Picture yourself surfing the waves. Gliding along while being in control. Feeling adrenaline-boosting speed at sea. If you ever went kitesurfing, you must be familiar with these sensations. If you never did, it is never too late: Do you dare?
There are a few spots on the Costa del Sol were you can go kitesurfing at any time of year:
Los Álamos (Torremolinos)
The delightful 900m-long beach in Los Álamos is ready to welcome kitesurfers in search of fun. Lying very close to the capital of the Costa del Sol, Los Álamos beach, in Torremolinos, is a fine choice for those who like waves. With winds blowing at 15 to 25 knots, the weather is stable throughout the year.
If you come in spring or summer, you will be greeted by pleasant thermal winds from the southeast and average temperature at 23º C.
Guadalmansa (Estepona)
Guadalmansa beach, in Estepona, is one of the windiest. The coastal rocks require great care and skill, but the beach is safe for kitesurfers, no matter what time of year you choose. Kitesurfing courses are available from several local schools at affordable prices. And after taming the waves, you can get around Estepona, a coastal village with a lovely historic district.
Río Real (Marbella)
For more experienced hands, Río Real in Marbella is synonymous with adrenaline. This small, rocky beach poses a real challenge, especially when you are not far from the coast.
As in Los Álamos, winds are present all year round. In winter, they blow from the west and the southwest, while in the summer there is the thermal breeze from the east and the southeast.
Kitesurfing gear
If you want to enjoy your kitesurfing experience in full and in a safe environment, you will need a couple of things. You can get your gear in any of the schools offering kitesurfing courses. If you are a first-timer, this is what you will need:
- Basic equipment: power kite, kiteboard, control bar, kite harness, flying lines.
- Wetsuit.
- Helmet.
- Impact vest and personal flotation device.
With a little practice and useful advice from instructors, kitesurfing can be a most enjoyable sport on the Costa del Sol.
