The 20 World’s best destinations for kitesurfing waves (Part 1)

For 10 years I have welcomed kitesurfers on the north shore of Peru where I have been living all this time. Riders coming from all over the world searching for the same Grail: Perfect wind and waves.

Each one of them has her/his own wish list of the best places for kitesurfing waves, and most have first visited various other wave kite spots before choosing Peru – mostly because there is less available information about this amazing region, it is still kind of a secret only known by the serious wave kite adventurer.

During the last decade, I have collected all of their knowledge of kitesurf-places around the world, systemized it and here it is, just for you!

Note 1: This is a list made by average kitesurfers for average kitesurfers, the details are reviews of guests and friends. Hence, some information may be approximate or maybe a little inaccurate.

Note 2: Also take into consideration that I am not cataloguing every wave points here. Each place can either be a point, an area, an island or a country… Since this is only a general overview, it is impossible to give a complete insight into each destination.

Collaborate: Please send me your comments to update the list and improve it. Thanks!

The Wild Kite Peru Kitesurf Wave Riding Gazette presents:

 

THE ULTIMATE

KITESURF WAVE RIDING

SPOTS MAP

Our Waveriding Formula:

Perfection of waves and consistency of wind ratio

  • Towards perfection
  • Fairly good conditions

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

No destination is perfect but each place is a new kitesurf adventure making the overall search for wave riding so fascinating!

So this is not a ranking order, I give the list to you (more or less) randomly:

Maui & Oahu, Hawaii

Jesse Richman charging Jaws. Kiterr.com – photo: Pierre Bouras

Wave Quality [1 to 5]

5

RIGHT / LEFT

Mostly right

Wind reliability [1 to 5]

5

Wetsuit

Boardshort

Hazards [1 to 5]

Reef

Crowds

Lots

Required level

Experts

No wind Attractions

Many

BEST PERIOD FOR WIND & WAVE IN HAWAII >

March to May and September

When we talk about waves and wind, the first point of call has to be Hawaii, the Mecca and one of the originating places for our sport.

However, although social media is filled with those perfect waves ridden by virtuosos Reo Stevens, Keahi de Aboitiz or Felix Pivec to name just three, I have not met many people who actually chose Hawaii for their kitesurf holidays in search of the best wave riding conditions. Is it maybe because Hawaii gives the impression that you have to be the elite to go there, or just because it is quite an expensive journey?

PROS:

  • Magic scenery
  • World-class waves
  • Strong winds
  • Water temperature
  • Obviously easier to get there when you live in USA

CONS:

  • Expensive destination
  • Crowds
  • Localism
  • Dangerous corals depending on the spot

Lakey Peak, Sumbawa, Indonesia

My good friend Ricardo enjoying the Indo Perfection!

Wave Quality [1 to 5]

5

RIGHT / LEFT

Left

Wind reliability [1 to 5]

2

Wetsuit

Boardshort

Hazards [1 to 5]

Reef

Crowds

Average+

Required level

Experts

No wind Attractions

Just surf

BEST PERIOD FOR WIND AND WAVES IN LAKEY PEAK, SUMBAWA > 

 June to September.

Featured in many kitesurfing movies, Lakey Peak is probably one of the best spots to ride waves with a kite, not many places in the world produces a barrel like in Lakey peak.

However, these perfect waves are not easy to come by, the spot is difficult to reach, has powerful waves with coral reef and you can have many continuous days with NO wind during the season – so it’s not a recommended destination if you are not also a surfer!

Indeed, some kitesurf adventurers – chasing the World’s best waves – who embarked on a long journey to find the Indo perfection, maybe had the privilege (and the level) to get barreled here…

PROS:

  • Maybe one of the most perfect wave to be ridden with a kite.
  • The Indo Vibe
  • Beautiful landscapes

CONS:

  • Far away destination, not easy to reach
  • Light wind, not very reliable
  • lack of facilities and hotels
  • Dangerous coral reef
  • Nothing to do except surfing and kitesurfing
  • Not for beginners kitesurfers

Le Morne, Mauritius island

The Kiteboarder Mag, Photo: Paul Lang

Wave Quality [1 to 5]

5

RIGHT / LEFT

Left

Wind reliability [1 to 5]

3,5

Wetsuit

Boardshort

Hazards [1 to 5]

5

Crowds

Many

Required level

All surfers

No wind Attractions

Average

 “BEST PERIOD FOR WIND AND WAVES IN MAURITIUS ISLAND >

  June to September.

When we talk about wave kitesurfing, Mauritius Island – in particularly the “One eye wave” – is undoubtedly another perfect and most consistent wave to be ridden with a kite.

As you all may have seen in kite magazines, the blue transparent waters of the island and the square shape of the wave make the most photogenic set-up. 

However, the “One eye wave” this is not a location for beginners.  What makes Mauritius island still a great wavekitsurfing destination for all levels is that there are different easier wave points such as Manawa, plus there are some flat spots to ride too, which makes this location a more complete kite location.

Being a victim of its own success, Mauritius, can, however, get overcrowded!

PROS:

  • Maybe one of the best and most consistent wave to ride with a kite
  • Several waves points for different levels
  • Direct flights from Europe
  • Transparent & warm waters
  • A postcard picture Island

CONS:

  • Very powerful wave + shallow sharp reef [One eye]
  • Presence of sharks
  • Dangerous currents
  • Overcrowded
  • Wind is not 100% reliable

North Shore Peru

Myself in Lobitos a long time ago.

Wave Quality [1 to 5]

4.5

RIGHT / LEFT

Left

Wind reliability [1 to 5]

5

Wetsuit

2/2 to 3/2

Hazards [1 to 5]

1

Crowds

Virgen

Required level

All surfers

No wind Attractions

Average +

BEST PERIOD FOR WIND AND WAVES IN NORTH SHORE PERU:

May to November

In order to stay objective in this review, I have asked one of my very last guests, Boaz, a good rider who has been chasing waves all over the world – to write a review of his recent Peruvian Experience:

“Northern Peru is one of the best kite surf wave destinations on the globe. Unlike many crowded spots, in Peru you can find yourself riding long powerful waves with strong winds all by yourself.

When a swell enters, waves can reach up to 2 meters with a period of 19 seconds. Even if the waves get big, they are still forgiving and easy to catch with beach breaks (no reefs).

Winds vary from side shore to side offshore. It is recommended to get a local guide with a 4X4 as some of the beaches are not accessible by 2X4.

You do need a 3/2 wetsuit for this location. When it comes to food, for those who love fish and seafood, Peru is a paradise! You can eat here amazing fresh fish like tuna, sword fish… at dirt cheap prices.”

Pros:

  • Perfect long left waves
  • Wind everyday
  • Empty spots
  • Forgiving beach point breaks
  • No wind activities and amazing gastronomy

Cons:

  • Need a 3/2 wetsuit on most spots
  • Need 4X4 for some location
  • Long journey to get there (but still less than north-east Brazil)

Western Australia

Kitesurfing Margaret River, Photo: Soul Kite Australia

Wave Quality [1 to 5]

4

RIGHT / LEFT

Mostly left

Wind reliability [1 to 5]

4

Wetsuit

3/2

Hazards [1 to 5]

4

Crowds

Average

Required level

All surfers

No wind Attractions

Average

favouriteBEST PERIOD FOR WIND AND WAVES IN PERTH, AUSTRALIA:

November to March

Around 10 years ago I was talking to a guy in charge of one of the biggest travel agencies that specialized in windsurf and kitesurf perú.  At that time, he mentioned to me that his favourite spot was Australia!

Except from him, however, I do not have much feedback about the Australian wave riding spots.

[Last Update]: As someone just brought to my attention: “Australia has [a huge] coastline across three different oceans, many different climates and terrains, everything from tropical coral reef waves to cold water slabs and anything in between.”

Then it seems you will have to find out on your own as it looks to be nearly impossible to know all the spots 🙂

PROS:

  • The Australian vibe
  • The perfect surf road trip
  • A wide variety of spots around Perth
  • Good waves

CONS:

  • Expensive destination
  • Presence of sharks and most of the inventoried nasty animals on earth
  • Far away no matter where you are coming from.

Cape Town, South Africa

Abel Lago kitesurfing South Africa

Wave Quality [1 to 5]

3.5

RIGHT / LEFT

Mostly left

Wind reliability [1 to 5]

5

Wetsuit

3/2 - 4/3

Hazards [1 to 5]

3.5

Crowds

Average

Required level

All surfers

No wind Attractions

Lots!

BEST PERIOD FOR WIND AND WAVES IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA >

October to March

South Africa is a must-do for any series kitesurfer in particular the kite surfer looking for waves!

In its nature as its best, the wild Atlantic Ocean provides wind almost every day, and there is almost always some kind of swell.

The scenery is unique, kilometers of long deserted beaches of white sands and not a building around. Downwinder’s are just magical around Cape Town. There are plenty of wave spots to explore, and probably the best after kite spot in the world when there is no wind: go climbing, trek the natural parks, visit wine areas, or party in the city…

PROS:

  • Vibrant Cape town
  • Lots of spots and downwinders
  • So many activities to do apart from kiting.
  • Strong winds

CONS:

  • Need a 4/3 wetsuit
  • Presence of Sharks
  • Sometimes wind is too strong! This can make the waves very messy.

Madagascar (South West)

Video Addikt F-one (see from 8,20 mn)

Wave Quality [1 to 5]

5

RIGHT / LEFT

Mostly left

Wind reliability [1 to 5

4

Wetsuit

Boardshort to 2/2

Hazards [1 to 5]

5

Crowds

Virgen

Required level

Expert

No wind Attractions

Not much

BEST PERIOD FOR WIND AND WAVES IN MADAGASCAR >

June to October

Just by pronouncing the name of the island-country is enough to put oneself in a dreaming state. Most of you (the oldest) will remember Addikt, the Bandit Dos F-one video promotion with Mitu Monteiro and Raphaelle Salles riding those perfect turquoise waves 50cm deep water and sharp corals…?

Madagascar is a dream, but not the easiest and safest one. The two main kitesurf places are: the paradisaic Esmeralda sea in the north with a wind swell wave spot, but perfection is to be found in the southwest of the country!

PROS:

  • Perfect waves (in the southwest)
  • A magnificent country to visit
  • Water temperatures
  • Very strong winds

CONS:

  • Difficult to get to and not easy to travel once you are there (especially southwest)
  • All kinds of hazards and no much emergency response if something goes wrong
  • Sharp razor reef

Ponta Preta, Sal, Cabo Verde

Photo: Ydwer. During the GKA, Februrary 2019

Wave Quality [1 to 5]

5

RIGHT / LEFT

Mostly right

Wind reliability [1 to 5]

3

Wetsuit

Boardshort

Hazards [1 to 5]

4

Crowds

Lots

Required level

Experts

No wind Attractions

Average-

BEST PERIOD FOR WIND AND WAVE IN SAL, CABO VERDE >

December to May

Cabo Verde has become a prime destination pushed by the world’s most famous wave riders Mitu Monteiro, Airton Cozzolino, Matchu Lopes. But Punta Preta, one of the main spots in Cabo comes with challenging conditions, and only works with a decent swell.

PROS:

  •  Super Friendly people
  • Transparent warm waters
  • Very consistent waves

CONS:

  • Not the cheapest destination
  • Need to go there with a good wave forecast
  • Punta Preta is not a wave for beginners-average kitesurfers
  • Wind is not 100% guaranteed

Punta San Carlos, Mexico

Photo: Solo Sports

Wave Quality [1 to 5]

4

RIGHT / LEFT

right

Wind reliability [1 to 5]

5

Wetsuit

3/2

Hazards [1 to 5]

4

Crowds

Average-

Required level

All surfers

No wind Attractions

Just surf

 BEST PERIOD FOR WIND AND WAVES IN PUNTA SAN CARLOS, MEXICO >

South swells – Spring & Autumn

As it is only a 9 hours drive from the Californian border, most of my American waverider’s friends have been to Punta San Carlos. The General comment is “it’s awesome man, the wave isn’t the most aggressive, but it’s sooo long”.

To get there, however, you need to prepare your vittle and set-up as it is in the middle of nowhere. Wind is very strong at night too, so a tent is not the best option for a deep sleep. If you don’t own a fancy campervan and do not want to sacrifice on comfort, you can still book a trip with a camper, which comes with all included high-end camping.

PROS:

  • Long perfect wave to rip
  • Consistent wind with very highest statistics
  • Off-shore wind (you can pay pangas – local fishermen boats – in case of a rescue)
  • You’re camping in the nature, which is cheap and fun

CONS:

  • Cold waters
  • Nothing to do off the water

Puerto Rico

 Photo: Justin Bruns/Wavelength for The Kiteboarder Magazine

Wave Quality [1 to 5]

4

RIGHT / LEFT

right

Wind reliability [1 to 5]

Average

Wetsuit

Boardshort

Hazards [1 to 5]

3

Crowds

Average

Required level

Experts

No wind Attractions

Lots

BEST PERIOD FOR WIND AND WAVES IN PUERTO RICO:

December to April, February and March if you want to maximize your swell chances.

Although Puerto Rico is not a destination with much visibility on the web and social media, at least outside the US, I have always heard good reviews from friends.

Shacks beach seems the place to be if you are at least of an intermediate level (small beach/reef break), but there are others spots, you can just kite in the city of San Juan in front of Playa las Marias, which has some nice waves in the outer reefs.

PROS:

  • Good quality waves that can hold big size
  • Smile, you’re in the Caribbean
  • A lot to do apart from kitesurfing
  • Warm waters

CONS:

  • Shallow waters and sharp reef in most places
  • Presence of sea urchins at Shacks, “they sting, believe me” (a happy stung friend)
  • For advanced wave riders only
  • Expensive destination
  • Wind in the Caribbean is never assured

So what’s your personal favourite spot?

Do you have something you would like to add or correct about this list of the best places for kitesurfing waves?

Please leave us a comment below.

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The 20 World’s best destinations for kitesurfing waves (Part 2)

7 Comments

  1. Philippe Ajello

    Tres bon boulot, vraiment.
    Pour avoir posé mes dérives sur certains de ces spots (lacky peak, punta preta, Mada sud, et beaucoup Maurice), peu de choses à critiquer.
    Ceci dit, perso je recherche de + en + la zenitude dans les vagues, j’y vais donc hors saison. Du coup je kite forcément moins, mais les sessions à 3 ou 4 potes sur des vagues de classe +++ sont mémorables… Et on arrête un peu de vivre uniquement pour le kite, ça détend. ..
    Alors, si un jour tu as le groooos courage de t’atteler à la tâche, faire la même chose avec la qualité de ces spots “hors saison”, je serais évidemment preneur!
    En tout cas bravo et merci.

    Reply
    • Kaf

      In englih please filippe

      Reply
  2. Daniel

    Great article!
    I noticed the photo of you is in Lobitos- is kiting in Paracas pretty much the same- in terms of temperature, wind, consistency, etc.?

    Reply
    • Axel

      Thanks a lot Daniel! No, Paracas is quite far from Mancora, something like more than 20 hours driving south. Hence it is colder and the wind season is not the same. There are wave spots in the natural Reserve of Paracas but the best out there is about the flat lagunes.

      If you want to know more about Peru as a kitesurf destination, find here our complete guide: https://wild-kitesurf-peru.com/kitesurfing-peru/guide-of-the-best-kitesurfing-spots-in-peru/

      Reply
  3. Paulo Malta

    Excelent article! I m from Brazil and planning to go to Peru In May.
    I vê already surf in Lobitos, piscinas , mancora… but never kitesurfing There.

    Reply
    • Axel

      Thanks Paulo!! May is a great time to kitesurf waves. Let us know when you’re coming.

      Reply

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