The Sotavento watersports centre is split into two; a huge Windsurf centre (and Wing Foiling) centre further out on the outer seaward side and a Kitesurf school inside the lagoon, close to the Melia properties. The legendary wind and year-round pleasant water and air temperature promises lots of fun on the water and the beach offers plenty of space to water start. Due to the off-shore/cross off shore wind, the centre is sheltered from wind and so offers plenty of shade for a relaxing whilst off the water.
Sotavento is blessed with a flat water lagoon, this floods and empties with the New and Full Moon phases - Planet can always check on the tides tables for the spot and advise accordingly - this is generally not deep enough for windsurfing but great for kiting!
Windsurfing
Stocking a huge selection of JP, Neil Pryde, Starboard and Severne boards and Severne Sails - you will find a board and sail set up to suit ALL conditions
As the wind here is off/cross-off shore a good rescue service is essential. The centre has great safety cover with staff ‘spotters’ being replaced every 2 hours; there is always someone looking out for kiters drifting out so a rescue jet ski can be dispatch if needed.
Windsurf instruction
- Courses (from 8 years) for all levels – on request also available as an intensive private course
- Intensive instruction: maximum six students per instructor
- Instruction in the shallow, tidal lagoon (exclusive license) or in the sea with jet ski support
- Licensed, multilingual instructors (guaranteed language: English)
- The latest and special boards from JP and Starboard
- Sails from Severne for lessons
- All courses include equipment insurance
- All courses include accessories (wetsuit and harness) on courses A, K and A1
- Special offer hourly rental ticket for maximum learning progress
Kitesurfing
The centre is one of the biggest and best stocked in the world! They are always stocked with the newest North Kites & Boards; no less than 350 kites and 120 kite boards!! Whether freestyle or comfortable free-riding, they have the right setup on the beach.
As the wind here is off/cross-off shore a good rescue service is essential. The centre has great safety cover with staff ‘spotters’ being replaced every 2 hours; there is always someone looking out for kiters drifting out so a rescue jet ski can be dispatch if needed. Storage & rescue cover is ONLY available to those at IKO level III or above (riding up wind). If you are not at this level get then there are several course available or there is a tidal lagoon for improving (please call to check if the lagoon will be working for you travel period).
Kitesurfing instruction
If the Lagoon is not in flood or deep enough then kiteboarding instruction takes place with jet ski support directly in front of the Kite Centre. With a maximum of 3 pupils per instructor starting off in this fascinating sport is not only made simple, this intensive instruction also ensures maximum progress! Whether you would like to just get a taste of this sport or take part in a complete beginner’s course – we will be happy to advise you!
Perhaps you already started a kiteboarding course but could not finish or achieve your goal – no problem, we will help you to improve! The kiteboarding instructors are approved by IKO (International Kiteboarding Organisation) ; so you will be taught by a professional team of instructors.
- Courses (from 15 years and min. 50 kg) for all levels – on request also available as an intensive private course
- Intensive training for optimal progress in your desired group size and duration
- Instruction in the shallow, tidal lagoon (exclusive license) or in the sea with jet ski support
- Licensed, multilingual instructors (guaranteed language: English)
- The latest and special training equipment from North
- All courses include equipment insurance
- All courses include accessories (wetsuit, life-vest and helmet)
- International licenses
- Level check to obtain licence
- Special offers such as Kite-Advanced-Pool and beginner combi
- Free shuttle to the deepest areas of the lagoon
Wing Foiling
We are also able to offer Wing foiling from this centre - The centre stocks North wings, foils and boards and has a large selection of boards, wings, masts and foils to choose from
Wingfoiling instruction
Wing foiling instruction also takes place in front of the main centre with Jet Ski and water support - they only offer 1-1 private instruction for this sport
- Courses (from 15 years and min. 50 kg) for all levels
- Available as intensive private course
- Intensive training for optimal progress
- Instruction on the sea with jet ski support
- Licensed, multilingual instructors (guaranteed language: English)
- The latest and special training equipment from North
- All courses include equipment insurance
- All courses include accessories (wetsuit, life-vest and helmet)
Watersport Centre Facilities:
* freshwater showers in the interior and exterior + airlines for pumping kites and wings
* sanitary facilities
* professional advise
* beach bar for drinks and snacks
* free Wireless Hotspot
* free sunbeds
* sheltered sun-islands
* shady palm trees
* manned lookout towers for safety
* rescue services
* massage and physiotherapy on the beach
IMPORTANT ABOUT THIS LOCATION:
- the wind here is off/cross offshore so it is important to be comfortable with these conditions
- the wind here can be extremely powerful, especially from June to September
- the 'training lagoon' is tidal, and the wind on the lagoon is extremely gusty.
This is a fanatic destination but it is important to understand the unique nature of the location. Please be sure to speak to one of our travel experts for the best advice.
