Top 5 winter spots for wing foil and kitesurfing

If you can't stand the cold winter and are looking for winter water sports locations, we have selected a list of 5 top spots that offer excellent wind conditions for kitesurfing and wing foil. Ready for the warm weather?

With the arrival of the winter months, it is natural for kitesurf and wing foil enthusiasts to long for sun and warmth. One feels like putting aside the neoprene wetsuit, donning shorts and bikinis, and surfing in a beautiful, warm and windswept exotic location. You can set off alone, as a couple, with family or a group of friends and plan a one- or two-week holiday to explore new winter watersports locations, perhaps enriching it with a “full immersion” in the local culture once the water sessions are over. It can also be a great opportunity to test new kitesurfing and wing foil equipment that has just come onto the market. But what are the best winter spots for kitesurfing and wing foil?

Kiteworldshop has selected for you a list of the top 5 world destinations to consider in order to get away from the winter and find summer, warmth and windy days in which to unleash your passion for wing foil and kitesurfing. From Brazil to Tanzania, from South Africa to Mauritius to the coast of Morocco. Whether you want big waves or flat water, you are sure to find the best spot for kitesurfing and wing foil in this list. As well as the equipment to select for the trip depending on wind and temperatures, such as wetsuits, impact jackets, helmets and travel bags.

October to February: Jericoacoara, Brazil

In Brazil's North East, Jericoacoara is one of the world's most popular destinations for kitesurfers and wing foil enthusiasts. It is on these sunny shores that the famous Trade winds blow from the Atlantic Ocean from October to February, with daily averages always above 20-25 knots. Those who book a holiday in “Jeri” when it is winter in Europe have 100% wind security. In addition, the natural scenery in the area is absolutely enchanting: sand dunes up to 80 metres high, endless beaches and saltwater lagoons galore.

In Jericoacoara, there are winter spots for kitesurfing and wing foil of all levels and conditions of flat water, formed sea and waves up to 3 metres. The temperature on land is 28 degrees and in the water you only need a lycra or at most a summer wetsuit for women or men.
The town of Jeri is also picturesque, full of clubs with music and shows, restaurants with typical Brazilian and European cuisine, and a real treat: there are no paved roads, but you walk everywhere on the sand, barefoot or with traditional Hawaiian shoes.

January and February: Cape Town, South Africa

For those looking for an exotic kitesurfing and wing foil destination Cape Town, South Africa, is a true paradise offering a beautiful mix of city life, wilderness and adventure. The windiest months are January and February, with the local wind coming from the top of the famous “Table Mountain” and providing onshore wind directions on most of the beaches surrounding Blouberg Beach, where the legendary “Red Bull King of the Air” competition is also held every year, rewarding the highest spectacular jumps of the participating riders.
Cape Town not only has the best winter spots, but has also established itself in recent years as the world watersports capital, effectively ousting the famous Maui on the Hawaiian Islands from its throne. Every year, thousands of enthusiasts flock to its shores to tackle some pretty radical water conditions, with strong winds and super choppy seas.

Despite the mild temperature (25-27 degrees), the water in Cape Town can be cold so it is advisable to bring a 2-3mm thick wetsuit, such as the ION Element 3/2 Front Zip or the O'Neill Hyperfreak Fire 3/2+ Back Zip perfect for all conditions.

Once you have finished your sessions in the water, you can dedicate yourself to visiting the rest of Cape Town, entering the suburbs, or go on excursions to Robben Island or Stellenbosh, as well as safaris and food and wine tours.

December to March: Zanzibar, Tanzania

Among the best winter spots for kitesurfing and wing foil, we cannot fail to mention Zanzibar, the majestic and lush Indian Ocean island.
This Tanzanian island is one of the favourite destinations for kiters and wing foil enthusiasts from all over the world, not only because of the quality of the wind and the extraordinary beauty of its coastline, but also because of the relaxed atmosphere and the hospitality of the always smiling and friendly locals.

Only an hour away from Stone Town, Paje and Jambiani are the best spots on the island for kitesurfing and wing foil, as they offer flat water conditions ideal for beginners and experienced riders. The outer reefs, which are about a mile from the coast, offer clean waves for wave riders. The Kaskazi wind season, which blows from December to March, peaks in January with north-easterly winds that intensify towards the afternoon. The water is close to 30 degrees and a lycra is sufficient. In addition to watersports, Zanzibar offers many wilderness excursions, spice tours and visits to the birthplace of a world music icon: Freddy Mercury, leader of the British band Queen.

April to October: Dakhla, Morocco

Constant winds, a gigantic lagoon of flat water in incredible shades of green and blue, the magic of the desert all around and the thousand suggestions of an ancient culture. All this is Dakhla, in the south of Morocco, one of the best winter spots, an unspoilt place where the adrenaline and excitement of kitesurfing and wing foil combine with a wild land of exotic charm. In the middle of the Western Sahara, about 30 km from Dakhla is the Laguna of the same name, a truly unique place. In this stretch of high water, the wind blows all day long and averages never fall below 20 knots. The water is perfectly flat with huge areas of shallow water, ideal for beginners. Moreover, thanks to its location close to the Tropic of Cancer, the climate in this Moroccan destination is dry and temperatures during the day range from 25 to 35 degrees. On windy days it can be useful to wear a shorty wetsuit, such as Neilpryde Nexus Shorty 2/2 Back Zip for men or Prolimit Fire Shorty 2/2 Freezip for women.

In the Dakhla Lagoon there is also a super flat water spot even in strong winds: it is called “Speed Spot” and can be reached by a 10-minute transfer. The wind is off and the service also includes a recovery boat for the riders. It is easy to meet international athletes who come here to train for upcoming competitions.

December to March: Mauritius

Located in the Indian Ocean, a 10-12 hour flight from Europe, Mauritius is widely recognised as one of the best kitesurfing and wing foil destinations in the world. Among the best winter spots for kitesurfing and wing foil, this tropical island stands out for the great variety of nature and reliable wind conditions.

The most famous spot is Le Morne, home to a large lagoon of flat water ending in the reef where the legendary One Eye and Manawa waves are located. Frequented by riders of all levels, Le Morne offers an excellent shallow area for beginners, an intermediate area with small waves and then the big break at One Eye for more experienced wave riders. The water is warm, but a 2-3mm wetsuit is recommended if the session is long.

Another popular spot on the island is Pointe d'Esny, which is considered one of the best winter spots for kitesurfing and wing foil. Here you will find a vast flat-water lagoon with a pristine white sandy beach.
Although far from the island's main tourist areas, Pointe d'Esny is only 15 minutes from the airport and close to the picturesque historic village of Mahebourg, perfect for a stroll or to enjoy a tropical fruit cocktail.