Kitesurfing has to be one of the coolest sports you can do on water, but how do you get started in the first place? Where can you learn and how long does it take? To find out all about becoming a bona fide kitesurfer, we spoke to UK instructor Luke Denny, and three-time world wave champion and kitesurf coach, Kirsty Jones.
Mauritius is the ideal beach holiday. Lush mountains, massive waterfalls, incredible ocean life, and beautiful beaches. The kiteboarding? It’s seriously good.
Just imagine it: Standing in Mauritius, the sun warming up your skin, the kite pulling at you, and the water tingling at your feet. Yes, we can see it clearly and are ready to learn more about Mauritius - to escape to the warm paradise.
In a far off corner of the world is a kite destination where the waves are barreling, the water’s warm, and the scenery is just too good to be true. This tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean is so beautiful, you’ll have to pinch yourself just to see if it’s real.
Follow these tips and this'll be you before you know it:
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What is Kitesurfing?
Kitesurfing is a wind-powered watersport that uses a kite and a board to propel you across the water. Despite the name, it doesn’t have to involve wave surfing - kitesurfing can be done on mirror-flat lagoons, as well as in choppy seas or big waves. All you need is wind and water.
There’s a lot of fun and progression to be had with kitesurfing. Once you've mastered the basics of riding along and staying upwind, you can start going faster, jumping, doing freestyle tricks, riding waves or going on long ‘downwinders’ along the coast.
If you want to see how kitesurfing is performed at an elite level than look no further than Red Bull King of the Air, one of kitesurfing's premier competitions for pro athletes.
Extreme Kiteboarding in Pumping Conditions | Red Bull King of the Air 2016
Kitesurfing in Mauritius
If you want to get some sessions in at this kitesurfing hotspot, you’re in for a long trip. But the payoff is well worth the time!
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The best time to kite in Le Morne is during the Mauritius winter season, which goes from May-October. Early and late in the season, windy days are slightly less frequent. If you want to be on the water every day, aim for the heart of the Mauritius winter.
Tourists avoid the Le Morne area in the south of the island in July and August because the wind can be so strong. In windy season, you can expect wind between 15-35 knots. You will want to bring a range of kites, but chances are you’ll make good use of your small kites here! Keep in mind that the kite beaches get super busy in the heart of windy season.
The temperature in this spot is tropical and warm. Pack for a hot summer beach holiday. In the water, most days are boardshort and bikini friendly. Some days the water can feel a little fresh, so bring a 1-2mm layer just in case.
Le Morne: A Kitesurfing Paradise
The corner of the island Le Morne is a wave kiters dream. Trade winds blow from the left over a reef that lies half a km off the beach, with flat water on the inside.
Passed that protective barrier there are a few reefs that create ideal waves for kiters: ‘Small reef’ is a fun, easy wave close to the beach. ‘Manawa’, 1 km inside, works best at high tide and is bigger and better shaped. At Mauritius’ east coast you can kite as well, especially around Belle Mare. Anse Le Raie is 45 minutes further towards the north with a large protected sea-lagoon. The waves passed the reef are generally smaller as in Le Morne.
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In Le Morne, there are two main launch spots. Your riding level will determine where the right spot to ride is. There's a kite beach on the point of Le Morne for advanced riders only Around the corner is the Le Morne Lagoon which is perfect for every level. This is the perfect place to learn how to kitesurf or for all levels of kiters to practice their skills. There’s a grassy launch spot to set up your gear and space all along the beachfront to park and spread out. The water is flat to semi-flat here with awesome conditions for freeride, freestyle, and big air. It's an amazing place to work on progression. For riders that want to do lessons, get in touch with the Ion Club which has a lesson facility right on the beach. For those that are riding independently, you can set up and go. Experienced riders should ride upwind where there’s more space.
Water is mostly flat and waist deep throughout most of the lagoon. Best of all, the water is comfortable and warm! There is a lesson center on the beach at Ion Club, and plenty of schools that work in this area. The only downside is onshore wind and sharp coral underwater.
Advanced Spots
Standing on the beach, you’ll see a wave to the left which is called Manawa, and this is a favourite for experienced kitesurfers and windsurfers. There's a break quite far out where most people ride, and also a break closer to the reef which is very shallow. This is one of the few kite spots where board leashes on surfboards are standard.
Further downwind and across/to the right of the beach is Chameau and One Eye. These are recommended for advanced to pro level riders only. These waves are incredible but they are also ruthless. It's quite a dangerous spot, especially when there’s a massive swell in the forecast. The payoff though? Unreal. But the risk is high.
Getting Started with Kitesurfing
What Skills Do You Need to Get Started?
Most beginners are completely new to boardsports, watersports and kite-flying, so lessons start from scratch. “Many have never flown a kite or done another watersport in their life. Some have never even put on a wetsuit,” says Kirsty Jones. For safety reasons, you should be comfortable swimming in open water.
How Fit Do You Need to Be?
You don’t need to be super-fit to kitesurf. And the kit is lightweight, so you don’t need lots of muscle strength either.
Why Lessons Are Essential
Any kitesurfer who respects the sport will agree that beginner lessons are essential. As well as getting you up and riding as soon as possible, a good instructor will furnish you with essential safety know-how and procedures. Without this knowledge, you’re a danger to yourself and everyone else on the water and beach.
Where Can You Get Lessons?
You can find kitesurf schools and instructors around the globe. Kitesurf camps like Heliophora in Dakhla off the coast of west Africa, Dare2Fly in Cabarete in the Dominican Republic, or at a whole host of other camps, based everywhere from Egypt to Brazil, to Sri Lanka and the Caribbean.
Choosing an Instructor or Kite School
“All instructors must have completed a training course with a recognised body [like IKO, BKSA or VDWS],” advises Luke Denny. “But, in my opinion, it’s not good enough to simply go through the syllabi. An instructor with lots of pre-and post-qualification experience is in a better position to coach you safely and successfully. They should also have a real passion for people - without this, they’re unlikely to give you the care, attention and confidence boost that new kiters need. And don’t be afraid to ask about the kit you’ll be using. “Learning with new equipment that’s in excellent condition is ideal, and beginners should always be given suitable flotation vests and helmets. Learning with substandard equipment is not recommended,” Denny says.
What Kit Do You Need for Lessons?
Any decent instructor or kiteschool should provide the kit. This includes being able to assess each location and have a full grasp of weather, wind, tides and their impact, as well as knowing how to stay safe in all conditions.”
When Are You Ready to Stop Having Lessons?
”First of all, it's essential that you’re signed off by a qualified instructor,” says Jones. “They can give you a card stating that you have reached the suitable level (level 3 for IKO) to be independent and able to rent. Being strapped to a kite can feel scary at first, but a good instructor will help you relax and show you just how safe modern kiting equipment is, provided you use it right. Some people struggle with this level of uncertainty so we always highlight it at the booking stage.”
Essential Kitesurfing Gear for Beginners
There’s no need to buy anything straight away, as any good instructor will provide equipment. “You’ll have a better idea about what to buy once you’ve completed the course - the location you plan to kite in, for example, will make a difference to the kite size you need,” Jones advises.
“And you may outgrow some of your entry-level equipment if you buy too soon.” Beginners often learn with a seat harness, a larger board and a floatation aid. Later on, you’ll probably want to change to a waist harness, smaller board and lower-profile impact vest.
The most common designs have an inflatable leading edge and a bridle to attach your lines to. At a beginner level, you don’t need to worry too much about specialist designs, as modern ‘everyday’ kites usually come in standard ‘bow’ or ‘delta’ shapes (both are good for beginners). If you can’t afford a range of different kite-sizes, you may need to hire occasionally if the wind is too strong or too light for your own kite(s).
Kitesurf kit is lightweight and easy to transport - if you don’t have a car, you could catch a bus, taxi or carry your kit to the beach.
Here's a list of essential gear:
- Kite - the size you’ll need depends on the wind strength
- Bar and lines - the right size/length to match the kite
- Board - beginners often start on larger sizes
- A seat or waist harness - seat harnesses are easier to learn on
- Safety leash and safety knife
- Floatation vest - kitesurfing vests have a gap for your bar
- Helmet - one that’s specifically designed for kitesurfing
- Wetsuit - if learning in cold-water destinations
Buying Second-Hand Gear
Buying an older board is fine but newer is better for kites, bars and lines. Jones explains: “New equipment is always evolving, especially the kites. Equipment gets better every year. “Being tense, gripping and rushing will block that intuitive feeling and progression.”
Patience is important, too: “Learning to kitesurf is broken into steps - each one is an important part of the progression process, and has to be practised.”
Additional Tips for Kitesurfing in Mauritius
- Cautions for Le Morne Lagoon: In this spot, wind blows straight onshore. Be extra careful launching and landing your kites here. It can get super shallow closer to the beach and near the corner, so ride carefully. If you’re learning, you'll want booties to protect your feet from sharp coral underwater.
- Cautions for the Point at Le Morne: The Point at Le Morne is beautiful, but one to avoid if you’re not 1,000% confident launching, landing, and staying upwind. This is a very small launch and it can be gusty on the beach.
- Cautions for Advanced Spots: You’ll often see surfers on the downwind side of One Eye. There’s a channel just below Manawa that you can use to get out to the waves without having to ride over reef. If you look at this spot from above, you can see a unique underwater waterfall phenomenon. There is another channel below One Eye. Do not go outside the reef unless you’re a strong swimmer and a very confident kiteboarder. In the evening, the wind can turn offshore here, and you’ll be hooped if you’re not back on the beach when this happens. If you need to get rescued by a boat, you can expect to pay 100 euros or more for the ride back. If the waves are huge and the channels are closed - that’s a red flag day - there is no rescue option.
Beyond Kitesurfing: Exploring Mauritius
There is so much to do all around this island. You may want to set aside a few days off the water just to explore. Go for a drive to the bustling city of Port Louis to check out the markets and try some authentic Creole food. Up in the mountains is another world full of waterfalls, hiking, monkeys, and sugarcane rum! You can hike Le Morne mountain right next to the kite spot.
You can swim with dolphins, and if you're lucky you may even see some whales! There's SUPing, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing.
Planning Your Trip
You'll fly into the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). Prepare for a long trip if you’re coming from North America! The travel time from the airport to Le Morne is approximately an hour, and a rental car is absolutely necessary on this spot.
For those that are not all about that all inclusive life, avoid staying at Le Morne beach. Private vacation rentals and kitesurfer guestshouses are the way to go here.
Expect dining out in Mauritius to cost as much as it does in the US or Europe. There are a few great restaurants in La Gaulette, but a lot of visitors cook at home - especially those staying longer than a week. The supermarket is the center of the action!
One of the best breakfast and lunch spots is Wapalapam. It has a cozy, island vibe with a great menu. Best of all? In La Gaulette, Enso is a great place for a burger or seafood. There are tons of dining options in Tamarin, about 15-20 minutes away from La Gaulette. There's also some nightlife there. Try Hidden Garden for food, island vibes, and live music on the weekends.
Mauritius is a kite destination that you won’t want to leave.
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