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Ultimate Guide to Kitesurfing in Fuerteventura – Spain

April 4, 2018

Located in Spain’s sunny Canary Islands, Fuerteventura is a primo vacation destination for anyone who values a mix of sun, sea, and socialising. Popular amongst holidaymakers as well as adventurous sports enthusiasts, the island packs a punch in terms of its outdoor adventure offerings. Hiking, windsurfing, surfing, and mountain biking are all on the menu here, but in our books it’s Fuerteventura’s kiteboarding that comes in at the top of the list.

The north of the island is home to Corralejo, a town that’s evolved to be a charming mix of old Canarian culture and modern surf style. Here’s where you’ll find some of the most popular kiteboarding spots in Fuerteventura; but that’s by no means where it ends. Thanks to its positioning right in the path of the trade winds, this little windswept island is absolutely littered with kiteable beaches.

Let’s dive into all the basic information you need to know if you’re thinking of heading to Fuerteventura to do some kitesurfing:

Best time to go kitesurfing in Fuerteventura: March to November is considered the best season for kitesurfing in Fuerteventura, but it’s also possible to ride here during the winter months.

Average water temperature: 19 degrees Celcius, with lows of 17 in the winter and highs of 21 in the summer.

Wetsuit recommendation: In the spring and summer you won’t need a wetsuit (early in the season you may find a spring suit/shorty is good to have on hand) but in the late autumn and winter you’ll need a full 3/2 if not 3/4 wetsuit.

Tips for beginners: The safest and most comfortable learning conditions (stable wind, side-onshore orientation, no obstacles) are usually found at Flag Beach. For flat water, the best place for beginners to learn is Costa Calma. It’s possible for beginners to ride in other locations too, but try to avoid the offshore wind at Sotavento and the big waves along the northern coast.

>>>Check out bstoked kitesurfing experiences in Fuerteventura<<<

Best spots for kitesurfing in Fuerteventura

Flag Beach

Located in the northeast of the island just outside of Corralejo, Flag Beach is widely considered to be the main kiteboarding spot in Fuerteventura (as well as one of the more popular kite beaches in Spain as a whole). There are plenty of cool places to stay in Corralejo that are really nearby to the kite spot, and once at the kite beach there are loads of kiteboarding facilities.

The beach is spacious and sandy, and stretches down the coast for close to 7 kilometers (about half of which is marked off for kitesurfing). During the high season, wind blows 15-20 knots side shore across the beach, which means it’s a great place for beginners to learn how to ride. The only danger here is that there’s a reef underneath the water, so when the tide is low you better wear protective booties.

Not only is Flag Beach a great place to base yourself at for your kiting holiday, it also gives you easy access to the outlying island like Los Lobos and Lanzarote (you can even join a kite cruise that takes you exploring both).

Kiteboarding in Flag Beach Fuerteventura

Kitesurfing at Fuerteventura’s Flag Beach

El Cotillo

On the westerly side of Fuerteventura’s northern coast, El Cotillo is one of the more popular places on the island to catch some waves. The wind here is a little bit stronger than at Flag Beach (usually by about 3-5 knots) and can also be quite gusty. While the conditions are somewhat less forgiving on beginners, intermediate and advanced wave riders will be in their element thanks to the sweet little beach break and long, rolling waves.

When you’re ready for a change of scene, head just a few kilometers up the coast to the flat water at Faro de Tostón.

Majanicho

Squashed between El Cotillo and Flag Beach, Majanicho is the premiere point break on Fuerteventura with waves that measure in between 2 and 3.5 meters. Not one for the faint of heart, the beach and seabed at Majanicho is covered in volcanic rock (and the occasional sea urchin) so you’ll definitely want a pair of booties. But get yourself geared up and out there with a surfboard and you’ll quickly understand what the buzz is for this place. Inside the bay the water is mostly flat with some moderate chop during high winds, and outside the reef is where you’ll find the big rollers.

Real wave junkies will make a tour of it and stop off at the neighbouring spots (Punta Blanca, El Hierro, La Caleta, and Mejillones) along the way.

Sotavento

Located in the south of Fuerteventura, Sotavento receives 20-30 knots of wind that blows across the land (offshore/side-off) which means it can be quite gusty. There’s a flat water lagoon that leads out to the sea. Though there are tons of people who come to ride here and take advantage of what’s considered to be the most consistent windy spot in Fuerteventura, the offshore orientation and strong gusts mean it’s not a great place for beginners- that is, unless the lagoon is working.

The lagoon is heavily affected by the tides so it’s actually only full of water for 2 or 3 weeks of the month; make sure to check out the tides online before you set off all the way down there. But when the water level is high enough and the wind is blowing, Sotavento’s flat water lagoon can be quite a bit of fun- and a decent place for beginners to learn.

Costa Calma

From Sotavento, drive just 5 kilometers up the road you’ll reach Costa Calma, another flat water spot which is far less affected by the tides. With 15-28 knots blowing here during the summer season and a consistent 1.5 meters of water depth, Costa Calma is a much better option for beginner kiteboarders. Just bear in mind that when the wind is blowing from the northeast it can be quite gusty (if it’s too far north the wind blows over the buildings on the beach side-offshore); it works best the more easterly the wind is.

Puerto Lajas

One of the only kite spots on the east coast of Fuerteventura, Puerto Lajas is worth noting if only for its close proximity to the airport (handy if you’re dying to squeeze in one last session). Working in both northerly and southerly winds, Puerto Lajas is a good one to have in mind if your other usual spots are a bit too crowded. There’s a point break here which creates some clean little waves to play around in, too.

>>>Check out all bstoked kiteboarding experiences in Spain<<<

Beginner’s guide to taking kitesurfing lessons in Fuerteventura

February 21, 2018

Kitesurfing Travel

by Jennifer Wormald

Fuerteventura offers a range of kiteboarding conditions suitable for riders of all levels- and that goes for total beginners, too. Whether you’re looking to take your first big leap into the kitesurfing world or you’re looking to improve on skills that you already have, there’s lessons to suit just about every need, level, and rider.

Let’s look in more detail at the things you should know if you’re keen to take some kitesurfing lessons in Fuerteventura:

Best time to go kitesurfing in Fuerteventura: March to November is considered the best season for kitesurfing in Fuerteventura, but it’s also possible to ride here during the winter months.

Average water temperature: 19 degrees Celcius, with lows of 17 in the winter and highs of 21 in the summer.

>>>Check out bstoked experiences in Fuerteventura<<<

Top tips for taking kitesurfing lessons in Fuerteventura, Spain

Is Fuerteventura a good place for beginners?

Definitely. Beginners need a balance of moderate, stable wind, manageable water conditions, and good kitesurfing facilities to support them during the learning process. Fuerteventura has all of the above.

Of course, there are certain places and times of year that aren’t suitable for novice kiters (some of the southern kite spots have offshore wind, others big waves, and the fickle winter wind won’t make things any easier), but stick to the most beginner friendly spots during the high season and you’ll find Fuerteventura is an awesome place to take beginner kitesurfing lessons.

Kitesurfing lessons in action in Fuerteventura

Where is the best spot in Fuerteventura to take kiteboarding lessons?

In the north, Flag Beach is the main hub for kiteboarding. The kite beach is located just a few minutes outside of Corralejo, which is a phenomenal place to stay while you’re there on the island. The beach is spacious, sandy, and free from obstacles. There’s a designated kiteboarding area, rescue services, and tons of IKO qualified instructors working at the clubs. The wind blows 15-20 knots side shore and the water is just a little choppy (no big waves).

In the south, Costa Calma is a gorgeous flat water spot where you can take lessons. There’s a flat water lagoon that isn’t affected by the tides, which means the water maintains a safe 1.5 meters of depth all the time. The wind blows 15-28 knots here during the high season.

When is the best time of year to take kiteboarding lessons in Fuerteventura?

Although technically it’s possible to ride here year round, the conditions are definitely a lot more pleasant to learn in during the summer season. May through October is the peak of the high season, during which time the air and water temperatures are both warm and the wind is strong and stable.

>>>Check out all bstoked kitesurfing experiences in Spain<<<

When is the Season for Kitesurfing in Tarifa? Top 3 Tips

February 18, 2018

Kitesurfing Locations Travel

by Jennifer Wormald

Tarifa is pretty famous in the kitesurfing world, probably known best for its strong wind capable of sending some slightly crazy, very overpowered riders soaring over the Balneario pier. But of course, it’s not all extreme antics; Tarifa has great wind for riders of all levels.

Let’s look at how that wind changes throughout the year and when the best season for kitesurfing is in Tarifa.

Best time to kitesurf in Tarifa: Between April to October, although it’s possible to kitesurf here year round. Late spring to early autumn is ideal because the air temperature warms up then and the wind is consistent.

Average water temperature: 18-19 degrees Celsius

Wetsuit recommendation: In the summer you likely won’t need a wetsuit (you’ll probably be comfortable in rashy), but in the winter you’ll want a 3/4.

Tips for beginners: Levante wind blows stronger and gustier than the Poniente, which makes it quite a lot harder to learn in (keep reading below to find out more about the different wind types!). On top of that, the Levante wind often blows offshore, which should definitely be avoided for all beginner kitesurfers. Stick to Poniente days when the wind is between 15-25 knots cross/onshore.

>>>Check out bstoked experiences in Tarifa<<<

Top 3 things you need to know about the kitesurfing season in Tarifa

1. You can go kiteboarding in Tarifa year round

Because of its location at the very tail end of Spain, Tarifa sits less than 15 kilometers away from Morocco (as the crow flies). With the Strait of Gibraltar in between, a wind funnel is created between the two land masses which means Tarifa enjoys Venturi effect wind virtually all year round.

2. There are two types of wind in Tarifa (and they don’t depend on the season)

Now, just because the wind blows pretty much constantly, that doesn’t mean it blows consistently- at least, not with the same force or from the same direction.

Almost all of the wind that blows in Tarifa is either Poniente or Levante. Poniente wind blows from the sea in the west/northwest; it’s warm wind and usually measures between 15-25 knots cross/onshore (depending on the orientation of the beach you’re at). During periods of Poniente wind, the water is moderately choppy, but no big breakers for the most part.

Levante is a cold wind that comes down from the east/northeast, and since it’s a cold wind it’s much denser than the Poniente, which means it can be much more powerful. On top of its strength, Levante wind is usually quite gusty as well (not to mention the fact that it often blows offshore).

Overall, the distribution between the two is fairly even. It can be that the wind direction changes every few days, but sometimes one type will stick around as long as a few weeks.

Kitesurfing during Tarifa’s summer season

3. Summer is the most popular season for kitesurfing in Tarifa

April through October is the best time to come for kitesurfing in Tarifa. During these months the wind is quite predictable (although anyone who’s spent considerable time there knows that the forecast can change insanely quickly, so we use the phrase “predictable” quite loosely).

On top of that, the weather in Spain is at its best during this time of year; water temperatures shoot up from 18 to 23 or 24 degrees, and air temperatures hover from mid to high 20’s. You’ll see mostly blue skies and sun and virtually no rainy days.

Late June through August is the busiest time for tourists and kiteboarders visiting Tarifa, so if you want to beat the crowds it’s best to aim to come around April/May or September/October.

>>>Check out more bstoked kitesurfing experiences in Spain<<<

Beginner’s Guide to Taking Kitesurfing Lessons in Tarifa

February 1, 2018

Kitesurfing Locations Travel

by Jennifer Wormald

Known best for its pumping wind and thriving kite community, Tarifa is a top-notch kitesurfing destination that sits in a wind funnel between Spain and Morocco. The proud host of many an international competition (like the GKA Strapless Tour), Tarifa is a usual haunt for tons of kiteboarding professionals.

But it’s not just the pros that can enjoy this windswept corner of southern Spain; Tarifa is also a good choice for beginner kiteboarders looking to take some lessons and make their first steps into the kiting world.

Average water temperature: 18-19 degrees Celsius

Wetsuit recommendation: In the summer you likely won’t need a wetsuit (you’ll probably be comfortable in rashy), but in the winter you’ll want a 3/4.

Tips for beginners: Levante wind blows stronger and gustier than the Poniente, which makes it quite a lot harder to learn in. On top of that, the Levante wind often blows offshore, which should definitely be avoided for all beginner kitesurfers. Stick to Poniente days when the wind is between 15-25 knots cross/onshore.

>>>Check out bstoked kitesurfing experiences in Tarifa<<<

Top things to know when looking for kitesurfing lessons in Tarifa

1.What kind of lessons should I look for?

This will totally depend on how you learn best (and the great news is: there’s quite a lot of different kinds of lessons to choose from, so you can really tailor your experience to your personal taste).

Fancy learning in a social atmosphere with lots of others? Like the sound of combining kiting with other activities like yoga, SUPing, and sightseeing? A kitesurf camp is probably for you. Do you learn better when you’re without distraction? Feel like you need confidence boost? Go for a course with a private instructor. Already have some basic knowledge but feeling like you need a reminder? Sign up for a refresher course.

Instructor & student during a kitesurfing lesson in Tarifa

2. Is Tarifa suitable for total beginners?

Absolutely. Don’t be deterred by Tarifa’s reputation for strong wind; there are plenty of days where the weather is perfect for novice kiteboarders to get out and learn.

Of the two types of wind in Tarifa (Levante and Poniente), Poniente is the better one for beginners. It’s warm, cross-shore/on-shore wind that blows 15-25 knots, which is actually the best kind of wind to learn in.

As for the water conditions, granted, there aren’t many shallow water places (which a lot of beginners favour) but the deep water is arguably safer to learn in.

3. When is the best time of year to take kiteboarding lessons in Tarifa?

Since the weather is warm, the sun is shining, and the rain will be at bay, summer is the best time to take kitesurfing lessons in Tarifa. The high season for kiting runs from April-October and the tourist season peaks in July and August. Tarifa and some of its beaches become quite a bit busier in the peak summer months, so if you want to beat the crows, better to head there between April/May or September/October.