These are the 11 Best Places in the World to Kitesurf

Kitesurfing presents an enticing opportunity for globetrotters seeking adventure. However, selecting the perfect destination can be challenging. Essential factors include consistent winds, a warm climate, and suitable waves or flat water. Yet, the ideal spot should also exude a vibrant atmosphere.

Thankfully, numerous destinations meet these criteria. From Peru’s rugged coastline to Maui’s pristine beaches, Cape Verde’s remote islands to the kite haven of Tarifa, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re an experienced freestyler, a big wave enthusiast, or a novice, these top 10 kiteboarding destinations offer something for everyone.

Also Read: Self-Launch Kitesurfing

Maui has been integral to the popularization of kitesurfing since it hosted its inaugural competition in 1996. Today, it remains a top destination, offering warm temperatures, reliable winds, and a vibrant social scene.

As one of the birthplaces of kitesurfing, Maui boasts approximately 50 kilometers of coastline, carefully segregated to accommodate various water sports. During the summer months, northeast winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots prevail, particularly along the North Shore, making it a prime destination. Hookipa Beach Park is a favorite among kitesurfers.

Cape Town, renowned for its annual kitesurfing extravaganza, the Red Bull King of the Air competition, is a premier destination for enthusiasts. Kite Beach, the event’s venue, is a hotspot where professional athletes flock to train during the winter months, thanks to its pleasant temperatures on and off the water.

Apart from Kite Beach, Table View boasts several other kitesurfing spots worth exploring. Dolphin Beach, Doodle, and Big Bay are among the popular choices in and around the Cape. With its diverse locations and ideal conditions, Cape Town offers an unforgettable kitesurfing experience for all skill levels.

Tarifa, Europe’s premier kitesurfing destination, boasts 10km of beach, strong winds, and over 300 days of sun annually. Host to the annual Masters of Kiteboard competition, it’s renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and delectable Spanish cuisine. 

Situated near the Strait of Gibraltar, Tarifa benefits from the ‘Levante’ winds, strongest between July and October, creating ideal conditions for kitesurfing.

Situated on the eastern side of the Baja California Peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage Site bay offers calm turquoise waters and ideal wind conditions for all skill levels. The recent conversion of the lagoon into a kite park adds to the appeal.

With uncrowded beaches and side-shore winds, launching is easy, with slower speeds in the morning and evening, perfect for beginners, and stronger winds midday for advanced kiters. The nearby fishing village provides a charming destination with excellent dining options at sunset.

Located on a narrow sandbar along Sri Lanka’s western coast, this resort is sheltered from the powerful waves of the Indian Ocean. It’s renowned for its consistent 20-30 knot winds, attracting professional kiteboarders like champion Mikaili Sol.

Kalpitiya’s flat, wide lagoon with shallow waters makes it perfect for beginners, with numerous schools available. For more advanced riders, the nearby ocean side offers manageable waves, especially during the winter season.

Essaouira’s easy-access fishing harbor offers a quintessential Moroccan experience. Its 4km beach, protected by a small island, is a top destination in North Africa for kitesurfing. With consistent cross-shore winds, Essaouira is favored by kite enthusiasts.

While Dakhla hosts world championships further south, Essaouira’s sheltered bay provides consistent winds and gentle waves, ideal for learning. For more advanced surfers seeking bigger waves, nearby Sidi Kaouki and Moulay are popular options.

Located on the South China Sea, this palm-fringed sandy beach stands as Asia’s kitesurfing hub. With wind speeds averaging at least 12 knots for nearly two-thirds of the year, it offers ideal conditions for enthusiasts.

Summer brings gentler southerly winds, while winter boasts consistently strong northerlies, reaching up to 40 knots. However, the area has transitioned from a tranquil paradise to a bustling resort, with pollution and plastics affecting water quality. Additionally, the central section of the beach is now concrete rather than sand.

Fortaleza, a region abundant with beach resorts and year-round sunshine, benefits from constant cross-shore trade winds. The lively fishing village, surrounded by expansive dunes, stands out as a top destination. Cumbuco and nearby Uruau are Brazil’s prime kitesurfing spots.

A long, shallow inshore lagoon offers ample flat water, with the south catering to beginners and the north to the more adventurous. Further out, a sandbar creates decent waves for enthusiasts. After a day of excitement, there’s no better way to unwind than with sunset drinks.

Fuerteventura, named for its strong winds, offers numerous spots to capitalize on this feature. One popular destination lies in the southeast, boasting a 4 km-long beach in Sotavento, a staple on the world tour circuit. 

The setup includes a tropical beach stretching alongside a waist-deep lagoon, catering to both flat and rough water conditions suitable for all skill levels. Beginners can also enjoy kitesurfing in Corralejo, while advanced riders venture further north. For the most robust winds, visit during the winter months.

A fantastic short-haul option in Europe’s quieter season, this small island lies just two hours south of the Canary Islands. With temperatures consistently in the mid-to-high 20s and dependable winter winds averaging 20 knots, it caters to all levels of kiteboarding enthusiasts. 

The Costa de Fragata stands out as the premier kitesurfing spot on Sal. The vibrant hub of activity is Santa Maria, the island’s sole town. Kite Beach to the east offers side-onshore winds and medium waves, while the southern town beach is ideal for flat water. For the adventurous, Ponta Preta beach to the west presents challenging, fast, and sizeable waves, attracting the world tour annually.

This destination boasts some of the most consistent winds globally, with nearly every day of the year seeing a breeze along the shore. The expansive u-shaped flat-water lagoon at Santo Domingo Bay is perfect for beginners or freestylers looking to hone their skills and speed. 

Yet, this tranquil town amidst desert scenery offers more than just flat water. To the south, adventurous surfers can find big waves at Supay and Playon, while Zarate delivers smaller but enduringly long rollers.

Here’s an analysis of those locations for flat water kiting:

These locations stand out as premier destinations for kitesurfing enthusiasts worldwide. With their ideal wind conditions, diverse water settings, and breathtaking scenery, they offer unparalleled opportunities for both beginners and seasoned riders alike. 

Whether you seek flat-water lagoons for practice, challenging waves for adrenaline-fueled sessions, or picturesque surroundings for a memorable experience, these spots have it all.

Embark on an adventure to these top kitesurfing havens and immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of wind and waves like never before. Get ready to ride the winds and make unforgettable memories in these kiteboarding paradises.