Sommaire pour 2017 Travel Guide de Kiteworld Magazine

ON THE WATER Langebaan is essentially flat water heaven! This huge, turquoise lagoon is set in the rugged terrain and dazzling natural beauty of the west coast with plenty of space, white-sand beaches and constant cross-shore winds during the season. This is one of South Africa’s top kite spots and it’s especially good if you’re not into waves and want to avoid the seemingly endless swells that Cape Town, 90 minutes south, can produce. A more beginner-friendly spot than Cape Town due to the lack of shorebreak, the two main spots in Langebaan are Shark Bay (Kleine Oostewal) and Main Beach. (There is another spot downwind of Main Beach, but the wind is offshore and therefore for advanced kiters only.) Shark Bay is 300 metres south of Langebaan village and…

ON THE WATER Lesser known than the southwest of the island for its kitesurfing credentials, there are fantastic conditions to be found on the east coast of Mauritius in Belle Mare and, as a result, you’ll find less crowds there! The winds are generally calmer in the east than they can be in the south and the prevailing easterlies hit this stretch of coastline cross-on from the right, so you can expect to ride the awesome lagoons around Belle Mare on your nine to 12 metre kites. Stay at the Maritim Crystal Beach hotel in Belle Mare and you can experience the full ‘bed to board’ experience by kiting on the private Palmar Beach where the Kite Globing centre is located. Safe and convenient, when you think of hotel-side cruisy…

ON THE WATER Soma Bay is a world class watersports location. The peninsula plays host to an awesome kite centre providing a safe, professional service in a spot without the crowds of some other wellknown kiting destinations. The wind blows steadily cross-shore over the flat, warm water and the spot also boasts the 7BFT KiteHouse with all its amenities as well as a variety of hotel options close by. There are two riding spots in Soma Bay. The main one is in front of the majority of hotels and centres with relatively flat water, even in stronger winds. Cross / cross-offshore conditions in the morning switch offshore in the late afternoons. This spot is also patrolled by two safety boats and is split into two areas; one for the kite…

ON THE WATER The Crystal Coast offers a variety of wild kiteboarding experiences. Bogue Banks is a 21-mile south-facing barrier island which gives easy access to the Atlantic with awesome conditions to be had for all levels and riding styles at Coast Guard Point in Emerald Isle, NC. You can find waves on the outer bar with flat water on the inside (depending on tides) and there’s prime downwinder terrain that allows you to kite end-to-end, from one tip of the island to the other. The ocean side of ‘The Point’ has two large sandbars with some tidy surf rolling over the outer bar at high tide and beautiful butter-flats at low tide. On the opposite side of the island Bogue Sound has a seemingly endless array of flat-water locations…

ON THE WATER Uruaú is a small village to the south of Fortaleza with perfect, steady winds that are ideal for riders looking to learn or progress. You can kite in the lagoon, which featured in the movie Chapter One, with its super smooth flat water, or out on the open ocean if you’re looking for waves to shred or kickers to launch from. Unlike some of the more well known spots in Brazil, Uruaú is still a gem as it’s not too close to a busy town and doesn’t get the influx of riders at the weekend that some other spots do. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The season begins in mid-July and ends in mid- January with characteristic ‘hairdryer’ winds that this area of Brazil is known for. The…

ON THE WATER On the south coast of St Lucia you’ll discover a picturesque, tropical coastline with incredible scenery that would look perfectly at home on a postcard (and is frequently depicted on them). There’s world class kiting, be your preference wave riding or flat water, while the easy-going nostress Caribbean vibe of St Lucia only adds to the qualities that make this an ideal kiting getaway. There’s a wave spot at Coconut Bay that works when the Atlantic swells push in, and the cross-shore conditions are great for experienced and novice riders alike. Head upwind and you’ll find flat water and there’s a safety boat on hand, but you shouldn’t need it as the beach curves into wind so you’ll end up back at the southern end if your…

ON THE WATER Very easily accessible from all European countries, the Algarve in the southwest of Portugal has 200 kilometres of coastline, some 70% of which is in protected nature reserves that are ripe for exploring with or without a kite. On the east coast you’ll discover lagoons surrounded by dunes, sheltered bays on the central coast and powerful Atlantic swells in the west. This area can be busy with beachgoers in the high season but there are less crowded beaches across its vast and varied coastline that features dedicated wave spots like Carrapateria with mellow summer waves and big swells in the winter, to the flat lagoons in Alvor that really help your rapid riding progression. There’s also the island chain of Rio Formosa, a short boat ride away,…

ON THE WATER Flag Beach’s open, sandy beach is long with protective reefs at both ends making it quite unlike many of the beaches in this part of the island. Kiters and windsurfers are separated into their own zones with the kiting zone just upwind of the windsurfers in the predominant wind which blows from the left. Cotillo is on the west coast and reasonably close to Flag Beach, but you need to know the spot before you head out as there are rocky sections every hundred metres or so. It has a little more current than Flag Beach but the kiting is still good and, in the winter, it’s a fantastic wave spot that pros regularly come to ride. Wave riders will also like Glass Beach (Playa del Burro)…

ON THE WATER In the northeast of the island of Sicily, Lo Stagnone lagoon is 2,000 hectares – an enourmous expanse of kiteable flat water. The spot works with any wind direction and you’ll find launching areas out front of the kite centres on the main beach. Although it’s not tidal, the height of the water can change depending on the wind direction. On a southerly you’ll get a warm wind with plenty of lift and on a northerly, (the prevailing direction in summer), you’ll get mirror flat water tucked in behind the old ‘salina’ (salt plain) walls that line the north end of the lagoon and in the lee of the island in the middle of the lagoon. The water is never more than a metre deep with a…

ON THE WATER The beach at Theologos catches the steady Meltemi winds coming cross / cross-on from the left. The waters are beautifully clear with no rip tides or currents and, with a huge beach to work with, there’s plenty of space for everyone. Short chop is the norm but you can get some waves when a northerly wind comes through in April and October and this is an ideal foiling location with vast expanses of deep, obstruction-free water to explore. Theologos beach is the best spot on the island for all levels but there’s also Prasonisi at the southern end of the island with the Aegean Sea on one side which can take some solid three metre swells and, on the other side, there’s the Mediterranean Sea with super…

ON THE WATER Sri Lanka isn’t yet as well known as some of the more long-established kitesurfing destinations but it’s growing in popularity every season and the Kalpitiya region in the secluded northwest of the country is where it’s happening! People who’ve been there frequently claim that it’s one of the best kiteboarding destinations they’ve ever been to and it’s easy to understand why. There are consistent winds throughout the year, numerous flat water spots, some onshore waveriding (depending on the season), and around 100 kilometres of terrain that’s just waiting to be explored on downwinders. The main spot is Kalpitiya Lagoon, otherwise known as ‘Big Lagoon’ which is just outside town and the most frequently kited lagoon in the area. Working best in the dry season between November and…

ON THE WATER Hidden Beach on Palawan Island is a mecca for flat water kitesurfing. A large mangrove sanctuary is protected by a reef a kilometre from shore that provides waist-deep water on a high-tide, making it ideal for beginners. However, for shredders, there are also three Jibstruction features for wakestyle riders as used in this year’s Kite Park League event. There’s plenty of space to explore for freeriding if you’re not into riding sliders and the beachside facilities are top notch. A kite school has trained beach boys who will help you rig, launch and land your kite. If you’re an advanced rider rent a boat and explore the nearby pristine white beaches where you’ll be the only kiters in sight and enjoying steady winds that are ideal for…

CALABRIA, ITALY With acres of open, deep water and steady Mediterranean winds, Hangloose Beach is one of the best spots in Europe to really progress your foiling. Many an international racing event has been held here, the most recent of which was the KiteFoil Gold Cup, and there’s a reason why Calabria has earned such a reputation as a foilboarder’s dream with unbroken winds, no reefs or sandbars to collide with and some vibrant parties after hours. More on page 124 RHODES, GREECE Offering the chance to experience Greece as it used to be, Rhodes is unspoiled and, more importantly, un-crowded. The winds are light in the morning before building through the afternoon and there’s a huge amount of space to explore with very few obstructions. It can get pretty…

LIP SPORTS The LiP Surge watershade comes with PC polarized lenses that are hydrophobic, scratch resistant and offer 100% UV protection. The TR90 frame is flexible, light weight and durable with inbuilt vents to prevent fogging and has complete peripheral vision. The shades are secured in place by LiP’s Bombproof clip-on safety leash and retainer system and come complete with an EVA case and microfiber cleaning bag. www.lip-sunglasses.com NORTH Luggage takes a beating when you travel so it’s worth having bags that are up to the task. The North Combi Bag is available in a range of sizes to fit twin-tips or surfboards from 139 to 190cm and is lightweight and compact to help you stay within your baggage allowance. The smaller sized bag comes in at 3.6kg while the…

ON THE WATER Consistently playing host to some of the world’s best riders from October to March, Cape Town is also the home of the Red Bull King of the Air extreme big air contest. If you want to jump high, the wind is unbeatable and the area boasts 30+ kite spots, offering a huge variety of riding, from flat water to five or six metre waves. Also, unlike most good kite spots, you’re right on the edge of one of the world’s most vibrant cities, offering endless entertainment, from the stunning wine lands and the culture of the city, to the parks and wildlife centre visits with the kids. Most kiting is in the northern part of the Cape Peninsula and, depending on the day, you can find everything…

ON THE WATER Situated on the edge of the Western Sahara desert, the Dakhla peninsula shelters a huge 45 kilometre long flat water lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean, so whatever your level and riding preference, you’re likely to be covered. The most popular areas are around the kite camps, but a few kilometres south you’ll find the famous ‘speed spot’, offering phenomenal flat water. Check with centres for safety boat cover. The lagoon can be ridden at both high and low tide, though high tide provides the best opportunity for beginners as the water is waist-deep. For advanced riders the flat water at low tide doesn’t get any better. There are also a variety of wave spots between a five and 20 minute drive with great conditions, particularly during the…

ON THE WATER A playground paradise for all watersports lovers, 220 kilometres south of Hurghada, El Naaba in Marsa Alam feels far away from mass tourism on the edge of the desert. If you’re looking for a simple, peaceful and relaxing holiday, it’s ideal. A hundred metres offshore there’s a round, potato-shaped reef that protects the beach from shorebreak and focuses the waves out on the reef, separating two bays: Beach Bay and Surfers Bay. Kitesurfing and windsurfing take place in Surfers Bay and there’s an additional kite lagoon with no windsurfers or swimmers. Riders of all levels will be happy there and you can even find some small wave riding conditions sometimes directly out front of the kite centre at Surfers Bay. The first 50 metres are shallow and…

ON THE WATER Nestled on the edge of the crystal clear Sea of Cortez, La Ventana is serviced by a northerly wind that blows consistently from November through April, peaking in January and February. Long reaches out into the bay and endless downwinders await from the four main launch spots, ranging from the hot springs to the north, Rosta Beach, the campground and south beach near the hotels. January and February can kick up a little swell, but this is not a wave spot by reputation. What you will find are vast acres of space for freeriding and freestyle and all that open water makes La Ventana an ideal foiling destination on the lighter wind days. Also, with so many launching / landing spots, you can embark on epic two…

ON THE WATER Boasting golden-sand beaches, consistent sun and southeasterly trade winds from June through until February, Cumbuco is just 40 minutes north of Forteleza and the kiting happens across a spacious six kilometre long beach that’s dotted with pousadas and apartments all the way along - so you’ll be kiting right off your doorstep. There’s a small shorebreak with choppy water behind that and some sandbanks that create small waves. The infamous Cauipe Lagoon is six kilometres downwind of Cumbuco. You can easily ride downwind or take a buggy ride to it and there’s usually a buggy to give you a lift back as well. The water in the lagoon is shallow and butter flat and there are no concrete buildings to obstruct the wind - just coconut trees…

ON THE WATER A three to four hour drive from Fortaleza, Preá beach is considered one of the best kitesurfing spots in Brazil with reliable conditions and cross onshore winds blowing across 14 kilometres of golden sands. It’s ideal for beginners and riders of any level as the beach is huge and many kiteboarders get a daily transfer from Jeri to kite here in the accessible and fun cross-onshore conditions. Stay at Rancho do Peixe and you have luxury and convenience, including help from beach boys who will set all your gear up for you. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The wind in Preá is considerably stronger than the spots to the south, blowing on average at least 25 knots from the east or northeast from July to January; strongest in…

ON THE WATER Just an hour from Miami and even closer to Cuba, the Cayman Islands is a collection of three islands, Cayman Brac, Big Cayman and Little Cayman. Kiteboarding happens on Big and Little Cayman with classic, warm, blue, tropical Caribbean waters and the reliable trade winds that blow steadily down through the island chain. There are two seasons in the Caymans. In summer you’ll get southeasterly trade winds and in winter the wind switches to blow from the northeast. For kitesurfing the winter is the key season with the strongest trades. November to July deliver steady winds and waist-deep lagoons making the Caymans a great place to learn and really progress. There are a number of different spots on Grand Cayman that the local kite schools will take…

ON THE WATER Part of the Dutch Caribbean, Bonaire is a small island 50 miles north of Venezuela with regular flights from Europe, the US and South America. Atlantis Kitebeach is the main spot on the island’s southern tip with a sandy beach for launching and landing, steady offshore winds and butter flat water. The bay is wide so it never gets crowded and it’s an ideal spot for beginners, freestyle progression and for foiling thanks to its deep sandy bottom. There are safety boats and a school right on the spot who can also guide you on downwinders and kitesurfaris from there to the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire. WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Bonaire has over 300 days per year of usable wind with steady northeast trades averaging 18…

ON THE WATER Known as the wind capital of Europe and within sight of Morocco, Tarifa is the epicenter of European kiteboarding with strong, reliable winds all year round and is set alongside ten kilometres of wide, sandy beaches, reaching from Tarifa town up to Las Dunas. There are more schools here than in perhaps any other single kiting destination as well as over 40 kiteboarding related businesses being based here. The percentage of top riders who’ve grown up here or chosen to make Tarifa their home is high. July and August can get seriously busy and, even with several kilometres of kiteable beaches around Tarifa, it can feel crowded in the height of summer with several hundred kiters out at weekends, so it’s important to stick to the designated…

ON THE WATER Located in the north of Sardinia near Palau, Porto Pollo boasts two large bays and seven kilometres of open sandy beach, making this an ideal destination for beginners, intermediates and advanced riders alike. The western bay is designated for kiteboarding with picture perfect turquoise waters, plenty of space and no tides to worry about. The terrain for kitesurfing offers much to many, as there’s a shallow water area, a wave spot and the added bonus is that surrounding hills funnel the wind so that it accelerates across the bay. Porto Pollo is well positioned to make use of a number of infamous wind systems, such as the Tramontana, Mistral, Poniente and Scirocco at different times of the year, so the kitesurfers here can enjoy a range of wind…

ON THE WATER Just off the west coast of Ireland, Achill Island has a dramatic coastline with towering sea cliffs (the highest in Europe). For the wave heads there are various beaches that can take any direction of wind or swell, but there are also spots to suit any level or discipline. Keel Lake is a vast flat water spot with shallow, fresh water that takes 180 degrees of wind, while Keel Beach is a perfect playground for freeriders and wave riders that works in southerly and southwesterly winds. You can get some awesome waves at the eastern edge of the bay where KSP events have been hosted in the past. There are two spots that take northerly winds on the northern edge of the island, Silverstand and Goldenstrand, and…

ON THE WATER Mui Ne has two seasons, one in summer and one in winter, which result in good wind conditions for 70% of the year. Two wind directions prevail with mainly southerlies in the summer season, which runs from May to October. In the winter season, from late October to the end of March, it switches northerly with stronger and more consistent winds. February and March are the best months with conditions to suit any style or level of rider. There’s choppier water with a shorebreak at the main spot of Mui Ne that builds as the wind picks up and this is where most people kite. The wind is lighter in the mornings, making it a good time for beginners and then the chop and wind swell form solid…

ON THE WATER One of the most remote atolls in the world and sitting in the Indian Ocean trade wind route, this magical and unique group of islands offers unreal flat water freeriding, fantastic learning conditions and some very adventurous kitesurfing. Kite Beach is at the southern tip of West Island where the wind is cross onshore and blows cleanly between West and South Islands with waist deep water, a sandy bottom and a little bit of coral. Mostly flat water with some wind chop, it’s perfect for beginners, intermediates and advanced riders but works only on a mid to high tide. There’s also boat support on hand thanks to Zephyr Kite Tours. Other spots like Long Beach and Sweet Spot can be reached via downwinder or by car. Levis…

Heading away on your first kiteboarding trip is a special time and a rite of passage. There’s the flurry of excitement as you thumb through back issues of the Travel Guide comparing wind stats, the excitement as you imagine what the conditions will be like, the discussions among friends about which destination will have the best après-kite scene and the endorphin rush as you put your faith in the wind gods and book your trip. We’ve compiled some tips and things to consider that might help as you plan your first kiting holiday! CHOOSING YOUR DESTINATION The main advantages with choosing to learn kitesurfing on a holiday are that the wind conditions are usually more favourable than home and, combined with you having taken the time off to dedicate to…

ON THE WATER Uninterrupted southeast trade winds blow thousands of miles towards Mauritius from May to October, lighting up wave spots on the north, east and south coasts with incredible conditions. Le Morne is situated in the southeast corner and offers riding for all levels, with trade winds from the left and a wide expanse of flat water inside the protective reef 600 yards offshore. ‘Small reef’ is a fun right hand wave in front of the Indian Ocean Resort, breaking over a sandy bottom. ‘Manawa’, a kilometre off the beach, is best at high tide and tends to kick up bigger, more rolling waves than other breaks, but isn’t as fast or hollow as the infamous ‘One Eye’. Last year the cross-off conditions at One Eye provided epic conditions…

ON THE WATER Essaouira is just a few hours flight time from anywhere in central Europe, but visually and culturally it feels like you’ve travelled much further, with its vibrant old medina and bustling fishing harbour. Known as ‘the windy city’, the vast, sandy beach that stretches for six miles offers you enourmous space and freedom on the water. The best kiting is found towards the left side of the bay, away from the town, where the beach is less crowded and the wind more constant. The curved shape of the bay and cross-on winds make it safe and kite schools offer safety boat assistance. Protected by the Mogador Islands and harbour, cross-shore winds from the right offer ideal conditions for beginner to expert. Find flat water up close to…

ON THE WATER Hatteras Island, 40 miles off the US mainland and reachable via a chain of small islands and man-made bridges, has countless locations for flat water and wave riding alongside seemingly endless downwinder terrain. It’s almost as if this place was custom designed for kiting... On the west side of the island you’ll find shallow flat water riding areas that are waistdeep for seven miles out and up to 60 miles north and south in the Pamlico Sound. If you need to relaunch your kite or just take a rest then you can do so in the waist deep waters; there’s a reason why literally thousands of people have come here to learn. It’s probably one of the best spots for beginners on the planet and there’s also…

ON THE WATER The main spot in Hood River itself is the sandbar where you’ll find choppy conditions further out with flat water close in near shore as well as the infamous Hood River slider park. There’s usually plenty of space to launch and land but this can change depending on the water level. Although gusty at times on the inside, it’s consistently windy throughout the season as the wind is funnelled down the river through the Columbia River Gorge. 50 minutes east of Hood you’ll find Rufus – an epic big boosting spot with rolling ramps coming at you from upwind at the perfect angle for edging into wind for take-off. The launch is rocky and exposed with limited rigging space, but has steady wind and some wind swell…

ON THE WATER Just 45 minutes north of Los Cabos international airport in Baja, Mexico, lies Los Barriles – a kiteboarding mecca for many American kiteboarders and, indeed, kiters from all over the world, looking for windy, warmer climes. Los Barriles and nearby La Ventana (just a 45 minute drive north) attract an eclectic mix of travelling kiteboarders, from veteran Californian watermen looking to live off the grid in their RVs, to former business executives searching for a comfortable retirement bolthole as well as younger kiters who travel south from the US and further afield to experience the abundant wind conditions and relaxed pace of life. Lured by boardshort compatible sea temperatures, reliable northerlies in the winter months and the consistent summer southerlies that are bolstered by local thermic effects,…

ON THE WATER Away from the crowds that you’ll find at some of the busier spots in the area, Taiba is a firm favourite of many pro riders who return seasonafter- season to this prime location on one of the world’s most well-documented stretches of kiting coastline. The state of Ceara is known for clean, consistent winds and Taiba has something to satisfy any kiter, with a protected flat-water lagoon for freestylers and beginners on less crowded days as well as cross-on wave riding and kickers on the ocean side of the beach. The waves are at their biggest outside the windy season and get bigger on a rising tide, sometimes up to three metres. On a low tide you’ll also find flat water outside the lagoon, which is great…

ON THE WATER Surrounded by dunes, fresh water lagoons and set in a national park, there are no proper roads, the entire town has sandy streets and there’s wind almost every day. Jericoacoara is a very special fishing village on the northeast coast of Brazil in Ceara, 330 kilometres northwest of Fortaleza. Close to the equator, it was once hailed as having one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world by the Washington Post. Boasting over 25 kilometres of beaches and solid wind blowing from June all the way through February, there are fantastic conditions (as long as you like strong winds) - flat water lagoons, river mouths and ocean waves - you’ll find it all in Jeri. There are four tides a day: two high and two…

ON THE WATER Cabarete offers several classic spots. Kite Beach is where the Mai Tai Freestyle Invitational, the opening stop of the WKL Freestyle tour, was held in 2016 and dramatically won by local hero Luis Alberto Cruz. It can get busy near to shore with advanced riders and beginners, but up or downwind you’ll have waves and open water to yourself and there are many other options besides. Take a trip directly east or upwind of Kite Beach and you’ll find Cabarete Bay. La Policia is just upwind of the windsurfing zone on the main beach and is the perfect playground for advanced riders. Bozo Beach, downwind in Cabarete’s main bay, has cross-onshore winds and flat to choppy water conditions, suitable for all levels while the more advanced can…

ON THE WATER Union Island is renowned for its iconic blue flat water and consistent, steady, cross shore winds as well as the infamous Happy Island that you can kite up to and have a drink at with your kite still in the air (decent kite-handling skills required!). Union Island is also where North chose to film their NKB academy videos due to the unreal, progression-friendly conditions on hand. The season runs from mid-November to mid-July with the peak months from Christmas to April. The most easily accessible spot on the island is kitebeach, home of the JT Pro Center kite school run and founded by North pro rider, Jeremie Tronet. The centre is affiliated with the Anchorage Yacht Club meaning you can book your rooms right at the kite…

ON THE WATER One of the most vibrant and buzzing cities in the world, Lisbon is rich in culture and history, but from our perspective it’s most unique in that there are prime kite spots and world class waves just 15 minutes from the city centre! It’s not uncommon to surf, SUP and kite all in the same day. Caparica and Carcavelos are the closest kiteable beaches, just 10-15 minutes drive from central Lisbon, with epic wave riding conditions when the Nortada fires up in the afternoon as well as some fantastic surfing in the calmer mornings. Both spots are suitable for beginners in the summer, but ask a lifeguard or a local where you can and can’t kite first as kitesurfing is strictly prohibited in some areas during the…

ON THE WATER This is a freeride paradise for intermediates and anyone who just enjoys getting on the water, hence the great atmosphere. Sant Pere has a long, sandy seven kilometre beach and with no tides or currents, the conditions are ‘lakeside’ safe with bump ‘n’ jump chop away from the shore. If you’re lucky you may also score a session with friendly, crumbly chest-high waves. In high summer months the afternoon sea breezes offer virtually guaranteed 15 knot onshore kiting in the bay, so this is of course the busiest time, but conditions are good outside of these months too, so also consider booking in late spring / early summer or late summer / early autumn. There’s still a good chance of sea breezes and the southern winds (side-on,…

ON THE WATER Located in the gulf of Lamezia Terme, Gizzeria offers fantastic learning conditions. Miles of obstacle-free beach along the Tyrrhenian sea coastline also offer added safety within the relative enclosure of the gulf as the waters remain mostly calm. If you’re looking to improve your foiling game, this place has superb conditions for cranking out high mileage distances within a stunning setting. Although ideal for beginners, Gizzeria attracts a lot of pro riders too thanks to the regular conditions. Each year Hang Loose Beach host an international riding competition called the ‘Aloha Surf and Beach Party’ in July, featuring concerts and all night parties and in 2016 played host to a stage of the KiteFoil Gold Cup. Look for more international racing events in 2017. There are other good…

ON THE WATER Keros is a safe, sandy three kilometre kitesurfing bay with a variety of conditions, suitable for all levels. Experience Greece as it was before mass-tourism, with friendly people, good food and tradition. Combine this with the famous Meltemi wind and turquoise waters and you have kitesurfing paradise. Keros beach offers three different spots in one bay: a super flat section at the north end where you can ride just feet from the shore, a bump ‘n’ jump section in the middle and a small (two to four foot) wave spot at the south end. No matter what happens you’ll end up back on the beach further round the bay. Sandy and shallow you can stand up safely in most places up to 80 metres from the beach.…

ON THE WATER Mannar is the most recently discovered kite destination in Sri Lanka and part of Adam’s Bridge, otherwise known as Rama’s Bridge. It’s a 50 kilometre chain of sandbars, islands and man-made bridges that almost links Sri Lanka to the Indian mainland and, it is thought, that it was passable on foot up until the 15th century when much of it was destroyed in a cyclone. Situated about three hours / 220 kilometres to the north of Kalpitiya, it’s a flat water heaven with over 36 kilometres of flat water that is almost totally unknown to most kiteboarders (for now). The guys from Kitesurfing Lanka were the first to explore the kiteboarding potential of the area around Adam’s Bridge and they’ve opened a centre there called Vayu which means…