RATE: THE WORLD KITESURFING MECCA

Kitesurfing is a sea sport with much more history than we think. As early as the 12th century, some fishing communities in China and Indonesia used kites to move their boats. However, it would not be until 1977 when a sport as such began to be considered. This sport consists of, staying attached to a harness and with your feet on a board, sliding on the surface of the water, only thanks to the force of the wind. You can practice on the waves (waveriding) and the most fun are the different maneuvers and acrobatics that can be done (freestyle).

Kitesurfing is a sport that is gaining more and more popularity, could it be a coincidence? It is a way of releasing adrenaline, it makes you get an enviable physique, it improves your balance, you gain strength... and all this in the best environment there can be, the sea. You only need a kite, a board, a harness and the neoprene. Well, and most importantly, the wind. The kitesurfing mecca par excellence is located on the Cadiz coast, specifically in Tarifa.

LET'S TALK ABOUT RATE

Tarifa is a charming municipality in the province of Cádiz bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and is only 14km from Africa. This coast is the paradise of the Atlantic for lovers of kitesurfing. Known for its incredible spots and unbeatable temperatures, it is an area with strong winds. And how does the wind blow? In Tarifa there are usually two types of winds. The first, the west wind that comes from the west. This is the favorite wind for kitesurfers, as it brings with it small waves, pleasant and moderate temperatures. The Levante wind, for its part, comes from the east and blows stronger. It comes from Africa and brings hot air. Although it is ideal for windsurfers, it is not so ideal for kitesurfing, since this wind blows offshore.

Kitesurfing is the star sea sport in Tarifa. If you go in summer, you will see the sky of Cádiz full of kites. Do you want to know which are the best beaches for kitesurfing in Tarifa? We tell you here!

BEST RATE SPOTS FOR KITESURFING

If Tarifa is one of the best destinations in the world for water sports, it is mainly due to the number of spots it offers and its idyllic conditions. Not only are there the best beaches, there are also many spots where kitesurfing is a joy. These are our favorites and the ones you can't miss:

• SPA, LOS LANCES BEACH

Located next to the breakwater on the island of Tarifa, this is the last beach in the Atlantic Ocean. At one end of this beach is what is known as “Balneario” or “Playa Chica”. It is a perfect spot for freestyle, and the best known among kitesurfing riders. Come only when there is a easterly wind, but be careful; this wind is completely off-shore (land-sea direction) and there is no rescue ship. We recommend it only for very experienced kitesurfers.

• LOS LANCES SOUTH BEACH

It works very well with a west wind and it is a very long sandy area. It is very comfortable, since being in the town you can get there on foot. You can only do kitesurfing between the months of October to June, since during the rest of the months it is reserved exclusively for bathers. It is better not to go with an easterly wind, since it enters too strong and gusty.

• JARA RIVER, LOS LANCES BEACH

Another perfect option for those who are starting out in kitesurfing. It is located on the beach of Los Lances , in front of the campsite Rio Jara . When there is a west wind it works very well on the entire beach. However, when it comes from Levante, a left-hand wave forms, sometimes quite large, which is a paradise for kitesurfers. If there is an offshore wind, we must be quite cautious and use caution. Likewise, between March and December there are rescue boats that will be waiting and in the event of an accident they will act instantly.

• VALDEVAQUEROS BEACH

The beach of Valdevaqueros, located next to the Punta Paloma dune and 8km from the town, is the spot that welcomes the most vacationers each summer. Famous for its beach bars, it is a setting loved by kitesurfers, windsurfers or simply bathers who want to relax. The beach is quite narrow, so if you don't like crowded spaces, you should look for another alternative. If, on the other hand, you like to combine sport with atmosphere, Valdevaqueros is your place. It works well with both west and easterly winds and no rescue boat service is needed, since it has an inlet that protects in case of scare.

• PALMONES BEACH

The beach of Palmones is 28km from Tarifa in the direction of Malaga. It is the spot that never fails when the Levante wind blows too strong in Tarifa. When in Tarifa there is wind that exceeds 30 knots, choose Palmones. It is best to go early, as it is usually quite crowded. This beach only offers advantages when there are cases of such strong gusts of wind. The first is that the wind is onshore (sea-land direction), perfect for returning to shore in case of a problem. Secondly, the wind is constant, clean and rarely exceeds 25 knots, making it a safe place for kitesurfing. Finally, at low tide the water is glass, so it's more fun.

• MECHA PIPE

Caños de Meca is located 45 minutes from Tarifa. This beach is quite long and wide and has a rocky bottom. Just like Palmones, it is a magnificent alternative for those days when the wind blows too strong in Tarifa. The conditions of its waves make it one of the best spots to do waveriding.

THE BEST KITESURF SCHOOLS IN TARIFA

Do you want to start kitesurfing and don't know how? Would you like to learn from the best professionals? We are going to tell you which are the best kitesurfing schools in Tarifa so you can choose. The key is to find a trainer who is passionate about kitesurfing and at the same time has the patience to teach you so that you feel comfortable and the experience is as fun as possible.

• SUBCIELO KITESCHOOL

Located in the Valdevaqueros campsite and directed by Manuel Beltrán. Despite being Catalan, Manuel grew up in Antequera and has been kitesurfing in Tarifa since 2005. They give classes 365 days a year to all kinds of levels, from basic courses for beginners to experts who want to improve a specific trick or change modality. They will provide you with all the necessary material and you will live an unforgettable experience. If you are thinking of going to Tarifa, do not hesitate!

• KTS TARIFA SCHOOL

Founded by Daniele Olivieri, an Italian who has been in Tarifa for more than 25 years. Since he arrived in this municipality, he became interested in kitesurfing and until now he has not stopped practicing it. This school has 7 instructors, all of them Italian and with the best level of kitesurfing. It is also directed for all levels. Not only do they offer classes, you can also rent equipment and they have a second-hand kitesurfing equipment shop, perfect for giving a second life to what we no longer use!

• KITE & ROLL SCHOOL

This school was created by Lucas Palmieri, an Argentine who has been teaching kite and windsurfing since 2001. It has its own surfcamp, The Wild House, where you can stay after a day of kitesurfing. Their instructors speak Spanish, English, French and Italian.

Are you dying to feel how you slide on the water? What are you waiting for? Now that you know everything about kitesurfing in Tarifa, pack a suitcase and discover this world mecca of the sport. Get to know this paradise and let yourself be captivated by its wild sea, its sand and its Mediterranean gastronomy.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

• WHICH IS THE BEST BEACH TO DO KITESURFING IN TARIFA?

Our favorite spot is Balneario, on Los Lances beach. It's perfect for freestyle, but come only if you have experience and when there's an easterly wind. Of course, be careful this wind is completely off-shore and there is no rescue ship.

• WHAT IS NEEDED TO KITESURF?

To practice kitesurfing you need four items: the kite, the board, the harness and of course a neoprene suit .

• WHY IS KITESURFING SO FAMOUS IN TARIFA?

Kitesurfing is the most popular sport on the coast of Tarifa. It is no coincidence, its strong winds and the conditions of its beaches make Tarifa the ideal setting to practice this sport.

• WHAT IS THE BEST WIND IN RATE FOR KITESURFING?

The wind that blows best for kitesurfing in Tarifa is from Poniente which comes from the west. This onshore wind (sea-land direction) brings small waves, pleasant and moderate temperatures.

• WHAT KITESURF SCHOOLS ARE THERE IN TARIFA?

In Tarifa, given the number of ideal beaches for kitesurfing, there are many schools that offer classes. Our three recommendations are: the Subcielo Kiteschool School (Valdevaqueros), the KTS Tarifa School and the Kite & Roll School.