Guide: Kite Trip to Fuerteventura.

Claire and Jérôme are sharing their experiences from their KiteTrip to Fuerteventura, along with their top recommendations for making the most of your time there.  Kite and wing equipment is in our Kitesurf and Wing Foil worlds.

Travel Period and Conditions

The prime season for kitesurf, WingFoil, and Windsurf in Fuerteventura runs from late February through early March. During this window, you'll enjoy comfortable daytime temperatures between 20 and 23°C, dropping to around 17°C at night. The ocean water hovers around 19°C, while the lagoon can warm up to 25-27°C. It's the perfect time to escape winter and score some epic riding conditions.

Packing Your Board Bag

I've been riding Duotone gear since my very first lesson and haven't looked back. My go-to is the Duotone Dice SLS; it's perfect for my surf and foil sessions, and my wife loves it for freeride. We initially planned to bring 8, 10, and 12 m² kites, a twintip each (Jaime SLS and Soleil), and my foil. But this time, we decided to travel light and rent on-site. This gave us the chance to try out some kites we wouldn't normally ride.

Travel and Logistics

A round-trip flight from Nantes to Fuerteventura with Transavia costs about €600, including a cabin bag and one checked suitcase. Once you land, you'll find plenty of car rental options at the airport. A small SUV runs about €280, which is perfect for exploring the island at your own pace.

Accommodation

We recommend the MELIA hotel. It's just fifty minutes from the airport and right at the doorstep of the best riding spots. The hotel offers a ton of activities for those who aren't riding or for families: PActivities include tennis, padel, spa, gym, aqua aerobics, Zumba, yoga, pool biking, and stretching. Live music is also available. You won't get bored here!

The hotel offers an all-inclusive dining option with a wide variety of meals available for extended hours. A half-board option is also available, complemented by snack bar access for quick and easy bites. The sea-view rooms feature quality bedding, ample storage, and a spacious balcony, perfect for relaxing or drying your riding gear.

The Sotavento Spot:

The ocean side of the Sotavento spot is best for experienced riders; only a few beginners venture out here. It's amazing how uncrowded it is! We never saw more than 20 kites on the water, even in the middle of the afternoon. Tucked behind the mountains, it offers flat, clear blue water. This spot is mainly ridden with offshore North and Northeast trade winds, which accelerate between the two mountain ranges.

The spot is clearly marked into two zones: Windsurf and WingFoil. Kitesurf has its own designated area. Supervision is provided from 10 am to 5 pm. If you run into trouble, the rescue team will quickly come to your aid or bring you back to the spot for €50.

If you opt for equipment rental, you won't be charged any repatriation fees, provided you can demonstrate an advanced level of Kitesurf.

The Lagoon Spot:

This 4km lagoon is nestled at the foot of the mountain and hotels. The wind can be tricky here due to the mountain and hotels, as well as the palm trees. Advanced riders tend to avoid this spot because the water is shallow. Jumps and freestyle are risky, and many knee injuries result from bad landings.

However, it's an incredible playground for freeride and for beginners making their first runs in warm, clear, flat, and spacious water.

Equipment Rental:

I think it's safe to say, "save the best for last..."

The René Egli Center is right at the foot of the lagoon and the spot; you can't miss it!

A team of instructors and lifeguards will greet you with a smile and a desire to make your experience great every day. Rescue drivers are also on hand.

For beginners, they offer lessons: a morning session at 10:30 AM (3h) and an afternoon session at 2 PM (3h). Groups are formed by skill level, with very few students per group, and private lessons are also available.

You'll start by steering small kites with ten-meter lines on the sand. As your lessons progress, the equipment will evolve with your level, and you'll finish the trip using standard production gear.

If conditions aren't suitable for riding (too much or not enough wind, big waves, etc.), they'll do everything possible to reschedule or postpone your lesson. You might even get a jet-ski/wakeboard session if there's no wind at an open spot. Incredible moments are guaranteed!

If you're an advanced rider, this is perfect! All the equipment is at your disposal (under close supervision) and adapts to your preferences and the conditions. The staff is friendly and highly competent, ready to guide you in your choices.

The available equipment is from the current year or previous years. Almost every morning, the lengths of the bar lines and the kites are checked. I even got to participate in a training session for checking and adjusting line lengths! The boards and straps are also in good condition.

I had the chance to test all three board types: twin tip, strapless, and foil, all from NORTH, one of our shop's partner brands. Every piece of gear felt comfortable and perfectly suited the riding conditions.

I highly recommend leaving your own gear at home. Instead, let yourself be tempted by a different brand you might not typically ride during the rest of the year.

After your session, whether you're at René Egli or the Melia hotel, you'll find a dedicated area to rinse your gear and shower. Then, treat yourself to a cerveza among the palm trees.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end!

Claire & Jérôme.