ABOUT:
Located in Northeast Africa, the country of Egypt is flanked by Lybia and Sudan, with the Red Sea on it’s east side, and the Mediterranean on its north side. With so much water surrounding it, Egypt is not short of kiting destinations.
The balmy weather in Egypt means it hardly ever rains (we can almost say never). Average temperatures range between 23ºC in winter, and 38ºC and humid in summer.
WINDY VIBES:
An average force of 4-7 on the beaufort scale, and it’s this windy around 75% of the year. Most spots seem to pick up in wind speed at the day goes by, peaking around lunch time and then slowing down again in the late afternoon.
WATER TEMP: (wetsuit advice):
Warm water most of the year round dictates minimal wetsuit necessity! At most, you may need a spring suit at times, but generally speaking, you’ll be fine in boardies and rash vest. Water temperature ranges between 23ºC | 73ºF in winter, and 28ºC | 84ºF in summer.
SPECIFIC SPOT GUIDES:
Hurghada: By far the most popular kitesurfing destination in Egypt is Hurghada. In fact, this world renowned kiting spot offers clear blue warm water, year-round sunshine, consistent winds, and facilities to cater for your every need. There are hotels on the beach, and in the town centre (where you’ll find shops and bars as well). Hurghada’s great for all levels of kitesurfer, with the kitesurfing beach being hugged by a huge sandbar, creating a chilled shallow lagoon section. Past the sandbar, some awesome Red Sea waveriding can be enjoyed for the more adventurous/experienced riders. The Kite Centre caters to your every need, including equipment hire, safety boats and an air compressor.
Nabq, on the northern side of Sharm El Sheik (on the same coast as Dahab), just 10 mins from the airport, the convenient location of Nabq can be found. The main bay is perefect for beginners with its shallow and flat water. There’s a shorebreak spot with just a little further north, making this a destination for all levels of kitesurfing.
Dahab: Calling all windsurfers! On the same coastline as Nabq, on the SE side of Sinai, and just 1 hour drive from Sharm el Sheikh airport is Dahab…famous for its constant winds and its large lagoon FOR WINDSURFERS ONLY. Behind this lagoon is a shallow and flat tidal lagoon, only accessible 3 hrs each side of high tide which is great for beginner kitesurfers, but not ideal for anything else because it’s so shallow.
Ras Sudr is a great spot for kitesurfing instruction. The beach is a few kilometers long, meaning there’s more than enough space for everyone to ride. The tide difference offers a great variety of conditions, with upwind missions to flat, shallow lagoon sections and freeriding. The main spots are a quick shuttle ride away (you’ll be there in under 5 mins). The sideshore wind blows N to NE, building up through the day, and quiets down again in the evening. Mornings are great for beginners before the wind gets too strong.
Safaga can be found just 50km South of Hurghada in an uncrowded bay (unfortunately with an ‘industrial’ skyline). As with many other Egyptian kitesurfing destinations, Safaga offers the best of both worlds: a flat lagoon with a little less wind which and some shallow sections… perfect for beginners, then the beach section in front of the Tornado Surf Centre, for more advanced riding.
Soma Bay: Just 10 minutes north of Safaga, the spot called Soma Bay can be found. The new Intercontinental Abu Soma Resort is a cool place to say, overlooking the Red Sea. There are two bays which are ideal for kiting: one in front of the hotel and another can be found upwind of the centre, in front of which is a flat, shallow section which is great for beginners. There is wind throughout the year, with some of the best in the summer. A perfect spot all year round, however the best winds blow (up to 22 knots) in the summer months between May and October.
Zaafarana - a cheap, easily reachable kitesurfing spot is ideal for beginners, with almost 2km’s of beach to set up, offering everything from lagoon to ocean areas, shallow to deep. Away from the crowds, Zaarfana – at the Gulf of Suez - is 210km south of Cairo, and 240km NE of Hurghada. This sandy beach has around 400 metres of shallow water before entering the sea for some choppy waves. 3* accommodation right on the beach (no tuk-tuk rides here, simply walk from your room onto the beach). Th Ibi & friends Windsurf & Kite surf Center next to the beach will cater to your every need, safe storage facilities, to security boats to air compressors! Wind in Zaarfarana is a pretty consistent left sideshore wind blows from the North is blowing with an average (5-6 Bft.) all year round. You can get to Zaafarana with a 2.5 hour airport transfer from Hurghada or Cairo.
HOW TO GET THERE:
There are heaps of airports in Egypt. The easiest i.t.o. airport transfers to kitesurfing spots are Cairo International (and take the opportunity to check out the pyramids) or Hurghada International Airports.
HEADS UP:
Take decent sun protection and drink loads of water to avoid sunstroke.
Even though service charge is added to most hotels and restaurant bills, a tip (known as ‘baksheesh’) is still the order of the day. You’ll be surprised how many doors will open, with just a little baksheesh!
Predominantly Muslim culture – women especially, should wear respectable clothing when missioning around the local towns.
And if that wasn’t enough to urge you to go, check out the two Egypt Travel Stories below, which appeared in Gust Mag some time back.
