In this article we talk about…

• Wind is essential for kitesurfing, and its strength and direction determine both kitesurfing and safety. Understanding the nature of winds, such as the Tramontana or the Scirocco, is crucial for choosing the right equipment and for enjoying an optimal experience on the water.
• LEI kites are ideal for use on the water because of their buoyancy and ease of handling, while foil kites are more powerful in light winds, but more complex to control. Adjusting the kite size according to wind strength (between 11 and 25 knots) ensures optimal control and safety.
• Factors such as the constancy of the wind, the type of water and the available infrastructure, such as kitesurfing schools and centers, are determining factors. Destinations such as Lefkada, Sicily and Fuerteventura offer ideal conditions for lovers of this extreme sport.

There is no kitesurfing without wind: the strength, direction and constancy of the wind determine not only the possibility of practicing it, but also the safety and the type of experience you can have.

To kitesurf, you need to know the winds!

Knowing what wind is blowing is essential for a good kitesurfing session, but it is also useful for the safety of the practitioner. Tramontana, Maestrale, Grecale, Levante or Scirocco: each one has a certain level of humidity and affects the way of kitesurfing.

The choice of material also has to do with the winds. Kitesurfers mainly use two types of kites: Leading Edge Inflatables (LEI) and kite foils.

LEI kites, thanks to their air chambers that guarantee buoyancy, are the most common and suitable for use on the water, as they offer ease of control and relaunch. There are different models of LEI, such as the C-kite, the hybrid, the delta and the bow, each with its own characteristics that affect the way it handles in the wind.

Foil kites, on the other hand, do not have inflatable air chambers and are characterized by having cells that fill with air, which guarantees more power even in light winds, although they are more complex to maneuver.

In short, the wind is as if it were part of the kite equipment: without wind, there is no kite ride.

But apart from the type of wind, how strong does the wind have to be for us to be able to go out with the kite? Let’s try to answer the question.

How much wind does it take to kitesurf?

To get on the water and dance on the waves with a kite, you don’t need a hurricane, but you don’t need a fan blowing either. Kitesurfing requires a wind that is neither too weak nor too strong, ideally between 11/12 and 25 knots (approx. 1.852 kilometers per hour). This is the average wind speed that allows you to glide over the water with grace and control. If it is lower, the kite will have difficulty launching; if it is higher, the challenge will be to keep the kite “anchored” to the sea.

Read also: Kitesurfing for children: why even the youngest can try this sport

How the wind influences the practice of kitesurfing

The influence of the wind on kitesurfing has to do mainly with the way the kite is handled.

The choice of the right kite is related to the wind intensity: in light winds (11/12 knots), a larger kite is recommended, while in strong winds (20/30 knots), smaller kites should be chosen to avoid overpowering. It is very important not to exceed the recommended kite size according to the wind conditions.

Wind variations and atmospheric pressure are also factors that should not be overlooked, as they can affect both speed and direction. By the way, to read wind forecasts correctly, there are specific applications such as Windfinder, Windguru or Windy, which provide details on hourly wind conditions. Knowing the local weather conditions, which affect wind gusts, helps to choose the kitesurfing spot best suited to one’s skills and fitness.

To kitesurf safely and effectively, in short, you need to know the winds in detail and how they affect your choice of equipment.

How to choose the right place according to the wind

Choosing the right place to kitesurf is crucial to enjoy a safe and rewarding experience, and should be based on several criteria: the constancy and strength of the wind, the type of water (open sea, lakes or lagoons), the availability of adequate space to launch and land the kite, the presence of kitesurfing schools and centers that can offer assistance, introductory courses and equipment rental.

Some of the world’s best kitesurfing destinations offer near-ideal conditions for much of the year. Among them, Lefkada, in Greece, with its constant winds and crystal clear waters, and Sicily, in Italy, famous for its long and windy beaches, represent excellent options in Europe, without forgetting, of course, the island of Fuerteventura, a true paradise for kite lovers.

Outside the Old Continent, places like Cape Town in South Africa and Boracay in the Philippines attract kitesurfers from all over the world thanks to their optimal wind conditions and spectacular views.

Read also: The ultimate guide to proper surfboard maintenance.

In conclusion

Kitesurfing is an adrenaline-filled sport that requires proper equipment, good technical skills and the help of the wind.
The ability to read and interpret wind conditions, thanks to the use of tools such as specific weather applications, allows kitesurfers to surf safely and get the maximum pleasure out of each session.

Even the choice of the right place must be made taking into account the characteristics of the wind, something fundamental to live each kitesurfing session in a fun and safe way. Kitesurfing, like its “cousin” surfing, is a kind of dialogue with the environment, where preparation meets passion and respect for nature, resulting in unforgettable experiences.

If you are looking for a kitesurfing school in Fuerteventura, come and visit us, you will find professionals who will teach you the technique of “flying” and also how to handle the different winds.

How much wind does it take to kitesurf? – FAQ

How much wind does it take to kitesurf?

To kitesurf, you need a wind that is neither too weak nor too strong, ideally between 11/12 and 25 knots (approximately 1,852 km/h). This is the average wind speed that allows a good experience, while weaker winds make it difficult to launch the kite, and winds that are too strong can complicate control.

How does the wind influence the practice of kitesurfing?

The wind influences the practice of kitesurfing mainly in the choice of kite and the way of maneuvering. In weaker winds, a larger kite is recommended, while in stronger winds, smaller kites should be chosen. Variations in wind and atmospheric pressure also affect the way kitesurfing is practiced.

How to choose the right place depending on the wind?

Choosing the right place to practice kitesurfing is fundamental. The constancy and strength of the wind, the type of water (open sea, lakes or lagoons) and the availability of adequate space for launching and landing the kite must be taken into account. The presence of kitesurfing schools that can offer assistance and equipment rental is also useful.