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Julien Leleu winding up for some fresh conditions: it could be you… PHOTO: Samuel Cardenas

DESTINATION GUIDE It’s that time again… The nights are getting dark, the wetsuit boots are out and you find yourself spending way too much time on Skyscanner. Yup, it’s time to get your next trip booked in… Whether you’re planning a mid-winter trip away somewhere tropical, or are looking to get your 2020 summer trip locked in before all of the most popular dates book out, within the following pages you’ll find the very best kite centers and schools from all corners of the globe, all ready to welcome you with open arms, warm waters, and wind aplenty.

02 SRI LANKA 04 BRAZIL 05 MAURITIUS 08 SICILY 10 FUERTEVENTURA 13 GREECE 14 DAKHLA 18 ITALY 20 CAPE TOWN 22 TURKS & CAICOS 26 HONDURAS 28 PANAMA 30 KENYA 32 TARIFA 34 ESSAOUIRA 36 TURKEY 37 PROVIDER: EASY RIDERS 38 PROVIDER: KITESURF HOLIDAYS

AUTUMN 2019

39 PROVIDER: PLANET KITESURF 40 PROVIDER: ION-CLUB

SRI LANKA 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS? A 9 and a 12m will be the main kites you’ll use. WHICH WETSUIT? Most of the time, you can forget the wetsuit, as essentially it’s the temperature of bathwater. But good sun protection is a must, so rashies/ boardies/sunscreen. BEER €1.70 | $2 | £1.80 TYPICAL DINNER Big fan of curry and rice? Good. Because it’s a staple here. LATE NIGHT… Here it’s all about relaxing with friends in the tropical heat with a couple of bottles of Lion (the local beer of choice) to see away the evening before you get up and do it all again. And if the beer doesn’t cut it, you can always hit the ‘arrack’

THE LOWDOWN

WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

Due to the trade wind consistency, the choice of butter-smooth lagoons or Indian Ocean, and authentic lifestyle that is laid back and non-expensive, the Kalpitiya Peninsular on the north west coast of Sri Lanka, is unsurprisingly popular with kiteboarders from around the world. Arugam Bay on the east coast is also an old favorite that continues to draw a faithful kite contingent. And should the wind drop, this is an island with plenty of potential for adventure…

If you want to be sure of having enough wind, summer is your season (May to October) - averaging at over 20 knots, with the peak part of the season having good winds pretty much every single day. Winter winds tend to be a little lighter and less reliable, but the odds of having some classic days are still high, with wind usually picking up in the afternoons offering good, solid conditions on the ocean and the lagoon. It’s also a perfect time to come with your family.

KITING SET UP

NO WIND?

The lagoon system here offers endless opportunities, with all year round 27°C waist deep water giving perfect teaching conditions. Silky flat waters made just so by gentle offshore breezes make for some pretty darn perfect (and reliable) freestyle options up and down the coast. It’s easy to hook up with local downwinders and day trips to nearby highly favorable spots, some of which you can reach by catamaran. The ocean is choppy during the strong wind summer months with a nice break some 700 meters off-shore, with smooth riding conditions on winter afternoons.

Famous for its national parks, tea plantations and an elephant orphanage, Sri Lanka is an island with all manner of adventure options on land for when the wind drops, but the savvy kiteboarder should really figure some of this into their trip no matter the conditions. Rent a bike to explore the local villages, join a SUP or kayak tour on the mangrove fenced lagoon, head out to watch the dolphins, dive, snorkel or fish. But if you’re looking for a no-wind quick fix, then hit the seafood restaurants followed by a few beers – the wind will be back in no time!

HONDURAS 5/5

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KITESURFING LANKA

LATE NIGHT… Local nights are chilled. Take a trip across the island to West Bay for a bigger night out and a great choice of restaurants and bars. We recommend visiingt the West End on Saturday nights… GETTING THERE Conveniently the island of Roatan has great air connectivity, with year round direct flights from Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston and El Salvador. Plus seasonal flights and charters from other cities (including Montreal, Toronto, Newark, Milan and Madrid). Alternatively take the daily passenger ferry from the Honduras port city La MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HELP THE Ceiba.

LOCAL COMMUNITY The founders, Dil & Leo, have been able to positively change a sleepy little fishing village and create a new industry in Sri Lanka., an industry which gives hope and jobs to those who had none. Kitesurfing Lanka aims to establish a more environmentally consious travel industry in Sri Lanka. By staying with us, you contribute to the conservation of this area and help the local community. ENDLESS KITESURFING POSSIBILITES From the Kitesurfing Lanka camp you can access several spots in the area and kitesurf at a different location each day of the week! In winter we kitesurf in the lagon righ in front of our camp, and in summer we can take you for an insane 135km long downwinder!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN EPIC KITESURFING HOLIDAY We offer several accommodation options for you to choose from, all of which include full board. We offer kite lessons & rental and have a kite shop and kite repair in the camp. If you need a rest day, KSL can help you with bike and motorcycle rentals or arrange a sightseeing trip for you. You can also indulge in a massage, yoga class, take part in our sustainability efforts or explore the lagoon by kayak or SUP. A SECOND LOCATION FOR EVEN MORE FUN – VAYU Kitesurfing Lanka recently opened Vayu, a second kitesurfing location near Adam’s Bridge which is built on the KSL model of community, social and environmental awareness. www.kitesurfingmannar.com. DE S T IN AT ION GUIDE

LOCATIONS: Kalpitiya & Adam’s Bridge (Vayu) LEVEL: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

KITESURFING LANKA IS A CHILLED-OUT AND FRIENDLY OASIS WITH A KITESPOT AT OUR DOORSTEP, PLENTY OF PALM TREES, AND HAPPY PEOPLE AT THE BAR. WWW.KITESURFINGLANKA.COM info@kitesurﬁnglanka.com

BRAZIL 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS? Typical kite sizes are 9 and 12 although in October and November you will want a size or two smaller. WHICH WETSUIT? Shallow water with a temperature of 25-29ºC all year round! So just boardies and bikini needed, and long sleeves for sun protection. THE LOWDOWN BEER $3.50 | €3 | €2.50 TYPICAL DINNER Prices for average dishes range from anything like R$10 for a simple burger to R$90 for a large pizza (two people). LATE NIGHT… Atins is celebrated for its remote and natural setting and most people adapt their rhythm to enjoy the more chilled and relaxing evenings. Night time activity is growing though and the village offers several restaurants plus some clubs and bars with live music.

Brazil offers kitesurfing perfection with endless flat spots and some wave action. This warm and sunny destination offers guaranteed wind conditions in the high season, without the crowds. It sits right at the entrance of the magical National Park of Lençóis Maranhenses, a unique and surreal desert landscape that mixes white sand dunes with rich underground water supplies that form crystal clear blue and turquoise lagoons. A truly amazing place to come and kitesurf! KITING SET UP

Atins beach provides ideal launching and landing spots, and gives access to a huge tidal saltwater lagoon. The ever changing sandbanks and knee deep lagoons offer sublime warm flatwater conditions with no rock hazards. An ideal set-up for all levels of riders, from beginners to hardcore freestylers. If you're into waves

simply sail out to the ocean and enjoy the chop and waves there. WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

Thanks to the trade winds, Brazil’s entire northeast coast is as safe a bet as it gets when it comes to constant winds. From July to December you’re guaranteed to kite, with October and November seeing the strongest winds of up to 30 knots. The wind is a constant cross/on-shore to the beach. NO WIND? Wind is almost guaranteed from July to mid-January. You should definitely check out the famous Lençóis Maranhenses! The park is home to various fragile ecosystems – mangroves and dunes of sandbanks as far as the eye can see. You can also horse-ride, SUP, go fishing, or just enjoy relaxing in a hammock!

VILA GUARÁ – ATINS – LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES – BRAZIL

NEW KITE PARADISE ON THE NORTHEAST COAST OF BRAZIL

Offering a paradise beach-side location, Vila Guará has 11 bungalows and a cool beach bar/restaurant. Vila Guará and its kite school (IKO certification) offer the perfect base for kitesurfers who are looking for constant wind (15 to 25 knots from July to December), a natural kite spot in front of the hotel and the option to kite in lagoons in the magical park of Lençóis Maranhenses.

phone +55 11 97170 0171 booking@vilaguara.com vilaguara.com Facebook: @VilaGuaraAtins Instagram: vilaguara

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HONDURAS MAURITIUS 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS? 9 & 12. WHICH WETSUIT? From May – September bring at least a shorty or overknee, from October to April boardies/bikini and rashie is fine. BEER €1.50 in the local village, €4.5 in the hotels. TYPICAL DINNER If you’re eating local then rice with fresh fish or chicken with rice. If you’re in a hotel then something swanky. LATE NIGHT… Port Louis has an exciting nightlife, otherwise the hotel bars. GETTING THERE Mauritius has an international airport served by most major airlines.

MAURITIUS

Whatever your chosen sport in life, there will come with it an ‘iconic’ destination. If you’re into golf it’s probably Augusta, if motor racing’s your bag then maybe it’s Le Mans, if you’re into kiting then it should be Mauritius. It is famed for the insane perfection for waveriding that is One Eye, but there is a whole lot more on offer as well. You can ‘choose your lagoon’ pretty much anywhere around the entire island, with spots such as Bel Ombre providing freestyle perfection. And of course you want to kite, but don’t forget that you are in Mauritius. An island idyll that is everything you imagined you’d get from white sand tropical perfection. You may think it’s a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip – but once you’ve been once you’ll be back before too long… KITING SET UP: LE MORNE

This is the busiest area for kitesurfing and where most of the schools and centers are based. The lagoon is wide and gets steady wind from the prevailing easterly direction. It is around waist deep throughout but watch out for coral heads. Outside of the lagoon you will find the numerous wave options. There is Manawa to the left of the reef pass which is a great warm up with a more crossshore wind and a channel to ride off in to. As you cross the reef pass you then meet up with the various sections that make up the famous wave

DE S T IN AT ION GUIDE

over here. The first section (Chameaux) can be a bit tricky but you can leave this out and drop straight into the main One Eye wave. The wind becomes progressively more offshore as you follow the reef around. It’s the stuff of legend and – if you are a relatively competent waverider – within your grasp. The wave is for more experienced riders but the lagoon on the inside is perfect for all levels. BEL OMBRE

Bel Ombre is suitable for beginners, advanced kitesurfers and anything in between. The spacious lagoon has flat water which is perfect for learning. The main center here, KiteGlobing, teaches from the beach and you will normally find that you have plenty of space as there are no other schools based on the beach here. There are also wave options out beyond the reef (with some waves similar to One Eye), and you can also take on the legendary downwinders towards Le Morne. BELLE MARE

Leaving the south coast and there are plenty of great kiting spots all over the island – Belle Mare on the east coast is another hub with plenty of standing depth water for beginners and also with wave options outside of the reef. The wind tends to be a little lighter here than on the south coast.

THE NORTH

There are a couple of better known spots in the north of the island, Cap Malheureux is a super-scenic place to kite and Ande de la Raie has a couple of good wave spots. As far as dependable destinations go, the south coast of Mauritius is pretty unbeatable, but if you are unlucky or you’re there out of season (or you fancy a change!) then there are plenty of other beaches so don’t be afraid to explore... THE SEASON:

The main ‘guaranteed wind’ season runs from midMarch through to the end of December. The wind’s strongest in April, August, September and October. For as close as you can get to guaranteed perfect, October to January is the best bet and the water is super warm. But out of these times you can still expect to get a good percentage of days on the water and it will be generally quieter. NO WIND?

This is Mauritius! There is so much to do. Here are a few options… – On the water you can go surfing, SUPing, wakeboarding, fishing or just opt for something more sedate like booking lunch out on a yacht… – Frederica Nature Reserve. Go in a 4x4 or on quads around the sugarcane farms and check out some of the waterfalls and forest. – Hike up Le Morne. You spend all day looking at this crazy rock from the water so it is great to head up and see things from the other perspective. – Chill. If you have gone ‘all in’ and are staying somewhere suitably swanky then why go anywhere? Book a massage, chill in the pool, have a bottle of wine at lunch…

ION CLUB MAURITIUS RENTAL & LESSONS FOR ALL LEVELS LICENSED INSTRUCTORS I RESCUE SERVICE & STORAGE I EXCURSIONS

KITESURF I WINDSURF I SURF I SUP I FOIL T +49 881 9254 960 c ompa ny@ion-c lub.de

CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE SPOT

More than just a HONDURAS

00 kitesurﬁng holiday...

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Brand New Spot in Mauriius The newly renovated Preskil Island Resort is now open! Enjoy a great kitesurﬁng centre on a beauuful, large, ﬂat water lagoon.

GETTING THERE Stunning beachfront hotel Conveniently the island of Roatan has great air connectivity, with year round direct flights from Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston and El Salvador. Plus seasonal flights and charters from other cities (including Montreal, Toronto, Newark, Milan and Madrid). Alternatively take the daily passenger ferry from the Honduras port city La Ceiba.

A gorgeous hotel, perfect for families and couples with three restaurants, a kids club and a range of accviies to enjoy.

New kitesurf and foiling centre A fantassc undiscovered dessnaaon that is a haven for foiling, with lots of space to praccce new tricks.

+44 1273 921 001 www.planetkitesurrolidays.com

SICILY 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS? Opt for the 9 and 12. WHICH WETSUIT? Summertime: Boardies, bikinis and sunscreen. Winter: a full wettie to keep off the wind chill. BEER €2 | $2.30 | £1.80 TYPICAL DINNER You’re in Sicily, so there’s a couple of staples to try… A good local Pizza will set you back about €7, and then the local specialty is the popular seafood dish Couscous Alla Trapanese, which is, frankly, delicious. All of this can be washed down with a good and authentic Marsala wine, and perhaps followed up with a Sicilian pastry, made with ricotta cream.

closest airport). Siting right on the huge lagoon, it is open all year round and enjoys reliable wind conditions. There is ample space to launch and land, right on the beach and also a grassy, spacious beginner’s area close by too. There’s no shortage of accommodation options close by.

LATE NIGHT… When the sun goes down (and for that you should really head to Mamacura, as it’s pretty special) then you have options for local nightlife, including an open air disco at Chiedilaluna, just a few minutes out of Lo Stagnone, and beyond that the buzzing center of Marsala, where you can enjoy a range of live music while sipping a good cocktail. GETTING THERE The closest airport to Lo Stagnone at just 5 minutes’ drive is the Trapani Birgi airport, accessible from many European cities. Alternatively, Palermo International airport is only 100km away, and an easy drive. If you’re heading in by car from Europe, the Genova to Palermo ferry runs daily.

WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

THE LOWDOWN

The winds are steady all year on the westernmost part of Sicily and the air and water temperatures are generally pretty high. The resort of Lo Stagnone is perfectly positioned on the shores of a large, sandy and shallow flat-water lagoon, part of a very picturesque nature reserve. It’s ideal for learners and advanced riders too, with a multitude of little islands on the farther reaches of the lagoon, and plenty of scope for exploring the salt pans and salina walls. KITING SET UP

ProKite Alby Rondina is the main kite school in Lo Stagnone, which is situated halfway between the cities of Marsala and Trapani (the latter having the

DE S T IN AT ION GUIDE

Lo Stagnone happens to be one of the windiest kitesurfing locations in the whole of Italy, getting a solid 300 days of wind per year, with a summer average of 16 knots, and an air temperature of 25-30 Celsius. Through the rest of the year, the winds are a little less reliable, but also a little stronger, creating unique and fun new spots across the lagoon. In winter, the strength tends to increase again, and wetsuits are advised. NO WIND?

Sicily is rich in culture and history, so you’ll never get bored when the wind drops. Favignana island, near Lo Stagnone, has an abundance of beautiful beaches to laze around on, or you can take a cable car up to the historical mountain village of Erice, not far from Trapani, which itself is also worth visiting. Staying close to base, take in the vast saltpans and windmills that are dotted around the lagoon, or just take out an SUP or a bike and keep it nice and simple!

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KITE OPTIONS? We suggest medium size (8-10m) and larger size (11-14m) kites. Check the forecast before you leave and you can always put in a bigger or smaller kite if required. WHICH WETSUIT? No need, the water is a balmy 24-28 degrees, so boardies/bikini plus sun protection. BEER Expect $2-3 for a local beer. TYPICAL DINNER Rice and beans with chicken or fish and plantains. LATE NIGHTâ€Ś Local nights are chilled. Take a trip across the island to West Bay for a bigger night out and a great choice of restaurants and bars. We recommend visiingt the West End on Saturday nightsâ€Ś GETTING THERE Conveniently the island of Roatan has great air connectivity, with year round direct flights from Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston and El Salvador. Plus seasonal flights and charters from other cities (including Montreal, Toronto, Newark, Milan and Madrid). Alternatively take the daily passenger ferry from the Honduras port city La Ceiba.

FUERTEVENTURA 5/5

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in a palm-fringed oasis at the northern end of beautiful white sand Sotavento beach. The beach lagoon fills depending on the tides of the full and new moon phases, with a shallow water area over 4km long and up to 200m wide. The center itself has a full range of facilities, such as fresh water showers and compressed air to save you needlessly working up a sweat in the morning! The wide beach allows the wind to blow strong and consistently, offering perfect conditions for accomplished kiters, with the sheltered lagoon ideal for beginners.

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KITE OPTIONS? In the summer, bring a 5 and 8. Any other time, bring a 9 and a 12. WHICH WETSUIT? A 3/2 shorty will do the trick.

WHEN IS BEST TO GO? BEER Local beer costs around €2. TYPICAL DINNER Canarians love their food. Go get some papas arrugadas, seafood, or goats cheese and delicious meats. LATE NIGHT… If you fancy heading out, then the Fuerte Action Bar in Costa Calma is where it’s at. Bands, burgers, cocktails and delicious ice-creams. GETTING THERE Fuerte is a 4-5 hour flight from mainland Europe, landing at the airport near the island’s capital Puerto del Rosario. It’s about 50km to the various accommodation options in resort village Costa Calma, which is just three minutes away from the Rene Egli center.

The wind in Fuerteventura is as dependable as it gets, with consistent conditions and good weather year round – average daily temperatures are between 20 degrees in January, and 28 degrees in August. The south of the island gets the Sotavento wind funnel THE LOWDOWN effect, where optimal geographic conditions allow The Canary Island archipelago is a volcanic forma- the prevailing north-east trade wind to accelerate tion of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, about between two ridges. In addition to this, the air on the 120km off the western coast of Morocco. Each island island is heated by the sun and rises upwards, comhas its own characteristics, and Fuerteventura, the pressing the slightly cooler trade wind as it pushes second largest, has a laid back and relaxed atmos- itself beneath the warm air. Basically… it’s a yearphere, in comparison to some of its more tourist- round destination. loaded neighbors. A very convenient short hop from most European airports, it’s also blessed with year NO WIND? round wind, waves and sunshine (approximately You can take your pick of a range of activities on 3000 hours a year). The predominantly dry and de- this sunny island during any rare times when the sert landscape can at first seem harsh, but its charms wind isn’t playing ball. Surfing is popular here, with ring through, and the lush beaches and beautiful tur- a handful of world-class breaks to be found in the quoise waters are extremely beguiling indeed… north. You can also SUP, kayak, snorkel, take dune buggy excursions, or a ferry trip to one of the outer isKITING SET UP lands to look at some pretty crazy landscapes… FailThe Rene Egli center is in the southern part of the is- ing that, you could hit the party towns in Lanzarote, land, right in the heart of the strong-wind zone, set just a 30 minute ferry ride away.

DE S T IN AT ION GUIDE

RA TU N LI

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melia.com

F K U

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melia.com Atmospheric 4**** suites, bookable from 16 years

Excellent 4**** rooms, Miniclub is offered

Kite Center

Windsurf Center

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

• We offer the latest equipment from Cabrinha • First-class lessons for all levels – exclusively in

the lagoon or on the sea with licensed teachers

• Excellent accommodation within short walking distance to the centers:

choose between the first-class hotel Meliá Fuerteventura 4**** and the adults orientated resort Sol Beach House at Meliá Fuerteventura

INFO & BOOKING: info@rene-egli.com | Tel: 928 54 74 83 | rene-egli.com

(with rotating live-webcam)

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

(annually 650 kites & 250 kiteboards), completely exchanged every 6-12 months

the only surfcenter on the beach

exclusive beach front location i n f u e rt e v e n t u ra • s i n c e 1 9 8 8 !

since 1988

kitesurf • windsurf • sup • surf bodyboard • kayak • snorkel • catamaran rental • school • accommodation • surfaris flagbeach.com

flagbeach

info@flagbeach.com

+34 928 866 389

GREECE 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS? 9 and 12. WHICH WETSUIT? Board shorts and bikini all summer long! Though don’t forget your sun protection too. BEER A big beer is only €2 at the beach. TYPICAL DINNER Typical Dinner: Definitely go for Meze! €15 buys you many small plates of the kitchens’ daily specialities. LATE NIGHT… There’s a selection of restaurants, bars and clubs all around the island. Live music plays once a week at the Theologos beach. GETTING THERE You can reach Rhodes airport (RHO) from nearly every European destination, with average flight time about 3-4 hours. There are also planes from Athens Airport, which takes you only 45 minutes to reach the island. Shuttle services for you and your gear are easy to arrange.

THE LOWDOWN

The 300 days of sunshine a year, consistent cross-onshore Meltemi winds, 220km of accessible shoreline, and a whole lot of culture make Rhodes, one the largest Greek islands, a perfect option for a kiteboarding holiday. The prevailing conditions combine flat, clear and sometimes choppy water – so a great spot for both beginners and advanced riders who want to improve their skills. There’s plenty of island fun to be had out of the water too, as well as renowned Greek dinners and live music. A great destination for water sports enthusiasts, culture-lovers, families and singles.

west/south west. Theologos offers perfect conditions and set-up for all levels of rider, including rescue service. The average temperature of the sparkling water is 27C, mostly flat with some choppy days. WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

The Greek season is from May until the end of October. Early in the season the winds are light and pick up after lunch. In high summer, wind is pretty much guaranteed, with Rhodes benefitting from the reliable Meltemi winds, giving an ample 20-25 knots. In autumn there can be some strong side-onshore winds which can give rise to some fun wave action!

KITING SET UP

Located on the west coast, just 5km south of the airport, you’ll find Surf and Kite Theologos, with ample space for launching and landing right outside the center. The shingle beach is safe, with no rock hazards. The area for windsurfers is upwind, the kiters ride downwind, so there is enough space on the water for all of them. Even in the busy summer months of July and August there will be enough space on the beach and water. Winds tend to kick in first thing in the morning, and pick up after lunchtime, ranging during the season from 15 to 25 knots coming from

NO WIND?

There’s a lot to discover on the island – beautiful sand beaches, little picturesque villages, and plenty to see in the culturally rich city of Rhodes, not least the medieval castle, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rental car, scooters or ATVs are easily available. Alternatively you can join an organized adventure to enjoy climbing, diving, or even a safari. If you’re kiteboarding through and through, Surf and Kite Theologos has plenty of kite tutorial videos that you can kick back, watch, and revise your skills!

theologos of offers one

the most various conditions for kiting

Our THEOLOGOS spot presents families, singles and couples the most perfect and various conditions for kitesurfing. The kite station offers 2019 CORE equipment to try out, a large launch and landing zone, storage boxes, three pump stations, cool music, free Wi-Fi, comfortable shady seating areas to chillout and shared beach BBQs.

surfandkitetheologos.com

Get ready for boutique-style “glamping” right by the sea! A total of 12 lodges and 4 studios provide a stunning view onto the kitesurfing spot, a pool on the terrace, a beach bar and many other amenities for pure relaxation and the best in casual living! Want to find out more? Visit our website:

logosbeachvillage.com

DAKHLA 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS? Bring a nice and safe 9 and a 12… WHICH WETSUIT? November to April – something long. May to October – boardies, tee and sun cream, or a shortie for longer sessions. BEER €5 | $5.80 | £4.50 TYPICAL DINNER Refuel on Moroccan salads, fish, tagines, pastillas and couscous, the dinner of champion kiters! LATE NIGHT… Dakhla is all about the kiting. If big nights out are on your agenda this is no Tarifa, though all the kite centers have bars which stay open pretty late and some have themed nights. GETTING THERE Royal Air Maroc is the predominant carrier into Dakhla Airport, and low cost flights are available from the UK, Germany, Switzerland and elsewhere across Europe. Flight times vary depending on transfers, but you’re generally looking at 6-8 hours from Europe. Then the drive to the lagoon is around 30 minutes.

THE LOWDOWN

KITING SET UP

The Dakhla setup consists of an enormous 45km long lagoon that runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, providing a perfect and never-ending kitesurfing playground, and surrounded by staggering scenery too. The wind is super consistent, the water is warm and flat and there’s plenty of room for everyone amongst the handful of kite camps that dot the edges. And with well over 300 windy, sunny days year round, it’s a safe option when booking your next kiting vacation whether you’re new to kitesurfing or an addict. You’re guaranteed to have an awe-inspiring experience in this boardsports paradise.

The Dakhla peninsula extends down the side of the lagoon, ending in the entrance to the Atlantic Ocean, over 40km to the south. During high tide, there is a shallow, standing range that extends up to 300m out into the lagoon, with very flat water, making it a very accessible and safe place to ride. Safety boats from the various centers are often chugging around, and there’s always space to go play by yourself should you want to.

DE S T IN AT ION GUIDE

There are also a few wave spots on the coast nearby, including the epic Pointe D’Or, which does require

an off-road vehicle to access – something many of the kite camps can arrange. It’s the perfect place to have fun and make the most of the Atlantic’s epic waves. Although there is less in the way of wind at the wave spots, it can be chillier so a 4/3 or 3/2 wettie is advised. WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

Wind is in no short supply in Dakhla, with an average of 320 days of the year hitting 15-22 knots, thanks to the trade winds that blow between the Canaries and Cape Verde. Mid-March until October is high season, with winds peaking through July and August, ranging from 19-30 knots, with the strongest winds generally around lunchtime. On the coast, swells kick in from the end of October and run consistently through to March. Heat-wise, it’s warm all year round, between 20-30C. But this is the edge of the desert so nights can get a little chilly and it is best to dress for it. NO WIND?

If the waves aren’t playing ball, then there are plenty of other activities on offer, most centers offer a wide variety of non-wind-based fun including fishing, SUPing, taking a tour of Dakhla town or discovering deserted beaches on horseback. A 4x4 day excursion to the desert allows you to soak up a region oozing tradition and spectacular scenery that’s as beautiful as it is vast. See the mysterious saltwater lakes full of small fish, climb the famous White Dune and experience the therapeutic Asma hot spring.

ION CLUB DAKHLA ION CLUB LAGOON & ION CLUB LASSARGA RENTAL & LESSONS FOR ALL LEVELS I STORAGE EXCURSIONS I YOGA & WELLNESS I BIKE TRIPS

KITESURF I WINDSURF I SURF I SUP T +49 881 9254 960 c ompa ny@ion-c lub.de

CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE SPOT

THE VERY BEST OF DAKHLA! • PROFESSIONAL KITE CENTER, ALL QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS, F-ONE KITE CENTER, QUALITY EQUIPMENT ALL YEAR AROUND • SURF FROM OCTOBER TO MARCH • FAMILY FRIENDLY • QUALITY MOROCCAN CUISINE • SWIMMING POOL • RIDING STABLES

PHONE: +212 661 411 634 FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM: DAKHLAEVASION WWW.DAKHLA-EVASION.COM

ITALY 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS? A 12 and 9m should cover most conditions. Something smaller if you are foiling and check the forecast before you travel. WHICH WETSUIT? No need, the water is a balmy 24-28 degrees, so boardies/bikini plus sun protection. BEER Expect €2-3 for a local beer. TYPICAL DINNER As you’d expect, delicious and colorful Italian fare, with fresh fish a specialty. LATE NIGHT… Drink cocktails or beer listening to some chilled tunes on the beach. Don’t miss the big beach parties on Fridays and Sundays… GETTING THERE Hang Loose Beach is only three kilometers from Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) which has direct connections with Rome and Milan. WHY CALABRIA?

THE SEASON

Famously known as the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, the Calabria region, in the extreme southwest, is fantastic yet one of Italy’s least visited regions. It’s an ideal spot for kitesurfing, with perfect wind every day from April until August. As well as the fantastic kiting conditions you can also expect fantastic Italian food and an exceptionally vibrant night life.

April-August: This is the best season for kiting with around 17 knots each day from around midday until 7pm. The air temperature is warm, around 20 degrees in April and May, 25 degrees in June, and 30 degrees in July and August. September to October can be great, but with less predictable wind. Sometimes the Sirocco winds blow, and sometimes it’s the Mistrals…

THE SET UP

At Hang Loose there is a sandy beach with a clear launch. If you head off the front or downwind from there, then you’ll find many kilometers of completely empty beach. At Hang Loose Beach there is a kite school, test center and surf shop, as well as a beach club, kids area, restaurant, bar, disco, and basketball and beach volleyball areas. Then there is also a camping area and a Volkswagen Village where you can pitch up right next to the beach.

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NO WIND?

If you fancy exploring you can visit the Aeolian Islands by boat, check out the Sila Mountain, or visit Pizzo and Tropea towns. Staying on the water SUPing, canoeing, sailing, snorkeling and fishing are all possible. Or stay put and practice basketball, skateboarding or beach volleyball at Hang Loose.

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CAPE TOWN 4/5

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KITE OPTIONS? Cape Town has a massive amount of variety. Bring the lot… WHICH WETSUIT? You’ll need a wetsuit – worth packing a 3/2 and a 4/3. BEER €1. TYPICAL DINNER Vegans take note… this is predominantly meat territory. And they cook it well out here. Get yourself to a Braai for the full experience. LATE NIGHT… Cape Town is a vibrant spot, and each night you can take your pick of pubs, clubs, comedy, concerts and some amazing food options. GETTING THERE Flights out of Europe will generally set you back around €1000, but shop around, especially if out of season.

THE LOWDOWN

For any ‘Northerners’ wishing to escape the chilly European winters (or summers for that matter), South Africa is a no-brainer, being a Southern Hemisphere destination. Cape Town is a pretty exciting place to shake off the winter blues, with sublime winds and almost as many beaches as there are parties each night… KITING SET UP

Cape Town: 15km north of Cape Town city center, Blouberg is your go-to spot when you land. It’s popular, and allows easy access to plenty of other great spots, such as Big Bay, Dolphin Beach and Kite Beach. With plenty of wave-action for the surf riders, Big Bay is also super popular with freestylers who make the most of the lulls between swells. Dolphin Beach is also a popular spot, and is great for beginners and intermediate riders. And no surprise as to what is most popular a little further on at Kite Beach… About an hour and a half outside of Blouberg, Shark’s Bay and Langebaan are great if you’re looking for some real flatwater sessions. And don’t let the name put you off… this is a really beautiful part of the Western Cape. Atlantic Cape: Neither wind nor pounding Antarctic swells are in short supply as you approach the Cape

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(the amazing Chapman’s Peak Drive en route is an adventure in itself). For picturesque scenery and solid lines, check out Witsands, plus fast and fun Scarborough – though not for the faint-of-heart or the inexperienced… Eastern Cape: Warmer waters and gentler swells on the Indian Ocean side. Head to Muizenberg for freestyle fun in mellow waves. WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

If you want to rub shoulders with the pros and have the time of your life, then it’s got to be the main season in Cape Town. Any time from mid-November through to mid-February and you’ll be in business. The rest of the year? Well that can be epic too. But don’t tell anyone… NO WIND?

Should Mother Nature not play ball with your kiting plans, South Africa pretty much has it all …Wine tours, climb Table Mountain, MBK or just hang out in town. For water based alternatives, there is shark cage diving, seal snorkeling, freediving, surfing or SUP. Or take to the air for skydiving, paragliding, or smash out some airs in the Dirty Habits cable park…

WAVE C L INIC S I N

CAPE TOWN

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

TURKS & CAICOS 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS? 10 and 12, or 12 and 14, depending on body weight and skill levels! (Randy says: One large kite for light wind days and one general all around kite. We don’t get high winds often though check the forecast). WHICH WETSUIT? The sun here is no shrinking violet, so do dress for it. Long sleeve rashies, sun hat and plenty of sunscreen. In winter, a thin wettie top or maybe a shortie. BEER €4.30 | $5 | £3.80 TYPICAL DINNER Keep it local... Fish, lobster, conch, jerk chicken, rice and peas. There are many restaurants with great chefs here if you fancy something special. LATE NIGHT… Good weekend vibe spots are the Sand Bar, Danny Buoys, and Grace Bay’s Infinity. GETTING THERE: Fly to Providenciales (PLS) - super easy from anywhere in the US, and most of the major European airports too. Take a shuttle or taxi to your resort of choice, or book ahead for a rental car from the airport.

THE LOWDOWN

The Turks & Caicos Islands (TCIs) should definitely be high on your travel bucket list – this is a high end destination for kiters and non kiters alike. The island of Providenciales has become one of the most desired kiteboarding destinations on the planet, with two world-renowned beaches – Grace Bay and Long Bay – offering cross onshore winds, almost no crowds, and plenty of square miles of perfect, shallow, crystal clear waters. All this just over a one hour flight from Miami and easily accessible from all over the US. KITING SET UP

Long Bay is the big go-to spot, a three-mile white sand beach on the south side of Providenciales. This beach is made for kiteboarding, and the main kite schools

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kite@bigbluecollective.com

have all set up here, so it’s ideal for the learners amongst you. You’ll find shore or side onshore winds, warm shallow waters, and fairly flat water with little chop, no rocks or rip currents. Grace Bay is generally for the more advanced rider, with deep water launches, strong northerlies, and there are waves to be had on the reef or the sandbars. Two more nearby spots to check out depending on conditions are Leeward and Five Kays. WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

Summer is from mid-June until the end of August, and these months can be some of the absolute best.

There are consistent trade winds almost all year except September, when there’s no wind at all... The winter season from late November through to April brings stronger winds, more surf… bigger weather, but bigger rewards! NO WIND?

It’s a water sports paradise with options to snorkel, SUP, kayak, fish, sail – and scuba diving here is about as good as it gets anywhere in the world. Alternatively jump on a horse, take an ecotour to see places you never probably would otherwise, or just wind down and recharge in the natural environment.

Villa Esencia Long Bay Beach Turks and Caicos Islands Caribean

gentle shallow warm safe steady great for learning & the whole family

www.villaesencia.com

GRENADINES THE LOWDOWN 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS? If bringing two kites a 9 or 10 and a 12 meter are your best bet. The area and the steady, fairly gentle warm wind also makes it a perfect destination for foiling. WHICH WETSUIT? This is definitely a 'just board shorts/bikini's' sort of place. Lots of sunscreen and a rash guard are recommended. Other clothes and shoes: not really needed. BEER A beer is $3. A stronger cocktail drink might be cheaper than a beer. TYPICAL DINNER To go out might not be cheap especially as there are two islands with some of the most exclusive resorts on them. A lobster straight from the local grill on the beach however, will cost about $30. LATE NIGHTâ€Ś At the laid-back local rasta bars, you never know what you might find. They will likely stay open as long as you want, as long as you bring the partyâ€Ś

The Grenadines have become well known as a top kiteboarding destination, as they should be! In the last few years many pro riders have made this a stop in their training for the perfect freestyle conditions and beauty of the Caribbean. Steady winds always blow from the east in an eight month long kite season, with turquoise lagoons providing butter flat water. This out of the way place has the feel of an untouched paradise. KITING SET UP

The trade winds make this one of the most reliable places to kite. Island hopping is the thing to do here: the Grenadines consist of small islands grouped closely together. On the main island, Union, there are two kite schools. Hidden far away, the Grenadines are not easy to get to or get around in, so your best option is to join a dedicated kitesurfing boat, picking you up from Grenada and taking you around to all the spots. In a week or longer trip you pretty much live the dream, sailing with everything you need onboard your floating home. Uncharted Kitesurfing organizes trips on a 60 foot, very comfortable catamaran that you can join solo, with a few friends/family, or as a group. WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

The season runs from mid-November until the end of July: in this period the trade winds are 'on'. They provide very steady wind, from the one direction, between 12-25 knots. December to March see stronger winds, often around 20-25 knots, while March to mid-May, and July see the more gentle winds, 12-20 knots. End of May and June provide stronger winds again that are pretty much guaranteed to blow day and night.

NO WIND?

If you have opted to do a kitesurf charter on Uncharted's catamarans, you will be sailing between the islands, everything on board, with your group or your new friends, and you can pretty much go where you want. The crew makes sure you will never forget this experience of floating around an untouched paradise in the Caribbean (disclaimer: you might make some drastic life changes after this trip). Diving straight off the boat, you can swim with turtles in a stunning Marine Park, put your foil or the wakeboard behind the dinghy, build a campfire, and of course drink rumpunch at the local bars.

JOIN THE KITE CREW Instagram: u_n_c_h_r_t_d_kitesurfing Web: www.unchartedkitesurfing.com

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HONDURAS 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS? We suggest medium size (8-10m) and larger size (11-14m) kites. Check the forecast before you leave and you can always put in a bigger or smaller kite if required. WHICH WETSUIT? No need, the water is a balmy 24-28 degrees, so boardies/bikini plus sun protection. BEER Expect $2-3 for a local beer. TYPICAL DINNER Rice and beans with chicken or fish and plantains. LATE NIGHT… Local nights are chilled. Take a trip across the island to West Bay for a bigger night out and a great choice of restaurants and bars. We recommend visiting the West End on Saturday nights… GETTING THERE Conveniently the island of Roatán has great air connectivity, with year round direct flights from Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston and El Salvador. Plus seasonal flights and charters from other cities (including Montreal, Toronto, Newark, Milan and Madrid). Alternatively take the daily passenger ferry from the Honduras port city La Ceiba.

THE LOWDOWN

You’d be forgiven for never having heard of Roatán… nestled away in the far western part of the Caribbean, among the islands of Honduras. However for the secret spot seeker, this gem boasts eight months of perfect conditions thanks to the Caribbean trade winds, along with authentic charm and pure unspoilt nature. Lush green island hills reach down to white sand beaches and crystal clear warm waters surrounded by the world’s second largest reef system. KITING SET UP

The spot offers a huge kitezone, ideal for all levels and riding preferences – cruising, kickers, foil, wave and flat water. Sheltered from the open ocean by the reef, there’s shallow areas for beginners, and nice flat water for freestylers. Great for foiling too as the water drops off quickly to 2m depth with no rocky hazards. Join the boat excursions to explore the best spots and downwinders around. Everything is on site here. Accommodation is right on the beach at Camp Bay Lodge, and the kite school provides a beach and boat rescue service, offers beginner to advanced lessons and rents out top-quality gear (including CORE Boards & Kites, ProLimit Harnesses, NSP SUP boards, Slingshot foilboards). WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

From February to August the trade winds offer the most reliable conditions – usually 15-20 knots ESE in the morning, moving to ENE in afternoon and picking up in strength until sunset (20-30 knots). January till March the conditions can be variable

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and favorable for wave riding, with trade winds but also seasonal north storms mixing up. April and May is dry season and brings the strongest winds. From June till end August it’s warm with very consistent winds just like Cabarete. NO WIND?

The magnificent Mesoamerican Barrier Reef encloses the entire Island making Roatan a top scuba diving location with a spectacular underwater world. You can also enjoy the water by SUP or kayak, visit nearby islands and the Mangrove Canals, hike the hills or fly-fish. Camp Bay Lodge has a calm and mindful vibe, here you can take advantage of daily yoga, restorative massage, hang in the hammocks and wander barefoot along the pristine beach.

HONDURAS 5/5

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LESSONS / TRIPS / RENTALS TYPICAL DINNER Rice and beans with chicken or fish and plantains.

kitesurfroatan@gmail.com www.kitesurfroatan.com (504)3252-5891

SCUBADIVING / FLYFISHING / HIKING / SNORKELING STANDUPPADDLE / KITESURFING / YOGA / MASSAGE DE S T IN AT ION GUIDE

Roatán / Honduras (504) 3252-2227 or 8900-7243 campbaylodge@gmail.com

PANAMA 4/5

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KITE OPTIONS? Bigger kites are recommended – so depending on your weight, a 9, 12m or 11, 13m combo would be the best. WHICH WETSUIT? Booties strongly recommended for most riders and maybe a spring suit. Long sleeve rash guard or full body lycra suit for sun and wind exposure protection highly recommended. BEER Expect $2-3 for a local beer. TYPICAL DINNER Latin Caribbean inspired seafood dinners with plenty of beers and wine to wash things down! LATE NIGHT… Think beach bonfires, board games and cards, and music with the local indigenous people. GETTING THERE Fly to Panama City and explore Panama City for a night or two, then take the charter flight from Albrook Airport directly in/out of the island airstrip in San Blas. Avoid/ saves 3 hours of mountain road driving and gives you extra kite sessions on your first and last days... the catamaran is at anchor next to the island airstrip.

THE LOWDOWN

Lying off the north coast of Panama, the San Blas Islands number over 365 islands, 49 of which are inhabited. With tropical island scenery, warm water, no mass tourism and no kite crowds, this is a paradise trip destination. It can be best enjoyed cruising aboard an all inclusive kite adventure boat exploring the culture, along with remote and virgin kite spots – blue lagoons, flat water, miles of sand bars, chop, waves and downwinders with expert guiding and a water-safety minded professional licensed crew! KITING SET UP

Guiding kitesurfers for nine years now, the expert crew of 52ft Green Flash Catamaran will ensure you enjoy the best spots at the perfect time. With shallow water access you’ll cruise to kite playgrounds where no other boats venture! With beach, boat and tender launch options, the catamaran features an “Aft Kite Deck” which is ideal to pump up your kite and drift

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launch directly from the catamaran. You will be an expert on this launch before you go home! The three guest cabins have private bathrooms, and trips include drinks and snacks in addition to three healthy meals daily, with freshly caught seafood of course a speciality. WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

Mid December to mid April is the best time to visit, with the strongest trade winds from January through March. Expect 12-25 knots daily, with some days gusting to 30 knots plus, and generally strongest early morning and late afternoon. NO WIND?

No worries if no wind! Expect to kite six or seven days per week. During the lighter winds at midday enjoy discovering deserted islands, snorkelling, SUP and spear fishing, with all equipment included. Or just kick back with a book on the sand or a hammock on-board.

HONDURAS 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS?

The Original Panama Kitesurfing Cruise We suggest medium size (8-10m) and larger size (11-14m) kites. Check the exploring the San Blas Islands World Class forecast before you leave and you can always put in a bigger or smaller kite Kitesurfing destination. Kite with just your if required. friends and experience remote tropical WHICH WETSUIT? island paradise and the Kuna Indigenous No need, the water is a balmy 24-28 degrees, so boardies/bikini plus sun culture. protection. Amazing fresh seafood daily! Cruise in style and comfort aboard a 52 BEER Expect $2-3 for a local beer. foot performance catamaran. December to TYPICAL AprilDINNER is Windy Season! Starting our 9th Rice and beans with chicken or fish and plantains. year guiding surf & kite specific adventures. LATE NIGHT… Local nights are chilled. Take a trip across the island to West Bay for a bigger night out and a great choice of restaurants and bars. We recommend visiingt the West End on Saturday nights… GETTING THERE Conveniently the island of Roatan has great air connectivity, with year round direct flights from Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston and El Salvador. Plus seasonal flights and charters from other cities (including Montreal, Toronto, Newark, Milan and Madrid). Alternatively take the daily passenger ferry from the Honduras port city La Ceiba.

PANAMA KITESURFING CRUISE DATES: 7 NIGHTS ALL INCLUSIVE Christmas: Dec. 21–28th, New Years: Dec. 29–Jan. 5th Jan. 12–19th, Jan. 26–Feb. 1st, Feb. 9–15th, Feb. 23–29th Mar. 8–14th, Mar. 22–28th, April 5–11th

BOOKINGS & INQUIRIES GREENFLASHCAPTAIN@GMAIL.COM WWW.GREENFLASHCAT.COM

KENYA 4/5

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KITE OPTIONS? 9 & 12. WHICH WETSUIT? Don’t be a fool. BEER €2.25 | $2.45 | £1.70 TYPICAL DINNER Mostly European cuisine in the coast beach resorts, and in all the hotels, but you can easily get a local meal of beans, chapatti, BBQ goat or beef (nyama choma) for under $2. LATE NIGHT… All the beach towns have a local beach bar where you can expect to find some like-minded travelers or residents. Night clubs are also open every night of the week. GETTING THERE In terms of international airport options, you have Mombasa on the coast or Nairobi inland (and then an internal flight).

WHY KENYA?

While the more southern African metropolis of Cape Town tends to grab the headlines, Kenya has plenty to offer in the kiting department but without the crowds. And – if you check a map – you will see that it is also closer to the equator, so that temperature dial is turned up a notch or two as well. As ‘longer haul’ kite destinations go it’s becoming ever more popular and it’s easy to see why. Aside from the plus of it being a ‘boardies/bikini’ destination, there is also an insane amount of coastline to explore, and a heap of unique experience to be had inland. RANDOM FACTOIDS:

– Kenya has 310 miles of prime white sanded kiteboarding perfection – There is a reef around a kilometer offshore which runs pretty much the whole length of the coast making for one of the biggest, longest and most alluring lagoons on the planet. – You need to be aware of the tides – they can have a pretty big range here and some of the lagoons will drain out at low tide leaving you with a bust fin or a potentially long walk home… THE SET UP

Constant trade winds, a choice of sandbars, many kilometers of powder white sand beaches and large summer swells all help to make Kenya a wonderful

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playground for kitesurfers of all levels. Award-winning beaches, world class game reserves and a ton of other activities and sights close by also ensure that it is an incredible all-round holiday destination. You can kite from pretty much any beach in Kenya, there is always lots of space and easy access to beaches all along the coast. All areas are uncongested, safe, and have more or less the same wind and wave conditions. The wind is always side-shore or side-onshore as the coastline runs the same direction as the wind. However, Kenya does not always provide good public facilities such as toilets, lifeguards or rescue and security, so it may be best to pick somewhere that is set up for kiting in case you need repairs, rescue, or just generally a good atmosphere and some company on the water. For this, the obvious places are Diani Beach, Watamu, Che Shale and Funzi which all provide facilities for kiters. THE SEASON

From December to March the prevailing wind is a N/NE consistent trade wind. Every day there is wind from 10am – 6pm (with 100% windy days from mid-December through to mid-February). The wind and waves are moderate and the water is less choppy and it is clear and warm. You can also dive and do SUP at this time of year, and there is very little chance of rain.

From June to September the prevailing wind is S/SE and is less consistent but stronger and more powerful. It usually kicks in around 8am and the waves and swell are bigger with a cooler water temp. The sea is also murkier as it’s agitated from all the wind and rough seas. It can rain, but usually only at night or early morning. From March to May there is a chance of wind, but it’s usually quite light and can be onshore. It is fun for landboarding or skimboard kiting on one of the bigger flatter beaches like Galu or Che Shale. From September to December the wind is at its lightest and generally onshore. The water is crystal clear, the weather is very pleasant and vistas are stunning. It is good for diving and SUP, and there can be some windy days so there is still a chance to kite. NO WIND?

Deep sea fishing: Best on the North coast near Che Shale. September to April. Lake Naivasha: A lovely wildlife area on a huge lake – lots of flamingo, hippo, birdlife, leopard, buffalo, waterbuck and zebra. Mombasa old town: Great shopping on the streets of the old town with a unique Arab/African blend of cultures. Nairobi: Feed giraffes at the giraffe rehab center in Karen, and adopt an orphan elephant at Daphne Sheldrick elephant orphanage. Both are reputable and responsible organizations.

TARIFA 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS? Bring a 7 and a 9. But check the forecast as you could need a 5 or a 15m. WHICH WETSUIT? Shorty through the summer months, full neoprene in the winter. Spring and autumn a 3/2 and then throughout the winter a 4/3. BEER €3 or from €7 for a mojito. TYPICAL DINNER Tarifa is famous for its tapas and delicious fresh tuna. At around €3 per tapa it is great value and there is a huge choice of places to eat. THE LOWDOWN LATE NIGHT… This is a party town, so you are spoilt for nightlife options. Bars are generally open until 2am, and for those who want to go till dawn, Café Del Mar on the outskirts of town is open until 5am.

Tarifa is known as the Kite Mecca of Europe, and for good reason. With its 10km stretch of kite-perfect beach and perfect winds, you can kite all day before heading to the vibrant old town for tapas, cocktails and fun after dark…

many ‘chirinquitos’ along the sands where you can pit stop and fill your belly with fine foods. Locations such as the ION center and Explora Watersports have prime positions on this kitesurfing hub and can get you up and riding if it is your first time, or have you working on your handlepasses if you are a bit more advanced…

KITING SET UP

Tarifa’s main kiting area takes in Los Lances, Valdevaqueros and Punta Paloma. Along the whole stretch of 10km beach there are numerous kite schools and

pic s by t ravelpeople24

ION CLUB TARIFA C E N T E R D I R E C T LY AT T H E B E A C H I R E N TA L & L E S S O N S FOR ALL LEVELS I INTERNATIONAL TEAM I STORAGE SUP EXCURSIONS TO AFRIKA

KITESURF I WINDSURF I SURF I SUP I FOIL T +49 881 9254 960 c ompa ny@ion-c lub.de

The winds in Tarifa are either Poniente which is lighter and more consistent, or Levante which is a hotter wind that can be gusty and strong and see

CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE SPORT

things get pretty nuclear. In high summer, the kiting is restricted from Los Lances to Valdavaqueros, and plenty of people means that the early birds (i.e. those who are up before midday!) will catch the most glorious and uncrowded part of the day. In winter, a lagoon appears during certain tides, increasing your range of kiteable spots, while out on the water, westerley swells can bring solid waves to Tarifa. WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

The main season runs from mid-March through to November, but June to mid-September is the optimum time to hit Tarifa, with wind 90% of the time, and warm sunny weather. You can still have great conditions throughout the winter but itâ€™s less consistent and the rescue boat services stops working from mid-November. June is the prime month: precrowds, thermic days with consistent winds, plenty of space and warm, warm weather. NO WIND?

If there is no wind you can of course go party in Tarifa! It is also a great mountain bike area so hire bikes for the day and explore, go whale watching, SUP, ride horses, go shopping or relax and stretch with yoga. Alternatively head to the cable park in Marbella, or catch some winter waves when the swell is in.

ESSAOUIRA 4/5

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KITE OPTIONS? We’d say a 7 and a 9. WHICH WETSUIT? The water is cold so you need to have a wetsuit, a 3/2 for March – October and then a 4/3 through the winter. BEER The local Casablanca beer is around €4 a bottle, or buy from the supermarket for a lot cheaper. TYPICAL DINNER €15 will buy you a delicious home cooked Moroccan meal with a glass of wine. LATE NIGHT… Taros is the most popular night-time spot with live music and roof top bar, plus Beach & Friends is a great spot for a beach party. GETTING THERE Fly direct to Essaouira from London Stansted, Paris or Lyon in just under 4 hours, or alternatively fly direct to Marrakech from most airports. Explora offer airport transfers from Essaouira, Marrakech or Agadir Airport.

THE LOWDOWN

Known as the windy city of Africa, Essaouira’s wide endless beach offers plenty of space and freedom on the water. As long as you don’t mind sharing the beach with the odd camel or two it is a great place to head for some sunshine and kiting. Essaouira is also becoming famous as a great spot for family holidays as there is so much else to do as well as kite, you can keep your whole family happy while you are on the water. KITING SET UP

Essaouira is a huge bay with side on wind predominantly blowing North Easterly thoughout the year, in the winter however the wind can switch some of the time to be South Westerly. Explora Watersports is located right on the beach at the optimum spot for kiting. The shape of the bay makes learning to kite very safe due to the wind direction, the bottom is sandy and there are no hazards. There are zones marked for kiting and a clear teaching area. Explora also has a rescue boat if required. The wind tends to

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blow all day with it getting stronger in the afternoons. There are a variety of spots, from flat water through to waves. WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

Pretty much an all year round spot, Essaouira’s main windy season runs from March through to the end of November, with the peak time being June to mid-September. Throughout the winter you can still get windy days but it is not as consistent. The swell also starts hitting the coast from October through to March so if you want to master the waves for a bit of strapless riding Essaouira is a good winter destination as well. NO WIND?

If you are unlucky and have a few days without wind, then you can surf, horse ride, camel ride, mountain bike, quad bike, take some yoga sessions, have a hammam or explore the old medina and harbor soaking up the atmosphere. So a few options!

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE

TURKEY 5/5

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KITE OPTIONS? Take a 9 and a 13 to cover all bases. WHICH WETSUIT? During the main season, just bring some lycra and flip flops! But if you’re heading here early or late in the season, bring a short wetty. BEER €3 a pint. TYPICAL DINNER A typical dinner can range from 3 to 5 Euros, to 15 Euros in the nice restaurants in the Urla Marina. LATE NIGHT… The spot bar is open every night until midnight, and once or twice a week Urla Surf House make a real evening of it, with a range of live music, BBQs and events. For the party animals, Alacati and its famous night life is just a 35 minute taxi drive away!

THE LOWDOWN

WHEN IS BEST TO GO?

The charming Turkish coastal town of Urla is not only amazing for kiting – it’s in the middle of one of the most beautiful areas of Turkey, and is also very easy to reach. This is a magic place – combining a world class spot, a huge, shallow lagoon, lots of flatwater options, a kitesurf wakepark and lots to do in the surrounding area too.

June, July and August are the best months to hit Urla. Every morning throughout this time there is a thermal effect that brings the winds, and then in the afternoon the ‘Meltemi’ wind takes over. There is also wind in April, May and September, it’s just not quite as reliable.

KITING SET UP

Plenty of activities other than kiting are possible either directly on the spot or close by. Located overlooking the kitesurf spot, there’s lots going on at Urla Surf House - everything you need to make your stay fun and easy… chill in the garden next to the pool, play pingpong, skate, SUP, slackline, hit up the hot springs, or just enjoy some food and prop up the bar. Nearby, you can visit vineyards, play some golf, ride horses, dive, visit the Izmir bazaar or the Ephesus ruins, cruise the Urla fishing marina (with its amazing restaurants), as well as take your pick from plenty of beautiful Aegean beaches within easy reach…

NO WIND?

The wind at Urla is quite steady, between 15 and 25 knots, and there’s a big, safe beginner’s area, separate from the freeride area. The spot is big, at about two kilometers long, with flat waters the whole length, side-shore winds, and shallow waters. It’s super safe, with no underwater obstacles. Right on the spot is the Urla Surf House, which is your complete kite center, rental and storage provider, hotel, restaurant and bar, all in one. A little upwind is the ‘slider park’ a kiteboarding specific wake park for some extra fun! Upwind, there’s the only free kite park in Europe!

EASYRIDERS

PROVIDER

W W W.E A SY RID ERS.C O M

CAN YOU SUMMARIZE WHAT YOU DO? We are a kitesurf and SUP center in the UK. We have a beautiful teaching area in Poole harbor giving perfect flat water for kiting at all levels and amazing SUP tours. We teach all levels from beginner to expert including foiling, racing and instructor training. We do a bunch of clinics each year to teach and coach kitesurfing and SUP worldwide. Our courses are geared towards all levels: beginner, intermediate, expert and instructor levels.

Adventure and a foiling clinic. Then back for a whole 36 hours before our Caribbean program starts for another seven weeks until the beginning of Feb. WHY SHOULD OUR READERS CHOOSE TO SPEND THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY WITH YOU?! We’re the best at what we do… We love doing it… And all our customers love coming back!

WHERE ARE YOU BASED AND WHEN WERE YOU ESTABLISHED? We have been going since 2004 and we are based at Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset. We have taught on every continent and run more coaching holidays than any other UK business. This year is our 15th consecutive year to Brazil. We have added a couple of foiling clinics this year which are fab. WHERE ARE MOST OF YOUR CLIENTS FROM? UK and Europe, USA and Canada. HOW LONG HAVE YOU AND YOUR TEAM BEEN KITING? As a team we have over 100 years’ experience! Head honcho Andy Gratwick has been kiting since 1998. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT MAKES YOU SPECIAL COMPARED TO OTHER KITING BUSINESSES? Andy has worked within kitesurfing for 20 years. He went on the first instructor course, then set up the first school in Poole. We were first to run clinics and the first to all our destinations where we have great setups and know the locations like a second home. We have more experience than anyone else, we care about all our clients who are all our friends, and we love what we do, so that makes it pretty easy! CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH YOUR MOST RECENT TRIP? We have just come back from back-to-back clinics on the west coast of Ireland, followed by running and competing in the British kite wave championships. 13 days of 14 were windy. We had team members in the podium which was great to see, and I need to stop breaking ribs! WHAT DO YOU HAVE LINED UP FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS? We’re off to Brazil this autumn for three back-to-back clinics, The Original, The

COME FLY WITH US AND NEVER LOOK BACK.

Grenadines, Barbados, Brazil, Peru, Ireland, Lanzarote and more. The best coaching, the best conditions, the best time. 01202 744055 | www.easy-riders.co.uk | making watersports easy

KITESURF HOLIDAYS

PROVIDER

W W W.KIT ESURF H O LO DAY S.C O M

CAN YOU SUMMARIZE WHAT YOU DO? Kitesurf Holidays is the market leading online platform for booking kite trips. It enables kitesurfers to easily plan their next dream holiday through matching up accommodation options in classic kitesurfing destinations with kite schools, equipment rental and kitesurf guiding. So you can basically get everything set up for your next trip. WHO IS BEHIND THE PROJECT AND WHY DID YOU THINK THERE WAS A MARKET FOR IT? We are a group of passionate kitesurfers from a variety of backgrounds. Over the course of our many trips away we became frustrated with trying to find suitable accommodation in a destination and to then try to find somewhere to hire equipment or to take a lesson. Often your first morning in a new spot would be spent hunting around. With kitesurfholidays.com not only do you have fantastic ‘kite friendly’ accommodation options but you can also easily find the perfect school or place to rent your equipment. With a sport like kitesurfing where a lot of people don’t want the hassle of traveling with all of their kit this makes the platform particularly relevant. SO ANYONE CAN LIST WITH YOU? That’s right. Accommodation providers are able to sign up to the platform in 20-25 minutes and can add photos as well as full details of room types, their facilities as well as details of local

beaches, towns and bars. If they provide lessons or equipment hire then they are also able to set these up as packages and become a one-stop-shop for booking a kitesurf holiday. If they only provide accommodation then they will automatically become linked with local kite schools to ensure that kitesurfers who book accommodation can then easily find lessons or equipment hire. Accommodation providers then have the option to have either ‘request’ or ‘live’ booking. Registration is similar for Kite Schools who can easily list details of their kitesurf courses and their equipment hire options. AND FOR PEOPLE LOOKING FOR A HOLIDAY? For customers, the kitesurfholidays.com site is clean, easy to navigate, and has plenty of options in all of the main kitesurfing hubs internationally, places like Cape Town, Tarifa and Greece. You pay a deposit to lock in your trip and then pay the balance either a few weeks before you travel or on arrival. It’s kind of like AirBnB for kiting, but you can arrange your whole trip with lessons and hire if you require. SO WHERE CAN WE GO?! We currently have multiple options in over fifteen kiting hubs all over the planet. And we are growing all the time! If you are looking for a trip in a well-regarded kitesurfing destination then kitesurfholidays.com should be your first stop!

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PLANET KITESURF

PROVIDER

W W W.PL A NE T KIT ESURF H O LIDAY S.C O M

WHO ARE PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS? As the UK’s leading kitesurfing holiday travel specialist, Planet Kitesurf Holidays is made up of a team of enthusiastic and well-travelled kitesurfers that are on hand to assist you in planning the kitesurf holiday of your dreams. Through their years of kitesurfing and experiencing the world’s top destinations, the team at Planet Kitesurf Holidays are able to offer expert, impartial advice on where and when to go according to your skill level, needs and budget. They also will recommend the very best hotels and centers. From the remote reaches of Mozambique to the sunny shores of Sardinia, they have you covered. The team at Planet not only understand the needs of the individual kitesurfer, but also that of families and non-kiting partners, as most of the staff have little ones of their own. The team understands the needs of their clients and are able to draw on their own experiences to arrange a holiday that will be perfect for you. MORE ABOUT THE COMPANY… Planet Kitesurf is part of a larger water sports travel holiday specialist, Planet Travel Ltd, which also offers Windsurf Holidays (Planet Windsurf) and Diving Holidays (Planet Dive). In 2000 Planet launched its dedicated kitesurf travel program – the first UK travel company to do so! Planet is based out of waterfront offices on the south coast of the UK, just a stone’s throw away from one of the best kitesurf beaches in the area and in 2016 Planet opened a second office in Cape Town, one of the best kitesurfing locations on the Planet. They are ATOL & TTA (Travel Trust Association) bonded, providing an extremely high level of financial and holiday protection to their customers. Planet Travel is unique in that they combine a highly professional tour operation service, combined with unsurpassed first-hand kitesurf resort knowledge. This is backed up by the latest travel technology enabling immediate best price holiday quotations either via their innovative website, or over the phone.

WHERE ARE MOST OF YOUR CLIENTS FROM AND WHERE ARE THEY GOING? For almost two decades Planet have been at the very forefront of kitesurf travel, and are proud to currently be one of the largest and most respected kitesurf tour operators in the world. When recommending a kitesurfing destination to clients, the team at Planet Kitesurf Holidays always takes into account the individual’s specific needs, but they do have a few destinations that really stand out from the crowd. Le Morne in Mauritius is an all-time favorite and Planet is able to offer exclusive rates at the gorgeous St Regis Resort with hosts of special offers you won’t find elsewhere. Another favorite of theirs and a great spot for those who don’t want to travel too far is FeelViana in Portugal. FeelViana is a sports resort set in quiet corner of Portugal. It offers kitesurfers a prime location on a fantastic beach with conditions to suit any level. Planet’s other top destinations for this year, offering great value for money and reliable wind conditions, include Dakhla in Morocco, Sal and Boa Vista in Cape Verde, Cape Town and Langebaan in South Africa, Gostoso in Brazil and Soma Bay in Egypt. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT MAKES YOU SPECIAL COMPARED TO OTHER KITING BUSINESSES? Having such a passion for the sport means that the team at Planet Kitesurf really does understand their clients’ holiday aspirations. As kitesurfers themselves, they are also always on the lookout for new and exciting destinations to add to their offering. All of this makes Planet Kitesurf Holidays so much more than just a kitesurf travel company! We believe that the holiday experience can be made so much more memorable and enjoyable by combining world class kitesurfing with the rich cultural experiences that the country may have to offer. A booking with Planet will turn your kitesurf vacation into a trip of a lifetime.

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HONDURAS ION CLUB

PROVIDER

W W W.IO N - CLUB.NE T

CAN YOU SUMMARIZE WHAT YOU DO? Windsurfing, kitesurfing, kitefoiling, surfing, stand-up-paddling and mountain biking are the sources of our total commitment! The extraordinary and inspiring places where our ION CLUB centers are located promise to be the backdrop for the most exciting days of your year. Our professional and specialized skills motivate and bring our guests to the next level. These qualities are underpinned by the fact that we use only the very latest equipment and only operate at the very best spots on the planet… Our guests can always find the latest equipment for rental and qualified instructors for lessons – no matter your level: beginner, intermediate or advanced. AND CAN YOU ARRANGE TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION AS WELL? Yes, Travel People, our in-house travel agency can arrange the full package for you. Their service includes: flights from all destinations, accommodation, transfers, rental car and travel service, as well as the special service of kitesurf luggage reservation for the flights and the destination transfers. So you don’t have to worry about anything… WHERE ARE YOU BASED AND WHEN WERE YOU ESTABLISHED? We were established in 1985. We have a base in Germany and then we have centers in Fuerteventura, Tarifa, Golf de Roses, Safaga, Mauritius, Cabarete, Cape Verde, Essaouira, Dakhla, Karpathos and Alacati.

also have a lot of clients from Austria, Eastern Europe and Russia. At ION CLUB you will meet like-minded people from all over the world and our company has always given top priority to customer orientation, team spirit, innovation and professionalism. HOW LONG HAVE YOU AND YOUR TEAM BEEN RUNNING KITE HOLIDAYS? Our company was one of the first to offer kitesurfing as an option back in 2001. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT MAKES YOU SPECIAL COMPARED TO OTHER KITING BUSINESSES? The story of ION CLUB is about people who have turned their passion for windsurfing and kitesurfing into a career. So we trust our international team who make sure that our guests can live every second of every kind of their holiday – no matter whether on the land or on the water. Their enthusiasm is the guarantee that you get the moments you are searching for. WHY SHOULD OUR READERS CHOOSE TO SPEND THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY WITH YOU? They can share their thrilling sports’ sessions with other like-minded people at ION CLUB who, like they, travel to us from all over the world. There is no limit to magic on the water and the swells to ride, so make ION CLUB your home of surfing elements!

WHERE ARE MOST OF YOUR CLIENTS FROM? Most of our clients come from Germany, France, England, Spain and Switzerland. However, we

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