Surfing in Thailand - a detailed review of surf spots! Kiting in thailand thailand and vietnam for kite and recreation.

Kiting, despite its similarities to a number of other sports, is unique in its own way. A characteristic feature is the use of a kite as a draft force - a kite.

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In Thailand, kiting is really widespread, but the winds here are fickle. Therefore, if one of the main goals of your trip to this country is kiting, then you will have to find out in advance what kind of weather awaits you.

The main place where you can go kiting in the country is Hua Hin. It has been recognized as the best kiting area in Asia. The best time to visit Hua Hin is from late October to late March. Sometimes - until the beginning of April. The winds are ideal at this time.

We would like to draw your attention to the small town of Pranburi, which is located near Hua Hin. Few people know about him, but here is gorgeous beach for kitesurfing. It is best to come here in March. Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are also great for kiting. Here you can easily learn kitesurfing. The wind and waves are quite small, so safety is guaranteed.

In addition, there are professional kitesurfing schools in Thailand. One of the most popular KVA Koh Phangan, which is located on Ban Tai. There is also a KVA store here. In Pattaya, the kiting season is November-May. Ten kilometers from Pattaya is the Kiteboarding Asia kitesurfing school, where classes do not stop for a day during the season.

There are many shops in Thailand where you can buy all the necessary equipment. If you don’t need additional expenses, everything can be rented on right time. Prices are more than democratic.

If you are new to this sport, we advise you to immediately decide how seriously you want to learn this breathtaking sport. After that, decide what suits you best. Thailand is a land of great opportunities, all of which are open to visitors. Worth a try!

Kiting is a water sport that involves riding the waves on a board with the help of a controlled kite. The movement of the kite (kite) is set with the help of lines attached to it. How larger size kite, the more diverse figures and jumps you can perform on the water, and the higher the speed of movement.

The most suitable season for kiting is from April to September, although this sport can be practiced all year round if desired. The best conditions for such activities are on the beaches of Nai Yang, Rawai and Layan, as there are practically no high waves on them, but a constant moderate wind blows. Optimal for beginners is the shallow Rawai beach.

Where to go

Thailand Kiteboarding School

School official website: kiteschoolphuket.com

KBA

School official website: www.kiteboardingasia.com

kitezone

School official website: www.kitesurfthailand.com

North Kiteboarding Club

School official website: www.northkiteboardingclub.com

Studying programs

Schools are taught by IKO (International Kitesurfing Organization) qualified instructors. The first step for beginners allows you to get basic skills, learn safety rules, terminology, assess the wind, its direction and strength, the concept of the wind window and its zones. Also, students get the skills to control a 2- and 4-line kite. For such classes, the group consists of 2 students, the duration of classes is 3 hours, the approximate cost is 3500 baht per person.

At the end of the first year, students receive IKO cards. After completing the second course and receiving the second IKO level, the athlete receives the appropriate certificate and the right to rent equipment and gear at any IKO center.

For beginner courses, which corresponds to IKO levels 1 and 2, you need to spend 10 hours each, the course lasts 3 days. The result of such courses will be the ability to independently control the kite and ride in a straight line. The cost of such a course is 11,000 baht per person, in a group of no more than 2 students.

Level 3 IKO can be obtained by completing the advanced kiting course, which is an individual three-hour lesson with a trainer, which will result in the skill of moving a kite against the wind, turns and more. If desired, you can take a certain number of hours of work with the instructor. Each hour of work with an instructor will cost 1500 baht.

Not only pros, but also beginners will be able to. The main thing is to choose the right place for this.

When is the best time to go

The rainy season in Thailand starts in May and can last until the end of October. During this period, there are mainly heavy showers, there are also quiet days, but it is impossible to predict exactly when they will come. That's why best time in order to catch the wave and compete with the wind - the period from mid-November to April.

It is recommended to immediately choose the east coast of the exotic Gulf of Thailand for this purpose, since it is here that such water sports as are most developed and boast a developed infrastructure. You can get here from Bangkok, breaking about 500 km. The road is not close, but the time spent on the road is worth it to enjoy the best vacation In my life.

Hua Hin and Cha Am spots

This picturesque area is a true gem of the Gulf of Thailand. The spot has long been known to all true fans of kitesurfing; ideal conditions have been created here for ordinary amateurs and real professionals. Hua hin are different clean sand, there are no stones here. During breaks between skiing, you can enjoy your vacation in numerous restaurants and bars that are located along the coast.

Beginners who want to learn the skill of skiing should go to Cha Am, where there is a special school and a station for kitesurfers. You can stay in one of the hotels, of which there are many. Beginners will especially appreciate this place because of the gentle slopes and shallow depth.

Tropical nature will be the perfect setting for outdoor activities among the ocean waves. Cha Am - perfect place in order to finish the longest .

Koh Samui

This Paradise Island, washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, is a real reserve, where you can still admire Thailand, untouched by civilization. The third largest of all the islands, Koh Samui is covered in slender coconut palms and lush tropical vegetation.

Sandy beaches beckon with their amazing whiteness, and in the turquoise waters of the ocean you will not find any rocks or jellyfish. Noisy and bananas with tourists do not rush along the waves here, this island is a real Eden for people looking for peace and tranquility.

But even among this idyll there are excellent places specially equipped for kitesurfing. There are also special schools for beginners, and ordinary tourists are offered all kinds of water activities. It is best to learn kitesurfing in shallow sandy bays protected by remote reefs. The water here is usually smooth as glass.

You can stay in one of the picturesque bungalows right on the ocean shore. One of the best nightclubs in Thailand operates on the island. Traditional restaurants offer excellent food, and there are others. In a word, kitesurfing is far from the only thing you can do on the island.

Chumpon city

Chumpon is one of most beautiful cities Thailand, whose snow-white beaches are not crowded with idle tourists even at the height of the season. It is a peaceful place where life goes on, ideal for travelers looking for an experience away from the bustling resorts.

Here you can meet friendly and hospitable people, as well as catch the perfect wind for kiting. The city has a school teaching kitesurfing, there are also shops where you can pick up all the equipment you need for this sport. Not far from the city there is a night market where you can buy the most exotic local products.

Phuket Island

Perhaps this is one of the most popular in Thailand. The wind blows here almost all year round, the water in the ocean is the cleanest, the beaches are wide and comfortable, and huge areas are reserved for skiing, where you will not find boats, scooters, jet skis and bananas. It does not rain often on the island, so you can come here almost all year round.

Since there is a lot of wind in Phuket, the island attracts professional athletes from all over the world. Beginners will also like it here, especially since they have schools where real masters will quickly teach you how to ride the waves. The island is equipped with the best kitesurfing spots in all of Thailand, there are many specialized shops with kite equipment, competitions for athletes of different skill levels are often held.

Phuket is not a sleepy fishing village, so no one will be bored here. Bars, discos, nightclubs are at the guests' disposal of the island. There is also a huge selection of housing - from modest bungalows to luxury apartments.

Surfing in Thailand, a country washed by warm tropical seas and having a very long coastline, is a very popular beach activity. And not only among tourists, but also among the indigenous population. The popularity of surfing is fueled by the fact that best season for practicing this sport is a period lasting April to October. High waves, frequent, albeit short-term showers scare away all lovers of leisurely relaxation, so at this time of the year there is a significant decline in tourists in Thailand. Prices for accommodation, food and entertainment are almost halved.

The surfing season in Thailand is also interesting because all the recognized gurus of this water sports, since it is a kind of shift change when, in other parts of the world, riding on the waves on the boards stops due to weather conditions. Surfer masters actively share their experience with everyone who wants to master this sport. They open schools, give master classes to both tourists and local residents. Therefore, you can not take into account the fact that the surfing infrastructure in Thailand is in its infancy. All possible inconveniences are more than offset by the quality of education. Moreover, they are actively solving the problems of arranging the coastline.

Surf school in Thailand is in almost every resort town. There are three surfing zones in the country, in which the practice of this sport is regulated - the approximate uniformity of prices, safety and comfort is ensured. But the most widespread riding on the waves on boards is on islands such as,. In the article we tried to place detailed overview surf spots for lovers of this kind of extreme.

Phuket

received the greatest distribution and development. This is facilitated by the fact that different points islands, you can find the optimal conditions suitable for the professional level of the athlete. The height of the waves reaches about three meters, and their length varies from 50 to 150 meters. According to professional surfers, this is exactly what is required for both safe training and extreme skiing.

The good thing is that within the boundaries of one there can be several types of spots. Therefore, the most popular beaches are and, where the coastline is the longest.

According to professionals, it is worth going here in early May. This is a time when the wind and rough seas are almost every day, so in just a week you can get an adrenaline rush for a year and become addicted to surfing in Phuket for the rest of your life. In the remaining months, a change in the weather and the onset of a lull with heavy rain showers are possible.

Koh Samui

will appeal to those who do not need the highest level of extreme sports, as the very nature of this place is conducive to this. It is one of the calmest, and the sunsets on it are mesmerizingly beautiful. Its shores are built up with villas and hotels; in the rainy season there are quite a few tourists. West Coast Koh Samui is of little use for beginner surfers, as it has the most coral reefs. During the February low tides, they are even visible.

The most restless sea is formed off the northern coast, but is the most popular. It's sandy, and a beach break is best view spot for beginners. Length coastline seven kilometers, so even with a relatively crowded place you can find a free place. The spot does not belong to the reef break category, the bottom there is rocky, and high wave stays stable in the same place, so it is more popular with advanced surfers. The best time to surf on Koh Samui is early March or September.

Pattaya

The wave on the northern coast of the Gulf of Thailand is not at all as high and steep as that off the Malay Peninsula, but there are twenty surf schools in this city, and boards are sure to be in the range of sports shops. focused on . There is also the opportunity to join kitesurfing. There are schools and a windsurf station in the Ambassador Hotel area. free water activities in Pattaya it is better to practice from November to May.

Rayong

This is a paradise for beginners. The waves are calm and low, falling is not scary and does not hurt. In addition to this, it is surrounded by crystal clear sea. It is quiet and calm here, you can retire with the sea and ride on a board without disturbing passing boats and swimming tourists (there are simply practically none here).

The abundance of soft waves generated by the free wind, as well as the most beautiful beaches and the prospect of learning are the factors that made surfing in Thailand appeal to people of completely different levels of fitness. It is here, in addition to the typical thai holiday, you can become a professional in this sport!

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

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

visited, it’s impossible not to come back ... 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 fans of kiting will meet a great wind 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.

About how to have a great time on the winds of Thailand will tell us firsthand local Dani Viriyanont (Dan).

Dan, you can 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 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 for 2 years. 'One2Kite' wanted to expand their school in Koh Phangan and I helped them with site selection and marketing. I was a simple rider and just enjoyed riding at school. , was centered on the main station in Hua Hin so he was forced to close Koh Phangan station. I decided to relaunch "One2Kite" on Phangan Beach Resort V Ban Thai. With these changes, I enjoyed skating and learning even more.

Our son currently goes to school on Koh Samui (Koh Samui) and we had to move from Koh Phangan after 6 years of living there. Koh Samui is heaven on earth and always has been, only now with more tourists. I decided to move my kite school to Koh Samui. Originally known as "One2kite" in Koh Phangan and now called "Breeze Kiteboarding", an affiliate of One2Kite's partner.

How is life on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui?

Life on the islands is simple. On the supermarket shelves, in comparison with America, for example, instead of 15 types of ketchup, you are lucky if you find just ketchup. Thai island life is much simpler than the American urban lifestyle.

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

The weather has changed a lot in recent years, and not only in Thailand, but all over the world, as it seems to me. In my opinion, the best time to travel to Thailand for skiing is June, end of August -September. There are two different types of winds on these islands - mild enough for skiing and super strong gales.

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 out of the bay. Most year wind from the west, which makes skiing at sunset unforgettable.

During the windy months you will get at least 2 weeks of wind on average, around 12 - 15 knots (6 - 7/8 m/s). In the months of storms - in June it 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. In the period from December to February, winter northern 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 (75kg) I use 13.5m2 RRD Obsession. I also have 9 m2, of the same brand - for riding in storms and strong winds.

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

The easiest way to get to Koh Samui is by direct flights from Bangkok. We are in Bo Foot (Bo Phut). It is only 5 minutes from the airport and 5 km from bigger city Chaweng (Chaweng). Depending on the direction of the wind, we can change the training spot in the northeastern 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 zones perfect place for beginner riders. The territory of our kiting school is 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? Flat? Waves?

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

What exactly is exclusive in this skiing area?

Amazing sunset overlooking the nearby islands. Koh Samui is famous big buddha standing in front of the skiing 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 RRD kites are available in 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 that you need to know about this place (reef, corals, sea urchins, etc.)? Do I need to have slippers, hydrik?

All the shallow beaches on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui have dead coral reefs, which means that sharp rocks, corals, sea ​​urchins there is, sometimes you can even run into a broken bottle. I always wear slippers. Wetsuits may be needed for winter time when the water reaches 26 C degrees. If you are used to the cold, then this is 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 city with many shops, restaurants and clubs. There are a little more people on Koh Samui and the island itself is larger than Koh Phangan. Some prefer to stay close to the skiing 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 in the late morning of the next day.

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

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

Where would you advise to go to dinner or have fun in the evening?

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are only 5 minutes drive from Koh Samui Airport Bo Put. We are located in the northeastern part of Koh Samui and only 500 meters from the famous Big Buddha.

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

If you love Thailand and you love kitesurfing, Koh Samui should be on your bucket 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 someday again in Thailand - the land of smiles;)

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Summary of winds on Koh Samui