The 9 best places to learn kitesurfing

Tarifa, Spain

For those who are familiar with geography, Tarifa is simply the southernmost point of Spain and the pearl of Andalusia, but for those who have "stood on a board" and "walked in the wind" at least a couple of times, it is a real Mecca and a truly paradisiacal place. First of all, thanks to the weather, because the warm climate allows you to ride in Tarifa almost all year round, and there are practically no days without wind.

The coastline here is also excellent: it is flat, without rocks and stones, so even your loved ones who want to simply enjoy a beach vacation, will be able to do it without hindrance.

Tarifa is one of the most popular places to learn kitesurfing, with many schools operating here. The cost of an individual lesson starts from €120, in a group — from €80 (the price includes the necessary equipment).

Accommodation: 3* — from €90, 5* — from €185 (for double accommodation).

Hurghada, Egypt

The closest, most convenient and economical option is Hurghada, which is probably the best place in Egypt to learn kitesurfing. The flat coastline, the absence of strong waves and frequent tides, as well as "flat" and frequent winds — all this is very conducive to learning, but for professionals there are several good spots.

The cost of a group introductory lesson starts from €55, individual lessons from €95. If you decide to learn on your own, you can rent a trapeze, wetsuit and wetshoes for a day for €80.

Accommodation: 3* — from €55, 5* — from €110 (for double accommodation).

Mui Ne, Vietnam

Mui Ne is a corner in Vietnam, where everyone is fond of surfing and all its kinds, as well as kitesurfing, and all thanks to the winds that blow all winter, and excellent waves. At the same time, it is always sunny, warm and, as a consequence, it is a favorite place for young people to hang out.

With surfboards on every corner and hotels usually having their own kite stations, you don't have to worry about not having someone to teach you. An hour-long private lesson costs from $95.

Perhaps the only disadvantage of Mui Ne is its popularity, which should be understood as "crowdedness", sometimes it is difficult for beginners among other sportsmen, as well as just vacationers and swimmers.

Accommodation: 3* — from €90, 5* — from €185 (for double accommodation).

Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira is an old town on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, not so long ago it was just a fishing village, but today it is gaining the status of the surf capital of Morocco. And there are many reasons for that: warm and sunny weather all year round, and at the same time it is windy enough to spend all your days surfing; flat and long coastline, without rocks and stones; availability of many spots both in Essaouira and outside it, where you can easily get to; a lot of schools and camps for beginners.

The undoubted pluses of Essaouira are the rather calm waves and the long coastline where skaters can go without hindering each other. Prices for lessons vary greatly. The average price for an individual lesson is from €95.

For those who just want to learn, the ideal time to come will be August and September, at this time the most calm and smooth winds, unlike the other months.

Accommodation: 3* — from €100, 5* — from €160 (for double accommodation).

Boracay, Philippines

The next point on the map of places for beginner surfers is the island of Boracay in the Philippines, as if descended from the pages of advertisements. The whole island is divided into 2 large zones — one is intended for beach vacation, the second is given in possession of surfers. And both of them please with warm water, soft, sandy bottom and winds that blow always, and if they may seem weak to professionals, they will be just right for beginners.

The cost of introductory kitesurfing course (2-2.5 hours) in a group will cost from $85, for the same money, but individually, you can study 1-1.5 hours.

To tell the truth, most athletes choose Boracay not only because of the favorable conditions (there are still some good places for surfing in the Philippines), but because of the entertainment and party, because as soon as the sun goes down, the island turns into one big disco. But if you like a quieter and more secluded environment, it is better to look at other options.

Accommodation: 3* — from €90, 5* — from €175 (for double accommodation).

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Cabarete is a small but world-famous village where all the "stars", champions of kitesurfing come to ride and relax, here are also the most professional schools, and on the coast you can regularly see competitions of the best.

Why is Cabarete the perfect place to learn? Firstly, it's windy over 300 days a year, despite having a warm, hot climate and year-round summers. Secondly, a completely safe coastline — no rocks, jellyfish or sea urchins, so no need for a wetsuit. Thirdly, a wide flat coastline with division into zones for surfers, kite surfers, beach areas, where no one prevents anyone. And finally, there are plenty of instructional schools for beginners.

Prices for studying in Dominican Republic slightly more expensive: for 2 lessons with a trainer for 1.5 hours (equipment included) will have to pay from $250.

Accommodation: 3* — from €150, 5* — from €370.

Paje, Zanzibar

Paje is the southeastern coast of Zanzibar, as if created for kitesurfing, perhaps that's why it is so little talked about and written about, so that others do not find out. In addition to the fact that the resort looks like a picture from an advertisement (cleanest clear water, snow-white sand), there are also all the necessary conditions for good riding, schools, which attract many kite surfers here.

The best time for kitesurfing in Zanzibar is summer and winter, because in spring the rainy season lasts on the island, rains are not excluded in October-November. In the rest of the time it is always dry, warm, moderately windy, the water is happy with high temperature (+27-29°C), so there is no need for warm wetsuits. Wetsuits may come in handy, as the probability of encountering sea urchins is quite high.

There are not many places to learn to surf in Paje, and the prices are not the most affordable. An individual lesson with a coach (1 hour) costs from €175, a group lesson — €150.

Accommodation: 3* — from €120, 4* — from €210 (for double accommodation).

Hua Hin, Thailand

Hua Hin is a combination of a typical Thai resort (with its entertainment, nightlife and local culture) and a great spot where experienced kitesurfers and those who only dream of trying this sport come together. Hua Hin is a favorite vacation destination for couples or groups of friends, and no one gets bored.

Winds in Hua Hin are not constant, so it is worth checking the weather before traveling. The best time for skiing is from October to April, when the days are windy and the tides are frequent. The coast of Hua Hin is flat without stones and corals, but jellyfish and sea urchins can be caught, so you should protect yourself with wetsuits.

The cost of lessons here varies a lot, it all depends on whether you take lessons at a kite school or just with a private instructor (the latter is usually cheaper). For an introductory 2-hour lesson in a school you will have to pay about $140, with a private instructor — from $195 (the price includes equipment).

Accommodation: 3* — from €50, 5* — from €120.

Corallejo, Canary Islands, Spain

We started our kite-travel from Spain and will finish there. Corallejo (more precisely — the spot Flag Beach) is one of the most popular places for fans of active water sports in the Canary Islands. Divers, surfers, kitesurfers and windsurfers from all over Europe have long loved this place, and today the resort is one of the most youthful places on the islands.

There are all conditions here for beginners: warm water and air throughout the year, thanks to the favorable location between islands and canals, strong winds blow here all the time, the coast is flat, without any underwater unpleasant surprises. There are many kitesurfing schools in Corralejo. An individual lesson with an instructor will cost from €150.

Accommodation: 3* — from €90, 5* — from €270.