ELEVATE YOUR JOURNEY: KITESURFING IN ZANZIBAR FOR THE AVID SLOW TRAVELER
Picture this: your feet are strapped to a kiteboard, and you're gliding across the surface of the Indian Ocean, engaging in the thrilling activity of kitesurfing in Zanzibar. Pulled by the power of the wind and the large kite in your hands, the water sprays all around you, and you hold on tight to your control bar as you speed past the picturesque beaches of this stunning archipelago.
If this sounds like fun to you, you can actually make it a reality! Slow travelers from all over the world are discovering that Zanzibar is simply the best place in the world to learn and explore the exhilarating sport of kitesurfing.
If you’ve never heard of kitesurfing before, it’s pretty straightforward to explain: you start by strapping your feet to a small, buoyant board (similar to a wakeboard or a small surfboard). You’ll be hanging on to a large, durable kite, which is connected to a control bar that you can use to steer. The control bar is also harnessed to you for extra stability. If it’s a sufficiently windy day, you’ll be able to use that kite to pull you around the shallows of the ocean. You can cruise at a leisurely speed, or if you’re feeling more athletic, you can get into high-speed jumps and maneuvers.
Lessons are recommended, as there are some methods and safety procedures that are unique to kitesurfing that beginners should learn. And there’s perhaps no better place for beginners to learn than Zanzibar! Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why it’s the best place in the world for this exciting water sport.
Ideal Wind Conditions
Overall, kitesurfers need a balance of wind speed, consistency, and direction to have a safe and fun kitesurfing experience. Although you should make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out on any given day, Zanzibar can usually be counted on for the type of wind you want.
Historically, the wind speed has increased gradually throughout the month of June, and last year, there was a change from 21.7km/h to 23.0km/h in average hourly wind speed over the course of the month. The windiest day of the year last year in Zanzibar was July 3rd, so anyone really seeking a thrill will want to plan their trip for sometime around the beginning of July.
Without consistent wind, a kitesurfer is in trouble. You could lose power, and it might even lead to an accident. Wind direction has a curious role to play in this consistency because the best results are from winds that blow onto shore or parallel to it, creating a smooth flow of wind across the water.
In the summer months of recent years, winds in Zanzibar have mainly blown from the south and the east, which definitely would provide some wonderful conditions on the beaches of Nungwi at the northern tip of Zanzibar. Although there’s no telling what to expect in any given year, Zanzibar has shown that it regularly has what you need to succeed in the world of wind.
Warm Water & Climate
It doesn’t get much more pleasant than this: Zanzibar boasts warm tropical waters year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 77 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 29 degrees Celsius). During August, the average temperature is essentially constant, hovering around 77 degrees Fahrenheit for the entire month. It’s pretty nice to imagine being out on these waters!
The climate is generally extremely pleasant.
This coming June 2024, the maximum daily temperature is predicted to be 82 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) in the shade, and there will be an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day. Make sure to bring your sunscreen!
Conditions like these allow beginner and advanced kite surfers alike to be more comfortable as they learn and practice. It’s a big deal! Being in conditions that allow you to relax like this will only help your kitesurfing, not to mention your general enjoyment of the sport.
Varied Kitesurfing Spots
Zanzibar is not a place where you will ever tire of the scenery, but variety is the spice of life after all, and perhaps you want your time in Zanzibar to be particularly spicy. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find many options for places to practice your kitesurfing around the archipelago.
Pleasant scenery aside, there are also natural geographical advantages that you’ll want to keep in mind when trying different kitesurfing spots around Zanzibar. There are many shallow lagoons and expansive sandy beaches, which are ideal for any kitesurfer. The shallow water allows for easier launching and landing of kites (not to mention a safe learning environment for beginners), while the broad beaches simply provide more room for kitesurfers to set up their gear and launch kites without getting in each other's way.
A great example of the perfect kitesurfing beach design is Paje Beach. Consistently talked about as a hotspot for kitesurfing in Zanzibar, Paje Beach promises no significant obstacles, manageable wave-riding opportunities, great water and wind conditions, and breathtaking beauty. Conditions are such that you can enjoy Paje Beach year-round, although you may encounter some rain during the rainy season (April and November).
You’ll find some stunning resorts here, and there are affordable guesthouses along the beach as well. See if you can stay at one of those, and you might just find yourself in the perfect long-term learning environment for practicing kitesurfing in a scenic paradise.
Supportive Kitesurfing Community
The best part about kitesurfing in Zanzibar is the community. It’s no secret how great it is to kitesurf there, and people have responded (of course) by going to check it out! Experienced instructors and passionate riders are a consistent presence, eager to share their knowledge with newcomers. Whether you decide to try out lessons with an instructor or school or go kitesurfing alone, you’re bound to meet some helpful and friendly people who can give pointers, advice, or simply company to enjoy this sport with.
Kitesurfing in Zanzibar: Final Word
Overall, Zanzibar’s score is basically perfect: great wind and water conditions, warm weather, plenty of ideal kitesurfing spots, beautiful scenery, and a wonderful community make for exceptional kitesurfing experiences. If you kitesurf already, you won’t want to miss this destination. If you’re simply curious about kitesurfing and haven’t tried it, there’s no time like the present to start. Take that passion and excitement for kitesurfing to Zanzibar, and you’ll be thrilled by the results!