Our top 8 water sports destinations

for the winter of 2023/24

As winter's chill settles in, it's the perfect time to escape to warmer waters and prolong the season. In this blog post, we'll present you 8 outstanding water sports destinations for an unforgettable winter adventure. From kiteboarding to windsurfing, wing foiling, and surfing, these destinations offer the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty.

Scroll over the pictures to find out more about the offered activities, wind conditions, average temperature, and whether you need to bring a wetsuit. If you would like to know more about the respective destination, scroll further down.

Choose your winter holiday destination

DPC El Gouna
DPC El Gouna Kitesurfing & Wing Foiling
Wind Approx. 11-21 kn.
Outside temperature 23°C
4/3 wetsuit needed
DPC El Gouna
DPC Kenya
DPC Kenya Kitesurfing
Wind Approx. 7-22 kn.
Outside temperature 30°C
No wetsuit needed
DPC Kenya
DPC Zanzibar
DPC Zanzibar Kitesurfing & Wing Foiling
Wind Approx. 15 kn.
Outside temperature 27°C
No wetsuit needed
DPC Zanzibar
DPC Boa Vista
DPC Boa Vista Kitesurfing, Wing Foiling & surfing
Wind Approx. 12-25 kn.
Outside temperature 33°C
No wetsuit needed
DPC Boa Vista
DPC Kalpitiya
DPC Kalpitiya Kitesurfing & Wing Foiling
Wind Approx. 16 kn.
Outside temperature 28°C
Wetsuit: boardshorts or shorty
DPC Kalpitiya
DPC Kappaladi
DPC Kappaladi Kitesurfing & Wing Foiling
Wind approx. 16 kn.
Outside temperature 28°C
Wetsuit: boardshorts or shorty
DPC Kappaladi
DPC Tenerife
DPC Tenerife Kitesurfing, Windsurfing, Wing Foiling & E-Foiling
Wind approx. 20kn.
Outside temperature 20°C
3/2 or 4/3 Wetsuit needed
DPC Tenerife
DPC Viana
DPC Viana Surfing
Waves are up to 2 m
Outside temperature 10°C
Water temperature 14,5°C
5/4 wetsuit needed
DPC Viana

Duotone Pro Center El Gouna
Egypt

 

mild temperatures, sideshore wind, spacious beaches & vast shallow waters

 

Warm waters and mild temperatures

One of the major draws of El Gouna during the winter months is its comfortable climate. Water temperatures range from 21 to 25 degrees Celsius, ensuring you won’t be shivering in your wetsuit. Daytime temperatures hover between 17 to 27 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal winter getaway where you can comfortably enjoy both the sea and the sun.

As winter progresses from December to February, the winds can get cooler, necessitating a 4/3 neoprene suit and some warmer clothing. However, as March approaches, the weather starts to warm up, creating a delightful springtime atmosphere.

 

Wind conditions during the winter months

While the prime time for visiting El Gouna is from March to November, winter is still a viable option for water sports enthusiasts. Although the wind conditions are less predictable due to their thermal nature, there’s still plenty of action for kiteboarders. The wind, generated by temperature differences between the warm inland and the cooler Red Sea, intensifies as the air temperature rises. Consequently, the hotter the weather, the stronger the winds at El Gouna’s kite spots.

During winter, the wind predominantly blows from the northwest and can be a bit gusty. However, as spring sets in, it shifts more to the north, providing ideal sideshore conditions. The winter wind blows at 11 to 21 knots, making it strong enough for both beginners to learn in the shallow waters and experienced kiters to perform advanced jumps and tricks in deeper areas.

Exclusive learning experience at DPC El Gouna

DPC El Gouna offers an exclusive learning experience for kitesurfers. Unlike other schools, the center provides individual lessons, ensuring personalized attention and rapid progress. Students don’t have to share kite equipment with others, allowing for focused practice over multiple hours. If you’re traveling with a partner or friend, you can take lessons together as long as you're at the same skill level.

For those with their own equipment, the center provides storage facilities, complete with a workbench and tools. If you prefer to travel light, you can rent the latest kiteboarding gear from Duotone Kiteboarding (rescue boat service available).

Beyond kitesurfing: Casa Cook Hotel and more

DPC El Gouna stands out as one of the few water sports schools with a neighboring hotel, the 5-star Casa Cook Hotel. This proximity means you can step directly from your luxurious room or private villa with a pool onto the kiteboarding spot. Casa Cook Hotel offers not only exquisite accommodations but also an outstanding culinary experience and a stylish spa area with pools, saunas, steam rooms, and hammam.

Apart from high-end options like Casa Cook, El Gouna also provides a range of accommodations to suit various budgets, ensuring that every visitor can find a comfortable place to stay. If your accommodation is downtown, expect a 10-minute Tuk Tuk ride to reach the center.

How to get to DPC El Gouna?

To reach El Gouna, find flights directly to Hurghada Airport (4-5 hours from Europe). Alternatively, consider flights via Cairo.

Upon your arrival in Hurghada, you won’t need to rent a car. Usually, your hotel can arrange a 30-minute transfer to El Gouna. If you have a lot of sports equipment, you can inquire at the center about transfer options. Within the city of El Gouna, you can use Tuk Tuks for transportation, although most restaurants and bars are within walking distance.

Duotone Pro Center Kenya
Africa

 

Kitesurfing bliss & Mindful living off the grid

 

The most idyllic kite spot you will ever visit

Duotone Pro Center Kenya is just the right destination for anyone seeking an extraordinary experience and valuing a mindful lifestyle. Nestled into the palm trees on the southernmost tip of Lamu Island, the center prides itself in being a bespoke kite school with a culture that favors quality over quantity. 

A tranquil beach and no water traffic to watch out for, no coral, no sharks, no sea urchins, or rocks, just sand, warm water, and endless space make this spot one of a kind. While beginners can practice the first steps in shallower, chest-high waters, freestyle enthusiasts can boost their tricks on flat water. There are even small, fun waves to play with for those wanting to hit the surf.

The season runs from December to March. The flat-water spot is perfect for kitesurfing with 7 to 22 kn. On the no-wind days, you can explore the beautiful bay with a SUP. Water and outside temperature are between 27 and 30 degrees, so you can leave your wetsuit at home.

Downwinders into the Golden Hours and expert coaching by Shawn Richman

A must-do for experienced kiters is the 12 km downwinder from the next island village back to the kite school where you will get to kite well into the sunset surrounded by the most magnificent colors. In wintertime, you have a high chance to see some dolphins around. Pure magic!

 

Besides the usual coaching program, DPC Kenya also offers exclusive kite lessons with pro kitesurfer Shawn Richman. Hailing from Maui, Hawaii, Shawn is not just a kitesurfing expert; he's a master of the craft. As the head coach, Shawn brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. His gentle and effective teaching style makes him the perfect mentor for those looking to hone their skills to perfection.

Beyond kitesurfing: The Cabanas Lamu & Pepo Villa

As for accommodation options, we highly recommend Cabanas Lamu Kizingoni Beach or Pepo Villa. These beautiful lodgings are conveniently located right behind the kite surfing spot. 

Cabanas Lamu offers a unique retreat suitable for couples, families, and small groups. It’s your very own Robinson Crusoe elevated island nest. Picture this: a rooftop infinity pool reflecting the endless African skies, a serene spa, and a beach bar where you can unwind with your favorite drink in hand. The Cabanas Lamu provides a perfect blend of seclusion and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful escape without compromising on luxury.

How to get to DPC Kenya?

If you plan to visit this special place, you'll need to fly first to Nairobi airport and then to Manda airport. KLM and Lufthansa offer flights to Nairobi. Provide your flight details to the center, they will arrange a boat for your transfer. A concierge will be waiting for you upon your arrival to escort you from the flight and drive you to the resort and school. The boat journey will take approximately 25 minutes. There's no need for a rental car on Lamu Island.

Duotone Pro Center Zanzibar
Tanzania

 

White sand beaches, turquoise waters, incredible marine life and tropical spice farms

 

Kitesurfing and wing foiling on Zanzibar

Zanzibar, with its endless stretches of snow-white, powdery sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, has become a haven not just for sun-seekers but also for watersports enthusiasts. The island, aptly nicknamed the Spice Island due to its rich spice plantations, is now one of Africa's popular kitesurfing destinations, thanks to the Kuzi and Kazi Kazi winds. In winter, the temperatures range between a comfortable 25 and 28 degrees, as does the water temperature. Thus, no wetsuit is needed; just bring a swimsuit and a lycra for sun protection. The winter season spans from December to February, with January providing the highest wind probability.

All kite and wing foil spots are situated on Zanzibar's east coast. Kiwengwa, in particular, stands out with its flatwater to small waves, making it ideal for beginners, freeriders, and foilers alike. The trade winds, blowing between 15 to 25 knots, create nice and rather light side-onshore conditions.

Duotone Pro Center Zanzibar and The Beach Lounge experience

Duotone Pro Center Zanzibar is an IKO and IWO affiliated school and offers various activities such as kitesurfing, kitefoiling, wing foiling and stand up paddleboarding. The school is nestled in the beautiful Beach Lounge which boasts a private beach, comfortable lounge chairs, sunbeds, shades, and even a seafront restaurant and bar offering delicious charcoal-grilled seafood, meats, and pizzas. The center is equipped with Duotone, Fanatic, and Ion equipment to ensure you have everything you need for a fun kite or wing foil experience.

Accommodation and getting there

If you're planning to visit Zanzibar, you'll need to fly to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport with airlines such as Kenya Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, or Air Tanzania. Please note that all these flights include one stopover. For your convenience, the center can arrange a one-hour transfer for 50 USD. Renting a car is not advisable.

 

For accommodations, we recommend the Mvuvi Boutique Resort, located just a minute’s walk from the Duotone Pro Center. This intimate boutique hotel offers a private beach, a beachside restaurant, a small pool, and a spa - perfect for unwinding after a day on the water.

Duotone Pro Center Kalpitiya
Sri Lanka

 

ULTRA FLAT WATER, FRESH COCONUTS, WIND GUARANTEED EVERY DAY AND AMAZING HOSPITALITY

 

Kiting in tropical paradise

When winter's chill sets in, what could be more inviting than escaping to a tropical haven where warm, butter-flat waters meet golden sands? Duotone Pro Center Kalpitiya in Sri Lanka offers just that. As pioneers in the area, they know the surrounding waters inside out and will take you to the best kite and wing foil spots of the day. The team has installed kite stations at 3 unique spots: Lagoon (beginner-friendly), Dreamspot and Vella Island (freestyle and freeride paradises). Take part in exciting downwinders and kite safaris or go rip some waves in the Indian Ocean. All the spots in the area can be reached by boat in a direct line from the center.

The winter season spans from mid-December to February.

Amazing conditions nearly every day

Kalpitiya's climate is nothing short of paradise. With temperatures ranging from 29 to 32 degrees Celsius and water temperatures hovering around a balmy 25 degrees Celsius, you'll find yourself in a perpetual state of comfort. The wind during this time of the year typically ranges between 12 to 22 knots, creating ideal conditions for kitesurfing and wing foiling.

Accommodation and getting to Kalptiya

The Rascals Kite Resort, the home base of DPC Kalpitiya, offers a place to retreat between the sessions, with tasty wholesome food and comfortable rooms in island style. The restaurant and bar serve as an excellent meeting point for all guests. Besides room and board you can also indulge in yoga sessions on the jetty or relaxing massages.

 

Getting to Kalpitiya is fairly easy! We recommend flying to Colombo International Airport and taking a shuttle directly to the resort. The drive takes about 3,5 hours and can be organized by the resort.

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Duotone Pro Center Kappaladi
Sri Lanka

 

MAXIMIZE YOUR WATER TIME AND PARTICIPATE IN THRILLING KITE SAFARIS

 

Sri Lanka's most underrated kite spot

You might be wondering why our DPC network includes two locations in Sri Lanka. If you read a bit further, you will quickly understand the reason why.

One special thing about Duotone Pro Center Kappaladi is that you can leap from your bed directly onto your board and hit the water. While the Kappaladi Lagoon is much smaller and less known than the Kalpitiya Lagoon, it benefits from cleaner and more consistent winds and significantly fewer kiters and wingers on the water. The conditions here cater to all skill levels and disciplines, including foiling. The upper half of the lagoon boasts waist-deep water, perfect for a variety of activities, while the lower half is a haven for foiling enthusiasts. If you're craving wave riding, it's as easy as heading to the nearby beach and entering the Indian Ocean, where multiple wave spots await your exploration.

From December to March, the wind speed typically varies between 14 and 20 knots and you can usually expect around four days of good wind per week.

Duotone Pro Center Kappaladi's offer

Besides renting out high-quality Duotone equipment and offering kitesurfing, kitefoiling and wing foil lessons taught by certified instructors, the center also organizes fun kite safaris to incredible freestyle spots with the option to even stay overnight. Additionally, they also host enchanting full-moon kite sessions right in front of the center.

 

Accommodation and getting to Kappaladi

DPC Kappaladi is part of the Kitekuda Resort which offers 12 distinct guest rooms and bungalows. Each room boasts breathtaking views and private ensuite bathrooms. The greatest perk is being mere meters away from the lagoon and the magnificent Indian Ocean.

 

Book your flight to Colombo Airport and share your flight details in advance with the school and they will arrange a transfer for you. Alternatively, you can take the train to Palavi station and hop in a TUK TUK, or you can catch a bus to Palakuda Junction and then take a 3-wheeler from there. 

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Duotone Pro Center Tenerife
Canary Islands, Spain

 

ENJOY A RELAXED STAY IN THE CHARMING TOWN OF EL MÉDANO WHERE EVERYTHING IS SET UP FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

 

El Médano - a year-round top watersports destination

El Médano, Tenerife is a popular winter destination for watersports enthusiasts from around Europe due to its mild climate, windy conditions, and convenient setup. Many windsurfing professionals flock to this Canary Island every year for their annual winter training. While the wind may be slightly lighter compared to summer, you can still expect wind speeds ranging from 15 to 30 knots. The ideal wind direction is ENE, but NNE and NE also provide favorable conditions at the spot. There are three spots accessible from the center: the South Bay (bump-and-jump), the Harbor Wall and El Cabezo (wave spots).

In terms of weather, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures in the low twenties, which means you only need to pack your wetsuit and a light jacket for the evenings.

Duotone Pro Center Tenerife's multisports offer

If you are a fan of all the watersports or if you just looking for a warm destination that is located close to Europe, DPC Tenerife is the right choice for you. At this center, you have the opportunity to take lessons in windsurfing, kitesurfing, wing foiling, e-foiling, surfing, and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). For those interested in learning wing foiling, DPC Tenerife offers beginner classes at Granadilla Harbor where the water is calm and flat. Additionally, e-foiling is a fantastic option for days with less or no wind.

DPC Tenerife also provides a wide range of kite, windsurf and wing foil rental gear and takes time to adjust it to your needs. They make sure to always have the latest products from Duotone available.

Where to stay and how to get there

If you prefer staying close to the center, we can highly recommend ApartmentsMedano. They offer various beachside apartments each equipped with a kitchen, free WIFI and clean towels. The town of El Médano is often only a 5-minute walk away. Wake up to the sound and the view of the Atlantic ocean!

 

When booking your flight to Tenerife, make sure to choose the Southern Airport (TFS) which is only a 15-minute drive away from El Médano. The cost of a taxi one way is approx. 30 €. 

Once in El Médano, everything is within walking distance. Thus, there is no need for a rental car.

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Duotone Pro Center Boa Vista
Cape Verde

 

AZURE WATER, SECLUDED BEACHES, INCREDIBLE WAVES, STABLE WINDS

 

Boa Vista - flat water and wave paradise

Duotone Pro Center Boa Vista offers an unparalleled watersports experience for both experienced and novice kiters, wing foilers, and surfers. The season spans from early December to April. Unlike many other spots in the world, Praia Carlota is not overcrowded. The lagoon's water is predominantly flat, with a slight shore break on windier days. The wind direction ranges from side-offshore to offshore, usually blowing between 15 to 25 knots, which is why DPC Boa Vista provides a rescue boat service.

The water sports school serves as the part-time home to strapless legend Matchu Lopes, who will guide you to the best wave spots on the island and provide invaluable insights and techniques.

Duotone Pro Center Boa Vista's setup

In terms of infrastructure, the center and the adjacent restaurant Morabeza offer a relaxing chill-out area where you can unwind and soak in the laid-back island vibes. Storage facilities keep your equipment safe, while sunshades protect you from the African sun. And when it's time to refuel, the on-site bar and restaurant serve up refreshing beverages and mouthwatering meals, completing your ultimate beachside experience.

Enjoy the endless summer, as the water temperature never drops below 20 degrees Celsius year-round, and the climate remains mild, dry, and sunny!

Where to stay and how to get to Boa Vista?

If you are looking for a place to stay near Praia Carlota, check out VOI Praia De Chaves Resort. They offer everything you need for a relaxed holiday.

 

The center is conveniently located a 10-minute walk from Sal Rei town and a 10-minute drive from the international airport. A passport is required to travel to Boa Vista. You do not need a visa if you are staying less than 30 days, but you must register online at www.ease.gov.cv 5 days prior to your arrival. Registration fees apply. If you intend to stay longer, between 30 and 90 days, a visa is required. 

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Duotone Pro Center Viana
Portugal

 

CATCH SOME BARRELS AT CABEDELO BEACH THIS WINTER

 

The surf season is full on!

In September/October the wind season at Cabedelo beach stops and Duotone Pro Center Viana welcomes swell chasers from all around Europe. Cabedelo beach is known for its great surfing conditions during the wintertime. The right-hand point break is one of the better waves in the area and provides, when the conditions are right, a perfect performance wave with a tube section on the takeoff. Beginners can catch their first waves closer to the shore. In winter the outside temperature is around 9 to 11 degrees, and the water temperature is 14,5 degrees. So, make sure to bring a warm wetsuit or rent one of DPC Viana's.

Duotone Pro Center Viana's surfing offer

The center offers a wide range of surfboards including soft tops and hardboards (5'2'' - 9'0'') for rent. Bodyboards are available as well. Furthermore, surf lessons are being offered whenever the conditions allow it (usually at 10 am). The best way to find out when surf lessons are scheduled is by joining DPC Viana's Facebook group: Duotone Pro Center Viana - Surf School.

In the summer season from April to September, you can visit the spot again for kitesurfing, windsurfing, wing foiling, and SUP.

Accommodation and getting to Viana do Castelo

In Viana do Castelo you will find several accommodation options including cozy hotel rooms, stylish Airbnb apartments, and beautiful campgrounds. The center works closely with @itacaexperience. Check them out on Instagram or reach out to DPC Viana for more information.

 

The closest airport to Viana do Castelo is Porto. From there it is a 45-minute drive to the center. You can either pre-book a transfer, rent a car, take the train or the bus. 

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