Kitesurfing in cold or warm water venues & Where to send it
You’ll need to stay warm and safe in chilly conditions.
Here's a list of essential gear you'll need for kitesurfing in cold water:
Wetsuit or Drysuit: This is crucial for insulation in cold water. The choice between a wetsuit and a drysuit depends on the water temp and your preference. In moderately cold water, a wetsuit with adequate thickness (e.g., 4/3mm or 5/4mm) can provide warmth and flexibility. In very cold water, a drysuit with appropriate thermal layers underneath is recommended. Drysuits keep you dry and insulated but require proper training for use.
Hood and Gloves: A neoprene hood and gloves are essential to keep your head and hands warm in cold water and windy conditions.
Booties: Neoprene booties with a suitable thickness provide insulation and protect your feet from the cold water. Make sure they fit snugly in your kiteboard bindings!
Layers: Thermal layers, such as thermal rashguards or fleece-lined tops and bottoms, can be worn under your wetsuit or drysuit for additional insulation.
Kiteboarding Harness: A comfortable and properly fitted harness is necessary to distribute the kite's pull and allow you to control the kite effectively.
Kiteboard and Kite: Standard gear includes a kite and kiteboard suitable for your skill level and riding style. Cold water is not an issue.
Safety Gear: Essentials, like a kite leash, safety knife, and an impact vest, should always be worn, regardless of water temperature.
Kiteboarding Bar and Lines: cold conditions can affect their performance, so ensure your bar and lines are in good condition and free of ice or freezing water.
Safety Leash and Quick Release: Make sure these systems are in working order and accessible in case of emergency.
Waterproof Accessories: Use a waterproof pouch or case for your phone and keys to prevent damage.
Thermal Socks (Optional): They can provide extra warmth and comfort when wearing booties in extremely cold conditions.
Changing Mat and Towel: Bring a changing mat to keep your feet off the cold ground while getting into your wetsuit or drysuit. A towel is handy for drying off and staying warm after your session.
Hot Water Thermos: Some kiteboarders bring a thermos of hot water to warm up with a hot drink after their session.
Windproof Outerwear (Post-session): Consider bringing windproof outerwear like a jacket and pants to wear after your session to stay warm and protect against wind chill.
Hypothermia and reduced dexterity can be concerns, so be well-prepared and take extra safety precautions when kitesurfing in cold water. Additionally, always kite with a buddy and inform someone onshore about your plans and expected return time.
Kitesurfing in warm water is less complicated. Here's a list of what you’ll need:
Kiteboard: Select a kiteboard suitable for your skill level and the type of riding you plan to do (ie. freeride, freestyle, wave riding). Kiteboards vary in size, shape, and construction materials.
Kiteboarding Harness: A comfortable and properly fitted kiteboarding harness helps distribute the kite's pull and allows you to control the kite more effectively.
Control Bar and Lines: Ensure these are in good condition and properly set up for your kite. They’re essential for controlling the kite.
Boardshorts and Rashguard: No wetsuit required!. Instead, wear boardshorts or a bikini and a rashguard for sun protection and to prevent chafing.
Harness Leash: A harness leash connects your harness to the control bar and helps keep the kite close if you need to release it.
Safety Gear: This includes a kite leash, quick-release system, and impact vest. These things enhance your safety and provide peace of mind while kitesurfing.
Kite Pump: A kite pump is used to inflate the leading edge and struts of inflatable kites. Check that it's in working condition.
Footwear (Optional): You may want to wear neoprene booties or water shoes to protect your feet from coral or rocky seabeds.
Sun Protection: Use sunscreen with a high SPF rating to protect your skin from UV rays. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with a strap can also help.
Safety Whistle or Communication Device: Carry one of these for emergency situations or to signal for assistance if needed.
Beach Towel and Changing Mat: Bring a beach towel and a changing mat to dry off and change comfortably after your session.
Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated. Bringing plenty of water. Pack light snacks to refuel during breaks.
First Aid Kit (Optional): A basic first aid kit can be handy for minor injuries or discomfort.
Spare Parts and Repair Kit (Optional): Experienced kiteboarders may carry spare parts and a repair kit for quick fixes on the beach.
Gear Bag: A bag to carry your gear to the launch site and keep it organized is helpful.
It's essential to have proper kiteboarding knowledge, experience, and safety training before venturing into the water, regardless of the temperature. Additionally, always follow local regulations and safety guidelines and be aware of any potential hazards specific to the area where you're kitesurfing.
Kitesurfing: International destinations
Check these out for excellent wind & stunning scenery.
Tarifa, Spain: Located in the southernmost tip of Spain, it’s known as the "Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Capital of Europe." It offers consistent winds, warm weather, and a vibrant kitesurfing community. Check out the beaches of Los Lances and Valdevaqueros.
Cabarete, Dominican Republic: Cabarete is famous for its consistent trade winds and warm waters. Kite Beach in Cabarete is renowned for its kiteboarding conditions and lively atmosphere.
Boracay, Philippines: White Beach on Boracay Island is a beautiful tropical paradise with steady winds. It's a popular destination for both beginners and experienced kiteboarders.
Cumbuco, Brazil: Located near Fortaleza in northeastern Brazil, Cumbuco is known for its consistent winds and extensive sandy beaches. It's a favorite destination for freestyle kiteboarding.
Dakhla, Morocco: Dakhla, a remote desert location, offers incredible flatwater lagoons and consistent winds. It's an excellent destination for freestylers and wave riders.
Maui, Hawaii, USA: Maui, specifically the north shore at Hookipa Beach Park, is famous for its challenging waves and strong winds, making it a destination for experienced kiteboarders and wave riders.
Tahiti, French Polynesia: Tahiti offers beautiful lagoons and reef breaks, providing excellent conditions for both freestyle and wave kitesurfing. The island of Moorea is another popular spot.
Mui Ne, Vietnam: Mui Ne is known for its consistent cross-onshore winds and flatwater lagoons, and vast sandy beaches, making it an ideal location for both beginners and advanced kiteboarders.
Langebaan, South Africa: Langebaan, situated on the Western Cape, offers strong winds and flatwater conditions. Shark Bay is well-known for kiteboarding.
El Gouna, Egypt: El Gouna on the Red Sea is a purpose-built resort town known for its reliable winds and calm waters. It's a popular destination for kiteboarders and water sports enthusiasts.
Zanzibar, Tanzania: Zanzibar's Paje Beach offers a picturesque setting with shallow lagoons and steady winds, making it suitable for kiteboarding and learning.
These are just a few of the popular kitesurfing destinations worldwide. Each location offers its own unique experiences. Choose a venue that suits your skill level, riding style, and the type of kitesurfing conditions you like. Check local regulations and safety guidelines when kitesurfing in a new location, and consider taking lessons or hiring a local instructor if you're unfamiliar with the area or conditions.
Kitesurfing in the US:
Here are some hot spots with diverse conditions & beautiful coastal landscapes.
Outer Banks, North Carolina: This is a series of barrier islands, known for its consistent winds, warm waters, and shallow soundside areas. Spots like Cape Hatteras, Rodanthe, and Waves are popular with kiteboarders.
Miami, Florida: Miami offers a mix of flatwater and wave riding opportunities, especially in spots like Crandon Park and Matheson Hammock Park. The warm climate and vibrant culture make it a great year-round destination.
South Padre Island, Texas: On the Gulf of Mexico, this island boasts consistent winds and shallow, flatwater conditions. The shallow Laguna Madre Bay is perfect for beginners and freestyle riders.
San Francisco Bay, California: The Bay Area, including spots like Alameda and Sherman Island, offers a unique kitesurfing experience with strong winds and challenging conditions. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge provides a stunning backdrop.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts: A picturesque setting for kitesurfing, with numerous sandy beaches and strong winds, it’s best during the summer months. Check out Wellfleet and Nantucket Sound.
Cannon Beach, Oregon: The Oregon coast, with its stunning scenery and consistent winds, is great for wave riding. Cannon Beach, in particular, is known for its beautiful surroundings and surf breaks.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington: The Gorge offers a fabulous kitesurfing experience with strong, predictable winds. Hood River is awesome.
Cape Hatteras, North Carolina: Often referred to as the "Outer Banks of the South" it offers a mix of flatwater and wave conditions. The town of Buxton is a popular hub.
La Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico (near US border): While not in the US, La Ventana is easily accessible from Southern California and offers consistent winds, warm waters, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite destination for North Americans.
South Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Jupiter): South Florida provides various kitesurfing spots along its coastline, with options for both flatwater and wave riding.
Hatteras Island, North Carolina: Hatteras Island is part of the Outer Banks and offers kitesurfers, flatwater soundside spots and wave breaks on the Atlantic Ocean side.
Each location offers its own unique charm. Choose one that looks good to you!
