The way to learn kitesurfing

Whilst water-skiing and surfing have been popular water sports for many years, recently more and more people have been trying their hand at kitesurfing. Kitesurfing is a surface water sport that involves standing on a board similar to a surfboard whilst controlling a large kite in order to propel yourself across the waves. Kitesurfing was once a watersport reserved for experienced water sports enthusiasts, but innovations in design and safety features mean that this sport is now accessible to everyone who would like to give it a try, rather than just those who are experienced in a variety of different watersport activities.

One of the best places to go kitesurfing is undoubtedly the Red Sea costal resort of Hurghada in Egypt. Not only is the weather beautifully hot and sunny, ideal for being out in the water, but the difference in temperature between the land and the sea creates a great deal of wind, which is accelerated by the nearby mountain range. From May to October the average wind is around 18 knots, though this frequently gets up to 25 or even 30 in the afternoons. In the winter months the average wind speed is around 15 knots, which is still more than enough for kitesurfing.

Hurghada is one of the best places in the world to learn kitesurfing, partly because there are three different places (or bays) where conditions are perfect for kitesurfing, meaning there is enough room for everyone to have a go. The first of the three is Jasmine Village, which is located just 10 kilometres from downtown Hurghada and only 5 kilometres from the airport. The wind here tends to be strongest in the morning and at midday, blowing slightly sideoffshore in the morning and stabilising at around 11am to become sideonshore. The best time to visit is between April and September.

To the south of the city lies Magawish, the biggest beach for kitesurfing in the whole of Hurghada. This is a really great place to go for those who will be kitesurfing for the first time, as there are large shallow areas set aside for beginners and training. However that is not to say that experienced kitesurfers would not be challenged here, as separate launch areas, gusty winds, deep choppy waters and the famous off-shore sand bar will all keep confident kitesurfers entertained for hours. There is something for everyone here and what is more this is one of the safest kitesurfing locations in the world.

Last but not least the lagoon to the north of Hurghada is excellent destination for kitesurfers - kite school PlayKite. Here the winds come in off of the sea and with nothing to obstruct them many argue that they are the best kitesurfing wings in the whole of Hurghada. The water here is also particularly beautiful, as it is absolutely crystal clear, meaning you can often see dolphins and other sea life swimming about beneath your board.

When kitesurfing it is always important to make sure you are safe above all else. Beginners or unconfident kitesurfers should always have lessons to make sure they know what they are doing out on the water. It is also imperative that you wear safety gear at all times and you should always make sure you know the right of way rules in the area that you are kitesurfing in.

Now that Hurghada has its own international airport, your cheap holiday in Hurghada will be easy to get to. Charter flights run from Gatwick (5 hours travel time) and transfer from the airport to your accommodation is never likely to be longer than 15 minutes. You may find that flights to nearby airport such as Luxor or Sharm el Shaykh are more regular, so depending on your schedule you could fly into one of these and then take an internal flight to Hurghada.