Kitesurfing in Thailand

Kitesurfing is an increasingly popular sport in Europe and North America and now kitesurfing in Asia is quickly gaining in popularity, thanks to an abundance of stunning locations, great weather and consistent windy conditions.

The development of kitesurfing today came by the Roeselers family in the USA and the Legaignoux family in France. Bill Roeseler, whom was a Boeing aerodynamicist and his son Corey Roeseler patented a device called the "KiteSki", which consisted of water skis powered by a two line delta style kite controlled via a bar mounted combined brake.

The KiteSki became available in the shops in 1994. The kite had a rudimentary water launch capability and could go upwind. In 1995, Corey Roeseler visited Peter Lynn at New Zealand's Lake Clearwater in the Ashburton Alpine Lakes area, demonstrating speed, balance and upwind angle on his 'ski'. In the late 1990s, Corey's ski evolved to a single board similar to a surfboard.

Combining a number of other sports such as kiting, wakeboarding and windsurfing, kitesurfing is perhaps more technical but offers riders an incredible experience which is why it is becoming such a popular sport. As kitesurfing becomes mainstream prices are coming down for equipment rental and buying and so today at many beaches across Asia you will see many people learning the sport.

As the popularity of kitesurfing continues to grow, kitesurfing in Asia does pose hazards to fellow kitesurfers, beachgoers, bystanders and others on the water and so caution should be exercised wherever you are kitesurfing. Many problems and dangers that may be encountered while learning kiting can be avoided or minimized by taking professional instruction through lesson centres.

With thousands of kilometers of coastline, Kite surfing in Asia provides countless great locations to choose from. Experienced kite surfer’s in Asia should head to Taiwan, which has the best conditions in all of Asia and year-round great kite surfing. Destinations famous for it’s surfing like Indonesia are equally impressive for kite surfing and the more developed spots can offer equipment for rental.

Countries such as Vietnam and Japan with 1000’s of kilometres of coastline offer great potential too, and kitesurfing in Thailand has exploded due to great locations, particularly in the Gulf of Thailand at Chumphon and Hua Hin which has the most consistent wind conditions.

There are a handful of kiteboarding schools in Hua Hin offering lessons for beginners and coaching courses for those who wish to become teachers themselves and prices are far lower than that in Europe and America making Thailand an attractive destination to gain your qualifications.

Should you not be sure whether this sport is for you it is even possible to have free consultation in Bangkok and learn the ropes before having to pay to try. Most people are hooked however within minutes and pack their bags for the coast.

There are also several kitsurfing schools in Phuket, particuarly along the West coast. For more information about kitesurfing in Thailand please visit the links to the left.

You can also follow the kitesurfing in Thailand blog for updates on kitesurfing companies, events and more.

<< Back