Kitesurfing in Thailand: an Asian approach to the water sport. Kiting in Thailand What you need to know about the sun

Kitesurfing, or kiting, is one of the most popular sports hobbies today. People first started talking about it back in the 70s of the last century, but only now kitesurfing has become a fashionable sport available to everyone.

Literal translation of the word from in English means “wave riding”: the athlete glides through the water on a special board attached to his feet, and a kite connected to the board sets the direction. It's an amazing sight, especially if you watch a group of kitesurfers.

What do you need to kitesurf?

To practice skysurfing, the following constant conditions are required:

• presence of wind(it’s better if there is a different range of strength, this will make the first steps easier for beginners);
• water- preferably a flat, smooth surface;
• bottom, beach– the best is shallow water without any stones, a sandy beach.

A skateboard owner's dream

These conditions are ideally matched by nature itself in unforgettable Thailand. This state was once distant and mysterious, today it is among the top ten popular tourist destinations. Thailand translated from Thai means “land of the free” - it has never been colonized. That is why Thailand has retained its unique flavor. Thailand is washed from the west Indian Ocean, from the east – South China Sea. This is a safe country for tourists. Here you can successfully go kitesurfing. Pattaya, one of the famous resorts in Thailand, has several kitesurfing schools. Not long ago, Russian instructors appeared there, which greatly simplifies communication and improves skateboarding technique.

As a rule, kitesurfing schools are equipped with all types of educational, training and professional skates. Training in schools is strictly individual and under the supervision of a certified instructor. You can use your own skateboard.

Phuket Island - ideal conditions

Good conditions for skysurfing can be found on the island of Phuket. In the area of ​​the island, in different seasons you can always find yourself in a vast wind zone. Additionally, if avid fans of the sport are traveling with non-skysurfing friends or family members, Phuket offers a huge list of activities to suit every taste.

The beach on the island is quite long, which provides a good basis for the varied range of winds generated. Shallow lagoons without rocks make the island the best place for beginners in this sport. You should definitely go to Hua Hin, which is not only a royal residence, but is best known as the center of kitesurfing in Thailand.

Hua Hin and kitesurfing

Hua Hin is one of the oldest resorts in Thailand, offering a quiet family vacation. There are no nightlife spots in this city. It is ideal for kitesurfing.

The wind season in Hua Hin lasts approximately from November to April, the wind force averages 6 - 7 m/s, but sometimes it can be higher. The beach is quite long - 5 km, it helps to truly enjoy riding the waves. The width of the beach is also sufficient to calmly learn all the intricacies of this sport.

There are several skysurfing schools in Hua Hin. All school instructors have passed international certification. Each of the schools has its own representative offices on the beach and tries to meet international quality standards. Therefore, schools are equipped with all the equipment necessary for classes, an equipment store, and a shower. There is a representative on the beach - a beach boy.

Lovers of extreme sensations, seekers of novelty and kitesurfing enthusiasts will find everything for their favorite activity in Thailand.

Amazing nature, culture, food, 10 times cheaper than Maui and what’s more - it blows here!

Thailand for me is one of the most amazing countries that I've ever

visited, it’s impossible not to return here... In Thailand you can find everything: a fascinating culture, best beaches world, unusual Thai cuisine,great shopping, hospitable people, value for money. Here you will be greeted with sincere smiles and cordiality. And kite lovers will find excellent winds here! What else do you need for a great vacation? I think this is the place for everyone who is looking for an unforgettable vacation.

He will tell us first-hand how to have a great time on the winds of Thailand. local Dani Viriyanont (Dan).

Dan, can you tell our readers a little about yourself. Where are you from, where do you currently live, what is your experience in kiteboarding?

“I was born and raised in a small town near Bangkok. Then he went to study in New York. Fulfilled my American dream in Nevada - good job, house, two cars. Came to Thailand to visit family. In 2006, I visited the island of Koh Phangan and fell in love with it. 3 months after that, we completely abandoned our American life and became simple islanders.

I learned to windsurf on Koh Phangan and practiced for 2 years. "One2Kite' wanted to expand their school on Koh Phangan and I helped them with location selection and marketing. I was a simple rider and just enjoyed riding at the school. When the school didn't have enough instructors, I helped out. Sam, owner of One2Kite" , was concentrated at the main station in Hua Hin, so he was forced to close Koh Phangan station. I decided to renew "One2Kite" on Phangan Beach Resort V Ban Tai. With these changes, I liked riding and learning even more.

Currently our son goes to school in Koh Samui Koh Samui and we were forced to move from Koh Phangan after living there for 6 years. Samui is a paradise on earth, and always has been, only now with a lot of tourists. I decided to move my kite school to Koh Samui. Originally known as "One2kite" in Koh Phangan and now called "Breeze Kiteboarding" - a subsidiary of "One2Kite".

How is life on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui?

Life on the islands is simple. On supermarket shelves, compared to America, for example, instead of 15 types of ketchup, you will be lucky if you find just ketchup. Thai island life is much simpler than the American city lifestyle.

You have seen many seasons of wind in this part of Thailand. What do you think is the most best time for a trip to Koh Phangan and Samui for kiting?

Weather last years It’s changing a lot, and not only in Thailand, but all over the world, it seems to me. In my opinion, the best time to travel to Thailand for skiing is June, end of August - September. These islands have two different types winds - soft, sufficient for skiing and super strong storm wind.

Since the winds are not strong in March - mid-May, these months are ideal for diving. November is the rainy season and usually it's just heavy rain and no wind at all.

What are the conditions here? What is the average wind?

Both islands are located in a bay and the wind blows across the continent and from the bay. Most of the year the wind is from the west, which makes sunset riding unforgettable.

During the windy months you will get at least 2 weeks of wind averaging around 12 - 15 knots (6 - 7/8 m/s). During the stormy months - in June the wind blows in the range from 12 to 40 knots (6 - 20 m/s). This is a dangerous month and you should really pay attention to weather changes. During the period from December to February we receive winter north winds, in which you can ride well from +20 knots 10 m/s).

What is the most popular kite size you use here?

For my weight (75 kg) I use 13.5m2 RRD Obsession. I also have 9 m2, the same brand - for riding in storms and strong winds.

On this moment You are setting up a new kite station on Koh Samui (big congratulations!), can you tell us more about this place and the kite station?

On Koh Samui The easiest way to get there is by direct flights from Bangkok. We are located in Bo Foot (Bo Phut). It's just 5 minutes from the airport and 5 km from larger city Chaweng (Chaweng). Depending on the wind direction we can change the training spot in the north-eastern part of the island.

Is this place more suitable for beginners or advanced riders? Do you have a shallow water lagoon for beginners?

There are many on Koh Samui beautiful beaches. Many of them are tourist areas, with a large number of hotels. These areas are a great place for beginner riders. The territory of our kiting school extends 500 meters wide and 500 meters deep from the shore. The place is ideal for beginners as there are practically no waves. If you swim behind the reefs, you can enjoy the waves or even visit other islands.

Is there a chop there? Flat? Waves?

Play Leam (Plai Leam) Offers super flat waters or minimal waves depending on wind and wave direction. A dead coral reef provides protection from the waves, but riders can enjoy big waves behind the reefs.

What exactly is exclusive about this ski area?

Amazing sunset overlooking the nearby islands. Samui has a famous big buddha standing in front of the ski area. There you can take wonderful photos while learning to kiteboard.

What brand of equipment do you use for rental and training?

Most of our kites are RRD, sizes from 7m to 15m. All 2011 and 2012 models. We have boards "Square two" for beginners and RRD boards for more experienced riders.

Are there any features to know about this place (reef, corals, sea urchins, etc.)? Do I need to have slippers and a wetsuit?

All the small beaches on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui have dead coral reefs, which means sharp rocks, corals, sea ​​urchins there is, sometimes you can even run into a broken bottle. I always wear slippers. Wetsuits may be necessary in winter when the water reaches 26 C degrees. If you are used to the cold, then this will be the ideal water temperature for you.

Do you organize kiteboarding competitions? If so, could you tell us a little more about them?

On Koh Samui - Bo Put (Bo put) or Chaweng. Chaweng is the main town with many shops, restaurants and clubs. Koh Samui has a slightly larger number of people and the island itself is larger than Koh Phangan. Some people prefer to stay close to the ski area.

What is the easiest way to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok?

You can take a direct flight from the airline Bangkok Airways(flights every hour). The cheapest and easiest way is night bus from BKK to Koh Samui. The bus leaves around 9 pm and arrives in Koh Samui late the next morning.

If there is no wind, what else can you do in Koh Samui or other islands around?

There are many attractions: waterfalls, zoos, trekking, beaches, SUP, Samui safari tours, nearby islands tours or national park. If there is no wind, we will help you with excursions around the island.

Where would you recommend going for dinner or fun in the evening?

Chaweng the best place. There are many restaurants and bars there. Many are located right on the beach.

What advice could you give to kiters coming to Koh Samui??

Lots of sun cream, slippers, lycra. You can check wind conditions on our website www.breezekiteboarding.com or on facebook.com/breezekiteboarding

So what would you say to those who say ‘Are you going skiing to Thailand? Nonsense, there is no wind there!"

It's not Maui (Hawaii), but Thailand has a lot to offer: culture, nature, amazing food. And most importantly, it is 10 times cheaper than Maui...

Dan, one of the last questions - how can I find you in Samui? What is the location of ‘Breeze Kiteboarding’?

We are just 5 minutes drive from Koh Samui Airport Bo put. We are located in the north-eastern part of Koh Samui and just 500 meters from the famous Big Buddha.

And to end our conversation... A few words of wisdom for our readers?..

If you love Thailand and you love kitesurfing, Koh Samui should be on your list (bucket list).

Dan, thank you again for your time and answers to all questions! I wish you a good windy season and hope to meet you again someday in Thailand - the land of smiles;)

----------------

Summary of winds on Koh Samui

								September
big waves,	big waves,	medium waves,	no wind average tide, time for diving	a little bit of wind riding in a storm	good wind, low tide, riding in a storm	The wind is OK,	good wind, low tide	excellent wind, average tide, best month	The wind is OK, mid tide, rain	The wind is OK, mid tide, rainy season	big waves,

Evgeniy Markelov

He has caught air currents with a kite not only in Thailand, but also in Russia, Spain and the Philippines, so he can give competent advice.

Best season for kitesurfing in Pattaya - from late November to mid-March. At this time, the winds blow often, the sun shines brightly in the sky and there is no rain.

If you see kiters in wetsuits on the shore in March, it means jellyfish season has arrived. They sting on the conscience, so it’s really better not to show off in just swimming trunks.

During the rainy season it is possible to ride, but it is difficult. It all depends on how long it takes for the clouds to clear. In a good situation, you can count on a “window” of two hours. True, the wind will still be gusty and it will be difficult to straighten the kite.

Photo: from the personal archive of Evgeny Markelov

What you need to know about the wind

Most often the wind is pressure (toward the shore). This is good for beginners. Only two or three days a year can you be exposed to dangerous offshore winds (squeeze). In such conditions, inexperienced athletes may be carried out to sea, and they will not be able to return if they do not yet know how to “kill themselves.” By the way, people ride in Pattaya mainly on kites measuring 12-14 meters, designed for light winds.

In kitesurfer slang there is the concept of “chop” - wind waves (waves raised by the wind). For example, on Vietnamese resort Mui Ne is a big chop: while you go into the sea, the wave will knock you off your feet several times. But in Pattaya the chop is small - the sea is calm and suitable for safe learning.

Professionals, as a rule, like high waves. In the first seconds, the wave twists so that it is impossible to resist, but the further from the shore, the easier it is to jump from it.

What you need to know about the sun

The main enemy of a kitesurfer is the scorching sun. Be sure to wear a hydroshirt, which will protect you from direct rays, as well as from jellyfish and dirty bags that “inhabit” the waters of Pattaya. Leave sunscreen with SPF 30 for Crimean resorts: in Pattaya, only a product with a protection level of 50-60 will help you. Generously lubricate your face and exposed areas of the body.

Photo: Shutterstock

Where to ride

Off the coast of Pattaya, kitesurfing is officially prohibited: in the center and on Jomtien Beach, next to the “Do not litter” signs, there is a sign with a crossed out man on a board. The reason is good: if you wash up on the shore, you risk running over the heads of vacationers. And the shock power of the kite is not enough.

The ideal beach for kitesurfing should be open. Trees and high-rise buildings come close to Pattaya. When trying to launch a kite, beginners are tempted to “fly up” onto the branches.

You can officially kite ride in Pattaya only in one place - next to the hotel on a spot. Most kitesurfing schools are located here. At the disposal of athletes there is a watermaker for the kite and a shower. There are also beach boys here who will help you lift and land the kite. It is better to study and ride in hydrosneakers for the first days, so as not to injure your feet.

Where to train

If you have been snowboarding or wakeboarding, then handling a kite will be a little easier for you. If not, it's never too late to learn. True, the number of kite schools in Pattaya that operate all year round can be counted on one hand. The most famous is Blue Lagoon, where there are Russian-speaking instructors. They issue IKO certificates after completing the full training course. The rest of the schools are like snow: they appear in winter and disappear by spring. Their tuition prices are lower.

Photo: Shutterstock

It is better to learn kitesurfing with a Russian-speaking instructor who can arrange a specific debriefing. But English is also suitable - almost all mistakes can be shown on your fingers.

Periodically in in social networks Private instructors advertise themselves - visiting kitesurfers who are not averse to earning extra money. They are more flexible than “stationary” ones: they can easily take you to a good place if there is no wind in Pattaya. But private owners also have a number of serious disadvantages. For example, a meager selection of kites and a lack of infrastructure - showers, storage lockers, rescue boats. Although you can negotiate directly with the rescuers: if the wind suddenly subsides, they will take you to land for 150 baht.

One lesson at a kite school costs an average of 4,000 baht, a three-day course costs 11-12,000. Equipment rental will cost at least 4,000 baht, and owners are reluctant to rent. Many require an IKO certificate, which indicates your ability to handle a kite. If you want to buy a new set, get ready to shell out 50,000 baht. Used equipment can be found for 20,000.

The residence of Thai monarchs, a magnificent park and a complex of buildings in traditional Thai style. They will remember the huge number of temples, each of which is notable for its unique sculpture of Buddha. In this country they chant their god with such zeal that you can take a separate tour looking at the golden, emerald, sitting, and reclining Buddhas. And amazing Thai shows are another side of the original state. Of course, we watched all of this too. How could it be otherwise, it’s our first time in Thailand. And only after that we indulged in fun on the water. As it turned out, there are only two kite stations in Thailand - one is located in the most popular resort, Pattaya, and the other on the island of Koh Phangan, which is slightly north of Koh Samui. Since we were in Pattaya, we decided to start from here. This is a large, busy resort, but we found the kite station quickly. If you drive along Sukhumvit road from Bangkok, then you need to turn right, towards the coast, onto Soi Najomten (the street between the Shell gas station and the Ambassador Hotel). On it, right by the sea, in house 14 there is a center water sports“Blue Lagoon”, part of which is occupied by the kite station. So here we are. My friends already have a certificate that allows them to cut through the waves without any problems, but I, a novice kite rider, had to take lessons at a local school.

Kitesurfing (from the English kite - kite and surfing - surfing, “wave riding”) or kiting is a sport based on movement under the influence of the traction force developed by a kite (kite) held and controlled by the athlete.

If you are a beginner like me, then my experience will help you. First of all, sort out your equipment and equipment. There are a variety of kites, but a simple paper kite will do for starters, and the board should provide good grip on the water. The most productive way to study is not in a group, but one on one with a trainer. Especially at the initial stage, kitesurfing is associated with great risk, so you should not do it “by self-instruction”. You can get tangled in the slings, and then seriously cut yourself with them, or even get fractures. This is why you need to go out to sea wearing a life jacket, a helmet and a safety leash.

After exercising on land, you need to choose a place to train on the water. I didn’t have to worry about this, because the Blue Lagoon has the best location for this. East Coast Thailand. The weather in Pattaya was excellent: calm seas and the wind was blowing parallel to the shore at a speed of no higher than 7 m/s. The start was the most difficult test until I somehow got on the water, I had to flounder quite a bit. But when I managed to catch the wind and I was gliding along the surface of the water, my delight knew no bounds. I was so carried away that I didn’t want to interrupt the wonderful flight. Without hearing the warning shouts of the coach, within a few minutes I found myself at a decent distance from the start, and I still didn’t know how to turn around and rush across the water against the wind, I had to stomp back on foot, carrying all the equipment. Subsequently, I was smarter and didn’t try to run marathons.

There are a variety of kites, but a simple paper kite will do for starters, and the board should provide good grip on the water.
I rode port and starboard tack, learned how to turn a kite, did my first few kite jumps and fell in love with the sport.
I spent a lot of time and money learning to ride. I went normally only after the second trip on the gurney to the sea. And some old woman here writes that she is already turning, and jumping, and generally talking nonsense about a paper kite. It would be better if I wrote about the season: when it blows and when it doesn’t
01.12.14 Borisss

We are going to Pottaya for a month and a half in July, we have our own equipment, no experience on water. I ride on snow. How is the weather at this time of year and is it possible to get to you?
12.11.13 Larion

Good afternoon. We're going to Pattaya via Nelelu, we want to go kite riding (we have our own equipment), where are you? what the cost of studying? How professional are the instructors? how to contact you locally
18.08.13 Catherine

Kitesurfing in Thailand is quite developed. Although there is an opinion that on the beaches of this country they only sunbathe and have fun. May-October is the rainy season with heavy or short-term precipitation. The optimal time with excellent wind is in November-April.

The best places for kiters and windsurfers on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The place is 500 km from Bangkok.

Kitesurfing in Thailand - the best places

There are several worth noting good places, which are suitable for beginners and kite riding enthusiasts. Main kitesurfing spots in Thailand:

1. Cha Am and Hua Hin are located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand. It's just a three hour drive from Bangkok. To get there, you should take a taxi or use public transport. You can rent a car at the airport by telling where you need to go. The place is best suited for beginner athletes and professional kiteboarding and windsurfing specialists. There are a lot of tourists and vacationers on the beach compared to skiers. The beach is sandy without stones. It is better to visit this place during the period March-May. (Photo)
2. Cha Am is the best option for lovers of peace. The five-kilometer sandy beach is usually not crowded. February-April is the time of wind for 10-16 domes, so this period is excellent for training. In addition, the shallow depth allows for safe training. November-January is a calmer period, there is no strong wind, but despite this, there are quite large waves. Near the beach there is a school and a station. (Photo)
3. Pranburi is suitable for windsurfing and kitesurfing regardless of skill level. On sandy beach As a rule, there are not many people. Strong winds occur in the period January-March; they begin to blow more from midday and towards night. In the evenings, a huge number of parties are held in this place, so you won’t get bored when there is no wind. (Photo)
4. Ko Samui is a wilder island, located in the Gulf of Thailand. You can get here by plane or save money and take the bus. The southeast coast is mostly quiet, without many tourists. But there is a local school. Excellent deserted place for kiters. Local spots are more suitable for experienced athletes due to the large reef, which is quite dangerous for beginners. The best period to visit this place is from January, since November and December are the rainy seasons. (Photo)
5. Chumphon is a popular kitesurfing spot in Thailand. You can get to the place without problems from almost any city. The sandy spot is suitable for experienced riders. Here the winds are not very strong for kites of 10-14 m, sometimes even less - 10 m. It is better to come here in November and December. You can ride in the morning and at noon. In the evening, the winds subside, and it is worth enjoying the quiet life of the town of Chumphon.

Kitesurfing in Phuket for beginners and professionals

Many athletes have heard about Phuket's white sand beaches. Here wonderful places for kiting with a wide windy area in a variety of directions (depending on the season).

The island will delight not only lovers of a fun, eventful holiday with its rich life, but also kite lovers. Kitesurfing in Phuket is suitable for vacationers with families and children who are not into kitesurfing. They will definitely find something to do during their vacation. A trip to the island can be combined with visits to other interesting places – Hua Hina(kite Mecca big size) or Samui.

Kitesurfing in Phuket has the following characteristics:

• the wind is directed in different directions;
• the spot is suitable even for beginner riders;
• sandy, shallow beach without large boulders or reefs;
• The long length of the beach requires driving in different directions.

Here a large number of and other entertainment. Patong and Karon beaches are lively nightlife Asia. In addition to kitesurfing, you can do surfing, sailing, canoeing and even elephant trekking. Also worth trying are mountain biking, go-karting, bungee, and Thai boxing. Phuket is the perfect combination of extreme and relaxing holidays.

You can't leave the country without appreciating national cuisine. Phuket boasts a large number of restaurants, in this regard it is the best in all of Thailand.

During the day, tourists will have a great time riding, and in the evening you can visit a colorful show, performance or an interesting establishment with live music.