Kitesurfing locations

Essentially any locale with consistent, steady side-onshore winds (10 to 35+ knots, 5 to 18+ m/s), large open bodies of water and good launch areas are suitable for kitesurfing. Most kitesurfing takes place along ocean shores, usually off beaches, but it can also be practiced on large lakes and inlets and occasionally on rivers. Since kiteboarding relies heavily on favorable, consistent wind conditions, specific geographic locations tend to become popular and sought out by experienced kiteboarders.

Some of the world's top kitesurfing locations are listed below in alphabetic order. Many of these destinations have year-long kitesurfing training and provide equipment rentals. Refer to the linked articles for more information on kitesurfing at specific locations.

Locations

Africa and Middle East

* Azemmour beach, Morocco [ [http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Morocco/Province_d_El_Jadida/Azemmour-2117651/Things_To_Do-Azemmour-BR-1.html Azemmour Things To Do - Travel Guides] , VirtualTourist.com] [ [http://www.azamasurfing.co.nr Azemmour Plage] ]
* Dakhla, Western Sahara
* Dubai, U.A.E. Water Sports [ [http://www.emaar.ae/about_dubai/leisure/sports/WaterSports/ Dubai watersports] ]
* Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
* Port Safaga, Egypt
* Soma Bay, Egypt
* Walvis Bay, Namibia (Location where world speed record for kitesurfing set in 2006) [ [http://www.ikiteboarding.com/kiteboarding/news/78/walvis-bay-speedweek.aspx Walvis Bay Speed week] www.ikiteboarding.com]
* Western Cape, South Africa [ [http://www.uncoverthecape.co.za/extreme/kite-surfing/index.htm Cape Kite Surfing] www.uncoverthecape.co.za]

Americas

* WavesNC, US [ [http://www.realwatersports.com kiteboarding and kitesurfing] ]
* Long Beach, California
* Canoa Quebrada, Brazil [ [http://www.canoa-quebrada.es/canoa_quebrada_kitesurf_en.html Canoa Quebrada kitesurf] ]
* Cape Hatteras, NC, US [ [http://www.railgrab.com/index_hatteras2004.htm Cape Hatteras Kiteboard Photography] www.railgrab.com]
* Cape Cod, MA, US
* Chesapeake Bay, MD, US
* Coche, Venezuela [ [http://www.kiteboardingmag.com/article.jsp?id=34811 First Kitesurf School on Isla Coche, Venezuela Opens] ]
* Columbia River, Northwestern US [ [http://library.byways.org/view_details.html?MEDIA_OBJECT_ID=61434 Kitesurfing on the Columbia River] ]
* Cumbuco, Brasil [ [http://www.waveriders.biz/infopages/Brazil_Combuco_The_Resort/250/508 Kitesurfing Holidays] www.waveriders.biz] [ [http://www.cumbuco-kitesurf.com Cumbuco Kitesurf] ] [ [http://www.cumbucowinds.com/ Cumbuco Wind Forecast] ] [ [http://www.Cumbuco.com Cumbuco.com - The largest english portal for Cumbuco] ]
* Coronado, CA, US [ [http://calikites.com/location.html Kitesurfing in Coronado, CA, across the bay from downtown San Diego.] ]
* Corpus Christi, Texas, Gulf of Mexico, US [ [http://www.kitecorpus.com/ Kite Corpus] kitecorpus.com] [ [http://www.kiteboarding.com/page.asp?page=wheretoride Kiteboarding at Corpus Christi TX] ]
* Cozumel, Mexico
* East Tawas, Michigan, US
* Fortaleza, Brazil
* Hood River, OR, US
* Ibiraquera, Brazil
* Islamorada, Florida (Whale Harbor)
* Jekyll Island, Georgia
* Jijoca de Jericoacoara, Brazil
* Jupiter, Florida, US
* Kailua, Hawaii, US
* Key Biscayne, Florida, US
* Kitebeach, Martínez, Buenos Aires, Argentina [ [http://www.kitebeachschool.com/ Kitebeach School] (in Spanish)]
* La Ventana, Baja, Mexico
* Lake Mille Lacs, MN, US
* Maui, Hawaii
* New Smyrna Beach, Florida
* Playa El Yaque, Isla Margarita, Venezuela
* Punta Rasa, San Clemente del Tuyú, Buenos Aires, Argentina [ [http://www.kitepedia.com/Punta_Rasa Spot Info Kitepedia (Spanish)] ]
* Punta del Este, Uruguay
* San Francisco Bay Area, California US
* Santa Cruz, CA US
* South Padre Island, TX, US
* Traverse City, Michigan, US
* Tranque Puclaro, Chile
* Las Penitas, Leon, Nicaragua

Asia

* Bintan, Indonesia
* Boracay Island, Philippines
* Chumpon, Thailand
* Kuantan, Malaysia
* Mui Ne, Vietnam [Henry Brett [http://www.bestkiteboarding.com/site/travel/muiNe.htm Kiteboarding in Mui Ne, Vietnam] ]
* Nusa Dua beach, Bali, Indonesia [ [http://balikitesurf.com/kite_surfing_tours.php Bali Kite Surfing Tours] ]
* Penghu, Taiwan
* Ulsan, South Korea

Australia and New Zealand

* City Beach, Western Australia
* Geraldton, Australia [http://www.windsurfwa.com/ Windsuring in Western Australia] ]
* Lancelin, Western Australia
* Merimbula, New South Wales
* Newcastle, New South Wales
* Port Douglas, Queensland [ [http://www.windswell.com.au/fnq.htm Kiteboarding FNQ information] , Windswell, Port Douglas]
* Port Phillip Bay [http://www.kbv.org.au/?go=location Victorian location guide] , Kiteboarding Victoria]
* Sandy Point, Victoria
* Tannum Sands, Queensland

Canada

* Callender Bay, Lake Nipissing, Ontario
* Iles de la Madeleine, Québec
* Nitinat Lake, British Columbia
* Squamish, British Columbia [ [http://www.squamishwindsurfing.org/ Squamish Windsurfing Society] ]
* Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba [ [http://grandbeachtourism.com/content/view/29/42/ Grand Beach Kiteboarding] ]
* Lamèque, New Brunswick [ [http://kitesurfingschool.org/schools.htm Kitesurfing Schools Worldwide (kitesurfingschool.org)] ]

Caribbean

* Cas en Bas, St. Lucia [ [http://www.geographia.com/st-lucia/lcact01.htm Original Official Guide to St. Lucia - Activities] ]
* Saint Vincent and the Grenadines [ [http://www.tropical-paradise.net/Kitesurfing-grenadines.html Kitesurfing Grenadines] ]
* Atlantis Beach, Bonaire, Dutch Antilles
* Ocean Park, Puerto Rico [ [http://www.andalucia-puertorico.com/puerto_rico_beach.html San Juan Condado Ocean Park Beach] ]
* Cabarete Bay, Dominican Republic [ [http://www.dominicanrepublicindex.com/dominican_republic_kiteboarding.php Dominican Republic Kiteboarding] ]
* Silver Sands, Barbados
*Malmok Beach, Aruba, Dutch Antilles [ [http://worldwindtravel.blogspot.com/2007/08/caribbean-aruba.html Windsurfing & kitesurfing travel: Caribbean Aruba] ]
* Providenciales,Turks and Caicos Islands [ [http://www.provokiters.com/beaches/index.htm ProvoKiters] ]

Europe

France

* Wissant, Pas de Calais (62)
* Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, Carteau beach
* Aber Wrac'h, Bretagne [ [http://holidays.ucpa.com/programme.aspx?programme=SFAABEV12 UCPA Aber Wrac'h Bretagne Kitesurf] ] [ [http://www.windguru.com/int/index.php?sc=48440 WindGURU: France - L'Aber Wrac'h] ]

Germany

* Eiderstedt, Germany
* St. Peter Ording, Germany
* Fehmarn, Germany

Greece

* Naxos Island
* Paros Island
* Lefkada
* Prasonisi, Rhodes
* Keros beach, Lemnos Island

Ireland

* Bull Island, Dublin [ [http://www.kitebeaches.com/kitebeaches/viewspot.php?id=206 Bull Island / Dollymount] www.kitebeaches.com]
* Lahinch, Co. Clare
* Rush, Co. Dublin
* Tramore, Co. Waterford
* Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal
* Rosses Point, Co. Sligo
* Keel, Achill Island, Co. Mayo

Italy

* Cagliari, Petrol Beach - Sardinia Island, Italy
* Pellaro, Italy
* Lake Como, Italy [ [http://www.italiaspeed.com/2006/cars/fiat/06/kiteboardpro/0606.html 2006 Kiteboard Pro World Tour event, Lake Como] , "Italiaspeed.com", June 6, 2006]

Lithuania

* Elektrenai, Elektrenu Marios "@lake" (electric plant artificial lake)
* [http://lt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreverna Dreverna] Kursiu Marios near delta of Dreverna river, Dreverna village near Priekule, Klaipeda district.
* Juodkrantė, [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=114845649234516213884.00044ccd934ccd2e502db&ll=55.574463,21.168594&spn=0.204185,0.66124&z=11 JKR Kite beach] Lithuanian seaside resort village located on the Curonian Spit. A part of Neringa municipality.
* Nida, Lithuania is a seaside resort town, located on the Curonian Spit.
* Monciskes, small seaside village near Palanga and Palanga International Airport.
* [http://lt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Šventoji_(gyvenvietė) Šventoji] , best Lithuanian wave spot called "Jaws". Where Šventoji River flows into the Baltic Sea near Šventoji settlement north of Palanga.
* [http://www.extreme-sports.lt/pages/jegos-aitvarai/spotai.php LT Spot links] .

The Netherlands

* Noordwijk Beach, The Netherlands
* Katwijk, The Netherlands
* Oostvoorne, The Netherlands
* Rockanje, The Netherlands
* IJmuiden, The Netherlands
* Renesse, The Netherlands
* Zandvoort, The Netherlands
* Callantsoog, The Netherlands
* Makkum, The Netherlands
* Harlingen, The Netherlands
* Muiderberg, The Netherlands
* Mirns, The Netherlands
* Workum, The Netherlands
* Neeltje-Jans, The Netherlands
* Borssele, The Netherlands
* Monster, The Netherlands
* Westland, The Netherlands
* Hindeloopen, The Netherlands
* Kamperland, The Netherlands

Poland

* Bay of Puck, Poland
* Rewa, Poland

Portugal

* Guincho Beach, Portugal

pain

* Ayamonte, Isla Canela near Ayamonte, Spain
* Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
* Costa Calma, Fuerteventura, Canary Isles, Spain
* Lanzarote Famara [ [http://www.extremesportscafe.com/kitesurfing_lanzarote.html Kitesurfing Lanzarote] , www.extremesportscafe.com]
* Tarifa, Spain [ [http://www.tarifa.net/kitesurf/ "the Wind Capital"] www.tarifa.net] [ [http://tarifa.costasur.com/en/kite-surfing.html Kitesurfing Tarifa; Kite surfing, Kite courses and holidays] ]

weden

* Fortuna Beach Rydebäck, Sweden
* Lagan Båstad, Sweden
* Varberg, Sweden

witzerland

* Lake Silvaplana, Switzerland [ [http://www.wannakitesurf.com/spot/Europe/Switzerland/Lake_Silvaplana/index.html "Lake Silvaplana"] , www.wannakitesurf.com]

Turkey

Pirlanta Kitesurfbeach http ://www.kitesurfbeach.com

United Kingdom

* Aberdeen, Scotland
* Ainsdale, England
* Allonby, England
* Blackpool, England
* The Bluff, Hayle [ [http://www.windwatcher.net/spotinfo.php?sid=23 "The Bluff"] , www.windwatcher.net]
* Camber Sands, East Sussex [ [http://www.kitesonboard.com/local.html "Kite Zones"] Kites on Board]
* Daymer Bay [ [http://www.surf-wax.co.uk/locations/cornwall/daymer.htm "Daymer Bay"] www.surf-wax.co.uk]
* Fleetwood, England
* Hill Head, England
* Hayling, England
* Littlestone-on-Sea, New Romney, Kent [ [http://www.kentkitesurfingclub.co.uk/south.html "Littlestone on Sea"] www.kentkitesurfingclub.co.uk]
* Minnis Bay, Thanet, Kent [ [http://www.minnisbaywindsurfingclub.org.uk/ "…members also into kitesurfing."] Minnis Bay Windsurfing Club]
* Newborough, Anglesey Wales.
* Poole Harbour [ [http://www.pooleharbour.co.uk/windsurfing_kitesurfing_lessons_tuition.html "Tuition and Lessons from Poole Harbour Watersports"] , www.pooleharbour.co.uk]
* Southend, Essex [ [http://www.essexkitesurfclub.co.uk "Southend-on-Sea"] Essex Kitesurfing Club]
* Weymouth, Dorset
* Worthing, West Sussex
* Portland Harbour, Dorset

Pacific

* Sainte-Marie bay, Noumea, New Caledonia [ [http://www.newcaledonia.com.au/somuchtodo/water/windkite/ Windsurf and kitesurf, New Caledonia Tourism] ]

Rest of the World

* Saipan, Marianas Islands
* Oneye, Le Morne, Mauritius

Restrictions

Kite surfing is restricted or banned in some locations. This is generally the result of safety and liability concerns, excessive general beach traffic and poorly organized practising of kiteboarding. Bans have been reversed when kitesurfers have organized, prepared riding guidelines and negotiated with authorities for resumption of this sport. The primary reason why many experienced kite boarders stress safety and adequate quality professional instruction is to keep their sport from being banned or unduly restricted at their favorite location.

Not all locations will have explicit bans posted. Usually a simple warning from a park ranger, lifeguard or other official will let you know that kite surfing is not allowed. As a general rule, if you see other kiteboarders on the water, it is probably permitted. When new to an area or visiting be sure to ask about area restrictions and precautions before rigging up and riding. This simple courtesy should aid you in having a better riding session, avoid friction with locals and help to preserve kiting access for all of us. If riders offer suggestions, including not using a certain sized kite, relocating to a safer launch or not going out in current conditions, take what they say to heart. Ignoring well intended advice can cause unnecessary accidents and incidents.

External links

pot Guides

* [http://thewindmap.com/ TheWindMap] - Wiki of worldwide windsurfing and kitesurfing spots
* [http://www.localkitespots.com/ www.LocalKiteSpots.com] - Color Maps and 6 day wind forecasts for Kite Spots. Local Launch Info & Directions.
* [http://www.kitebeaches.com/ Kitebeaches.com] - Kitesurfing and Windsurfing guide, by riders for riders.
* [http://www.kiteatlas.com/ Kiteatlas.com] - Kitesurfing spots guide featuring riders-contributed maps, pics and accurate info on spots and schools worldwide.
* [http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/beachguide/beachguide.php Forces-of-Nature] - UK Kitesurf beach guide
* [http://www.wannakitesurf.com wannakitesurf.com] - an atlas of kitesurf spots based on a surf-spot atlas design
* [http://www.chickenloopster.com chickenloopster.com] - Kitesurfing spot guide and community
* [http://www.surfgrandhaven.com SurfGrandHaven.com - Grand Haven, Michigan]
* [http://www.surfmuskegon.com SurfMuskegon.com - Muskegon, Michigan]

Location specific - non commercial

* [http://www.chicagokitesurfing.com/ ChicagoKitesurfing.com] - Kitesurfing info in the midwest region of the United States.
* [http://www.kitesurf-varna.com/en.html Varna Kitesurfing] - Kiteboarding in Varna,weather,photos&videos gallery.
* [http://www.mackiteboarding.com/boardmap.htm Kiteboarding in Michigan] - Kiteboarding & snowkiting location map for Michigan
* [http://outerbankskiteboarding.blogspot.com/ Outer Banks Kiteboarding] - Information on Kiteboarding on the Outer Banks.
* [http://www.nzkiteboarding.com/ NZ Kiteboarding] - New Zealand kiteboarding community and magazine.
* [http://www.kitesurfers.co.nz/ www.kitesurfers.co.nz] - Wellington, New Zealand, gallery, locations.
* [http://www.kiteforum.co.nz/ kiteforum New Zealand] - New Zealand kiteboarding locations and forum.
* [http://www.kitesurfvereniging.nl/?location=scholen NKV] - Kitesurfing locations in The Netherlands according tot the NKV or Dutch Kitesurf Association.
* [http://www.kitespot.gr Kiteboard in Greece] - Greek kitesurfing locations, news, gallery and forum
* [http://www.kitesurfingafrica.org/ KitesurfingAfrica.org] - Kitesurfing in Africa
* [http://lakawa.com LAKAWA] - Minnesota kiteboarding resources
* [http://www.kitesurfitaly.org/ Kitesurfing locations in Italy]
* [http://www.caribbeankitesurf.com/ Kitesurfing in the Caribbean]
* [http://www.seabreeze.com.au/ www.seabreeze.com.au] - Australian kitesurfing news, weather and gallery.
* [http://www.kitesurfing.com.au/ kitesurfing.com.au] Sydney, Australia area daily kitesurfing weather forecasts, kitesurfing news, photo galleries and other kitesurfing related information.
* [http://www.extreme-sports.lt Extreme-sports] - Lithuanian kitesurfing, windsurfing, snowboarding news, weather, forum, locations and gallery.
* [http://www.hooked-on.co.uk/ Hooked-on Kitesurfing] Kitesurfing Dominican Republic
* [http://www.strandkite.co.za/ Strandkite] - Kitesurfing Strand - South Africa

References

[http://www.hooked-on.co.uk/kitesurfing Kitesurfing holidays] - Hooked-on Kitesurfing