Beginner locations around Europe in Sept-Oct?

[robertc]

Hey all,

We're planning a kitesurfing trip with friends this September or October. We're all beginners, so we really feel much better in shallow and flat water.

Do you have any recommendations for spots in or around Europe?

I hear Egypt is great, but not a safe political situation - wouldn't want to bring my kid there.

Currently thinking about Fuerteventura->Sotavento. Not ideal due to offshore winds (relying on jet skis, hmm), gusty (or is it? I've read mixed reports) and waves already not far from shore. Otherwise good chance that we'll actually have wind (unlike during our last 3 trips :/), warm water and weather.

I would really appreciate some solid suggestions. Pretty please

[mr moon]

Are you guys after lessons / schools or already independent? Are you guys looking to hire or have your own gear? Are you looking for flat water or waves?

Europe in September / October could be ok for wind although is rarely as reliable as Fuerteventura.. Windiest spot might be Tarifa, although is not really a beginner friendly one

An option could be the South of Italy like Salento or even Sicily, you'll get decent weather and some wind, but try to check the forecasts beforehand.

Sotavento / Rene' Egli: Top hotel right on the spot, although the conditions are not beginner friendly with very gusty wind although pretty flat water.. Saying that I've actually learned there myself on a very windy holiday on a 5-6mt kite at 25+ super gusty knots, safety was well taken care of and after a few face slams I gained a great control of the kite, especially from underwater

The centre itself is (or at least was a few years ago) top notch, the jet skis are very prompt in rescuing at one condition: that you are using their gear, so either from lesson or hire. If you are kiting with your own gear don't rely in any prompt service, they might pick you up half way to Africa, if someone is looking out for you! One strong advice is to avoid the lagoon.. It only works in high tide and is extra shallow.. extremely dangerous. Many people got injured there.

My 2 cents

[Toby]

Sardinia is great!

http://locations.splocs.com/kitesurf/re ... dinia.html

Great spots, good winds. And close to all EU countries.
In the SW you will find perfect beginner spots. Do NOT go to Porto Pollo!

Egypt not save? Rethink. All relaxed there. I am also going end of September!

[robertc]

Thanks for the answers, guys

My friends are taking lessons, practicing their water start. I'm independent, with my own gear - but still very much a beginner, practicing going upwind. So flat and shallow water, average strength and stable winds, no crowds - that would be ideal, but it's hard to get all of that in one place. I guess we could just go to west Denmark if we didn't care about the cold

Good to hear some first-hand opinion about Rene Egli, mr moon. My instructor has been teaching there and convincing me to come, but from what you and others are saying - not the best spot for us now.

I was actually about to book a trip to Keros, Greece for early October. Looks like just the place for us, doesn't it? Although wind forecast not as good as for Sotavento (I guess Sotavento is unique in Europe for their winds).

I'll take a look at your suggestions too: Salento, Sicily, Sardinia and Egypt. Thanks a lot!

[Dirk]

You should probably reconsider Northern Europe, e.g. Denmark or Germany. September, beginning of October is almost the best time of year. Well, you need a good wetsuit and booties but it is not that bad.

[robertc]

YMMV I live in Copenhagen. We didn't have wind in 3 weeks* and the next week isn't looking so good either.

*) Ok, we had a couple of stormy days with >30kn, but that doesn't help me.

[mr moon]

Sardinia is great!

http://locations.splocs.com/kitesurf/re ... dinia.html

Great spots, good winds. And close to all EU countries.
In the SW you will find perfect beginner spots. Do NOT go to Porto Pollo!

I second that. In fact I forgot to mention the beautiful southern Sardinia

Porto Pollo was such a cool windsurfing destination in the 70s and 80s, not my pick now either