Everything You Need to Know About Kitesurfing

We compiled together a comprehensive guide that includes all the necessary information you will need to do kitesurfing. You can find below useful explanations on basic kitesurfing terms and how to do it. Moreover, the most popular locations for kitesurfing in Turkey and all around the world are waiting for you to discover.

What is Kitesurfing?

what is kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is a mixture of many action sports like surfing, windsurfing, paragliding, and skateboarding. In its essence, kitesurfing is about riding and gliding across the water while holding onto a large hand-controlled kite that is powered by the wind. Kitesurfing is also known as kiteboarding and you don’t need waves to ride the board on the sea, wind and your board should be doing all the work. Kitesurfing is a fairly new competitive professional sport but has been around as a recreational activity since the late 1970s.

Basic Kitesurfing Terms

Being able to properly communicate with your fellow kiteboarders is a good skill to have on the water. If you familiarize yourself with some of the most common terms, you will also spend less time to understand the basics.

Knot

A knot is one nautical mile per hour and one knot is equal to 1.15 miles/ 1.85 kilometers. The knot is a wind speed measure term used in kiteboarding.

Offshore Wind

Offshore wind means that the wind is blowing to the water from the shore. It is strongly suggested not to ride in offshore winds since you can end up in somewhere too distant from the land.

Upwind/ Downwind

Upwind is riding against the direction of the wind and downwind is the direction toward which the wind is blowing.

Chicken Loop

Chicken loop is the loop that connects the rider to the hook on the bar control system.

Quick Release

Quick Release is a safety release system that allows the rider to release from the kite or the leash in an event of strong offshore wind.

How to do Kitesurfing?

how to do kitesurfing

For beginners, it is important to have classes to learn the basics. After completing the basics, you just need to keep on practicing the fundamental moves. In three days, you will be riding with confidence.

Kitesurfing Equipment List: What Equipment is Needed for Kitesurfing?

kitesurfing equipment

Kite

Kite is the main source of power that will gather wind to keep you moving on the water. There are various kites which are specially designed for different purposes but it is best to get a large kite that is easily controlled.

Control Device and Ropes

In kitesurfing, you should have four or five ropes that connect you and your control device to the kite. It is best for you to have special kitesurfing ropes that can float on the water.

Kiteboard

A kiteboard is a necessary piece of equipment for kitesurfing and comes with various types such as twin-tip, light-wind, directional, and foil kiteboards. They all have their advantages and disadvantages but twin-tip kiteboards are the most common ones and can be used in almost any kitesurfing discipline.

Life Jacket

A light life jacket is a must to wear during kitesurfing even if you are a skilled swimmer.

Harness

A body harness is a useful piece of equipment that eases the tension from your arms and connects your torso to the control device.

Helmet

The helmet is there to protect your head from strong winds and falls. A waterproof helmet would be the best choice for kitesurfing. If you are planning to travel with your equipment, there might be additional costs. You can click here to check the extra services price table.

Useful Tip for Kitesurfing

You should always be aware of the length between you and the shore since offshore wind poses the danger of being carried far out to sea.

When is the Best Time for Kitesurfing?

when is the best time for kitesurfing

Although kitesurfing is enjoyable in all around the year with enough wind, the summer season can be considered as the best time for kitesurfing since the weather is warm and dry.

Best Locations for Kitesurfing in Turkey

İzmir

Alaçatı, Urla, Çeşme

İzmir is one of the largest and most influential cities of western Turkey. The city is a prominent summer destination with millions of local and international tourists annually with its worldly famous districts such as Alaçatı, Urla, and Çeşme. Alaçatı district has the best weather conditions for kitesurfing and is a global attraction center for it with annual championship races. Urla and Çeşme are also significant locations for kitesurfing in Turkey. Book your flight ticket to Dubai to enjoy kitesurfing and many other fun outdoor activities.

Muğla

Gökova, Datça, Fethiye

Muğla is located in the most southwestern part of Turkey and one of the most popular tourism destinations of the country with its clean sea, gorgeous beaches, and varied recreational activities. Gökova, Datça and Fethiye are amazing locations for kitesurfing and they are home to many local clubs. You can get your flight ticket to Dubai to discover the city and participate in a thrilling kitesurfing race.

Kilyos, Istanbul

Kilyos is a district of İstanbul and is located in the most northwestern part of the city. The district is known for its calm sea and vibrant social life during the summer season. In Kilyos, it is possible to enjoy kitesurfing. Book your flight ticket to Istanbul to enjoy Kilyos and its surroundings.

Antalya

Antalya is located in the southern part of Turkey and is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the country. Kitesurfing is a highly popular recreational water activity in Antalya. Book your flight ticket to Istanbul to discover the city and the sport.

Best Locations for Kitesurfing in the World

Abu Dhabi

There are many kitesurfing centers in Abu Dhabi where you can both learn and improve your kitesurfing skills. Kite Beach at Yas Island is a particularly famous spot for kitesurfing in Abu Dhabi. It within 20 minutes away from the downtown. Get your flight ticket to Dubai to have a unique experience kitesurfing experience.

Dubai

Dubai is one of the best locations for kitesurfing in the world with its ever-calm sea. In addition to its many modern attractions, the city has reputable kitesurfing clubs. Kite Beach is the ultimate place preferred by local kite surfers. Nessnass Beach is another great location for kitesurfing in Dubai. Book your flight ticket to Dubai to enjoy the city and the sport.

Barcelona

Barcelona is located on the western shores of the Mediterranean Sea and attracts millions of tourists every year. The city is home to a couple of kitesurfing clubs as well as many other water-related actions sports. No matter if you are a beginner or a pro kite surfer you can benefit from rental services that include instructed lessons offered by many kitesurfing companies in Barcelona. Castelldefels is regarded as one of the best beaches to do kitesurfing in Barcelona with its proximity to the city center. Book your flight ticket to Madrid to discover what the city has to offer.

Habo Ljung

Since Sweden is a country built upon thousands of islands amidst the strait between Denmark, it is a great place for kitesurfing. Habo Ljung, located at the city of Lomma, is a particularly favorite spot where the level of water is lower with strong wind blowing from the sea. Beaches of the city of Malmö which is about 20 km away from Habo Ljung are also great for kitesurfing. You can buy a flight ticket to Madrid and pick your favorite place to do kitesurfing in Sweden.

Tarifa

Tarifa which is located in the South of Spain is very appealing for kitesurfing lovers in Europe. Town Beach, the Lagoon, Los Lances and Valdevaqueros are famous spots to do kitesurfing in Tarifa. Although the climate is favorable throughout the year, the best period with consistent wind is from May to October. You can book your flight ticket to Madrid and hop on a train or bus to Tarifa.

Marseille

Mediterranean coast of Southern France is filled up with ideal spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Camargue Regional Park is particularly among the famous places to go for a kitesurfing vacation. Pointe Rouge is another small bay to enjoy the Mediterranean waves. Do not forget to buy your flight ticket to Marseille and embark on this thrilling adventure.

If you are planning to travel with your equipment, there might be additional costs. You can click here to check the extra services price table.

Sports Equipment Additional Fees

Kitesurfing