Offshore wind: sketchy or sendy?
You know that buttery flat water just past the break? The kind that makes your board glide like it’s on a rail? Yeah, that’s often thanks to offshore wind—aka the most deceptively sketchy thing in kitesurfing.
To the untrained eye (or stoke-blinded heart), offshore winds can seem like a dream. But if your kite drops or your lines snap, you’re not cruising back to shore. You’re drifting out like a message in a bottle.
Let’s talk about what offshore wind actually is, why it’s risky, and how to handle it without starring in your own episode of Kite Castaways.
What is offshore wind?
Offshore wind blows from the land out to the sea. It’s the opposite of onshore (sea to land) or cross-shore (parallel to the shore) winds. Check out the blogpost about wind directions. guide to reading the wind..
To put it simply:
Offshore wind: Smooth riding but risky return.
Onshore wind: Choppy ride but safe exit strategy.
Offshore winds can feel tempting because they’re often clean, steady, and flat out there. But let’s not forget: They’re also a one-way ticket away from help.
Why offshore wind is dangerous
When you kite in offshore wind, you’re relying on everything to go perfectly: kite, lines, bar, board, and your body. One failure and boom, you’re bobbing out to sea like a confused duck.
Common dangers include:
No return: If your kite drops, there’s no wind to help you body drag back.
No rescue: Lifeguards often won’t watch offshore spots.
And that’s just the basics. Offshore winds also create wind shadows near shore (read: sketchy launch), and they often come with gusts that make your session feel more like bull riding than board riding.
One exception: lagoons. If you’re riding in a lagoon and the wind is offshore, it’s usually not as dangerous. You’ll almost always hit land eventually, just maybe not where you parked. So worst case, it’s a long, wet walk back.
Open water though? That’s a different story. Out there, offshore wind means no land in sight and no one around to hear your angry swearing.
Famous offshore kitespots: ride at your own risk
Some world-class kitespots are known for offshore or side-offshore winds. Beautiful? Yes. Beginner-friendly? Not quite.
El Médano, Tenerife: Can be side-off in summer. Experts only, por favor.
Cumbuco, Brazil: Side-off in some lagoons. Great for freestyle, scary for drifters.
Bonaire: Lovely turquoise water and steady offshore winds. But don’t worry, there’s a rescue boat service ready to scoop you up (for a fee, naturally).
How to stay safe in offshore winds
Okay, so you’re a seasoned shredder and still want to ride offshore. Respect. But please don’t be that kiter, the one who floats off while everyone else finishes their beer.
Here’s how to reduce the risk:
Use a rescue service: Boat-supported spots are your offshore safety net.
Ride with a buddy: Someone who notices if you disappear mid-jump.
Wear flotation gear: Impact vest or flotation vest = smart.
Stick to the plan: Don’t ride beyond the support zone.
Know your gear: Avoid testing new setups when the stakes are high.
And if you’re a beginner, let’s be honest: You shouldn’t even be considering offshore spots. There’s no shame in keeping it safe and sandy.
What to do if you get stuck
So you ignored all the warnings and now you’re drifting out faster than your dignity. Here’s what to do:
Keep calm: Panic burns energy and doesn’t help your chances.
Signal for help: Wave both arms or use a whistle if you have one.
Deflate and wrap: If you’re far out and help isn’t coming, deflate the kite, wrap your lines, and keep some air in the struts. A half-deflated kite is better than dead weight, it becomes a sad but floaty buoy.
Pro tip: Always tell someone on shore when you’re heading out. Even your grandma can call the coast guard if things go sideways.
The wind’s not your therapist
Offshore wind might feel smooth, but it doesn’t care about your feelings—or your safety. Ride smart, plan ahead, and never trust a breeze that’s trying to send you to another continent.
And if you want to nerd out on global wind patterns and forecasts, Windy’s got your back over at windy.com.
Until next time: stay safe, stay sendy, and if you’re riding offshore without backup, at least bring snacks.
xox Berito