Kitesurfing in Fuerteventura

Kitesurfing in Fuerteventura is one of the most popular water sports year-round, thanks to the island’s ever-present trade winds .

This sailing sport was born in 1999 as a variation of surfing and involves being towed by a kite.

It uses the wind as a propeller and is maneuvered through a bar, connected to the kite by thin Dyneema (synthetic fiber) or Spectra cables called “lines”, 22-27 meters long.

Kitesurfing in Fuerteventura combines the adrenaline and technique of surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, and snowboarding, guaranteeing  unique fun.

Fuerteventura , the oldest island of the Canary Islands , is one of the most renowned destinations for kitesurfing , especially the Costa Calma area.

Windsurfing World Championship, a world-famous event, is held every year in this city of Fuerteventura.

Throughout the year, thanks to its mild climate and constant wind, the island of Fuerteventura is the ideal destination for practicing this discipline.

This Canary Island has everything you need to make it the ideal destination for a kite trip, also ideal for any non-kiter companions (including children).

 

Kitesurfing spots in southern Fuerteventura

The kitesurfing spots in Fuerteventura are divided into North and South Fuerteventura.

The island of Fuerteventura, with its long and narrow shape, makes it only a 2-hour drive from north to south by rental car.

Of course, reaching the kitesurfing spots in Fuerteventura is not possible by bus or taxi.

The most famous is the resort of Costa Calma , with the famous and renowned breathtaking beach of Sotavento .

The shape of the beach with the mountains behind it creates a Venturi effect that fuels the north-east winds.

It is a very refined wind, usually side off, that is, a wind coming from the land towards the sea, not perfectly perpendicular to the coastline.

The lagoon that forms at high tide is undoubtedly spectacular, offering postcard-perfect landscapes.

In the lagoon, kitesurfing courses have priority for beginners, or  intermediate to advanced level freestylers.

 

Kitesurfing spots in Northern Fuerteventura

There are also several kitesurfing spots in the north of Fuerteventura.

The Flag Beach spot

Flag Beach, a beautiful beach in the Corralejo Natural Dunes Park.

Here the predominant wind is the northeast trade wind which blows side on from spring to late summer.

The wind speed is around 20 knots.

The El Burro commercial

El Burro, known as Glass Beach, is a beach belonging to the Corralejo Dunes.

Very similar to Flag Beach in both conditions and exposure, with the only difference being that it is smaller.

Circular stone structures dot the shoreline, designed to shelter swimmers from occasional gusts of wind. 

Sunsets here are a sight to behold, especially when the sun dips behind the park’s volcanic backdrop.

On less windy days, this Fuerteventura beach is popular with beginner surfers.

El Cotillo beaches

El Cotillo , a splendid white beach about 2 km long in the northwest of the island.

This spot works with north-east winds and medium or high tide, thanks to the trade winds which are always favourable for kitesurfing in Fuerteventura .

Also thanks to the stormy waves on the beaches of El Cotillo , which see the most expert surfers dance.

The location of sandbars influences the best time to enter the water.

The Majanicho spot

Majanicho is a small and charming fishing village in the municipality of La Oliva  and its enchanting beach is perfect for kitesurfing lovers in Fuerteventura .

Playa de Majanicho is a wave surfing spot for beginners and intermediates, as the wind here generally comes side on and the waves are of good quality.

Entry and exit from the water is from the reef, so it is useful to bring shoes.

The Punta Blanca spot

Punta Blanca , near Playa Majanicho, a fabulous beach of white sand, surrounded by dunes and turquoise water.

At high tide, a lagoon forms that is large enough to allow for various kitesurfing courses.

 

Best time to kitesurf in Fuerteventura 

The best time in Fuerteventura for kitesurfing is the summer months of June , July and August .

These are of course the windiest months in Fuerteventura , but the island is perfect for water sports all year round.

These trade winds, which dominate Fuerteventura , are strongly influenced by the Azores anticyclone.

Autumn is the month with the least probability of finding wind in Fuerteventura , even though the entire Canary archipelago is dominated by trade winds all year round. 

 

The wetsuit: When is it needed and which one should you bring?

The water in the Atlantic Ocean is quite cool: in late summer it reaches 22 degrees, while in winter it drops to 18 degrees and a wetsuit may be necessary.

In summer it is often possible to do without a wetsuit, but when the wind blows strongly at least a neoprene top is needed.

In spring , a 3/2 or a 2/2 is sufficient.

If it’s sunny, a shorty will do the trick.

From December to March , pack a 3/2 or even better a 4/3.

 

Kitesurfing schools and courses

From north to south of Fuerteventura there are many excellent kitesurfing schools , with very professional, friendly and patient instructors.

In these schools they will guarantee you above all the “Rescue” or “Rescate” (in Spanish) service, that is, lifesaving.

Unfortunately, side-off winds blow you out to sea, and if you have problems with repairs or a breakdown in your equipment, it’s impossible to get back unless you’re on a jet ski.

Schools guarantee pick-up times until 4:30 PM. If you’re not attending a class or haven’t rented school equipment, each pick-up will cost €50.

So never venture into waters far from schools and never go into the water after 4.30 pm.

 

Some valuable tips:

• You absolutely must make sure that the teacher speaks a language that you know perfectly.
• Don’t rush out if conditions aren’t favorable. (Instructors won’t take you into the water in adverse conditions, anyway.)
• Don’t cheat on your level by trying to do things you’re not capable of.
• Learn ground theory, technique, safety rules and procedures well
• Ask your instructors (each of them has their own jet ski and only 2 students) to stay close to you and don’t hesitate to get out of the water if you don’t feel like it.