a chill-out area, live wind reports and cold drinks. www.kiteboardingbonaire.com info@kiteboardingbonaire.com +599 701 5483 / +599 777 5483

GOOD FOR: Super-flat water and this is a warm wind holiday option all year!

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BONAIRE THE CARIBBEAN ON THE WATER

OFF THE WATER

Sitting 50 miles north of Venezuela and with regular flights from Europe, the US and South America, Bonaire is part of the Dutch Caribbean and serves as a hub airport for the southern part of the Caribbean region, so it’s easy to reach. Atlantis Kitebeach is the main spot on the island’s southern tip where you’ll find a sandy beach for launching and landing, steady, unobstructed offshore winds and flat water. The bay is wide so there’s enough space for everyone. Although the winds are offshore, there is safety cover and the flat waters and deep, sandy bottom make this an ideal spot for anyone, from beginner to freestylers as well as foilers. The biggest school on the island, Kiteboarding Bonaire, is right on the beach and they provide safety cover, can guide you on downwinders and kitesurfaris to the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire. They now also offer foil coaching, too.

Bonaire is a friendly island with a relaxed pace of life and it’s easy to get around as it’s only 39 kilometres long and eight kilometres across at its widest point. Renting cars, scooters or motorcycles is a good idea if you want to explore, but taxis are plentiful and 20% of the island’s landmass along with all of the surrounding waters have protected National Parks status.

Find supermarkets and (some very upscale) restaurants nine kilometres from the main kite spot at the biggest town, Kralendijk, which also offers views across to Klein Bonaire and the incredible sunsets. There’s everything from pizza to ‘catch of the day’ and the melding of Dutch and Caribbean cultures makes for a very relaxed pace of life.

For lodgings, choose from self-catered houses and apartments to classy resorts like the Windhoek Resort Bonaire, a luxury four-star eco-resort in Punt Vierkant.

There are one and two-bedroom villas, a secluded swimming pool in tropical gardens and it’s just a couple of minutes from the kite spot.

There’s rich marine life in the bay of Kralendijk and in the mangroves around the south of the island to explore on no-wind days. There’s SUPing, diving, kayaking, wakeboarding, sailing or exploring the natural parks if you’re looking to stay active. There’s a ‘Nature Fee’ of $10 before entering the Bonaire National Marine Park, but it’s well worth it as the area is absolutely stunning, although you’ll need a 4x4 to get round it.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Bonaire gets 300+ days of usable wind per year! Steady northeast trades average 18 knots, though the strength can get up to 30 - 35 knots in May and June. You can get some good conditions in October and November too, but it can also dip to around ten knots at that time of year, so foil fans take note! You’ll be riding nine to 11 metre kites mostly (or seven to nine metre kites if you’re a light weight rider). Water temps remain at 26 - 28°C / 79°F - 82°F all year so you won’t need a wetsuit and air temps are also really warm, ranging from 28 - 32°C / 82 °F to 90°F.

Bonny Bonaire riding bounty Photos: Kiteboarding Bonaire

“Kiteboarding in paradise! In an amazing environment with the bright blue sea, pink flamingo’s flying over and dolphins popping up.”

THE #1 KITE SCHOOL IN THE CARIBBEAN! KiteboardingBonaire.com - info@kiteboardingbonaire.com - +599 701 5483

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I 088 / THE CARIBBEAN / ST LUCIA / COCONUT BAY I “Caribbean vibes and a range of conditions, from waves to beginner-friendly waters.

The coastal forest reserves are incredible, too.”

MATT PEARCE, KITEWORLD ASSOCIATE EDITOR 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

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AIRPORT Two airports service St. Lucia: Hewanorra International (UVF) is on the south coast and is only a five minute drive from Coconut Bay and even closer to Sandy Beach. George F.L Charles (SLU) airport is just over an hour north. Most international flights land at UVF.

Marc Jacobs in action at Coconut Bay Photo: Mystic

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ON THE WATER On the south coast of St Lucia lies a picture-perfect tropical coastline with fantastic, accessible and fun kiting conditions and a chilled Caribbean feel.

There are two spots (with centres at each of them), the most northerly of which is Coconut Bay, where there’s something for everyone with flat water, waves and chop to launch off. The winds are cross-shore at Coconut Bay and very steady and if you head upwind you’ll find flat water at the left side of the bay. There’s a rescue boat on hand but you shouldn’t need it as the bay curves round to catch you if you can’t get your kite in the air. There can be a bit of shore-break close in on some days but the swell never gets too big, so it’s nothing to worry about and the shallow water close to the beach makes this a very learner-friendly spot.

A couple of kilometres down the road is Sandy Beach where you’ll find the Reef Kite+Surf centre. This long, wide, reef-protected bay on the southern-most tip of the island has steady winds from the left and gets similar conditions to those at Coconut Bay. A learners’ section upwind of the main riding area has flatter, shallower waters and

Quite literally: Sandy Beach / Photo: Reef

you won’t find yourself having to manoeuvre through the crowds like you do at some of the better-known Caribbean kiting destinations. There are no sharp rocks or coral reefs to contend with and, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not kite over to the two uninhabited islands a kilometre offshore.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Like many Caribbean kite destinations, St Lucia benefits from steady trade winds during the season which runs from November until April. It can be windy up to July, but the best months are January and February when the wind blows consistently cross-shore from the left. During the high season you’ll frequently get 20 - 25 knot winds and the air temperature is perfectly ‘Caribbean’, ranging from 27°C / 80°F to 33°C / 90°F. The air cools a little at night, so pack a light top if you’re heading out for dinner between December and February. Water temperatures don’t really change through the year and average 25°C / 77°F in December and 27°C / 80°F in August. You won’t need a wetsuit but a rashie is recommended to protect you from the Caribbean sun. There are no sharp rocks but you might encounter the occasional urchin at Coconut Bay, so some people wear booties.

GOOD FOR: Total relaxation and easy conditions in one of the world’s top holiday destinations.

I 090 / THE CARIBBEAN / ST LUCIA / COCONUT BAY I

SCHOOLS COCONUT BAY’S SURF SHACK is open from November to July and offers complimentary trainer kite sessions to all resort guests over eight-years-old.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing lessons are available for guests over 16 with experienced instructors qualified to teach and coach up to all levels. A wide range of Naish equipment is available for hire and there are gear lockers, a rescue boat and an air compressor as well. Foil coaching is also available. www.cbayresort.com/kite-surfing kitesurf@cbayresort.com +1 758 459-6000 REEF KITE + SURF is open from December to May, teaching all levels offering packages for single students as well as buddy deals (two students to an instructor). For independent kiters there’s a storage package that also includes help with launching, landing, safety and rescue, as well as the use of the centre’s facilities (beach loungers, hose, shower, changing room, WiFi, etc). Cabrinha, Tona and North gear is available alongside a wide selection of windsurf gear. www.stluciakitesurfing.com info@slucia.com +1 758 454 3418 or +1 485 7400

ACCOMODATION COCONUT BAY RESORT & SPA Resort Phone: +1 758 459 6000 Toll Free North America Reservations: +1 833 300 0146 UK & Europe Reservations: +44 (0) 1582 792260 REEF KITE + SURF www.stluciakitesurfing.com info@slucia.com +1 758 454 3418 or +1 485 7400

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

Adventure to the island!

Photo: Reef

OFF THE WATER Coconut Bay and Reef Kite+Surf are located in one of the busier tourist areas of St Lucia, so there’s plenty of accommodation around. The Reef Beach Huts are four simple wooden rooms designed specifically with kiters in mind and you’ll enjoy their amazing home-made banana milkshakes, pizzas and locally caught seafood. There’s an onsite bar and restaurant that serves great food all day in this fun, relaxed setting.

In the next bay, the all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa has two separate wings – one of which is mainly for families with a waterpark, Kidz Klub and paintball range, while the ‘Harmony’ section is a tucked away, adult-only area with a spa and a tiki-inspired pool bar at one end. It’s ideal if you’re travelling with just your spouse and fancy a quiet break. Kiters are welcome to stay in either wing and there are ‘Surf and Stay’ packages available if you want to hire equipment or learn with Surf Shack, Coconut Bay’s kite school. The hotel has several restaurants and bars serving everything from fresh fish to internationally inspired dishes. Vieux Fort is the island’s second largest town and just a short walk away from the resort’s main entrance, where you’ll find more bars and restaurants and some vibrant nightlife.

There’s a good party scene elsewhere on the island Coconut Bay kite cam

too and the weekly fish fries / street parties in Gros Islet (approximately an hour’s drive away) are worth checking out for an authentic St Lucian night out.

If you’d rather self-cater then there are numerous properties to rent, suiting a range of budgets. Laborie, six kilometres away from the kite spots, is a small fishing and farming village which has distinguished itself as a hot spot for village tourism in recent years. If you’d rather not stay in a typically touristy area, you can find a number of properties on Airbnb.

St Lucia isn’t a crime hotspot but keep your whits about you in some areas of Vieux Fort, particularly at night, and avoid accepting rides in unofficial taxis or buses.

There are countless adventurous no-wind activities on offer. Zip-lining, guided walks through the jungle or around the Pitons World Heritage site (some of the most impressive mountains in Caribbean), visiting the volcanic vents near Soufriere and jeep safaris are all very popular. If, however, you want to explore the island on your own, there are hire car companies on the island and the local buses run regularly, but with no particular timetable. Taxis are quite expensive.

Finally, if you’re looking to get hitched Coconut Bay Beach Resort also do weddings! You could even sneak a quick session in before the ceremony!

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I 092 / THE CARIBBEAN / TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS I “The Turks and Caicos is the single most beautiful place I have been to! Crystal clear waters and untouched beaches really left a mark in my memory and what better way to explore such a place than to kite through the islands with Big Blue?”

SAM LIGHT, SLINGSHOT PRO RIDER 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

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AIRPORT: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (PLS) is the international airport. Grand Turk (GDT) is connected via inter-island air services (25 mins). Grace Bay is then 20 minutes away.

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Northeasterly trade winds, warm turquoise seas and brilliant white, powder soft beaches make Turks and Caicos a truly special spot. The main island of Providenciale, locally known as Provo, has an awesome spot for learning, called Long Bay, which has cross-on winds from the left 90% of the time during the season, acres of space, waist-deep water and a sandy bottom for miles. Experienced and advanced riders can shred the island’s many bays and inlets to their heart’s content.

It’s not a wave riding destination but if the waves and wind line up then you can score some excellent down-theline conditions at Long Bay. Grace Bay, on the western side of the island, regularly has two to four foot waves on the reef and sandbars, but the wind blows offshore there with a strong current at times, so it’s a spot for the more advanced kiter. The trades aren’t as strong there as they are at Long Bay, either.

The lagoon at Blue Hills in the northwest is the mirror opposite of Long Bay, blowing cross-on from the right.

Fewer people kite there so there’s a real chance of having it to yourself!

Waterfront dwellings Photo: Villa Esencia

Blue water blasting Photo: Andre Magarao / CrazyFly

Bear in mind that, because the trade winds change direction in the summer, you may get the opportunity to ride all the spots around Turks and Caicos from an entirely new direction.

Five Cays is another good option if you want to avoid the crowds and there’s a great restaurant there too for an after-session fill-up.

In short, the options are pretty endless, but you need to be mindful of the access guidelines which are posted at some beaches and to respect the locals! The Turks and Caicos island chain has even more kite spots than just what you’ll find on Provo and the crew at Big Blue can guide you to some of them during your stay.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER: In the winter the predominant winds are northeasterly trades. In summer you’ll usually get east-southeasters averaging 10 - 25 knots with great learning conditions year-round. The best winds are from January to April but July and August can also be amazing. August to October is unreliable (hurricane season) but can throw up amazing swell and wind and the best wave riding happens between February and March. Average kite size is 10 – 12 metres and air temps always average 24 – 30ºC 75 – 86ºF, while water is 25 – 29ºC / 77 - 84ºF. Sun cream and long sleeve rash guards are vital.

GOOD FOR: Picturesque Caribbean kiting conditions, superb guided downwinders with ultra-steady conditions and accommodation to suit a range of budgets.

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I 094 / THE CARIBBEAN / TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS I ACCOMMODATION: VILLA ESENCIA offer first class lodgings right on the beach at Long Bay with five suites in two separate villas. They have an air compressor and a dedicated launch / landing area, a gear store, some light wind rental boards, SUPs and kayaks.

There are shaded areas to relax under the palm trees and in Tiki huts as well as four swimming pools and a hot tub. Ideal if you’re travelling with family! www.villaesencia.com ritama@villaesencia.com +1 561 935 3365

Dream scapes! / Photo: Villa Esencia

SCHOOLS

OFF THE WATER

BIG BLUE UNLIMITED is a Vela centre with several instructors (IKO) teaching all levels all year at 2:1 ratio on the latest Cabrinha gear. Downwinders, outer island trips and surfaris with rescue boat cover are available as well as SUP, snorkelling, kayaking, scuba diving and private boat charters.

Languages spoken by staff: English, French, German, Spanish, Polish and Swedish. www.bigblueunlimited.com info@bigblueunlimited.com +1 649 946 5034

All-inclusive resorts are just minutes from the action in Grace Bay but self-catered house rentals are also popular (check VRBO or Airbnb) and there are few ‘low end’ accommodation options, too. Villa Escencia is super plush with fantastic suites just a couple of steps from Long Bay beach and it’s fully set up for kiters!

The islands are a watersport paradise and driving around Provo takes a full day in itself. You can also visit the islands of North, Middle and South Caicos for a kiteboarding (or non-kiting) adventure. Big Blue have been exploring these spots for almost two decades so they know the score!

Hire a car as taxis can be expensive and there’s little public transport. Don’t leave any valuables in your car but do leave your car open / windows down to prevent any annoying window break-ins by would-be thieves. Take caution in remote areas after dark.

There are loads of dining options with every type of cuisine on offer and there’s even an Irish pub. The Fresh Catch in the Saltmills, Da Conch Shack in Bluehills, Bugaloos in Five Cays and Mr Grouper in the Bight are excellent for local seafood. Expect to spend $50+ per day on food.

Warm water evening sessions Photo: Andre Magarao / CrazyFly

Villa Esencia Long Bay Beach, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands, Caribbean

Directly on the beach Setup for kiters Shallow warm safe waters 3-mile sandy beach

www.villaesencia.com

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I 096 / EUROPE / INTRO I

Limnos, Greece Photo: Planet Kitesurf

Sicily, Italy Photo: ProKite Alby Rondinha

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Fuerteventura, Canary Islands Photo: ION Club

Tarifa, Spain Photo: KiteWorldWide

EUROPE PORTUGAL FEATURING:

SPAIN ITALY GREECE MONTENEGRO

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AIRPORT: Porto - Francisco Sá-Carneiro (OPO) is the closest airport (40 kilometres from Esposende). Kook Proof provide a transfer service for people staying in the kite camp (included in the kite camp price). You can also fly to Lisbon and get a bus straight to Esposende (costing roughly €20, taking four hours, but has wifi and electricity), or get the train to Porto and Kook Proof will collect you.

SCHOOLS KOOK PROOF are open from early April to late October. Operating with a maximum of two students per instructor, they have a full range of equipment available for lessons, rental and to purchase, including Ozone, Airush, Blankforce, Island Tribe and Mystic. There’s full safety boat cover for all lessons and a taxi boat to get you to the flat water spot.

Languages spoken by instructors: English, Portuguese, Swedish, Dutch, Norwegian, French, Spanish, German and Polish.

Accredited by the IKO www.kookproof.com info@kookproof.com +351 939 990 070 Coastal and inland riding, within a short boost!

Photos: Kook Proof

ESPOSENDE PORTUGAL ON THE WATER Esposende has everything from butter flat water to waves with super-reliable conditions and great weather on tap just 30 minutes drive from the vibrant city of Porto.

Beginners and freestylers will love the flat water in the river mouth and wave riders can head across to the ocean side of the beach to ride the Atlantic swells. It’s all there for the taking and the local school, Kook Proof, will show you where to go and provide rescue cover as well.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Esposende gets reliable northwesterly wind for much of the year but it’s most consistent from early April to late October when the thermals kick in. The wind usually ramps up from midday onwards.

It’s windy for much of the year in Esposende, but it’s most consistent from early April to late October when the daily 15 to 30 knot winds (which tend to pick up at midday) are amplified by the reliable local thermal effects, adding a few extra knots to the day’s forecast. This stretch of coastline can get some solid waves as well with steady surf from April to September and water temperatures range from 15 – 22°C / 59 - 71°F depending on the season and a light wetsuit is required most of the year.

Air temperatures range from 11 – 19°C / 51 - 66°F in early and late season to around 30°C / 86°F in the peak months of July and August. The weather is warm by

Northern European standards, but some extra layers may come in handy after sunset, particularly in the early and late season.

OFF THE WATER Esposende is a far smaller city than nearby Porto but it has everything you could need, including supermarkets, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, banks and a hospital. The restaurants are reasonably priced so eating out is a good, affordable option and the Portuguese meat and locally caught seafood recipes are not to be missed.

Vegetarians are well catered for, as are wine fans, with a wide selection from various Portuguese regions.

Nightlife is busy during the summer and there are a couple of big nightclubs, but if that’s not your thing, the area has a very relaxed vibe with plenty of bars and restaurants in which to wile away the non-kiting hours.

You can find hotels and rental properties in town but most kiters stay at Kook Proof’s kite camp which is open throughout the season, offering basic rooms and superior suites that overlook the main kite spot.

There’s plenty to do on windless days. Kook Proof offer surfboards, SUPs, mountain bike hire and wakeboarding themselves and there’s also the option for horseback riding, golf or simply exploring the incredible protected nature reserve. A day trip to Porto is also worth doing as it’s the second biggest city in Portugal with a wealth of cultural and historical sites to check out, including its beautiful town centre - a UNESCO world heritage site.

It’s also where port wine was invented so that’s worth sampling while you’re in town!

More or less everything around Esposende itself can be reached on foot but there’s also bike and car hire. Taxis are also relatively inexpensive.

GOOD FOR: Progression-friendly conditions in a beautiful, rural Portuguese setting that’s close to a buzzing city.

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AIRPORT: Porto International (OPO) is an hour’s drive away and you can either rent a car at the airport or make use of FeelViana’s shuttle service.

VIANA DO CASTELO PORTUGAL ON THE WATER

FEELVIANA SPORT HOTEL fits seamlessly into its natural environment with 46 stylish rooms and nine bungalows set just back from the beach. There’s an excellent restaurant, lounge terrace and bar, plus a very well-equipped sports centre, complete with gym, pump track, a bike shop and cycle hire. They can arrange lots of outdoor activities from watersports to bike tours, trail running and trekking and it’s also a great place to chill out and relax! www.hotelfeelviana.com info@hotelfeelviana.com (+351) 258 330 330

The area of Cabedelo beach in Viana do Castelo, northern Portugal, is gaining steady recognition as one of Europe’s emerging kiting locations and supposedly has the most consistent wind on the entire Portuguese coastline. Large breakwaters protect the entrance to the port of Viana do Castelo, offering up butter-flat water inside the harbour while you can find world-class waves elsewhere in the bay (the GKA Kite-Surf World Tour is dropping in to Viana this year in June!).

The best winds come through in the summer from May to September and it’s normally light in the mornings, giving ample opportunity for an early morning surf, before picking up nicely for beginners by lunch time and increasing in strength towards the afternoon with the strongest winds later in the day.

The wind blows cross-shore from the right, ramped up by thermals as the day continues. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer and a rescue boat too, should you ever need it.

SCHOOLS

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

ACCOMMODATION

FEELVIANA SPORT HOTEL’S kite centre is well equipped with a wide range of the latest Cabrinha gear which is all available for hire or purchase. Lessons are available in a range of languages and you can store your gear there as well. Windsurf, surf, SUP, bodyboard hire and SUP tours also available. www.hotelfeelviana.com info@hotelfeelviana.com (+351) 258 330 330

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

GOOD FOR: An action-packed adventure holiday with more activities than you can imagine!

Air temperatures are peachy but not stifling around here with highs of around 27 - 30°C / 80 - 86°F in the summer and a very pleasant average throughout the season.

In winter you’ll want a light jacket (but it’s still nice by Northern European / North American standards).

Water temps peak at 20°C / 68°F in summer and drop to around 12°C / 53°F in winter, so you can get away with swimwear or a very light suit in summer but will need 4mm rubber in winter.

Adventure playground!

The wind is consistent here throughout the year but peaks in the summer due to thermic effects (which aren’t reflected by the wind stats) and from May through to September you’ll be able to get out almost everyday if you have a foil. It doesn’t normally get much windier than nine to 12 metre weather, but if a strong Nortada wind comes through then you’ll be out on your smaller kites for sure.

OFF THE WATER This whole area is a true adventure playground! If it’s not windy then there’s often some steady Atlantic swells for surfing or SUP, you can go fishing or kayaking, explore the nearby hills by trail running, hiking or mountain biking or head to nearby cities such as Porto to take in some culture. This is also a great venue for sailing and FeelViana Sport Hotel has its own 18 foot sailing yacht.

There’s plenty of accommodation to be found, including luxury ‘wine hotels’ and spas, as well as selfcatered properties and a very popular option is the four star FeelViana Sport Hotel which is right on the beach and beautifully integrated into the surrounding pine forests, with an excellent sports centre and kite school attached.

There’s also a well-equipped gym and a yoga studio with pilates and stretching classes.

Viana do Castelo itself is a smallish city, but has everything to complete your holiday, including bars, restaurants, supermarkets and shops. The area also holds a lot of interest culturally and architecturally and the local wine is fantastic.

Playful right handers. You can find conditions for all levels here though Photos: FeelViana

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AIRPORT Lisbon Airport (LIS) is just ten minutes from the city centre and only a short flight from anywhere in Northern Europe.

SCHOOLS SOUTH ADVENTURES run lessons throughout the year, catering for all levels and also offer expert wave riding tuition.

Lesson ratios never exceed 2:1. They also rent and sell gear from Xenon and offer SUP and surf tuition and rental with boards to suit beginner to experts.

Languages spoken by instructors: Portuguese, Spanish, English and French. www.southadventures.com.pt info@southadventures.com.pt +351 916 126 305

GOOD FOR: Kiting epic waves and flat water lagoons off Portugal’s stunning coastline close to one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Long weekend anyone?

LISBON PORTUGAL ON THE WATER Lisbon (which featured in issue 89 of Kiteworld) is a unique destination where you can immerse yourself in an incredible city that’s rich in culture and history and just a short drive from some outstanding kiting, surfing and SUPing spots.

Caparica and Carcavelos are the closest kiteable beaches and can be reached within a 15 minute drive from central Lisbon. You can surf there in the mornings before the Nortada winds fire up and both spots are suitable for beginners in the summer when the swell’s low. It’s worth speaking to a lifeguard or local kiter though as conditions can be changeable and kiting is prohibited in some areas during that time.

Ericeira, Peniche, Arrábida, Praia Grande and Óbidos are also close by, so there are plenty of spots to choose from.

If you’re looking to score flat water then Lagoa de Albufeira and Lagoa de Óbidos are two fantastic tidal lagoons that can be reached within a 20 – 60 minute drive. Be aware though, these spots work great in the coastline’s prevailing wind direction, but are popular with beachgoers in summer and access to Lagoa de Óbidos is closed in July.

Guincho is a solid bet for cross-onshore wave riding but there are plenty of other spots to choose from if you’re not keen on crowds. Another top tip is Troia, which is a 90 minute drive and short ferry ride away. As with many spots in Lisbon, you need to know when to head to Troia

The riding diversity around Lisbon is fantastic, from safe, flat water lagoons to the wilder, more wave-rich experiences off the coast Photos: South Experience

but South Adventures have the local knowledge and will guide you to where you need to be!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER There’s wind throughout the year but it’s most reliable during the summer from May to September, while the best waves come through in winter from October until April.

The Nortada wind blows from the north and northwest and tends to hit the Lisbon area around midday before building throughout the afternoon, so there’s plenty of time for a morning surf before it comes in.

Expect to ride seven to 12 metre kites most often in the summer, but there’s also the occasional 40 + knot blow-out at Guincho, so it’s worth packing your smallest kite. Air temps average 17°C / 63°F in the winter, 21°C / 70°F in the spring and then 27°C / 80°F+ in the height of summer. Water temps are around 15°C / 59°F in the winter and 17 – 19°C / 63 - 66°F during the summer. You can get away with boardies or a shorty / spring suit during the summer, but a full suit is necessary in the winter.

OFF THE WATER Lisbon is the oldest city in Western Europe and a cultural hotspot that mixes old with new to create a buzzing atmosphere with a vast array of things to do. There’s incredible architecture, amazing art galleries and museums, a huge selection of bars and restaurants and a fun feel throughout. It’s a thriving city so there’s plenty of nightlife to get involved with and, for accommodation, there’s everything from backpacker hostels to Airbnb properties and luxurious hotels.

In terms of eating out in Lisbon, there’s everything you could hope for from small local restaurants to Michelin starred venues and, if you’re self catering, then there’s everything from organic shops and markets to big chain supermarkets. Lisbon’s centre is just ten minutes from the airport and transfers are easy to arrange. Once you’re in the city, transport links are good with buses, trams and taxis available and Uber is a popular option.

Car hire is essential if you want to explore beyond Lisbon and drive yourself to the kite spots, but South Adventures will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the spot of the day as well, so you don’t necessarily need one.

THE ORIGINAL KITESURFING VIDEO MAGAZINE Rider: Reo Stevens / Photo: John Bilderback

I 104 / EUROPE / SPAIN / TARIFA I “Tarifa is a must for any kiter because it embodies the beauty of our sport. The town literally breathes kiteboarding and you can combine progressing your riding with enjoying the Tarifa lifestyle and exploring the town’s surroundings and their infinite possibilities!”

JAIME HERRAIZ / KITEBOARDING LEGEND!

TARIFA SPAIN

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AIRPORT Malaga (AGP) is a 90 minute drive from Tarifa with flights coming in from all over Europe. Jerez (XRY) is a smaller airport but only about a 60 minute drive from Tarifa.

Gibraltar (GIB), at just 30 minutes away, is the closest airport to Tarifa. Make sure you collect your car from the Spanish side of the border to avoid the queues to get onto the island when returning, though.

SCHOOLS There are over 15 kite schools in Tarifa.

Whether you shop around and book before you travel or choose a school once you arrive, you won’t struggle to find lessons.

ION CLUB are based at Valdevaqueros. www.ion-club.net tarifa@ion-club.net company@ion-club.de +34 619 340 913 +49 (0)881 9254 960

WET WATERSPORTS Importers of North and Ion and with a packed shop over two floors on the main street out of town heading towards the kite spots, you’ll be over awed by the fantastic shopping allure. They can guide you towards lessons, too. www.wet-tarifa.com clientes@wet-store.com

There are few kiteboarding locations in the world, let alone Europe, with a reputation like Tarifa and it’s a mecca for European kiters. The wind blows all year round and there are ten kilometres of rideable beach that stretches from the town all the way up to the dunes at Las Dunas.

Kiters from all over the world travel to Tarifa and there are more kite schools and kite related businesses in Tarifa than any other kite destination.

Even with so much space it can feel quite crowded during the peak months of June and July with several hundred kiters out at weekends, so it’s important to kite in the designated zones due to other beachgoers (Tarifa is a really popular holiday spot for non-kiters too) but you can usually find space a little further out the back.

The great thing about Tarifa is that outside of the busy main summer season, the kiting is still fantastic and the weather is beautiful. So it’s almost an all-year venue, for a quick trip or a longer holiday.

In terms of conditions, Tarifa gets everything from flat water close to shore and in tidal lagoons to chop, onshore wave riding and the occasional classic cross-off down-theline day. If it’s really windy, head an hour north to the main local wave spot, Caňos de Meca, or go east to Palmones which has flat water in the river, kickers close to shore and bump ‘n’ jump conditions out in the bay. You can also score waves at Getares or further up the coast towards La Linea.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Tarifa has two different wind directions that offer very different riding experiences. Poniente is a westerly crossonshore wind coming from the right that’s steady and rarely gets up to much more than 25 knots, except for Photo: Hurricane Hotel

A beautiful light Levante wind; it’s not always strong!

Photo: KiteWorldWide Clean kickers at Playa Chica Photo: Kiteboarding Club Tarifa / Planet Kitesurf

during autumnal storms. The Levante wind blows in from the east and is cross-off on the main beach at Los Lances, usually gusty and can be very strong! During the season rescue boats operate on all of the main beaches when the Levante blows and they rescue kite schools’ student but you can also buy tokens if you’re already a competent kiter and would like to have an insurance policy in crossoffshore conditions.

Valdevaqueros is further away from town and it’s less gusty in a Levante because the wind blows more crossshore there and the beach wraps round to catch you if you get in trouble (providing you’re not far out beyond the headland). Be aware though, there are some rocky sections near the dune so watch out if you end up washed in along that stretch.

Another spot popular with the many pros and experienced riders who call Tarifa their home (for at least part of the year) is Playa Chica, which is right down next to the town where the road out to Isla la Paloma forms a breakwater making for butter flat water when the Levante blows. You can score barreling offshore wave sessions there and it’s a favourite among the Tarifa faithful for a megaloop session. It’s a popular beach though and kiting is prohibited there during summer months. It also blows offshore with no rescue boat, so isn’t for beginners.

The Levante wind is the most regular wind direction in the summer and it’s great when it’s not blowing too ferociously, while the Poniente is more frequent in spring, autumn and winter. The wind stats don’t really reflect the thermals that effect the wind strength in Tarifa and, from May through until October, you can usually rely on there being several knots more than is forecast. You’ll rarely need a bigger kite than a twelve and when it’s really

HURRICANE HOTEL JERI JERICOACOARA, BRAZIL

WWW.HOTEL-HURRICANE-JERICOACOARA.COM +55 88 9766 5968

HURRICANE JERI GARDENS & CAFÉ JERI WWW.HURRICANEJERIGARDENS.COM +55 85 4062-9150

TUMBAO, VALDEVAQUEROS BEACH

PUNTA SUR, TARIFA, SPAIN

WWW.HOTELPUNTASUR.COM +34 956 684 326

HOTEL HURRICANE, TARIFA, SPAIN WWW.HOTELHURRICANE.COM +34 956 684 919

I 106 / EUROPE / SPAIN / TARIFA I

ACCOMMODATION HURRICANE HOTEL is situated directly on Los Lances beach, five miles west of Tarifa.

Stylish and private it’s set in sub-tropical gardens with spectacular views as well as a superb restaurant, pool, sauna and gym.

Partnered with the nearby Punta Sur hotel a little further west and across the road. www.hotelhurricane.com info@hotelhurricane.com +34 956 684 919 KITEWORLDWIDE have a large townhouse with an atrium in the middle of it featuring a beautiful open courtyard. Each studio within the house has a bathroom and kitchenette. www.kiteworldwide.com info@kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 ION CLUB www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.de +49 (0) 881 9096010

Stunning country kiting Photo: Kiteboarding Club Tarifa / Planet Kitesurf

blowing you’ll need a five (if you’re brave enough) so take your full quiver to be safe. You can get big spring tides in Tarifa with lagoons often forming in autumn and winter, which is great for some flat water action!

Air temperatures are always pleasant, but can dip to 14°C / 57°F in January (when it rains) with highs of 38°C / 100°F in July / August. The average is 15 - 20°C / 59 - 68°F November to April and 25 - 30°C / 77 - 86°F in spring and autumn. The water gets warm in the summer so you’ll need only boardies or a shortie wetsuit. The average water temperature is 15 - 18°C / 59 - 64°F throughout the year and you’ll need at least a spring suit in winter.

OFF THE WATER Tarifa is a popular destination for kiters and general holidaymakers alike, so there’s a lot of accommodation on offer. You’ll find boutique hotels in the old town and luxury hotels and some mid-range options lining the beach on the way to Las Dunas. There are also budget hostels in town and plenty of self-catering properties as well as campsites and hotels out of town. Some kite schools arrange accommodation too, but book early as Tarifa fills up fast in-season!

GOOD FOR: Ultra-reliable wind, a range of spots to try out and a very vibrant atmosphere in the party capital of kiteboarding!

Strapless freestyle is rife here as it’s one of the biggest stops on the GKA Kite-Surf World Tour Photo: Ion Club

Tarifa is relaxed and low key by day but it’s a different story by night when it becomes a full-blown party town with numerous bars, clubs and restaurants around the Calle de San Francisco and more clubs on the outskirts of town, too. You can party all night and into the next day if you want to, but it’s also family-friendly and you’ll often see people out enjoying the fantastic local food with their young ones until late into the night. There’s also action to be found close to the kite spots and Ion Club at Valdevaqueros and Tanganas close to Las Dunas are great places to hang out after a kite session.

The culinary options are plentiful too with freshly caught seafood, traditional Spanish dishes, tapas and international fare as well and there’s something for all tastes and budgets. Vaca Loca - an Argentinian steak house, and Lolas are two of team KW’s favourites.

If you’re looking to buy kit during your stay then Tarifa has a vast amount of kite shops with available kit from every brand. Check out Wet Tarifa (www.wet-tarifa.com) who stock the latest North gear as well as a wide range of SUP, surf and windsurf equipment.

If you’re self-catering then there are well stocked supermarkets with decent European produce and it’s worth sampling locally caught seafood and Spanish meats and cheeses, too.

You might not need a car if you’re staying with a school as many of them will shuttle you to the beach (and often from the airport too) but if you want to come and go as you please then there are plenty of rental outfits at all nearby airports. Be aware though - traffic gets VERY busy during the high season.

Tarifa has a reputation as a real adventure destination as well, so if the wind doesn’t blow then you can go mountain biking, hillwalking, climbing / bouldering, gorge walking, horseback riding, SUPing, surfing or fishing and more besides. There’s also a cable park and countless golf courses up the road around Marbella and there are museums, art galleries and historical architecture to take in 90 minutes away in Malaga.

I 108 / EUROPE / SPAIN / SANT PERE PESCADOR I “For any rider looking to get some good time on the water in easy, fun conditions with a huge range of other activities and sights to keep all the family entertained... and very well fed... this region of Spain is an all-round pleaser!”

JIM GAUNT, KITEWORLD EDITOR 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

GOLF DE ROSES SPAIN

Fantastic freeriding!

Photo: Kite Experience

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AIRPORT Girona Costa Brava (GNA) is 60 kilometres / 50 minutes by car (known to Ryan Air as Barcelona-Girona). Barcelona (BCN) is 155 kilometres / 90 minutes to two hours away.

GOOD FOR: Relaxed summer kiting conditions in a family friendly setting a couple of hours from Barcelona.

Sant Pere is one of Spain’s best known kiteboarding locations alongside Tarifa but it’s an entirely different experience with a more sedate atmosphere and ultraaccessible, easy conditions. The kiting happens along a sandy seven kilometre beach with no tides or currents and conditions are safe and suitable for all levels with no major shore break to contend with.

‘Bump and jump’ chop is the order of the day in Sant Pere and if you’re lucky you may also score a session in friendly, chest-high onshore waves. The peak season is in summer when sea breezes offer virtually guaranteed 15 knot onshore kiting in the bay and Sant Pere can be quite busy then, but conditions can still be good outside of these months so consider booking in late spring / early summer or late summer / early autumn too. Even if the wind’s a little light you’ll stand a good chance of getting out on the foil in the southerly sea breezes that blow side-on from the right and there’s the occasional 25 knot all-dayer to.

The best spots are at the northern part of the bay near Sant Pere town where the wind is most constant and there are safe places to park and rig up with kite shops and cafés to fuel up in too.

Photo: Kite Experience

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Sea breezes peak at 14 to 18 knots on summer afternoons for about three or four hours. For virtually zero crowds and an assortment of sea breezes and the occasional stronger southerly, visit in April - May or September - October. Eight to 12 metre kites are the standard sizes but bring a 14 metre and / or a foil and you’ll be out loads!

This area isn’t known for swell but you can get some decent surf in the early or late season and the winter is supposedly the best time to score waves although it rarely gets very big. During that time, the colder northerly Tramuntana winds periodically blow down from the mountains and they can get quite strong as well.

Spring suits are needed in the low season for wind chill and if you’re coming in the winter then you may want something as thick as a 4mm suit. Summer temperatures get up to 30 - 35°C / 86 - 95°F so you can kite in boardies / bikinis then and spring and autumn highs are usually in the twenties with an average of 15°C / 60°F. You may need a hoody / jacket at night in the spring and autumn. The water temperatures are around 20°C / 68°F for most of the summer.

Photo: Kite Experience

Photo: Ion Club

KITER’S FAMILY HOLIDAY PARADISE C O S TA B R AVA , S PAI N

Many years ago, since the beginning of the kite sport, lots of our actual clients found in the Bay of Roses a wonderful sandy beach right in front of Camping La Ballena Alegre, Sant Pere Pescador, where thermal winds blow daily during the summer months between 8 and 18 knots onshore and from time to time the strong Garbi and Tramuntana winds blowing side-on.

Over the years we became a camping of higher category recommended and awarded for several times by ADAC as “camping of the year”.

With exclusively designed bungalows and pitches for caravans and motor-homes right next to the beach, we are ideally located for families practicing water sports.

Here the kiters practice their favorite sport in safe conditions, meanwhile the rest of the family enjoys a wonderful holiday using our facilities: beach, swimming pools, restaurants, kids-animation, entertainment, sight-seeing and a lot more.

We closely work together with ION CLUB Golf de Roses centre wich is directly located in our Camping & Bungalowpark.

La Ballena Alegre Costa Brava 17470 Sant Pere Pescador Tel. +34 972 520 302 (Girona) Spain Camping & Bungalow Park www.ballena-alegre.com

La Ballena Ad-1.indd 1

Tel. +34 687 455 182 www.ionclubgolfderoses.com

05/03/2016 16:51

I 110 / EUROPE / SPAIN / SANT PERE PESCADOR I

SCHOOLS KITE EXPERIENCE have 14 years of experience teaching all levels and they instruct from April to October at a maximum ratio of four students per instructor (booking recommended).

They’re a North - ION centre and shop with the latest gear available for lessons, rentals or purchase. Safety boat cover is provided and in the high season lessons are often run from the boats in the bay, keeping you away from other kiters with plenty of space. SUP, SUP-yoga, all-girl kite camps, hydrofoil experience, bike rental, accommodation and gear repair are also offered. www.kiteexperience.com info@kiteexperience.com School: +34 637 37 42 75 Shop: +34 656 36 57 95 ION CLUB GOLF DE ROSES is located in the Ballena Alegre camping grounds, with a large range of North gear for hire.

Teaching all levels directly in front of the centre, the bar Oasis next door serves a large variety of drinks, snacks and food and also hosts great parties and BBQs. Languages spoken by instructors: English, German, French, Spanish, Polish, Italian, Portuguese. www.ion-club.net golfderoses@ion-club.net company@ion-club.de +34 687 455 182 +49 (0) 881 9254 960

TRAVEL AGENTS ION CLUB www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.de +49 (0) 881 9096 010 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

Photo: Kite Experience

OFF THE WATER Sant Pere Pescador is a popular tourist destination so there’s plenty of accommodation on offer. Choose from luxury to family hotels, rental apartments and houses to rustic rural digs and luxurious villas. There’s something for all tastes and budgets. Many kiters opt for local campsites like the very well equipped La Ballena Alegre, offering comfort, peace and quiet, a 100 yard (max) walk to the beach and a wide range of facilities, such as swimming pools, buffet dining, watersports, bike hire and more.

Culinary options in the area are broad with three famous Michelin star restaurants and the Costa Brava region as a whole has 13 Michelin starred restaurants some with two stars, some even three, and the local wines are fantastic. The campsites have decent restaurants too and most restaurants offer a three-course lunch special, including a glass of local wine for around €9 with a ‘gourmet’ version costing up to €25. There are supermarkets in the campsites and local towns and Mediterranean cuisine prevails (with lots of meat and cheese) but seafood options are fantastic too. Non-meat eaters will be able to find something to suit their tastes as well.

Within 20 minutes of town you’ll find beautiful countryside and the rugged bays and hills of the Cap de Creus Natural Park are far more verdant than what you might expect to find in Spain. If you’re into mountain biking, trekking, trail running or climbing then the Pyrenees are just 50 kilometres away and they’re an

Join a girls’ camp and have a blast Photo: Kite Experience

adventure enthusiast’s paradise just waiting to be explored. There are countless outdoor activity companies operating throughout the region who can help you arrange a day’s missioning in the hills!

You can also go on vineyard tours and do wine tastings, there’s a huge range of watersports, a waterpark, horse riding or a visit to the wind tunnel at nearby Empuriabrava where you can experience skydiving without having to leap out of a plane! There’s a Dali museum in Figueres which is 20 minutes away, the sophisticated walled city of Girona is 45 minutes by car and there are plenty of local markets, too. Open air music festivals are staged throughout the summer to suit a wide range of musical tastes as well as regular beach parties and a handful of nightclubs in the town for anyone looking for livelier vibes. This is a very safe region and crime isn’t much of a concern but it’s best not to leave valuables in plain sight in your car when you go out for a session.

You can also reach Barcelona, one of the world’s most culturally significant cities, within two hours by car or train.

Photo: Jase Wilson / CBGTB Image Archive

Photo: Ion Club

SANT PERE PESCADOR KITE SHOP & SCHOOL

SCHOOL KITESURF RENTAL SURF SHOP SUP

Discover KITESURF and COSTA BRAVA The latest NORTH & ION equipment Idyllic location Courses for all levels Boat lessons (easy, fast & safe) info@kiteexperience.com +34 637 374 275

photo by BCNDRONE

I 112 / EUROPE / CANARY ISLANDS / FUERTEVENTURA I “Fuerteventura is a very special place with everything from pumping waves to kicker freestyle at Flag Beach and flat lagoons if you know where to look. Deciding which toys to put in your car is the hardest part.

Fuerte will rarely disappoint.”

TOM COURT, NORTH PRO RIDER 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

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AIRPORT Fuerteventura Puerto del Rosario (FUE) airport. Flag Beach / Corralejo is a 30 minute drive from the airport and taxis, buses and hire cars are available. EasyJet frequently fly to Fuerteventura and fares can be cheap!

SCHOOLS FLAG BEACH has been running for 30 years and is open 365 days a year teaching all levels with a max ratio of 2:1. A rescue boat is always on hand for lessons (or for €30 for 15 days cover if you want to book it).

Hire the latest North gear and Hobi-cat, windsurfing, SUP and surfing lessons / rentals are also available.

Accredited by: VDWS (also with IKO certified instructors) Languages spoken by instructors: English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, Polish, Dutch, Russian and Lithuanian. www.flagbeach.com info@flagbeach.com +34 928 866389

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

YACHT CHARTERS KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777

GOOD FOR: Pumping Atlantic swells in winter, warm flat water in summer and a Canarian care-free vacation vibe!

ON THE WATER Flag Beach is one of the best known kite spots in Europe with a long, open stretch of sand protected by reefs at both ends. There are zones for kiters and windsurfers (kiters are upwind to the left) and it blows consistently during the summer months.

Not far from Flag Beach is Cotillo, a wave spot well suited to more advanced riders who know where the rocky sections are. There’s also Glass Beach (Playa del Burro) which is about five kilometres from Flag. Located in a nature reserve it works on a mid-to-high-tide, so picking the right time when heading there for a session is key.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The best time to head to Flag Beach is in the summer months when the NE trade winds blow the strongest. The wind starts up in March and is reliable through to September with nines and 12s being the most common kite sizes. In winter the wind often swings onshore but with bigger waves. You’ll find the best surf in the north of the island but there can also be good waves in the east even in summer.

You can still score some epic wind and wave days, but bring bigger kites if you want to be out regularly as, on average, there are still three to four days a week of wind.

Air temperatures go from 28°C / 82°F in summer to 22°C / 70°F in winter. The water temperature is around 22°C / 72°F in the summer and 18°C / 64°F in the winter.

The north coast of Fuerteventura holds varied riding potential!

Photo: North Kiteboarding

Flag Beach cross-shore summer time shredding Photo: Core Kites

OFF THE WATER Self-catered apartments and villas in Corralejo are popular from as little as €20 p.p.p.n and you can find plenty of options on Airbnb. Hostels are also available in the town and there are a few four star hotels and a luxury five-star, too. There isn’t as much accommodation in Cotillo but you’ll find nice self-catering properties in nearby villages, like La Jares.

Corralejo is a busy tourist town and has everything you’ll need with a couple of large supermarkets and some locally owned stores with more variety in the Spanish part of the town. There are also some funky restaurants and bars with regular live music to keep you busy in the evenings. Make sure you try the tapas!

Snorkelling, scuba diving, mountain biking, hiking the volcano and deep sea fishing are popular no-wind activities and surfing and SUP are especially good in the winter months (be respectful of the local surfers if you meet them in the line-up).

Quad bike excursions are available, as is boat hire and boat charters and Corralejo has a water park and many more options for family fun. Alternatively, catch a ferry over to Lobos island or take a day trip to Lanzarote.

It only takes two hours to drive the length of Fuerteventura, so it’s worth hiring a car, especially to get to the most tucked-away spots. Fuerte’s other main kite spot, Sotavento, is in the south of the island and a good option if you want to try kiting somewhere else during your stay. Read about it in this section of the guide. Taxis can be readily organised but don’t expect to flag one down easily on the road side in all areas of the island.

KITE CENTER

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YEARS since 1988

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since 1988

+34 928 866 389 @Flag_Beach Flagbeach

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I 114 / EUROPE / CANARY ISLANDS / FUERTEVENTURA I “You think to yourself, ‘Am I really in Europe?’ The water is so clear and the colours are insane.

Fuerteventura is also the only Canary Island with beautiful, white sand beaches.”

ALBERTO RONDINHA, CABRINHA PRO RIDER 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

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AIRPORT: Puerto del Rosario airport is about 75 kilometres / one hour north. A taxi from the airport to Sotavento costs around €65, or you can rent a car from the airport.

SCHOOLS RENE EGLI FUERTEVENTURA offer courses for all levels, all year, on the sea or the tidal lagoon. Reserve your lessons before your trip to guarantee a spot and to get a pre-payment price reduction. The maximum teaching ratio is 3:1 and you can rent Cabrinha gear if you have IKO level 3 (or you can have your level assessed).

Gear storage available.

Languages spoken: English, German, Spanish, Italian, French and Polish.

Accredited by: IKO www.rene-egli.com info@rene-egli.com +34 928 54 74 83 ION CLUB Risco del Paso www.ion-club.net fuerteventura@ion-club.net company@ion-club.de +34 667 796 688 +49 (0)881 9254 960

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0)1273 921 001 ION CLUB www.ion-club.net company@ion-club.de +49 (0)881 9096 010

ON THE WATER Reliably strong winds blow from the left across Sotavento’s vast four kilometre long sandy beach throughout much of the year. The kiting area in front of the René Egli kite centre is a regular world tour stop, most recently for the GKA Kite-Surf World tour - and previously on the freestyle world tour, too. You’ll find choppy water with some flat sections close to shore and there’s the occasional small, but rideable, shorebreak sections as well.

Depending on the tides, across the sandbar there’s a waist-deep lagoon that’s ideal for progressing freestylers and beginners (the René Egli centre has the exclusive license to instruct there) and you’ll never be out of standing depth when kiting in it. The onsite facilities are outstanding in Sotavento with air compressors for effortfree kite inflation, fresh-water showers and lifeguards supervising the spot from watchtowers with jet-ski rescue on hand should you need it. It’s not a wave riding location but you can find epic, kiteable surf an hour to the north particularly in winter.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER 80% of the winds at Playa Sotavento are cross-offshore and strongest from May - September. The thermals in mid-summer can get really strong and in July and August the wind speed can occasionally push up to 40 knots! For learning, the best period is from September to June when the most frequently used kite sizes are eight to 14 metres.

In the summer months it really ramps up, so expect to ride six to ten metre kites most days (check the wind stats - they’re impressive!).

Average monthly air temperatures range from 19°C / 66°F in January to 28°C / 82°F in August. On winter evenings you may need a sweater and long trousers when temperatures can drop to 12°C / 54°F. The water temperature difference from winter to summer is just 5°C, rising from 18°C / 64°F in February to 23°C / 74°F in September.

Cruising the azure blues

Plenty of room for progression in Sotavento!

Photos: Tom Brendt

OFF THE WATER Nearby Costa Calma village has a range of accommodation options, from private apartments to four star hotels. The four star Meliã Gorriones hotel is the only accommodation actually on Sotavento beach and just a short walk from the kite centre with spacious rooms (most of which have sea views) and half-board and all inclusive options available. There’s also the newly opened Sol Beach House Fuerteventura which is just a short walk from the kite spot with stylish Junior Suites and breakfast or half-board available.

There are several supermarkets in Costa Calma while the Fuerte Action Café-Bistro-bar is popular for snacks during the day or for a post-session drink in the evening.

You’ll find busier nightlife an hour away in Corralejo and there are plenty of options to eat out around Fuerte, however most people tend to stay in the hotel which has two good restaurants with a huge range of options.

René Egli offer their guests free use of SUP boards and there’s a lot to do elsewhere in Fuerte from biking, diving and hiking to quad-tours, enduro tours, catamaran sailing and excellent surfing on the north shore. The Oasis Park zoo is also close by.

If you want to rent a hire car then the best option is to get one from the airport for €100 per week as it’s more expensive from the hotel. If you’re not staying at the Meliã Gorriones hotel then René Egli clients have a free shuttle service included to the kite centre from Costa Calma, Esquinzo and Jandia. You can also get a public bus from Costa Calma for around €2 and a taxi for closer to €5.

GOOD FOR: Pumping winds with plenty of space that’s easily accessible from most places in Europe.

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Kite Center

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Enjoy perfect kiteboarding holidays in the world‘s biggest wind- & kitesurf center

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We offer the latest equipment from Cabrinha, completely exchanged every 6-12 months

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First-class lessons for all levels – exclusively in the lagoon or on the sea with licensed teachers

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Excellent accommodation within short walking distance to the centers: choose between the first-class hotel Meliã Fuerteventura 4****+ and the new adults orientated resort Sol Beach House at Meliá Fuerteventura (from 01.03.2018)

Windsurf Center

INFORMATION & BOOKING: info@rene-egli.com | Tel: +34 928 54 74 83 | rene-egli.com (with rotating live webcam)

Photos: © Cabrinha/James Boulding, Roger Protzen, Tom Brendt

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I 1 1 6 / E U R O P E / I T A LY / C A L A B R I A I “Hangloose Beach is fun! Super regular and steady 12 metre weather in the afternoons, and if you want to learn to foil it’s ideal. The parties on the beach can be wild and always packed with fun party people... but you can also get away from it all.”

JIM GAUNT, KITEWORLD EDITOR

HANGLOOSE BEACH GIZZERIA, SOUTHERN ITALY

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Huge amounts of space for lessons and progression Photos: Hang Loose Beach

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AIRPORT: Lamezia Terme international (SUF) is just three kilometres from Gizzeria with lots of low cost airlines flying in from all across Europe. The most practical option is to rent a car, but Hang Loose Beach can organise your transfers.

SCHOOLS HANG LOOSE BEACH teach all levels from April to September with a max student / instructor ratio of 2:1. Rescue boat, hot showers, a lawn where you can wash equipment, rentals, surf shop, restaurant, bar... and incredible parties on the beach are all on-hand!

Languages spoken: English and Italian. www.hangloosebeach.com lucahlb@gmail.com +39 338 951 1693

Let it all Hang Loose!

Whether you’re just starting out, pushing your freeriding or developing your foiling skills, Gizzeria offers fantastic conditions for progression. There’s a huge, accessible and obstacle-free beach to ride from and it’s totally safe, thanks to the relative enclosure of the bay and calm waters.

This isn’t just a spot for beginners as Gizzeria also attracts a lot of pro riders thanks to the reliable conditions and each year Hang Loose Beach host an international riding competition called the ‘Aloha Surf and Beach Party’ in July, featuring concerts and all night parties. Hang Loose Beach also regularly host international racing events, such as the TT:Racing European Championships last year.

There’s another good spot for improving your riding just 30 minutes away, called Staccato di Cutro.

A kilometre upwind you’ll also find a pretty decent wave spot for the Med, called Caposuvero.

The bar is next to the kite centre can get super lively in the later afternoon, but the kite launch is 50 metres upwind and much quieter with lots of space for families to hangout in peace. It’s like two awesome beach venues in one!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The best conditions are the prevailing northwesterly cross-onshore winds and flat waters from April to

September. The Scirocco wind can also blow cross-off from the southeast in April, May, June and September. It’s usually stronger, from 25 – 35 knots, but offers super flat water. Strong winds periodically blow through the winter, but they’re more frontal than thermal, so not as regular, but they can deliver some fun wave conditions. The most popular kite sizes in summer are 12 to nine metres. There’s a little rain in the spring, but it’s full on sunshine in the summer. Spring temperatures vary between 15 – 22ºC / 59 – 72ºF and, in summer, from 22 - 33ºC / 72 – 91ºF. The water temperature through the main season ranges from 18 - 23ºC / 64 – 73ºF. Warm enough for boardies in summer, though perhaps just a neoprene top if the wind’s stronger.

OFF THE WATER There are one or two hotels close to the spot but many people rent apartments up in the nearby picturesque hills. You can also rent farm buildings further along the coast. All budgets and tastes are catered for. There’s a good restaurant and bar at the spot and the food is typical Calabrese cuisine. As you’d expect in Italy, there are many restaurants and bars serving delicious food in the wider area.

We recommend hiring a car to get around. The airport is just a five minute drive from the spot, so taxis are easy to find, but most of the accommodation is at least a kilometre from Hang Loose Beach.

Hang Loose beach offers a range of watersports to help you maximise your enjoyment of the beautiful Calabrian Sea. You can also take a boat trip out to the beautiful Aeolian Islands, or explore unspoilt mountains just a few kilometres away. Other seaside towns, such as Tropea, Capo Vaticano or Lace are within an hour’s drive and populated with beautiful architecture and scenes.

Many routes around Calabria hold a lot of cultural and historical value too with some breathtaking scenery.

GOOD FOR: Progressing your twin-tip and hydrofoil riding in super-safe conditions.

Relaxed Italian countryside feel by day and sun-kissed partying from late afternoon.

I 1 1 8 / E U R O P E / I T A LY / C R O T O N E I “This spot is really beautiful.

The kite school and restaurant are right there, the wind’s really good and it’s perfect for freestyle in the afternoon” JERRIE VAN DE KOP, RRD PRO RIDER AND KING OF THE AIR COMPETITOR 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

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AIRPORT: The nearest airport is Lamezia Terme (SUF) which is around an hour’s drive away.

You can hire a car there or Velico Crotone Sport Beach can organise you a transfer to the hotel.

SCHOOLS: VELICO CROTONE SPORT BEACH’s kite school is directly on the spot and GKA Kite-Surf World Tour rider Tony Cili is the head coach. They’re open from June to September with instruction available in Italian, English and Spanish and they have a full fleet of RRD gear and also offer sailing and windsurfing instruction as well as pilates lessons. Customers of Velico Crotone Sport Beach get preferential rates at a number of local hotels too! www.clubvelicocrotone.it info@clubvelicocrotone.it +39 0962 20852 / +39 347 575 0450

Thermal afternoon action!

Photos: Martina Orsini

ON THE WATER Situated on the Ionian coast, Club Velico Crotone Sport Beach sits eight kilometres north of the city of Crotone.

This region gets wind from the north / northeast and south / southeast and both directions work well at Crotone. You can get steady winds pushing up to as much as 30 knots during the winter season and 25 knots in the summer months from May to October. June to September are the best months of the year when the water is warmest and the local thermic effects increase the wind strength, so that’s the best time to come if you’re planning on learning to kite in Crotone.

There’s a flat water lagoon a few kilometres north which is ideal for freestyle and there are also wave spots on this coastline, but you’ll need to drive to them (the guys at Crotone can give you some pointers there).

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Crotone is in the southernmost part of Italy so the temperatures are ideal! In summer, the air temperatures range from 27 - 33°C / 80 - 91°F and can drop down to below 10°C / 50°F in winter. You can ride in boardshorts or a bikini in summer when the water hovers around 17°C / 63°F and a light suit in spring, but you’ll need a full length autumn suit in the dead of winter when it can drop down to 10°C / 50°F. In summer bring a hoodie for windy evenings and in winter you need a jacket and jeans.

If you bring your seven, nine and 12 metre kites you’ll be set up for the majority of days and the wide expanse of open water makes it an ideal location for nailing down your foiling technique until the wind fills in properly in the afternoon (it’s foil-able most days).

OFF THE WATER There are numerous B&Bs and hotels in the city centre and some options closer to the beach as well. Play volleyball at the beach or enjoy the chill-out area for sunbathing.

Choose from plenty of non-wind activities such as SUP, exploring the marine reserve in Isola Capo Rizzuto or take a hike in the nearby Sila Mountains. On the water there’s windsurfing if you need a workout, but also dinghy sailing if you want to do something together and national dinghy sailing regattas also happen regularly in Crotone, which are usually an impressive spectacle if they’re on during your stay. The sleepy pace of life around this coastal region is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing break.

As you can imagine in Southern Italy, the food is pretty special and around Crotone you can eat a full meal for £1015 / $15-20 / €12-15. If you’re a guest at the Velico Crotone Sport Beach then a discount is available in a number of local eateries! You’ll find ATMs in Crotone and most places will accept cards if you’re not changing your currency first and bringing cash with you. The area offers many sights and activities in the surrounding area, so a hire car is obviously worth having if you don’t want to rely on taxis or beach shuttles.

GOOD FOR: Awesome food, accessible conditions and reliable Mediterranean weather!

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I 1 2 0 / E U R O P E / I T A LY / S I C I LY I “To come to a place like this and find good wind, mirror-flat water and nobody around is very rare, and I have been travelling for many years now!”

AARON HADLOW, NORTH TEAM RIDER AND FIVE TIME WORLD CHAMPION 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

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AIRPORT Palermo (PMO) is just an hour from the spot with numerous international connections. Trapani (TPS) is just ten minutes transfer time and you can get there via a number of economy airlines from around Europe.

SCHOOLS PROKITE ALBY RONDINA is open everyday from March through to November.

Lessons are coached with radio helmets and there’s a full fleet of the latest 2018 Cabrinha gear available to rent. Airport transfers, SUPs and bike hire are also on offer and lessons are available in a number of languages, including English, Italian, German and Polish. www.prokitealbyrondina.com info@prokitealbyrondina.com +39 347 537 3881

Super flat fun in Sicily!

Photos: Laci Kobulsky / ProKite Alby Rondinha

ON THE WATER

OFF THE WATER

Lo Stagnone lagoon is a 2,000 hectare expanse of kiteable flat water nestled away in the northeast corner of Sicily. The spot works in any wind direction and you can walk straight out of your hotel on to the launch spot.

On a southerly you’ll get a warm wind with plenty of lift and on a northerly (the prevailing direction in summer) you can tuck in behind the old ‘salina’ salt plain walls at the north end of the lagoon to ride mirror flat water as glassy as any cable park. The water isn’t tidal, although it can change depending on wind direction, but it’s never more than a metre deep with a soft, silt-covered bottom and reeds in shallower sections. It’s basically twin-tip heaven and you’ll often see visiting pros from the WKL tour training here.

The majority of accommodation close to the lagoon is in the various hotels that line the lagoon, all set in a sleepy little village away from the main road. There’s a restaurant right on the spot at the ProKite Alby Rondina centre, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and within a ten minute drive there are more restaurants serving some truly spectacular seafood and pasta dishes.

The nightlife isn’t raucous around the lagoon but the centres host parties from time to time and the nearby city of Trapani has more vibrant nightlife with some great bars, a couple of clubs and some incredible restaurants serving traditional local dishes and offering a (lengthy) dining experience with a seemingly endless array of courses!

Accommodation is easy to find around the spot and the ProKite centre has single, double and triple rooms as well as villas that’ll house up to eight people with their own individual gardens and kitchens. They’ve also just opened a new hotel. If you’re self-catering there’s a shop five minutes from the hotel with basic supplies and you’ll find supermarkets and local markets in Trapani.

Getting around is easy enough and taxis are in ready supply. Alternatively, hire a bike through ProKite centre or rent a car from the airport. No wind? Then you can SUP or kayak across the lagoon, go wakeboarding near Palermo, visit nearby Mozia island or walk up to the ‘salinas’ at the edge of the lagoon. Take a drive up into the mountains and experience the incredible little towns and villages that featured in The Godfather, or rent a mountain bike and charge down some world class trails!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The water temperature varies in summer from around 20°C / 68°F to 26°C / 79°F from May to September with air temperatures from 20°C / 68°F to 28°C / 82 °F. Lo Stagnone enjoys roughly 300 days of wind a year and the most popular months are from May through until September. It’s relentlessly sunny in summer as well so, while you don’t need a suit, consider a rashie.

GOOD FOR: Kiting in a vast area of pure flat water with a soft, stone-free sea bed.

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AIRPORT Olbia Airport (OLB) is approximately 45 minutes away and a short flight from much of Europe. Alghero Airport (AHO) is about two hours away.

SCHOOLS MB PRO CENTRE teach all levels from early April until the beginning of November.

There’s a safety boat on hand and the latest RRD equipment is also available for proficient kiters to hire. There’s a shaded chill out area, cold drinks, free WiFi and the staff will give you a hand launching and landing if you need it.

Weekly BBQ evenings with live music run in the summer and there’s also the Tiki Beach-Bar right next to the centre for after-session refreshments, too. Yoga sessions are also available, as is SUP and windsurf hire and lessons (they have a very well-stocked selection of kit to choose from) and MB Pro Centre also offer accommodation at Windsurf Village just behind the school. Languages spoken by instructors: English, Italian and German. www.procenter.it info@procenter.it +39 335 6379949

PORTO POLLO SARDINIA ON THE WATER Located in the north of Sardinia island, Porto Pollo is an awesome spot for any standard of kiter with its picturesque turquoise water, two large bays and seven kilometres of open sandy beach. The western bay is the designated kite spot with plenty of open space and a large beach that remains unaffected by tides. You’ll find shallow water that’s ideal for anyone from beginners upwards and a wave spot close by, too. Porto Pollo works in any direction of wind and is serviced by a few infamous and reliable wind systems. The Tramontana, Mistral, Poniente and Scirocco take effect at different times of the year and are funnelled through the Sardinian mountains so are often even stronger by the time they reach Porto Pollo.

The riding here is excellent for all the family and lovely and warm, too. If you’re in the learning phase, the MB Pro Centre is right on the spot and well set up to get you out on the water.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The wind here can range from 14 to 30 knots but you can usually add on a few extra knots to what’s forecast due to the venturi effect as the wind accelerates through and

over the hills and mountains. The wind’s most reliable in summer when it blows cross or cross-onshore from the left with flat water on the western side of the bay and small waves in the opposite direction that are perfect for those new to wave riding. In spring and autumn the wind blows from the right, creating flat water on the right hand side of the bay instead, which is sheltered, and the waves can then be found on the lefthand side of the bay and they’re generally bigger at that time of year, too.

You’ll usually be on eight to ten metre kites in Porto Pollo and in the low season air temperatures range between 18°C / 64°F and 23°C / 73°F degrees. Between June and August expect 25°C / 77°F to 30°C / 86°F. Water

GOOD FOR: Great kiting for all levels at a spot that works in all wind directions

ACCOMMODATION WINDSURF VILLAGE www.windsurfvillage.it info@windsurfvillage.it +39 0789 704075

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

Luxurious underfoot and on the water Photo: MB Pro Center

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Kari Schibevaag / Photo: RRD

temperatures average around 16°C / 61°F in the low season and reach up to 26°C / 79°F degrees in the high season. It cools down through September and October but you’ll manage without a wetsuit in the summer months and will need nothing thicker than a 3/2 suit in spring and autumn.

OFF THE WATER There are a number of accommodation options. Windsurf Village are pueblo style apartments for between two and six people just 200 metres from the beach. The Il Borgo apartment complex, Il Dune Hotel and Restaurant and the campsite at Isola dei Gabbiani are also super close.

Porto Pollo is seven kilometres from Palau, the nearest town, where you’ll find supermarkets, as well as smaller, locally owned shops, pharmacies and a number of good restaurants serving quality local Italian cuisine (it would be rude not to after all!). There are a couple of bars and clubs and from the port you can take a ferry to Maddalena Island, the biggest of the seven islands that form the Archipelago della Maddalena National Park.

The area around Porto Pollo is perfect for families and, if it’s not windy, you can hire SUPs and kayaks, chill on the beach, rent bikes, explore Palau or climb Mount Altura, which is close to Porto Pollo. The area is stunning, so it’s worth exploring with a car but there are also plenty of taxis to get around if you don’t want to drive into town or to the port.

Kiting hotspot! Easy to see why... Photo: MB Pro Center

Easy launching Photo: RRD

PORTO POLLO SARDINIA-ITALY...Welcome home!

W i n d s u r f i n g & K i t e b o a r d i ng Ho l ida ys

1 Week Apartment & Kite rental starting

€ 592,00

Pro Center VDWS - BKSA - certified instructors

NEW 2018 www.mbprocenter.shop

09:41

Pro Center

Booking System on-line

MICHIEL BOUWMEESTER info@procenter.it - Tel: +39 0789 704206

www.procenter.it

50 Kites - Lessons & Rental

OPE N: 23 MARCH - 04 NOV. 2018

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Baia dei Delfini

Beach Apartments

Windsurf Village

Apartments Windsurf Village Baia dei delfini - Porto Pollo - I 07020 PALAU (OT) - Tel: +39 0789 - 704075 FREE

Bar - Restaurant

info@windsurfvillage.it -

www.windsurfvillage.it

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AIRPORT: The nearest airport is Cagliari Elmas (CAG) an hour away from the kiting. You can hire a car there or SkyHigh can arrange shuttles from the airport or to anywhere you may want to go during your stay.

SCHOOLS: SKYHIGH are open from March to December with small group and private tuition available. North, Ozone, RRD and Nobile gear (as well as windsurfing kit) is available for hire. A safety boat is always on hand and instructors speak English, Polish, Spanish and German. They can also arrange non-wind activities and your accommodation. www.skyhigh.pl info@skyhigh.pl +39 342 359 4676 +48 608 599 399

PORTO BOTTE SARDINIA ON THE WATER Sardinia is known as the Caribbean of Europe and in the southwest of the island you’ll find Porto Botte. The bay is located in a nature reserve with flat water in some sections, small chop conditions and a soft sandy bottom with no hazards to worry about. The water is shallow close to the beach but head 200 metres out and you’ll find foiling depth water and, as the bay isn’t tidal, you can head out for a session any time of day.

The infamous Mistral wind is funnelled between St Antioco Island and Sardinia, which increases its strength.

The Scirocco wind blows here too, although it can be a little gustier close in to shore.

There’s a solid thermic effect in Porto Botte in the summer, so you can add a bit on to most forecasts, and in winter Sardinia can get some awesome waves too!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER There’s wind 70% of the time from April through to November. The most common direction is the ‘Mistral’ wind which blows side-shore from the left on 70% of windy days, while the ‘Scirocco’, which comes up from North Africa, blows 25% of the time. The other direction

Secluded spots / Photos: SkyHigh

is the ‘Libeccio’, which is pretty rare and usually not very strong, blowing side-on from the right and is a good wind for summer foil sessions.

Water temperatures range from 18°C / 65 °F in early spring to 28°C / 82°F at the warmest point in mid-summer.

On land it’s similarly pleasant with temps hovering between 25°C / 77°F and 30°C / 86% in season, dropping down to around 15°C / 59°F in the winter. During the season you won’t need a wetsuit but there are days you’ll appreciate one in the late or early season. The climate on dry land is equally pleasant, so some thin layers for the evenings is the most you’ll need in summer. Pack some long trousers if you’re visiting in the colder months.

OFF THE WATER If it’s not windy then there’s plenty to keep you busy. You can go wakeboarding (the local kite school SkyHigh has their own wake boat), surfing or SUPing, cliff jumping or touring the island. Sardinia is mountainous, with some incredible scenery to explore, either on foot or by bike and car hire is easy to arrange. The crew at SkyHigh also have a chill-out zone with instruments, a games console, a gym area, trampoline and a skate ramp.

Food is reasonably priced and a three course meal with plenty of wine will usually come in at £22 / €25 / $30 or less. Some places may accept cards but there’s an ATM in a village close to the kite centre as well.

Accommodation options are varied but apartments, B&Bs and hotels are readily available. SkyHigh have their own mini-apartment complex with a pool that’s just a short four kilometre drive from the kite spot.

GOOD FOR: Warm conditions, crystal clear waters and reliable wind just a short flight from most European countries.

Crystal clear waters

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AIRPORT: Limnos International Airport (LXS) is ten minutes from Keros and regularly served by direct charter flights. Otherwise, fly budget airlines into Athens (ATH), Thessaloniki (SKG), Rhodes (RHO) or Lesvos (MJT) and catch a domestic connection to Limnos, via Aegean Airlines or Sky Express.

SCHOOLS: SURF CLUB KEROS LODGE AND SPA teach all levels from May to October at 2:1 max ratio using the latest 2018 RRD gear, which is also available for hire or sale. Rescue cover is provided to clients, plus there are daily refresher clinics and regular downwinders.

Windsurfing, SUP and mountain biking also offered.

Languages spoken by staff: English, Greek, Bulgarian, German, French and more.

ACCREDITED BY: IKO www.surfclubkeros.com bookings@surfclubkeros.gr +30 694 415 6679

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0)1273 921 001

KEROS LIMNOS, GREECE ON THE WATER A trip to Keros, on the eastern side of Limnos island, takes you back to how Greece was before mass-tourism.

The people are friendly, there’s great food and the kite spot is a safe, sandy three kilometre bay with a variety of conditions to suit all abilities. Add the famous north / northeast Meltemi wind and picture perfect turquoise waters and you’ve found kiting paradise.

The Keros bay offers up three different spots: a butter flat section close to shore at the north end, a choppy section in the middle and a small (two to four foot) wave spot at the south end. In a southerly wind the spots reverse, with waves to the north and flat water to the south. It’s sandy and shallow so you can stand up safely in most places up to 80 metres out from the beach and you’ll end up blown back on to the beach if you get in trouble. Keros is an awesome spot for foiling too as the Meltemi builds and the sandy seafloor that’s devoid of obstacles is ideal.

Nearby Red Rock beach also has small surf with side-shore winds, while a strong northeaster in spring and autumn can throw up waves at Gomati. The Meltemi blows all season, most consistently in summer, but spring and autumn are also pretty regular with mixed conditions and more swell. The wind kicks in early most days, picking up between 9 and 10am and peaking somewhere between 11 and 4pm, before gradually dropping and switching slightly offshore.

GOOD FOR: An authentically rustic Greek experience, fantastic local food and kiting in turquoise waters and steady Meltemi winds.

Lush green waters and a safe bay to ride in.

No wonder it’s a top spot! / Photos: Surf Club Keros

Don’t miss out on Surf Club Keros’ ‘Epic Downwinder’; a two hour adventure, cruising down the east coast of Limnos, back to Keros Beach where a beer will be waiting!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER In June, July and August the Meltemi comes from the north/northeast and from other directions in spring and autumn with bigger waves. Nines are the most popular kite size throughout the year. There are a fantastic 280 days of sun each year and mid-summer water temperatures are: 23 – 24°C / 73 – 75°F. Bring boardies in July and August, a shorty for May, June and September and a 3/2mm in April and October.

OFF THE WATER There’s eco-friendly accommodation at Surf Camp Keros with luxury safari tents as well as clean but basic mini safari tents (both options allow you to check the conditions from bed!). Apartments are also available in Kalliopi village with more accommodation options within a five to ten minute drive away.

Kalliopi is two kilometres away. Kontopouli village is a little further away, but bigger with ATMs, supermarkets, tavernas and bars. The distance from the Surf Camp to the beach is about an 800 metre walk, but there’s a shuttle on hand if you’re too kited-out to manage the walk. Most people hire mountain bikes or scooters, but it’s worth hiring a car for a few days as there are some incredible historic sites to see, including the ruins of the oldest organised settlement in Europe, where it’s believed democracy first began.

People usually eat at the restaurant within the Surf Club camping grounds, which serves traditional Mediterranean cuisine, buffet or a la carte. There’s also a Tiki bar. Elsewhere there are good local food options if you want to get out of camp and a decent meal with wine will cost €15-20.

Loads of activities are available at Surf Club Keros, from spas and yoga to mountain biking, kayak excursions, snorkelling and even moonlit SUP tours.

Most places do not accept credit or debit cards, so cash is essential. Surf Club Keros can accept PayPal and online credit/debit payments.

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AIRPORT: Podgorica (TGD) is the capital served by flights from most major airports with Montenegro Airlines and Austrian Airlines (via Vienna).

SCHOOLS KITELOOP teach all levels from early May until late September with private or group classes available as well as foiling tuition.

They use and rent out the latest North and CrazyFly equipment with full safety boat cover and lessons available in English and German. Besides accommodation options, they offer gear storage and can also organise your airport transfer and have a beach bar serving food and drinks. www.kiteloop.net contact@kiteloop.net +382 69 62 98 64, +382 69 69 04 01

ADA BOJANA ULCINJ, MONTENEGRO ON THE WATER Ada Bojana is a small island in Ulcinj and still isn’t one of the better known kite spots in Europe, but that’s part of its appeal. The steady side-onshore winds from the right that blow along the 14 kilometre long Velika plaža beach make it ideal for beginners, foilers and freestylers and when a southerly blows in from the left you can even get two metre high waves. It occasionally blows offshore from the north too at which time experienced riders will be able to enjoy 20-30 knot winds with butter flat water. There’s also a river mouth a couple of kilometres downwind with flat water for progressing your tricks.

Within 100 metres of the shoreline the water is waist deep with no sharp rocks or reef and the tide state doesn’t vary much, so you can be out as soon as the wind kicks in (usually from midday onwards). As you can imagine, this place is a foilers dream!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

Buzzing scene / Photo: Kiteloop

The weather is typically good in Ulcinj with 270 days of sunshine a year. From May to September a super-steady thermal wind comes up from the Albanian Alps to the south, bringing 18 to 25 knots, so you’ll need eight to 12 metre kites in the high season (June to mid-September) and your 12 metre and above in the off-season (April to

The wide open spot at Ada Bojana / Photo: Kiteloop

May and mid-September to October). Water temps hover around 22°C / 72°F in the summer, so wetsuits aren’t necessary but before and after the main peak season a shorty or thin full suit is worth having.

OFF THE WATER There are plenty of accommodation options around Ulcinj, from resorts to camp sites. The Kite Loop centre offers its own camp site right on the spot and can arrange other accommodation within a ten minute walk from the beach.

There are lots of small shops and medium size supermarkets as well as bakeries and a weekly food market in Ulcinj itself where you can get great quality locally grown produce. Restaurants and beach bars offer good quality food, from standard European and Mediterranean cuisine to traditional Montenegrin fare and many of them have fantastic views of the river or the sea.

There are plenty of bars in town and all-night parties are frequent! The city retains its authentic local atmosphere and the locals are very friendly, so crime isn’t a big issue but be mindful of pickpockets if you’ve had one too many ‘rakijas’ - the local plum spirit that’s around 50% proof!

Find car rental options in both Podgorica and Tivat airports and this area is easy to find your way around.

Roads are of Western European standard and the drive takes about 75 to 90 minutes from the airports.

Minibuses are also cheap and plentiful.

Ulcinj itself is one of the oldest urban architectural sites along the Adriatic Sea set on a hillside with an old fortified city, cobblestone streets and medieval buildings.

The local wildlife is incredible, as is the scenery, and a number of companies offer white water rafting (along Europe’s deepest canyon), kayaking, biking, climbing, scuba diving, sailing, hiking and paragliding. It’s an adventure sports paradise!

GOOD FOR: Steady thermal winds, Mediterranean weather and all-night parties!

Ada Bojana / Photo: www.ulcinj.travel

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Kalpitiya Photo: De Silva Keahi de Aboitiz at Mui Ne Photo: Mui Ne Surf Foto / Source Kiteboarding

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ASIAMANNAR, SRI LANKA FEATURING:

KALPITIYA, SRI LANKA MUI NE, VIETNAM PRANBURI, THAILAND

Mui Ne Mannar Photo: C2Sky Photo: Kitesurfing Lanka

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AIRPORT Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo – CMB) is almost a six hour taxi ride away, or there are two daily 30 minute connecting flights to Sigiriya. From there it’s just a three hour drive to Mannar.

SCHOOLS KITESURFING LANKA is the only school in Mannar and is open all year. Their all-inclusive packages offer a hassle-free holiday, including airport transfers, holiday planning in Sri Lanka, equipment rental with Best and Zian kites, lessons and kite repairs as well as activities for non-wind days, yoga and massage. Advanced kite clinics, gear storage, specialist kite trips and free use of their SUPs, bicycles and kayaks also offered. Teaching ratios are 2:1and safety boat cover is provided.

Languages spoken by instructors: English, French and German. www.kitesurfingmannar.com www.kitesurfinglanka.com vayu@kitesurfingmannar.com +94 773 686 235

Photo: Bella Zanesco

MANNAR SRI LANKA

Mannar magic Unless stated, all photos: Kitesurfing Lanka

ON THE WATER Take a three hour drive north of Kalpitiya and you’ll reach Mannar, part of a 50 kilometre chain of sandbars, islands and manmade bridges that almost link Sri Lanka to the Indian mainland. This is a flat water heaven with over 36 kilometres of flat water that has only recently become known to kiters. Kitesurfing Lanka were the first to explore the kiteboarding potential of the area around Adam’s Bridge where you’ll find the same reliable trade winds that Kalpitiya is known for, but without the crowds on the water. They now also run catamaran trips to Mannar from Kalpitiya.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Just like in Kalpitiya, there are two seasons in Mannar. The summer season runs from May until mid-October, while the winter season runs from mid-December to March.

It’s windier in summer with May usually getting 14+ knot winds 75% of the time. June and July enjoy an impressive 95% of days with kiteable wind! In August and September you’ll still be able to kite 85% of the time and by October the reliability eases slightly, but is still excellent at 75%.

November has the lowest winds before things pick up again in December when you’ll get at least 14+ knots on 75% of days through until March.

The wind is generally a bit stronger during the summer season and good for eight to 12 metre kite sizes. You’ll still be able to regularly get sessions in winter, but you’ll be on your ten metre or bigger.

The water is flat and warm at a yearly average of 28°C / 82°F so you won’t need a wetsuit but a rash vest is a good idea to avoid sunburn on long sessions and strong sunscreen is a must. The air temperature averages 30°C / 86°F so it’s warm but also humid. The most layering you’ll need off the water is a light hoodie at night and that’s only if you really feel the cold!

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OFF THE WATER Vayu Resort (run by Kitesurfing Lanka) consists of 12 bungalows (each with their own veranda and ensuite bathrooms) that can accommodate up to four people.

There are six tents as well as a restaurant and a bar which is right on the kite spot. The Kitesurf Lanka crew offer an all-inclusive service with local and western dishes served throughout the day. They also serve alcohol, but it’s a laid back vibe, so raucous partying isn’t on the cards though you’ll be happy hanging out with some cool, like-minded people.

The best way to get there from Colombo international airport is by taxi which takes approximately four hours.

You won’t need a hire car once you’re there as Vayu Resort provide free use of their bikes instead if you want to explore the wider area. On windless days you can check out the migratory birds that the Mannar Peninsula is famous for and the National Park of Wilipathu (home to elephants and leopards) which is also worth a visit. The lost city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO heritage site, is within reach and Vayu Resort offers free use of kayaks and SUPs. If your body starts to feel the pace after all the kiteboarding, take yoga lessons or book in for a massage.

GREAT FOR: Flat water, wide open spaces and a really adventurous experience!

SRI LANKA’S EPIC KITING COMPANY

Voted number one on TripAdvisor, KITESURFING LANKA owners Dil and Leo will be stoked to welcome you to the piece of paradise they call home where you’ll enjoy great food and drink, seafront and garden-view bungalows and the vibes of a close-knit team who have been based there for many years.

• LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS TO KITE CLINICS FOR THE ADVANCED • AIRPORT TRANSFERS • AWESOME DAILY KITE TRIPS Watch our videos! www.vimeo.com/kitesurfinglanka

TWO AMAZING LOCATIONS INDIA

ADAMS BRIDGE MANNAR KALPITIYA

CONTACTS: PHONE AND WHATSAPP Tikiri (Sri Lankan Speaker): +94 77 003 8467 Dil (English Speaker): +94 77 368 6235 Leo (French Speaker): +33 78 330 0803 Skype: Leo.Moret1

SRI LANKA

2017

CERTIFICATE of

EXCELLENCE

Kitesurfing Lanka continues to be #1 on TripAdvisor!

Thanks to the consistent trade winds and Venturi Effect, our spots in Kalpitiya and Adam’s Bridge Mannar are considered the best in the world.

The protected lagoons and islands provide buttery flat water conditions on one side with waves on the other!

KITESURFING LANKA: KALPITIYA

VAYU RESORT: MANNAR

CATAMARAN KITE SAFARI: KITESURFING LANKA TO VAYU RESORT

• Flat Water & Wave Spot • Regular downwind kite sessions and many clinics through the week • Full moon and solo sundown kite sessions • Great environment for the whole family

• Untouched area. You’re almost the first kitesurfers in the region and will have the entire coastline to yourself!

• 16km of flat water in pure nature and preserved history – they say Hannuman the Monkey God built it!

• Kite directly from our bungalow!

• • • •

150 kilometer downwinder Flat water, wave riding and downwinders Luxurious Catamaran Boat crew and Kite Coach on board

BOOK NOW! info@kitesurfinglanka.com

www.kitesurfinglanka.com www.kitesurfingmannar.com

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AIRPORT Kalpitiya is a two-and-a-half hour drive from Colombo (CMB) airport. Transfers can be organised by your school or tour operator at around €55 for the vehicle.

SCHOOLS KITESURFING LANKA is a popular specialist kitesurfing resort offering all-inclusive packages for a hassle-free holiday, including airport transfers, holiday planning in Sri Lanka, equipment rental, lessons and kite repairs. Customised meal plans, activities for non-kiters, yoga and massage are available. They also offer guided downwinders to all spots and catamaran kite trips as well as advanced kite clinics, specialist kite trips and free use of their SUPs and kayaks. www.kitesurfinglanka.com info@kitesurfinglanka.com +94 773 686 235

KALPITIYA SRI LANKA ON THE WATER Steady winds throughout the year, an array of flat water spots and there’s even some onshore wave riding outside the lagoons on offer, so it’s easy to understand why people are now returning to Kalpitiya season after season.

The country’s main kitesurfing region, Puttalam, in the secluded northwest of the country, has been steadily growing in popularity across the last couple of years. The kitesurfing is unique with masses of space and almost limitless downwinder potential across 100 kilometres of terrain and good winds in two seasons in the year.

The main and most popular spot is Kalpitiya Lagoon, otherwise known as ‘Big Lagoon’, which is just outside Kalpitiya town. It works best in the dry season between November and early April when the trade winds come from the northeast. That time of year is very popular with beginners and freestylers alike as the lagoons are flat, spacious and shallow.

The other key spot is Kappaladay Lagoon, which is a bit smaller but it works great between May and early October when the trade winds blow from the southwest.

Kaplitiya dreaming Photo: De Silva

Rescue boats operate at both spots and you’re also entitled to use them if you’re involved with a local school or centre, but it’s unlikely you’ll need to as both lagoons are protected from the open ocean by a sandbar and the wind blows onshore.

A 4x4 trip opens up even more spots to the north, while organised boat trips will take you to the secluded Vella Island, where you’ll camp overnight in pristine nature before doing an epic downwinder through remote lagoons on the way back to Kalpitiya.

Kiteworldwide run a weekly downwinder during the winter season from the top of the lagoon back to town and it’s a 45 minute boat ride to the starting point, so you’ll be the only people kiting there.

The wind’s a bit stronger there so kite until you’re tired then head downwind to a small island for lunch where you’ll also find some great kickers and smooth flat spots.

From there you’ll carry on downwind to a shallow, sandy bottomed bay before crossing the sand bank to the ocean side and downwinding back to the lodge or Kalipitiya lagoon for a well earned cold one!

Check the schools listing in this section and the links to their websites for details of the many daily kite trips and helpful access to different spots, like Donkey Point, Kappalady lagoon, Puttalam lagoon, Vella Island. Also check out Kitesurfing Lanka’s epic downwinder from Kalpitiya to their other centre, Vayu, in Mannar! Around 150 kilometres – it’s certainly an experience!

Kalpitiya’s not a wave spot but you can score some fun onshore sessions at Donkey Point, which is roughly a 20 minute drive from Kalpitiya Lagoon - join Kitesurfing Lanka for a trip there.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

Sandbar shenanigans Photo: KiteWorldWide

Kalpitiya is very reliable for wind, experiencing the same year-round seasonal trade winds that service other classic Indian Ocean destinations, such as Kenya or Mauritius. There are two seasons in Kalpitiya: the summer season runs from May until October with stronger onshore breezes of 25+ knots for five or six days a week. The winter season begins in mid-December and ends in early April. The wind is less frequent then and a bit lighter, so you’ll need a bigger kite at that time

I 139 I Plenty of space for jumping progression Photo: KiteWorldWide

SCHOOLS

Photo: Kitesurfing Lanka

of year and you may also be able to get a foil session on the open ocean on low wind days.

It’s unlikely that you’ll be feeling the cold during your stay with average air temperatures of 30°C / 86°F and water temperatures of 26°C / 79°F! Keep in mind too that the sun is seriously powerful in Kalpitiya, so factor 50 is advised.

OFF THE WATER Accommodation options are varied and most visiting kiters choose to stay in the kite camps that are right on

the edge of the main kite spots where you can rent a small cabin or palm frond covered canvas tent (it’s a luxurious tent!) for around 35 euros a night, which includes your meals, too! A number of operators, such as Kitesurfing Lanka, Dolphin Beach Resort, KiteWorldWide and De Silva - with their eco-friendly Windresort and new luxurious Palmresort - offer very comfortable accommodation with optional instructional packages. Self-catered properties are few and far between and quite hard to find if you haven’t been to Kalpitiya before.

You won’t find any bars or nightclubs, but there’s

GREAT FOR: A very different travelling experience and miles and miles of open lagoon to shred!

DE SILVA Windresort (and new Palmresort) is a very popular and long established watersports centre and the biggest in the area, with instruction available for all levels. Awesome package deals are available if you learn together with a friend or partner. All instructors are VDWS qualified and DE SILVA is the official North dealer and school. Kite storage is offered and there’s a comfortable rooftop chill out area with 4G wifi. Safety boat cover is included with all lessons, rental packages and guided tours to the local islands. www.surfschool-srilanka.com office@surfschool-srilanka.com +94 777 047 817 A Sri Lankan coastal holiday is all about peace Photo: KiteWorldWide

I 140 / ASIA / SRI LANKA / KALPITIYA I “The ‘Secret Spot’ (Vella Island) is the best place I’ve ever ridden by a long way! A boat ride mission through the bay or downwind with your crew and experience blow-dryer smooth wind and kilometre-uponkilometre of butter-flat water!”

CRAIG CUNNINGHAM, NORTH KITEBOARDING PRO RIDER

KITEWORLDWIDE lodge is on the beach with comfortable rooms that are fitted to Boosty winds a European standard. A full service agent, Photo: Kitesurfing Lanka they offer modern bungalows that are a decent social scene in Kalpitiya that revolves integrated into the surrounding landscape, around BBQs and gatherings at the various kite camps each with four comfortable rooms. All (outside guests welcome in most camps) and you’ll be rooms have a terrace or balcony with views surrounded by kiters, so you know you’ll meet some fun, over the lagoon. Restaurant, sun loungers, like-minded people. volleyball court and of course the kite There are a couple of shops, an ATM and a pharmacy in centre with storage are all on-site. A daily town as well as some small eateries but BEWARE – the locals shuttle takes you to the spot and back. like their food seriously spicy. Also beware that you’ll always www.kiteworldwide.com share the road with donkeys, cattle and goats! info@kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 ALANKUDA KITE SCHOOL is based at the Dolphin Beach Resort and has IKO certified coaches, offering standard and tailor made packages to suit all levels. Their instructors speak a number of languages, equipment hire is available and they run downwinders and kite safaris! www.kitesurfing.lk info@dolphinbeach.lk +94 (0)777 72 32 72

ACCOMMODATION DOLPHIN BEACH RESORT offer luxury tented accommodation on Alankuda Beach right on the lagoon’s edge for families, couples and single travellers. Experience the beauty of Kalpitiya from this chic, rustic hotel and top it off with fantastic Sri Lankan and Mediterranean cuisine. www.dolphinbeach.lk info@dolphinbeach.lk +94 (0)32 738 8050

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090

www.kitesurfing.lk

Given how consistent the wind is in Kalpitiya you might just appreciate a rest on days when the wind doesn’t blow, but if you want to be a little more adventurous then there’s SUP / kayak rental, some occasional surfing at Donkey Point over the sand bar, and you can also visit the nearby lost city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO heritage site. There’s also whale and dolphin watching and a visit to Willpatu National Park to see elephants, leopards and other wildlife in their natural habitat is definitely worthwhile.

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AIRPORT Saigon (SGX) is a five to six hour transfer and Nha Trang City (CXR) is usually a four to five hour transfer.

SCHOOLS SOURCE KITEBOARDING are a Cabrinha centre and open all year on Malibu Beach with courses available for all levels. Private coaching can be arranged and ratios don’t exceed 2:1. Cabrinha equipment is also available for hire or sale. Jet-ski rescue, surf and SUP also available.

Languages spoken by instructors: English, French and Russian. www.sourcekiteboarding.com info@sourcekiteboarding.com +84 933 192 675

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

GREAT FOR: Escaping winter with steady, hairdryer winds and incredible food.

Competitor at the Malibu Kite Wave Contest Photo: Mario Lance

MUI NE VIETNAM

Mui Ne – kite action Photo: Stan / Kiteworld

ON THE WATER

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

Mui Ne has two seasons, summer and winter, with good wind conditions 70% of the time. Two wind directions prevail with southerlies in the summer season, running from May to October and in winter from late October to the end of March when it switches to northerly, with stronger and more consistent winds.

February and March are the best months with conditions to suit all riders. The wind is lighter in the mornings before picking up and producing chop and wind swell that forms solid ramps later in the day. There is also lots of space. You can foil in the morning until the wind builds in the afternoon, when it blows on through until sunset.

Malibu beach is the best wave spot, seven kilometres from Mui Ne, with some nice waves on a pushing tide and Source Kiteboarding hold the annual Malibu Kite Wave Contest there which Keahi de Aboitiz was in town for this year.

Phan Rang, a three hour drive away, is also worth a visit, especially for high wind searchers as it’s consistently stronger than the area around Mui Ne.

In winter the wind comes from the north / northeast and increases through the day thanks to a thermic effect. During summer it switches direction and, although it’s very regular, is lighter, tending to only blow in the afternoon. It’s windy up to 90% of days at that time, but often only getting up to between 10 and 14 knots, so bring your foil!

In winter you’ll typically ride your seven and ten metre kites, potentially from morning to sunset. Avoid April as it gets very humid and there’s no wind or swell. The water temperature averages between 22°C / 71°F and 25°C / 77°F, so you won’t need a wetsuit but a thin shortie or thermal rashie can feel good when it’s strong. Air temps range from 25°C / 77°F during the winter months to a humid 30°C / 86°F in the summer. Cooling off a little at night to around 22°C / 71°F, you’ll still be fine in a T-shirt and shorts.

OFF THE WATER The nearest town to Mui Ne is Phan Thiet, 20 kilometres away / about a 15 minute drive and has a bustling harbour, plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants and shops. Freshly caught seafood is served at roadside stands and in local restaurants. There are international options, too. There are also some small supermarkets for the essentials.

Most people eat out as the local food is fantastic and very affordable. The bars and nightclubs are lively, too.

Crime isn’t a major issue but there are the occasional ‘bag snatches’ and hire car break-ins. Getting around is easy and many people hire a scooter. Be aware that the roads are sketchy though! Taxis and buses are easily available.

Accommodation-wise there’s guest houses, boutique four and five star hotels and self-catering properties.

If the wind doesn’t come through, go kayaking, surfing, SUPing, fishing, play golf, visit nearby heritage sites or explore the islands and vast sand dunes around Mui Ne. Getting to Mui Ne from the airport by private car takes four hours and costs $80 -$100. A bus from Pham Ngu Lao takes around five hours and costs $7 (there may be an extra charge for a large quiver bag). Train takes just three hours, but it’s small and they might not always accept kite bags.

TOUGH TESTING

Kiteworld has the most experienced magazine gear test team and is respected across the industry for the insight and buyer’s guidance provided in each issue. Testing more products for longer and across a wider range of conditions than any other magazine, you can rely on Kiteworld to lead you straight to the best products to suit your riding.

Each issue contains our latest reports, and you can also research our previous reviews through the handy search function on our website that’s tailored to help you find appropriate gear for your skills and requirements.

WWW.KITEWORLDMAG.COM

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AIRPORT: Pranburi is three-and-a-half hours drive from Bangkok and its two international airports - Suvarnabhumi airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International airport (DMK).

You can hire a minibus at the nearby Southern Bus Terminal and the closest train stop is in Hua-Hin, a fairly quick taxi ride away.

Information for this page provided by LiP Sports - www.lip-sunglasses.com

GREAT FOR: Warm water, reliable thermal winds (not reflected in stats), cultural diversity and cost-effective living once you’re there.

PRANBURI THAILAND

Pranburi is a popular destination for international TT championship racing Photo: Alexandru Baranescu / KTA

ON THE WATER

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

Pranburi is to be found roughly 300 kilometres south of Bangkok on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand.

Situated approximately 20 kilometres south of Hua-Hin there are three main kite beaches in the area.

Pak Nam Pran Rivermouth is mainly kited in the winter season (October – January). The shore-break can be quite sizeable at times, but with clean northeast winds there can also be some good wave riding at low tide downwind of the collapsed pier. For flat water lagoon action, hit Khao Kalok at low tide, six kilometres south of Pak Nam Pran. This spot regularly hosts twin-tip racing events and a regional qualifier for the Youth Olympics Games will happen there in March this year.

Dolphin Bay is a further two kilometres away on the edge of the 300 Peaks National Park. It’s a 12 kilometre long bay and the winds are a little lighter and more onshore during the spring but the mountain backdrop has to be seen to be believed. This is also a good spot for beginners with lots of space out on the water. During the season the wind can blow 24 hours a day! There’s also often a swell kicking up decent kickers and low tide wave riding can be had off one of the many sandbars that dot the coastline.

Pranburi benefits from two distinct weather patterns that create good kiting conditions for up to eight months a year. In October and November the cool monsoon winds flow down from the north east into the Gulf of Thailand, bringing cross onshore winds through to early January.

Wind speeds vary from 18 - 25 knots with the most consistent wind in December.

The trade winds swing 180 degrees between February and May as the tropical temperatures rise and thermal winds kick in (thermic effects aren’t reflected in wind stats, but they’re very reliable!). Wind speeds from the south are slightly less strong than the northeast trades, but they’re regularly around 20 knots with March and April being the windiest (and hottest) months. This time of year sees some large tidal ranges and long stretches of waistdeep lagoons revealing themselves at low tide, perfect for learning or practising freestyle in the flat water you’ll find there.

Water temperatures vary between 25 - 30°C / 77 - 86°F, peaking between April and June. Air temperatures broadly reflect water temperatures, although from April to June the outdoor temperature can reach 37°C / 98°F!

OFF THE WATER Pranburi is a quiet but well-established tourist destination. Accommodation is very reasonable with A/C rooms near the beach starting at 400-500 Baht (£10 / $13 / €11) a night going up to five star hotels and everything in between. The food is great and there are a number of bars in the Khao Kalok area of the coastline, but if you’re after a big night out, Hua-Hin is just a 20 kilometre drive north.

Getting around with your kite gear is easy and you can rent a selang (motorcycle with side-car) or scooter for as little as £5 / $6.50 / €5.50 a day.

If there’s no wind then explore the mountains and caves of the 300 Peaks National Park - one of which has a temple inside it. Buddha statues, hill top temples, night markets and friendly locals top it all off.

Phraya Nakhon cave

LiP Athlete Lewis Crathern - Whitstable, July 2017

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HYDROPHOBIC & OLEOPHOBIC TRI-PEL COATING

@LiP_Sunglasses

I 146 / INTRO / EXPERIENCES I

Greece Photo: Kite Breeze Tatajuba, Brazil Photo: Freeride Kitesurf

Torres Strait Photo: Zephyr Kite Tours

EXPERIENCES FEATURING:

DYNAMIC DOWNWINDERS IN BRAZIL AND BEYOND BOAT CRUISES AND CHARTERS WILD ADVENTURES Caribbean Photo: Wind Voyager

THE ORIGINAL…

Over 4,000 spots worldwide Ultimate information & inspiration www.stoked-publications.com

I 148 / CHALLENGING DOWNWINDERS I

CHALLENGING DOWNWINDERS: SURFIN SEM FIM, BRAZIL (AND BEYOND)

Jeri sunset blast / Photo: Bruna Arcangelo

A TRUE CHALLENGE

SCENIC RIDES

COACHING – BEYOND BRAZIL

Surfin Sem Fim (SSF) are one of the most established downwinder / kite ‘adven-tour’ operators going. Top level pro riders, such as Keahi de Aboitiz, Matchu Lopes, Mitu Monteiro, Reno Romeu and Sebastian Ribeiro frequently join the routes to offer coaching along the way Although SSF offer entry-level trips too, a downwinder of the sorts of distance and locations that they have built a reputation specialising in can be as tough as they are thrilling. Their longer trips can be a truly wild experience and much of the time you’ll be away from any signs of human life for long stretches of time.

A pick-up truck will follow you on SSF downwinders for most of their routes which will carry your gear between the overnight stops. Be warned though, the truck won’t be able to keep track of you all the way and sometimes you’ll be without support on more exposed stretches - but this is all part of the wild experience)!

SSF’s downwinders aren’t all epic tests of endurance.

On the Delta Poldros and the Delta Experience ‘intermediate’ routes you’ll be guided around incredible places, like the breathtaking natural reserves in the Delta do Parnaíba and the Lençois Maranhenses. Surfin Sem Fim have a couple of other routes of similar difficulty and length, covering between 200 and 300 kilometres, but there are also some first-time downwinder trips, like the ‘Light’ route; a 60 kilometre journey from Preá to Camocim, designed purely for those looking to improve their downwinder skills.

SSF have recently expanded to operate in diverse (and amazing) locations. Wave clinics take place in some of the world’s best wave riding locations, including Pacasmayo in Peru, Mauritius and Hawaii and there are camps to suit all levels in waves of varying extremity. There’s also a ‘general skills’ clinic run by F-One pro rider and GKA Kite-Surf World Tour judge, Mallory de la Villemarque. Cruise with him through the Caribbean on a luxury 47 foot catamaran, kiting some of the most picture-perfect kite spots on the planet as you go! The SSF foil coaching trip ideally remains in the steady winds of Brazil.

ACCOMMODATION

CONTACT

Surfin Sem Fim organise fantastic hotels for you to stay in each night, where you can refuel and recover after a long day on the water.

www.surfinsemfim.com.br contact@surfinsemfim.com.br +55 11 5561 1016 / +55 21 98237 3411

THE IRONMAN Cumbuco to Atins: SSF’s most famous downwinder is also one of their most challenging. Taking eight days, you’ll cover 600 kilometres on your board down the coast of Ceará. You’ll stop off at some of Brazil’s best known spots along the way, including Icaraizinho, Preá and Barra Grande. Expect to be out kiting at least five hours a day and conditions can be challenging at times, so it’s not for inexperienced riders.

ULTRA-MAN: A 1,000 KILOMETRE TRIP This year Surfin Sem Fim have upped the ante!

Sebastian Ribeiro will guide you from São Miguel do Gostoso in the state of Rio Grande do Norte along the entire coastline of Ceará to Atins, passing through four different states as you go! Again, it’s for experienced riders and SSF ask that you’ve done at least one of their more challenging routes in the past before attempting this one.

Pro rider guide: Keahi de Aboitiz Photo: SSF

--- SSF ADVENTURES

Delta Route - 340km Preá to Atins

SSF Beginner - 40km

Iron Man - 600km

Preá to Tatajuba

With Reno Romeu Cumbuco to Atins

SSF Light - 60km Preá to Camocim

Ultra Man - 1000km

Camocim to Atins

With Sebastian Ribeiro São Miguel do Gostoso to Atins

Special Coaching - 200km

Required Experience:

Delta Poldros - 270km

Cumbuco to Icaraízinho with Guilly Brandão

Mitu Monteiro Sometimes you are in the desert and it does not have anyone, then it has various fishermen villages on the beach. Is an incredible combination.

Nice waves and friendly people.”

Classic Route - 260km Taíba to Preá

BEGINNER EASY INTERMEDIATE DIFFICULT

Delta Experience - 200km Parnaíba to Atins

GOLDEN

We are ready to take you on the adventure of your life.

Surfin Sem Fim was born from a passion for kitesurfing as a way to explore the world and discover unique experiences.

We offer the complete package for a unique and unforgettable journey in the Northeast of Brazil, allowing you to focus 100% on kitesurfing and exploring this incredible place.

The Surfin Sem Fim Tribe is inspired by nature, challenge, and passion for the wind and water. Join us!

More info: + 55 21 98237 3411 • contact@surfinsemfim.com.br

surfinsemfim

surfinsemfim.com

I 150 / GUIDED FUN DOWNWINDERS I

GUIDED FUN DOWNWINDERS: FREERIDE KITESURF, BRAZIL AND SOUTH AFRICA FREEDOM AND FUN

SOUTH AFRICA

Looking for a slower-paced kite trip, but still want a sense of adventure? Rather than focusing on covering great distances everyday (multi-day downwinders can be up to 15 days long) you’ll usually spend at least a day or two in each of the places you visit on a Freeride Kitesurf trip so that you can get to know the spot before moving on.

Explore beyond the regularly visited Western Cape.

Freeride Kitesurf run a variety of trips to suit riders of all levels but ensure that all riders on each trip are of a similar level so nobody ends up feeling left behind or outclassed.

Head up the west coast to spots like Yzerfontein, Paternoster, Langebaan and Saldanha or Witsand, Hermanus and Struissbaai a couple of hundred kilometres east and away from the busier beaches of Cape Town.

FIVE ROUTES RIO GRANDE DO NORTE TO GALINHOS: Over 12 days you’ll cover 200 kilometres kiting past tropical rainforests, incredible desert landscapes like the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and surging river mouths, while shredding lagoons and awesome wave spots along the way.

TREMEMBE TO IGUAPE: Also over 12 days and 200 kilometres, this time exploring the beaches south of Fortaleza. Fewer people kite this stretch of coastline as it’s wrongly believed to be less windy than Brazil’s better known kite locations (people fly into Fortaleza and then generally follow the wind north, so that’s where the development is). There are some incredible spots to explore to the south, too.

CUMBUCO TO JERICOACOARA: 280 kilometres, covering between 30 and 60 kilometres each day on this the most classic of downwinder routes, visiting some of the sport’s most famous locations.

ICARAIZINHO TO ATINS: At 400 kilometres this is the longest trip Freeride Kitesurf offer, crossing three different states; Ceará, Piauí and Maranhão.

LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES NATIONAL PARK: You may have seen images of the Red Bull Rally Dos Ventos race which takes place in this incredible national park. On this trip you’ll camp overnight before shredding the lagoons by day. It’s forbidden to do this without a registered and experienced guide, so it’s a special experience.

Atins Photos: Freeride Kitesurf

Barra Grande

Package deals are available in South Africa and Brazil. www.freeridekitesurf.com contact@freeridekitesurf.com +34 660 484 782

Icaraizinho

I 152 / ECO TRIPS I

ECO TRIPS KITESURF EXPEDITIONS, BRAZIL

T

he Kitesurf Expeditions eco-trips venture around some of the most remote and beautiful areas of northeastern Brazil. Respecting the local flora and fauna, you’ll drive on off-road trails, secluded jungle tracks and remote backcountry roads in fully equipped 4x4s, remaining deeply immersed in the natural world at all times. You’ll kite with sea turtles, meet a native Brazilian tribe and rig up under a full moon; this is not your average kite trip!

Kitesurf Expeditions’ downwinders operate along a route that starts just south of Fortaleza from Praia do Futuro to Camocim. The trip is broken up into seven shorter legs than can be completed or missed, depending on the conditions. The idea isn’t to rush through the trip, but instead to spend time appreciating the beauty of this incredible coastline and there are some challenging sections along the way as well.

making it a challenging endeavour in parts.

As you approach Jericoacoara you’ll be nearing the end of the trip and will notice how much stronger the wind is, but the support crew is never far away and they’ll be right there to meet you at strategic points with BBQs and fresh lobster for the ultimate post (or mid) session snack.

There’s also a point before Jeri where you can visit a sea turtle sanctuary at Projeto Tamar and meet members of a local indigenous tribe who call this region home. The route culminates in Camocim where the 4x4s will be waiting to take you to your accommodation and a well earned caipirinha (or two).

A DVD of your journey as well as stand-up paddle tours around Ceará and the adjoining states are also offered.

THE SECTIONS

www.kitesurfexpeditions.com info@kitesurfexpeditions.com +55 85 9960 46079

Praia do Futuro to Cumbuco: The first leg is a 35 kilometre route with incredible views of Pecem Port, Beira Mar Market and the Guaramiranga mountain range behind the town.

Pecem to Paracuru: This is of similar length with flat water and waves along the way. You get to take a break in the beautiful village of Taiba, a famous flat water spot in its own right, before finishing that leg in Paracuru.

Remaining legs: From there you’ll continue on to Lagoinha and then Flexeiras, shredding the massive lagoon at Barra Do Trairi along the way where, on a high tide, the 4x4s will be floated across on a raft while you kite your self silly.

The route continues down the coast, taking in some memorable stops on the way to Camocim. The team will guide you round tough sections, navigating round some sizeable wind shadows in lee of big dunes,

CONTACT Stringing the sessions together Photos: Kitesurf Expeditions

BESPOKE EXPEDITIONS DOWNWINDERS ACCOMMODATION PROFESSIONAL GUIDES

bespoke kitesurfing trips In the north east coast of Brazil JHSDRTQEDWODCHSHNMRAQ@YHK JHSDRTQEDWODCHSHNMR

h t i w s y a d i l o h us are easy ados Lanzarote Peru Brazil Ireland Barb ind Downwind Lagoons Waves Upw hing Fun times Twins Fins Foils Coac

01202 744055

Making kiting easy

www.easy-riders.co.uk info@easy-riders.co.uk

I 154 / KITE CRUISING I

LOOKING FOR LUXURY? CRUISING THE MEDITERRANEAN AND CARIBBEAN WIND VOYAGER You may have heard of Wind Voyager as the headline sponsor for the Triple-S Invitational. They run kiteboarding yacht charters aboard their two luxury catamarans, ‘Cartouche’ and ‘Poseidon’s Pearl’.

including SUPs, wakeboards and snorkel gear and there’s a kite locker filled with the latest Slingshot and Ride Engine equipment (including foils) for your daily use. There’s even a jacuzzi on the deck for an after session wind-down!

CARTOUCHE

POSEIDON’S PEARL

This 95’ custom-built catamaran (one of the biggest in the world) was totally refitted in 2017 and has three en-suite queen guest cabins and one spacious master cabin to comfortably sleep eight guests.

Aside from the crew of four there are two instructors onboard and a jet-ski and rib as your support vessels. The boat is also packed with toys,

Although smaller, this is no less epic as there is also space for eight guests in incredible cabins, plus there’s an onboard bar and lounge and the boat is once again packed to the gunnels with gear. At your disposal are SUPs, fishing, snorkelling and dive equipment and the latest Slingshot and Ride Engine gear. You can launch off the back of the boat or the crew will transport you

Private party

All the toys

to shore and help you rig up at whatever island you’ve happened to visit that day. The choice is yours.

FOOD On either vessel you’ll be served absolutely incredible meals each day, prepared for you on the boat by your very own chef, accompanied by incredible wine and cocktails.

KITING Your cruise itinerary will be tailored to your preferences ahead of time. So whether you want flat water, wave riding, downwinders, or just a mixture of everything, you just need to tell Wind Voyager in advance of your trip and they’ll plot a course to find the conditions you’re hoping for! The Wind Voyager kite coaches will rig your kites for you and get them ready every morning so that all you need to do is put your harness on and go.

These cruises aren’t just for experienced or advanced kiters. There are always two instructors aboard, so the trips are ideal for beginners as you can literally wake up, have breakfast and then step off the boat and be doing your first body drags and water starts with no delay whatsoever. After a busy morning of nailing your first downwind runs you’ll be scooped up by the jet-ski if you’re starting to tire, taken back to the boat for a quick break, and can then do it all again!

Wind Voyager’s team riders, two time KPL champion and expert coach Sam Light and WKL competitor Rita Arnaus, can also be booked for the duration of your trip. They’ll fly out to meet you and then deliver daily coaching to help you really ramp up your riding level.

I 155 I Lunch is merely moments away from a session! Find perfect, calm, open ocean foiling conditions

THE DESTINATIONS Wind Voyager offer trips in the western Mediterranean from June to October and in the Caribbean from November to April.

Summer destinations are the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza), Corsica and Sardinia.

Based on your riding level and what you are looking for in your overall experience on board, Wind Voyager will suggest the best potential destinations for you and away you’ll go! Sardinia can blow anywhere from the mid-teens to high forties when the Mistral winds kick in, whereas the Balearics usually have winds averaging 14 - 18 knots which allows for a relaxed combination of kiteboarding, foiling and island experiences if you’re travelling with a mixed group of kiters and non-kiters.

Wind Voyager’s winter destinations include the Grenadines, Antigua & Barbuda and the British Virgin Islands. Antigua & Barbuda offer a mix of amazing flat-water and wave riding conditions while the BVIs are phenomenal for sailing and cruising. There are also some incredible kiteboarding anchorages as well as some great downwinders you can do between islands.

In the Windward Islands of the Grenadines you can expect some of the steadiest and most reliable winds in the Caribbean. Frigate Bay on Union Island has possibly the flattest water imaginable and some of the best wave riding in the Grenadines can be found off Palm Island. All of these spots are kite-able from the boats which will anchor right on the spot every day.

If you want the finest five star experience, Wind Voyager also sail to some of the most exclusive islands in the whole of the Caribbean. The French island of St. Barts in the northeast Caribbean is one such location with its white sandy beaches, trendy boutiques and incredible fine-dining restaurants and bars, like the famed Nikki Beach Bar. If you’re looking for true opulence you’ll find it here, but there’s also some solid surfing and SUPing to be had on the north side of the island, while Grand Cul-de-Sac is a great kite spot.

NO WIND ACTIVITIES If there’s no wind the Wind Voyager crew will keep you busy. If you’d like an introduction to foiling then they can tow you behind the tender as you master the basics. Alternatively go diving or snorkelling using one of the onboard Seabobs (those handheld propulsion things you’ve probably seen before in James Bond movies) or you can go stand-up paddling. The jet-skis and support boats are also at your disposal.

Depending on the location, you can also go hiking on nearby islands, visit incredible restaurants and local beach bars or Wind Voyager can arrange beach barbecues or live music. If you’ve booked on to a summer cruise around the Balearics then a night or two’s stopover in Ibiza is always worth a look as well!

CONTACT www.windvoyager.com info@windvoyager.com USA: +1 252 305 6218 SPAIN: +34 622 177 911

I 156 / BOAT ADVENTURES I

BOAT ADVENTURES: CRUISING THE CYCLADES, GREECE

K

ite Breeze operate in the Cyclades Island group in the Aegean Sea, setting sail from Athens, Paros or Mykonos and then cruising through the islands searching out the best kiting possible on a seven-day kite cruise. Discover spots that few kiters know about, experience the unique culture and cuisine of the islands you visit along the way and relax aboard the 50.5 foot yacht in between sessions and after a long day on the water.

No two days are the same and Kite Breeze also offer cruises aboard a catamaran which can accommodate even bigger groups.

THE CRUISES The trips take place in the Greek summer season, from May to September. The wind can drop a little from May to June but you can usually expect 15 to 25 knots and it can blow up to 35 knots from July to September.

The schedule is always flexible and the crew will hunt out the best conditions for the day, following the forecasts as they go. On a typical trip you’ll set out on day one for Kolona on the beautiful island of Kythos. You’ll arrive late at night but after a refreshing first night’s sleep on the boat it’ll be time for your first session before exploring the local villages on Kythos Island.

The next day the boat will move on to the second destination, Paros, where you can go on downwinders to some nearby small islets before moving on to Mykonos and the private islands of Rineia.

Plans can change depending on the conditions and the wishes of the guests and these are just some of multiple islands to explore. As the Cyclades consists of 220 separate islands you’ll never be short of potential kite spots. Scheduling your cruise to begin in Paros or Mykonos can be quite a good idea as it avoids a long 16 hour sail to reach the Cyclades, which is unavoidable if setting sail from Athens.

Harbour up and eat up!

Photos: Kite Breeze

FOOD

RIDER LEVEL

A daily meal is included onboard (you can self-cater while onboard too if you want to) and the rest of the time you’ll explore the local restaurants and eateries at whichever island you moor at. You can also book an onboard chef for the week, but this part of the world is famous for its food, so it would be a shame not to explore what’s on offer on land. Don’t get too stuck in to the ouzo though - nobody wants a hangover at sea!

Kite Breeze tours are ideal for intermediate to experienced riders but beginners can be catered for (contact Kite Breeze in advance). North, Cabrinha and Slingshot equipment is available for hire but most people bring their own kites and lighter riders should bring five to 10 metre kites, while heavier riders could be on anything from eight to 13 metres depending on the spot and the conditions each day. Kite Breeze will soon be offering trips to Venezuela and Brazil.

SAFETY Rescue cover is always on hand and you’ll receive daily coaching from Kite Breeze’s highly qualified VDWS instructors. There’s also snorkelling equipment and SUPs available for use and, if you want to explore on dry land, you can go sightseeing, hiking or just laze on the beach at the islands you stop off at.

CONTACT www.kitebreeze.com info@kitebreeze.com

Reach desolate beaches

The kite / boat combo dream

I 158 / REMOTE ADVENTURES I

REMOTE AUSTRALASIAN ADVENTURES Torres Strait / Photos: Zephyr

this is pretty much kiteboarding heaven. A kite is the ultimate way to explore this paradise as it allows you to get to some of the upwind islands on the Cocos Keeling chain that are otherwise quite difficult to access.

TORRES STRAIT

Z

ephyr operate kite tours in some of the world’s most exotic and remote kiteboarding locations.

Primarily known for their kitesurfing operations in the Cocos Keeling Islands, an area nobody knows better than Zephyr, they also run trips to New Caledonia and the islands of Torres Strait as well as advanced coaching clinics on everything from foils to surfboards and twin-tips.

COCOS KEELING ISLANDS 27 islands form a ring around a central lagoon and this is an undeveloped paradise with only two of the islands inhabited by people and just 800 people living there full time. You’ll find limitless space to learn and progress and riders of all levels will be challenged by the coaches to ensure they get the most out of their trip.

The waters of the Cocos Keeling Islands are very beginner-friendly in many areas as the conditions aren’t too severe and you’ll usually be in standingdepth water which makes relaunching and getting back to your board all the more easy. The wind is super-reliable too as the island chain sits in the middle of the Indian Ocean so it’s perfectly set up for the winter trade winds, getting a steady 20 knots most days in the austral winter (summer in the northern hemisphere).

Whether you’re riding upwind through turquoise lagoons to a deserted island before cruising back downwind or working on your latest freestyle trick,

Zephyr are the only tour company with a permit to guide groups through the Torres Strait that separates mainland Australia from Papua New Guinea. These small, exclusive tours are limited to just eight guests on which you’ll explore the islands that dot the Strait, including Yorke Island, Kadal Island and the other adjoining islets.

During your stay you’ll be based out of the luxury Gubaou Mari resort and will circumnavigate around islands and kite at the best conditions for the day with an expert instructor who is on-hand at all times to guide and coach the group. The coaches are also available for one-to-one sessions throughout the trip if there’s an area of riding you want to improve, so you’ll be boosting over islands before you know it!

NEW CALEDONIA On Zephyr’s New Caledonia trips, local legend and founder of ‘New Cal style’, Tom Hebert, guides the group on a 43 foot catamaran. During the seven day adventure you’ll take in the local hotspots as well as a few hidden spots that only a true local could take you to. Shred the lagoons, explore the reefs and sandbars, The adventure starts onboard

Reno Romeu, Cocos Keeling Islands Photo: Toby Bromwich / North Kiteboarding

ride until sunset and then get up and do it all again the next day.

The trip is fully catered and freshly caught tuna is served for dinner while you relax and watch the sun set at the end of another epic day in New Cal.

CLINICS Zephyr’s clinics take place in Cocos Lagoon, lasting for seven days with daily coaching, lessons and adventures. You’ll be guided to the best spots everyday and the Zephyr training team will help you develop all areas of your riding.

The coaches will instruct you using the latest radio helmet technology while following you around the lagoon in the rescue boat or on a kite themselves.

It’s a great way to advance your riding whether you’re trying to stay up on the foil, learn some new unhooked tricks or perfect your top turn on the waves that rear up out on Turks Reef.

Zephyr also run guided SUP tours around the islands and freediving camps where you’ll be coached by four time Australian free diving record holder, Paddy Stern, on breath holding techniques while checking out what lurks beneath the waters of Cocos Lagoon.

CONTACT www.zephyrkitetours.com info@zephyrkitetours.com +61 (0) 400 800 838 Slicing butter in the Strait

I 160 / WOO STATISTICS I

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO WOO THE WOO DEVICE HAS CHANGED THE KITEBOARDING EXPERIENCE FOR MANY OF US. SCORES ARE REGULARLY POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA, LEADERBOARDS ARE SCRUTINISED DAILY AND WHEN YOU STICK A BIG JUMP YOU CAN BRAG TO YOUR MATES ABOUT HOW HIGH YOU REALLY WENT OR SIMPLY GET A BADGE ON YOUR PROFILE FOR ACHIEVING YOUR PERSONAL BEST! EVER WONDERED WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE WIDER WOO COMMUNITY OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME SPOT AND THE PEOPLE YOU RIDE WITH? WE’VE COMPILED SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HOW YOU WOO’D IN 2017 AND PERHAPS WHEN PLANNING YOUR NEXT KITING HOLIDAY, YOU CAN MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE SOMEWHERE WITH TRUE BIG AIR CREDENTIALS WORDS: KITEWORLD

Karen Hou, leaping lady, getting 19.5 metres on her first trip to Cape Town

WHERE WOO users clocked sessions in every corner of the globe last year but the most frequently ridden by far was Cape Town, South Africa. In fact, Kite Beach in Table View was the most popular spot for WOO users for five months last year. A little further along the same beach in Blouberg, nearby Dolphin Beach and Doodles usually occupied second and third position.

Of the 30 biggest height scores of 2017, 11 were logged at Kite Beach making it the go-to spot for going big, but Doodles was the second most popular AND it was where the current record of 29.015 metres was set by South African rider, Joshua Emanuel.

Joshua had a close rivalry with Nick Jacobsen last year on the way to setting the eventual world record and Nick also did his highest jump in South Africa, but that time at Witsands, not Doodles. Some huge jumps were clocked in 2017 and all but five of them happened somewhere around Cape Town and its surrounding beaches.

The Netherlands was the second most popular country throughout the year and Workum / Ijsselmeer topped the table three times for the most sessions logged in a month.

Global heat map of sessions

The figures suggest that the Dutch must really love their boosting because in November the top six spots for going big were in the Netherlands according to WOO’s analytical data. In fact, only two spots inside that month’s top ten most WOO’d locations were from outside of Holland: Tarifa in Spain and Barra Grande in Brazil.

The third most popular spot was Playa de Vargas in Gran Canaria which topped the table twice for most WOO sessions and Kiteworld’s own Chief Gear Tester Chris Bull’s home spot of Hayling Island also had its moment at the top of the league in June!

There were also a surprisingly large amount of sessions logged in some more remote spots that you might not have imagined, such as Velene Lake in landlocked Hungary and Monciškės in Palanga, Lithuania.

TRAVEL People don’t just use their WOOs at home of course.

During the North American winter, La Ventana in Baja was one of the most popular spots to go out and log a session and it’s the most frequently visited

destination by users from the USA and Canada according to WOO’s data.

Mui Ne in Vietnam also saw a consistent number of scores being logged from January to March and then, from spring onwards, destinations in North Africa and Europe become the WOO hotspots.

Dakhla topped the table in May for the most scores registered that month and, although Tarifa was never the top destination, it wasn’t far off throughout the summer months.

In the autumn / fall, Brazil always becomes popular and Barra Grande seems to have been the best spot in the whole country to get your WOO on.

In fact, in November it came second only to Kite Beach in Cape Town as the most popular windy spot to go out and bag some height scores!

WHO On the men’s table it was a battle for big air glory with a few height records being set throughout the year.

Joshua Emanuel kicked-off the year with a World Record jump of 27.5 metres in January which Nick Jacobsen then crushed with an ever bigger air of

Local and national leaderboards bring the game closer to you

I 161 I

Sina Della was stoked to share her 9.1 metre boost in El Gouna on her birthday!

Kevin Langeree, sky-high, Cape Town, Red Bull King of the Air 2018 Photo: Craig Kolesky / Red Bull Content Pool

GET BETTER 28.55 in February. This record stood until November when Joshua finally got the conditions he needed to go one bigger with his massive jump of 29.015 metres in howling Cape Town winds in November.

Nick immediately vowed to beat it but it wasn’t to be as he broke his ankle this January just before the King of the Air 2018. Nick had made a bet with Joshua that if one of them made a 30 metre jump before KOTA and the other didn’t, then that rider would have to do the whole event in an inside-out wetsuit. Having avoided that, we can’t help but wonder if Joshua quietly breathed a sigh of relief over Nick’s unfortunate accident.

On top of being the country where WOO sessions were most frequently logged, South Africa’s citizens bagged the most months at the top of the monthly height leaderboards with Joshua Emanuel spending four months in first place and Stuart Downey taking top honours one month as well. The Dutchies weren’t far behind though and there were Dutch riders topping the table for four months last year, particularly outside of the Cape Town summer season.

On the women’s table, again the biggest scores were racked up in Cape Town at Kite Beach, but South African and Dutch riders were nowhere to be seen. Instead, Karen Hou from Penghu in Taiwan topped the table with an impressive 20.53 metre jump, while Angelly Bouillot from the windy region of Leucate in southern France was right behind her with a jump of 20.31! Both riders were on the CORE XR5, as was men’s record holder Joshua Emanuel,

clearly a kite that’s been dominating the big air scene this year.

Martha Maciejewski from Austria is in third place with a 17.73 metre jump that she did in Podersdorf and there’s also a British rider, Jessie Tucker, mixing it at the top of the table with a 17 metre jump that she notched up in Goring Gap, UK!

LOCATIONS So, the destinations to look out for in this guide that have either topped the monthly height leaderboard, or where the most WOO sessions have been logged (if lots of people are logging sessions, you can be sure it’s a good, windy spot) are: Cape Town in South Africa obviously, Mui Ne in Vietnam, Dakhla in Morocco, Tarifa in Spain and La Ventana in Baja, Mexico.

Although the global overall leaderboards are surely where we all want to end up, there’s way more to the Woo experience than simply being the best. Seeing any visual progress in your own riding is a huge spur to improve. There are leaderboards and badges and challenges for any level of rider and as long as you’re taking off and committing to go higher, you’ll appreciate the interactive incentive involved!

Use the website to explore more at: explore.woosports.com where you’ll find heatmaps and more current activity and the Windy forecasts have also been implemented so you can see where the good wind will hit.

WOO have also just launched their new WOO 3.0 that’s more durable and reliable than ever before and can also immediately send your boosting height scores to your smart watch. More at: www.woosports.com

I 162 / TRIP TIPS I

KITEWORLD’S KITE TRIP TIPS

Safety systems check; ready to go!

Photo: Dakhla Evasion

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR FIRST KITE TRIP

B

ooking your first kite trip away is something you’ll never forget and the pontificating over where to go, the planning and preparation can be almost as memorable as the trip itself! We’ve compiled some useful hints and tips to help your trip be as epic as possible.

but, conversely, a trip there could make more sense than somewhere like Cape Town if you’re hoping for flat water. Be honest with yourself about your riding level and don’t book a trip to a spot where you know the conditions will be beyond your comfort level either as you may not enjoy it.

WHERE TO GO

CHOOSING A SCHOOL

It’s not just a case of opening your copy of the Travel Guide and booking flights to the first place that takes your fancy. There are things to consider!

Whether you’re booking in for your first ever kite lessons or an advanced clinic, it’s important to pick a reputable school. We feature some of the best schools in the world in the pages of this guide, so here are a few things to consider:

CROWDS: The best known and most popular spots are almost always the busiest during peak season. It’s great to be around loads of other kiters but it can make your time on the water quite difficult at times - particularly if you’re still a beginner / early intermediate. Instead, consider the early or late season or check out one of the up-and-coming destinations in this guide.

GETTING A DEAL: Some travel experts maintain that the days of the last minute offer are over but you can still score some great package deals from respected travel operators throughout the year. Check out KiteWorldWide, Planet Kitesurf and Ion Club to see what offers they have on and get booked up! Booking with companies like these is also a good idea as you can sort out your lessons or gear rental well in advance meaning you’ll have more time to shred on arrival.

GETTING THE RIGHT CONDITIONS: Some places in the world are great for waves, others for flat water, and some are known for howling wind!

It’s important to pick a destination that’s going to provide the conditions you want for your favourite kind of riding. If you head to the lagoons of Egypt hoping to score waves you may end up disappointed

SCHOOL ACCREDITATION:

and land a kite and ride in both directions. Intensive courses of up to a week in length can take you even further, but it’s always dependent on the wind so have realistic expectations.

HIRING / BUYING GEAR: Some places offer a scheme whereby if you hire or buy gear from them after your lessons they’ll give you a discounted rate. Check with your school in advance to see what they offer.

TAKING YOUR OWN KIT If you’re taking your own gear with you then there’s stuff you need to check up on:

There are a few different certifying bodies (IKO / BKSA / PASA / VDWS) and your school and / or its instructors should be signed up to at least one of them. This means they’ll be teaching you the right way and the instructors will be fully qualified. Also, if you personally join one of these associations before you go, you’ll often be covered for insurance after your lessons – check with the individual associations for more.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

THE STUDENT TO INSTRUCTOR RATIO:

Some airlines allow you a very generous amount of hand luggage weight, but you shouldn’t always rely on that.

Most schools usually run lessons with no more than two students per instructor. This guarantees plenty of time under the kite but also means you can watch your partner and learn from their mistakes.

Some airlines are difficult about sporting gear while some are great. You’ll usually have to pay around £50 / €60 for an extra sports bag (or sometimes nothing at all) but find out in advance and don’t just show up at the airport with your bag. You might not be able to take it at all!

HAND LUGGAGE:

KEEP IT LIGHT:

THE EQUIPMENT:

Leaving your individual kite bags at home can save you up to three kilos if you’re taking two or three kites.

A good school will update their gear every season. This is important as learning on tired, worn old gear can dampen your experience.

TAKE A PUMP:

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

You’d be amazed how many experienced riders don’t do this and how much time they lose having to borrow one. Trust us, just take one if you can!

Most schools aim to get you to the point where, after two or three days and around 15 hours of instruction, you’re able to independently rig, launch

FOR MORE FEATURES, TECHNIQUE AND ADVICE, HEAD TO: WWW.KITEWORLDMAG.COM

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