Just as windsurfing was a combination between sailing and surfing, kite surfing is a combination between power kite flying and surfing. The sport
has completely exploded in Tarifa over the past 3 or 4 years. In good wind
conditions in summer, it isn't unusual to count over 250 kites in the sea
and on the beach……an amazing sight!
It is easy to understand why this sport is so popular - it looks deceptively easy, the jumps and tricks look spectacular and it requires much less wind than windsurfing.The sport is open to everyone of all ages; you need to be
in good health and relatively fit (no back, neck or shoulder problems).
Grit determination will also be an asset, because although kite surfing is easier to master than wind surfing, co-ordinating all those skills at the
beginning can be a challenge!
Windsurfing is what put Tarifa on the Tourist map. It has the highest concentration of windsurfers I know of and for those who have been here it is easy to know why. Conditions are ideal, strong side shore winds, which make the experience safe and easy. Its 35km beach gives most possible conditions, waves, flat water, strong winds, weaker winds etc. There are loads of
schools distributed along the beach where you can hire or get lessons. Just make sure that in August you are on the windsurf beach, some are
restricted to Kitesurfers and others just for swimmers. |
