Spain in-depth: Adventure
Kitesurf in Spain
Kitesurf in Spain
The long white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Tarifa are paradise for thousands of athletes who love sailing sports – especially windsurfing and kitesurfing. They arrive from all around the world to this little corner of Southern Spain which has views of Tanger to enjoy kitesurfing in Spain
In Tarifa, the so called “capital of the wind,” the percentage of windy days registering a 4 on the Beaufort scale that ranges from 11 to 17 knots, is very high in any period of the year. This guarantees that you’ll be able to windsurf and kitesurf; temperatures and sunny days make the practice of these water sports favorable.
Over the last 15 years, the trend of windsurfing has changed to kitesurfing because of the versatility of tricks one can do while kitesurfing and the ease of transporting the equipment. Kitesurf boards fit easily into the trunk of a car and into specific bags in contrast to windsurfing boards which are heavy and have specific masts/booms needed for different wind conditions.
After one week of intensive courses with an instructor you will be able to ride the waves by yourself (if there are adequate wind conditions) even if you have never done this type of sports before. You’ll start by learning how to set up your equipment and the basic security measures followed by a few hours of learning how to control your kite on the sand. After this you’ll learn how to control it in the water and finally start doing so.
On the beach close to Tarifa there is a sufficient amount of space for the different schools to establish their own cordoned-off area, necessary to avoid getting in the way of other swimmers. Courses in small groups (4 people max) including liability insurance ranges from 80 euros, for a basic course, to 350 euros for one week.
The walled area with its medieval castle gives a special charm to the city, where you can relax after a day of wind or kitesurfing and enjoy tapas in a unique setting with restaurants and small shops in the little streets of the old town.
Around Tarifa, you can participate in other outdoor activities to enjoy the scenery such as mountain biking and horseback riding (Jerez de la Frontera, land of the Andalusian horse is also in Cadiz like Tarifa) which will allow you to admire beautiful sunsets next to the beach with Africa only a few kilometers away. You will also be able to walk along the ruins of Baelo Claudia at the foot of the large dune of Bolonia or go whale watching in the Strait of Gilbratar.
