Fuerteventura, an island for kitesurfing

Arriving in Fuerteventura is like being in the mecca of water sports. 

Hundreds of sports lovers from all over the world come here to enjoy one or more of these sports: surfing, windsurfing and, naturally, the acclaimed sport of kitesurfing. 

Kitesurfing burst onto the surfing scene in the late 90s, but if we look back in history, the first people to use a kite towing technique were the seafarers of Indonesia and China. 

A lot has happened since then, and the original primitive kite has undergone many changes and improvements until becoming what we know today and providing so much enjoyment for fans of this water sport. Even though this sport is relatively new, it won’t become popular until surfing legends begin to do it and make it popular among the general population. 

But what is kitesurfing?

Kitesurfing is a water sport in which you use a kite to get pushed by the wind while riding the water on a small board. 

The kite is attached to you with a harness and you steer it using both hands. It is shaped as a mini-paraglider in order to optimise the wind speed and adjust it to your needs in the water. 

You don’t have to be a professional or have exceptional physical qualities to enjoy this sport. However, being in good shape and knowing how to swim will be helpful because you’ll be able to enjoy the experience to the fullest as open waters are great. 

When it comes to learning a new water sport, one of the most important things is to get excellent advice from one of the best schools in your area. 

As we have already mentioned, you don’t have to be an expert in any type of water sport, because, to learn how to kite surf, any self-respecting teacher will start from zero, that is, on land.

If you live in a coastal area or if you’ve been to Fuerteventura before, you must have seen a lot of people flying the kites on the beach. 

This is the most important step before getting into the water and enjoying it, because if you don’t control the kite, it can play tricks on you. 

So, listen to your instructor and take your time getting familiar with the new material you are holding, feel the tension and control the wind gusts that will make you connect with the sea again when you glide over the water. 

The best spots for kitesurfing in Fuerteventura

If you are coming to Fuerteventura to kitesurf, the first think you should really keep in mind before going with the wind is your skill level. 

If you’re going to start from scratch, it would be best for you to contact a specialised school that will hold your hand and explain the best tricks for controlling the kite so that this sport will become your new passion. 

For beginners, these are the best beaches for getting started with a kite:

Playa del Burro: 

In the heart of the Dunas de Corralejo Park you’ll find this perfect beach for starting with your fist kitesurfing lessons. You’ll see an area that is reserved for beginners with gentle, short waves that will allow you to feel safe when you get into the water. 

You’ll also see people with more advanced levels on this beach because it offers various types of waves for all tastes.

Playa de Sotavento: 

This beach is located at the south-east of the island. Its endless kilometres of white beaches and constant wind convert it into a perfect spot for water and wind sports, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. 

It’s famous to the point of being a can’t miss spot in the worldwide circuit for both sports. 

If you are just starting out with kitesurfing, this beach is on a shallow lagoon, which is perfect for learning how to glide the board with the help of a kite. 

Caleta de Fuste:

Near Sotavento, a bit more towards the north, you have Caleta de Fuste. It is shielded from sea currents, which makes it a perfect place for getting started with this sport. 

If your level is a bit more advanced, there are beaches there that will delight everyone.

El Cotillo:

Spectacular beaches and landscapes that will take your breath away. El Cotillo is one of the most special spots on Fuerteventura and, without a doubt, one of the most popular beaches among advanced riders. 

Its strong waves tend to crash aggressively against the coast, so you should really take that into account before venturing into its waters. 

If you spend all day kitesurfing, you’ll be rewarded when the sun sets among unparalleled colours and views. 

Corralejo:

One of the most famous beaches of Fuerteventura couldn’t be missing from this list. 

At Corralejo we will find one of the most iconic beaches for kitesurfing: Flag Beach, which is ideal for polishing your technique. 

Here you will find many riders who are willing to be carried away by the constant wind and different kinds of waves they train with to improve day after day. 

You will see many schools training first-timers, but it is a beach with a reef bottom that can be seen at low tide. If you choose this beach, use diving boots to avoid hurting your feet upon entering or coming out of the water during low tide.  

Matas Blancas:

If you’d like to kitesurf in open waters with total safety, Matas Blancas beach is perfect for it. 

Even though there are different types of winds there, it has gentle waves, which makes it suitable for all levels

The best time for kitesurfing in Fuerteventura

Even though Fuerteventura is known for its mild and almost spring-like weather all year long, it’s important to keep some special characteristics in mind before travelling to this amazing island in the North Atlantic, especially if we’d like to enjoy a water sport like kitesurfing. 

The best time for coming to enjoy water and wind sports on Fuerteventura is from April to September, when the trade winds blow hard against the shores of the island to the delight of all water sport fans. 

You should also keep in mind that this period of time coincides with summer, and so the island may be more packed with tourists than usual. 

In any case, you shouldn’t worry about it; its beaches are so long and there are so many of them that you won’t notice any overcrowding on any of them. 

During these months, temperature varies from 20 to 27 degrees, rising to 35 on a few days with the “calima”, when the wind stops blowing for a few hours and the weather becomes sultry. 

The winds disappear after September, giving way to an Indian summer that is more typical of the Mediterranean coast than of the Atlantic. 

During winter months, temperatures do not drop below 14 degrees and the average daily temperature is around 21 degrees. It’s a perfect time for enjoying water sports without any crowds around, even though the water can be quite cool. 

The wind becomes moderate again in late winter and early spring. This is something that should be taken into account if your trip is going to be exclusively focused on sports. 

Keep all these factors in mind before arranging your trip to kitesurf in Fuerteventura so that you’ll get a much more rounded experience.

This article has been written with all the love that we feel for the Canary Islands. We hope you enjoy your visit to Fuerteventura as much as we have enjoyed writing this section.

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