Kitesurfing is a fashionable and incredibly beautiful sport. Surely you have more than once admired the multi-colored "kites" flying over the water, and dreamed of being in the place of these guys.
Learning to kitesurf is not easy. This is one of those sports that it is highly undesirable to learn on your own! The first steps should be taken under the supervision of an experienced instructor. So, if you decide to tame a kite, then first choose a place where you will do it.
To learn kitesurfing, two things are necessary: the presence of wind (and not all, but blowing in a certain direction and a certain strength) and the absence of large waves on the surface of the water. For beginners, only flat (smooth water surface) and chop (light excitement) are suitable. On strong waves, getting on the board for the first time is extremely problematic. In this regard, I want to say right away that you need to choose a place for training very carefully, to study the weather conditions exactly at the time when you are going there. Many unscrupulous schools claim that the conditions are ideal, and upon arrival you will encounter strong waves, which will significantly increase the time, and therefore the cost of education.
It takes 7 to 12 hours to get on the board and ride your first few meters. Training includes theory, safety, kite control technique, body drag (kite control in water without a board), start.
There are many places in the world suitable for learning kitesurfing, we will focus only on a few of them.
1. Egypt. Mainly Hurghada and Dahab. There are a lot of advantages: transport accessibility, low prices for accommodation, most of the year you can ride without a wetsuit, some of the best conditions for learning at most spots (even wind, suitable depth), many Russian schools. What to look for: there are not as many windy days as we would like, so stay tuned for the forecast and, just in case, take a voucher for a long time.
2. Crimea, Mezhvodnoe. There are excellent conditions for learning and some of the lowest prices in schools and accommodation. But the season does not last long - from June to mid-September.
3. Tarifa, Spain. It is a recognized mecca for wind kite and surfers from all over the world. Many international competitions are held here and you won't be bored at all. But for beginners there will be some difficulties: very heavy traffic and “uneven” water for the most part. At a certain time, a "puddle" with flat appears, but the number of kitesurfers there is even greater. The water is cool enough even in summer, as it is an ocean. There are also Russian schools.
4. Greek islands. In particular, Rhodes, Prasonisi. An ideal location from late May to early September. Very "surfer" atmosphere, people settle in tents and trailers on the shore. This is the place where two seas merge: on one there are always waves, on the other - flat. Of the minuses, one can only note the high prices for tuition and rent, especially taking into account the euro exchange rate.
5. Margarita, Venezuela. This is the “Latin American Tarifa”. An island in the Caribbean where it always blows, which makes it possible not to miss training days. The situation on the water changes with the course of the day: in the morning it is calmer. In addition, there is Koche Island nearby, where you can enjoy the absolute flat. Accommodation and food prices are incredibly low. But a very expensive flight, so it makes sense to go there for a long time.
6. Dominican Republic. The town of Cabarete, near the town of Puerta Plata. Water sports fans of all stripes also gather there. Everything is fine with the wind, but the surface of the water depends on the season, waves are frequent there. Tickets and prices on the spot are also not very low.
To practice kitesurfing, you will need: a wetsuit (if the water is cold) or a hydromic (sun protection), special glasses, sunscreen with a factor of at least 50 (or better 70-80) and, of course, money. It is a beautiful but very expensive sport.
