From the sand dunes of Morocco to the wave battered shores of Mauritius, kitesurfing camps are popping up around the world faster than groupies at a Guns n’ Roses gig (but ummm, that’s a topic for a different post, I guess).
For those of you looking to dive into the world of kitesurfing camps but aren’t sure where to start, start here:
We’ve narrowed down a selection of 10 camps around the world that we reckon are pretty awesome — whether you’re a total beginner or looking to build on skills you already have.
To give you the widest possible window in terms of season and location proximity (more info on all that in just a sec!) we’ve chosen a variety of locations around the globe, with each kitesurf camp offering something fairly unique to the next.
But before we look at the camps themselves, let’s briefly run through some housekeeping points so that you have a solid idea of how to choose which camp is the right one for you:
You might also like:
- 20 Brilliant Gifts for Kitesurfers this Holiday Season!
- Finally a Good Pair of Polarized Floating Sunglasses
- 5 Great Waterproof Smartwatches for Kitesurfing, Sailing or Surfing
- GoPro Hero 8 Black VS 7 VS Max: Current Discounts & Specs Comparison
First off, what exactly is a kitesurfing camp?
Good question — and one that sometimes falls to confusion.
Typically, a kitesurfing camp is a package deal that covers your accommodation, kite lessons, and equipment use. Some camps go further and also offer things like meals, non-kiting activities, and transport for one all-inclusive price (flights are sometimes offered, but most commonly not).
However, you’ll find just as many camps that charge extra for all those things — so it’s definitely worth reading the fine print, so as to ensure your budget actually fits the camp you’re considering.
In short though, kitesurfing camps are primarily about learning; your days will mainly be spent on the water under the guidance of a coach or instructor. This is a little different to what’s called a ‘kitesurfing holiday’, which is typically more geared towards intermediate/advanced kiters who are looking to experience a new place by kite — without the crucial learning aspect.
How do I know if I should join a kitesurfing camp?
Kitesurfing camps exist in all shapes and sizes — and to suit all levels of riders.
With that in mind, it stands to reason that theoretically you don’t need to have a minimum level of riding to go to a kite camp, and equally that you don’t need to be a beginner kiter to enjoy and learn from the experience (just make sure that whichever camp you’re looking at caters for your current level — which we’ve outlined in detail for each camp below).
Camps can be a great space to learn how to kiteboard for the first time, to progress (or refresh) skills you already have, and to push yourself to a higher level of riding.
Kitesurfing camps are also an awesome place to meet like minded people; those who are keen to learn more about the sport, enjoy the wind and the water, and experience a new place in a fun, social way.
If this sounds up your street, a kitesurfing camp is probably an awesome choice for you!
How to pick the right kitesurfing camp for you
There’s a handful of things to consider:
- Location: and not just whether they’re set on a tropical beach in the sunshine, which… is always a plus. But also how easy/difficult it is to get there from your current base
- Conditions: are they conducive to learning/progressing in the style you’re after?
- Cost: the cost of the camp itself + non-inclusive extras + flights
- Season: does the place’s windy season match up with your holiday dates?
- Type of accommodation: kite camps offer err’thing from yurts to luxury villas — so make sure you choose accordingly.
- Types of lessons: Private? Group? How do you learn best? Also keep an eye out for how many hours of lessons are offered by each camp. It differs — and just a few hours can make a huge difference.
- Culture/vibe of the place: your experience at a kite camp happens off the beach too; and this is extra important to consider depending on what your tastes are and who you’re travelling with.
There’s also a huge selection of niche kitesurfing camps on the market these days; some combining kiting with other sports like surfing, paddle boarding, and yoga; some girls-only camps; some which match kiting with cultural activities like language lessons; and advanced kite clinics with pro riders.
While all of the above can be awesome in their own right, this post focuses more on your classic kite camp format (kitesurfing lessons + accommodation), though each individual camp does indeed have its own unique spin. Check ‘em all out and see which one speaks to you!
Pssst: if you’d like to see us review some niche camps (or you run a camp that you think we should know about) we want to hear from you! Get in touch with us in a comment below — or via email which you can find on our about us page.
You might also like:
- 19 Epic Surf Camps in Bali
- Best Surf Movies on Netflix Right Now
- 5 Bombproof Kiteboard Travel Bags from Mystic, Dakine & More
- 9 Best Kiteboarding Locations in Asia (Updated 2019)
10 of the best kitesurfing camps around the world!
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. It means that at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission on the sale of certain products. We only recommend products that we trust and/or use ourselves.Tarifa, Spain
When to go: March-November
Nearest airport: Gibraltar, Jerez, Malaga, Seville
Suitable for: beginners, intermediate, advanced
Highlights: reliable wind, big kite community, buzzing nightlife, tapas
This 7-day course is a great all-rounder since it’s suitable for all levels of kiteboarders (a brilliant option if, for example, you’re a more experienced kiter and you have a friend or partner who might like to start learning). Totalling 15 hours of lessons, you’ll have 5 jam-packed days of kitesurfing in Tarifa, the kite capital of Europe and one of the windiest beaches in the world.
With a choice between a shared house or a private apartment, you’ll be based just a two minute walk from Tarifa’s Old Town and only a stone’s throw from the kite beach (with free transfers provided). Instructors are all IKO certified and you’ll have lessons either on your own or with a maximum of one other person — which is a recipe for fast progression.
Dakhla, Morocco
When to go: April-October
Nearest airport: Dakhla
Suitable for: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Highlights: desert landscape, remote countryside, flat water lagoons
Dakhla is one of North Africa’s most renowned kitesurfing hubs, with near constant wind and a dreamy mix of flat water and waves. This week-long kitesurfing camp would see you taking daily kite lessons (12 hours total; all levels are catered for) with breakfast, all transfers, and lagoon-side accommodation provided within the package. Those with a high enough level will also have downwinders to the white sand dunes and local oyster farms to look forward to.
This camp sets itself apart because you can actually choose how you’d like your lessons to happen — privately, semi-privately, or in a group — depending on how you feel most comfortable and how you like to learn.
Mannar, Sri Lanka
When to go: May-September
Nearest airport: Bandaranaike
Suitable for: beginners
Highlights: flat water, stunning nature, undiscovered spot, delicious food, warm weather
Sri Lanka is the holy grail when it comes to kitesurfing in Asia, and Mannar has been the country’s newest kite spot to open up — quickly earning a reputation for its consistent wind, flat blue water, and dreamy scenery. Plus, Wilpattu National Park and the cultural ruins of Anuradhapura are within easy day trip distance.
While there are many spots for kitesurfing along Sri Lanka’s windy west coast, Mannar sits north of them all. The spot faces out over the Bay of Bengal where you’ll find the underwater limestone shoal, Adam’s Bridge, thought to have once connected Sri Lanka and mainland India.
This 8 day kitesurfing camp offers 9-12 hours of lessons (depending on whether you choose to learn on your own or with other students), all your meals, spot transfers, and 7 nights’ stay in your own eco cabana right on the shores of the kitesurfing lagoon.
La Ventana, Mexico
When to go: November-April
Nearest airport: Manuel Márquez de León, Los Cabos
Suitable for: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Highlights: strong wind, established kite community, warm weather, margaritas, glamping
Over 8 days and 7 nights, this kitesurf camp will see you learning to fly on the windswept Mexican coastline amongst a super established kite community. With daily morning yoga sessions to start you off right, you’ll have 5 action-packed days of kite lessons in groups with no more than 8 students — a fab choice if you’re looking for a kite camp that guarantees a solid social aspect or if you feel like you’d progress best in a group setting.
The standard package will see you glamping in yurts on the shores of La Ventana (though upgrades are available if you prefer something a little more cushy). You’ll also have free access to the club’s snorkel gear, mountain bikes, and SUPs; and be invited to partake in their regular parties, evening bonfires, hikes, and margarita tasting sessions (yummmmm!!). For the mega adventurous amongst you, they even offer the chance to swim with whale sharks.
There’s TONS included in this package (possibly the most of any on this list) and seriously tasty discounts are up for grabs if there’s more than one person looking to join the camp, so we recommend clicking through and reading the full details.
El Gouna, Egypt
When to go: April-October
Nearest airport: Hurghada
Suitable for: beginners, intermediate, advanced
Highlights: flat water, reliable wind, night life,
The buzzing resort town of El Gouna is Egypt’s most renowned kitesurfing spot, and is known around the world as an awesome place for beginners to start learning kiteboarding for the first time (as well as for freeriders and freestyle addicts looking to progress in easy-going conditions). The spot features a wide sandy beach and flat warm water in a 500-meter wide lagoon — ideal.
This 7-day camp is packed with up to 24 hours of kitesurfing lessons over the course of 6 days. In addition, the package includes 6 nights’ stay in one of two cushy resorts near the lagoon, airport transfers, daily breakfasts, and GoPro/photo sessions to capture all your best moments. Lessons take place with groups up to 5 students big — so a good choice for those who thrive in a social setting.
This camp is also one of the better choices on this list for those travelling with kids, as one of the resorts offers free daycare at their kid’s club complete with supervised playgrounds, playrooms, and swimming pools (as well as pools, sun loungers, golf, and tons of live entertainment for the grown ups).
Cascais, Portugal
When to go: April-October
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Suitable for: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Highlights: surfing, wave riding, easy access for the city, beautiful nature
This one’s for the multi-sports lovers amongst you, as this camp has SUP, surf, and kitesurfing all rolled into one big, wet, salty ball of fun. Cascais sits on the coastline just west of Lisbon and offers easy access to Guincho Beach nearby — one of Portugal’s premiere kite spots.
In 8 days, this kite camp brings you for 10 hours of lessons at Guincho and Fonte da Telha. You’ll also be treated to 7 nights’ stay in a surf camp overlooking the Sinta Cascais Natural Park, daily breakfasts, and free spot shuttle transfers.
Let it be known that this side of Portugal is famous for its waves; so it’s an amazing spot if you’re an experienced kitesurfer looking to progress your wave riding skills, or if you’re like me and you like to follow up your kiting with surf sessions.
But beginners should keep in mind that big waves aren’t the easiest to learn in, so if you fall into the newbie category you should think about going for this camp during July/August when the waves are at their smallest.
Finally, this camp is an awesome choice for all you Europe-based folks who are looking for a kite camp in an easy-to-reach location, which is often the case if you’re under time constraints and really want to maximise your time on the water. Cascais is only 45 minutes away from Lisbon Airport — yasssssss!
Zanzibar, Tanzania
When to go: July-September
Nearest airport: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
Suitable for: beginner, intermediate
Highlights: easy-going conditions, multi-sport activities, tropical weather, insanely beautiful beaches
Ahhhh Zanzibar. You’re dreamy blue waters, mellow wind, and tropical island vibes got us ALL kinds’a in love with you. And if you’re anything like me, the aforementioned is enough to get you packing your kiteboard bag and booking a flight!
This 8-day kitesurf camp offers 5-9 hours of lessons (5 for private lessons, 9 for group) over 3-4 days, 7 nights’ stay in a beachside apartment, airport transfers, and daily breakfasts. Though the amount of lessons provided is a little on the slim side, this also means you’ll have more time off the water to explore beautiful Zanzibar and make the most of the other activities on offer — like diving, snorkelling, surfing, cooking classes, cultural tours, road trips, and exploring the nearby Jozani Forest.
A sweet option for anyone seeking a camp that offers a mix of kitesurfing and solo exploration.
Le Morne, Mauritius
When to go: June-November
Nearest airport: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport
Suitable for: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Highlights: surfing, amazing waves, incredible scenery, solo exploration
Le Morne’s strong wind, barreling waves, and beautiful scenery are well known in the kitesurfing world.
This 9-day camp would see you complete 10 hours of kitesurfing lessons over 5 days (which, in the unlikely case of no wind, would be exchanged for surfing lessons) — a good choice for those of you with an inclination towards both sports. Lessons take place in groups of 2 students max — a nice balance between focused learning and socialising.
You’ll be staying in a private room in the dedicated kite house, with other kitesurfers sharing the space with you. In between your lessons, you’ll be whisked off to Mauritius’ countryside to explore, hike, and maybe even get high with some paragliding.
Meanwhile, you’ll also have the option to rent a car while you’re there if you fancy skiving off to explore the island on your own time.
Cabarete, Dominican Republic
When to go: December-March
Nearest airport: Gregorio Luperón International Airport
Suitable for: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Highlights: daily yoga, organic dining, adventure activities, stellar kite community
Cabarete is one of the most famous kite spots in the Caribbean — maybe even the world — with reliable wind, playful kickers, tropical beaches, and amazing surf to boot. This camp is designed to accommodate riders of all levels, with basic instruction given for beginners and advanced coaching available for those with more experience.
The 8-day camp blends kitesurfing with yoga and all-round mindful living. You’ll kick off each day with a yoga sesh and an organic, locally sourced breakfast, followed by a fully powered day of playing in Cabarete’s wind and waves. Days will wrap up with a farm fresh organic dinner and putting your feet up in your room at a sustainable eco hotel right on the beach. Dreamy.
With total wellness in mind, you’ll be offered a complimentary ‘eat well session’ with a nutritionist. You’ll also be whisked off on a river tubing adventure, which’ll see you float down with the current to the organic farm that’s been supplying your yummy eats back at the camp — where you’ll learn all about farm-to-table dining and organic living.
Queensland, Australia
When to go: September-April
Nearest airport: Brisbane
Suitable for: beginners
Highlights: awesome spot for beginners, tons of boardsports and activities, easy airport access
The final entry on our list of kitesurfing camps is a fab one for those of you located (or looking to visit) down undah. Over the course of 6-7 days and up to 24 hours worth of lessons, beginners can learn all the basics of kitesurfing under the guidance of super competent, experienced instructors at this camp Brisbane Beach.
The spot is sandy, spacious, and has plenty of shallow water to get to grips with your first water starts — so it’s pretty ideal for those of you looking to take your first steps into the world of kiting.
Psst: it’s also super close to the airport, which is a big plus if you’re looking for an accessible location for your next kitesurfing camp!
Outside of your kite sessions, you’ll also have the chance to try your hand at activities like drone piloting, blow karting, SUPing, kayaking, or land boarding — and at night fall into a cushy bed in your room in a local B&B.
Hey, want to make sure you don’t miss any of our future articles? just sign up to our monthly Extreme Nomads newsletter when exiting this page (also located in the footer / sidebar), or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Youtube for more original content from us!
You might also like:
0 Comments