Kiting every climate like a pro
You packed the 12m. The forecast said 20 knots. You step off the plane in Tarifa and immediately sweat through your wetsuit. Welcome to climate roulette.
Different climates don’t just change the view. They rewrite the rules of how your gear works, how your kite flies, and how you need to ride. Adapt or eat sand, basically. Different climates also bring their own unique wind patterns, whether you're dealing with sea breezes, trade winds, or thermals, it's worth understanding how these systems work (more on that here). Let's take a global spin through some of the most popular kitesurfing climates, why we love them, what challenges they bring, how your gear reacts, and how to prep like a salty travel pro.
Tropical paradise: Warm, breezy, sneaky tricky
Think Philippines (Boracay) and Caribbean (Cabarete, Aruba). These tropical hotspots serve up steady trade winds (often 15–20 knots), bath-warm water, and flatwater lagoons that beg for freestyle progression.
Why it's a favorite
Smooth, consistent wind means perfect trick practice.
Warm water equals no wetsuit needed.
Laid-back beach vibes and postcard-perfect scenery.
Challenges
UV exposure damages gear fast.
Salt and heat quickens corrosion on metal parts and zippers.
Light air density changes how your kite performs.
What to expect from your gear
Warm air is less dense so your kite generates less lift for the same wind speed.
That means your kite feels sluggish and you might struggle to stay upwind if underpowered.
Jumps feel floaty but timing gets trickier.
Gear tips
Bring bigger kites (10–15m) to handle lighter winds.
Lightweight boards with more surface area help stay planing.
Use UV protectants on lines, bladders, and fabrics. Or pack your gear directly after your session.
Rinse everything thoroughly after every session. And let it dry in the shade.
Temperate zones: The all-rounder playground
Think Mediterranean (Tarifa, Sardinia), California (San Francisco Bay) and Western Europe. These regions deliver everything from 10-knot summer days to 30-knot winter nukes.
Why it's a favorite
Offers variety that builds real riding skills.
Big kiting communities, events, and vibrant local scenes.
You get to experience every possible condition.
Challenges
Seasonal wind shifts require full quivers.
Water temperature changes dramatically.
Gusty days demand quick technique adjustments.
What to expect from your gear
Gear needs to perform across a wide range.
Lighter winds in summer may require 12–15m kites.
Winter storms might see you pulling out your 6–8m.
Water temperatures swing from boardshorts to full winter suits.
Gear tips
Freeride kites with wide wind range excel.
Versatile boards that handle both chop and flatwater.
Have multiple wetsuit options: shorty, 3/2, 4/3, 5/4.
Make sure your safety systems work perfectly for gusty sessions.
Cold water warriors: Brutal but beautiful
Think North Sea (Netherlands, Denmark), Great Lakes (Canada, USA) and Nordic fjords (Norway). These spots offer some of the most stable wind (often 20–30 knots), but test your commitment.
Why it's a favorite
Steady, powerful wind with minimal crowds.
Crisp air and glassy waves.
Post-session hot drinks taste better than anywhere else.
Challenges
Cold air and water amplify crashes.
Equipment stiffens; pumps freeze.
Exposure risks if you’re not properly geared.
What to expect from your gear
Cold, dense air gives your kite more pull for the same wind speed.
A 10m kite can feel like an 8m in these conditions.
Safety releases and depower systems can freeze or jam if neglected.
Gear tips
Size down compared to your warm-water setup.
Invest in high-quality winter wetsuits: 5/4 or 6/5 with boots, gloves, hood.
Pre-warm your pump and bladders.
Lubricate safety systems before sessions.
Desert winds: Epic thermals, gear-eating sand
Think Red Sea (El Gouna, Soma Bay), Western Australia (Lancelin, Geraldton) and Canary Islands (Fuerteventura). Thermal winds here can blow 15–25 knots like clockwork in the afternoon.
Why it's a favorite
Reliable daily wind perfect for progression.
Butter-flat lagoons great for freestyle.
Dramatic desert scenery.
Challenges
Sand invades every moving part.
UV exposure is relentless.
Day-night temperature swings affect wind stability.
What to expect from your gear
Thermal winds start light but build strongly midday.
Bigger kites (12m) often needed early, switching to smaller ones as wind picks up.
Sand abrasion weakens lines, valves, and fabrics over time.
Gear tips
Use kite bags, socks, and covers when not flying.
Rinse gear thoroughly after every session.
Carry combo wetsuits (shorty + windbreaker) for varying temps.
Keep spare parts for quick repairs.
High altitude: Thin air, epic views
Think Lake Silvaplana (Switzerland), Colorado mountain lakes (United States) and Lake Titicaca (Bolivia). Thin air and mountain thermals create winds typically ranging 12–20 knots.
Why it's a favorite
Stunning mountain scenery.
Glassy lakes with steady thermals.
Pure, uncrowded sessions.
Challenges
Air density is significantly lower at altitude.
Weather changes fast; thunderstorms build quickly.
Harder to generate lift and power.
What to expect from your gear
Kites feel underpowered at usual sizes.
Jumps have less hangtime and require precise timing.
Launch and landing feel twitchier as kite drops faster.
Gear tips
Bring bigger kites (size up 1–2m from sea level setups).
Trim frequently to dial in power balance.
Stay hyper-aware of building storms.
Have emergency exit plans for sudden weather changes.
Your climate-smart packing list
If you want to truly ride anywhere, pack like a climate chameleon:
Research local wind density, not just speed.
Talk to local kiters for real-world advice.
Build a versatile quiver, not a one-size-fits-all kit.
Prioritize repair kits and spare parts in remote spots.
Accept that tan lines will get weird.
The best kiters aren’t the ones who chase perfect conditions, they’re the ones who thrive in any conditions. Whether you're dodging sandstorms or breaking ice off your lines, the wind is still the wind. Adapt, adjust, and ride like the salty legend you are. And while your gear is designed to handle a lot, different climates put unique stresses on your equipment, making it even more important to regularly check and maintain your safety systems (how safe is your kite gear?).
Now pack up. The forecast just dropped 20 knots somewhere you've never been.
xox Berito