THE LURE Year-round wind and sun add to Hurghada's appeal as the liveliest kitesurfing destination in Egypt. The shallow, flat waters and amazingly cheap packages mean that this has long been a favourite with kiters through out Europe. Once sparse beaches now brim with hotels and the town even hosts a Ministry of Sound nightclub!
THE SET UP: Although various areas can be ridden, the kitesurfing focuses around two main sites:
The Magawish Hotel is home to the Colona Watersports centre. The spot is well-known for its sand bar approximately 400 metres from the main beach, with cross/cross-onshore wind from the left. The launch area is pretty small but shouldn't put learners off as there's a sandy bottomed lagoon upwind of the centre with plenty of space for lessons and to practice those early manoeuvres. From the main launch there is plenty of space to ride both up- and downwind to avoid the crowds. Dive boats use the channel between the launch and the main riding area so ride sensibly here. When it's exposed, the area on the lee-side of the sand bar is super-flat, and the surrounding areas are flat to choppy. It can get busy here as it's the prime spot to load the rail for tricks and jumps.
Jasmin Village and Grand Seas hotels both house Tommy Friedl Pro Centres. The kitesurf beach is located between the two hotels; an 800 metre long sandy beach that offers plenty of space to launch kites. The water depth gradually drops away; inside, the beginner area is roughly the size of a football field, about half a metre deep. Beyond that there's another drop off to about one and a half metres. Roughly 400 metres from the shoreline, the water shelves into the open sea. The areas are tidal and create differences of about half a metre. In extreme low tides beginners move into the slightly deeper areas between the shallows and the open sea.
WIND & WEATHER: Forces four to six most of the year, with the most consistent months being March to October. Air temperatures can get up to 40°C in the summer and 23°C in winter. WATER: The water temperature in Egypt ranges from 20 to 28°C.
OFF THE WATER: Plenty of hotels to choose from with great packages from Europe. Excellent childcare facilities in some allow you more time on the water! You may not find everything in town to your taste, but it's all here. There are plenty of non-kitesurfing activities including wakeboarding, windsurfing and diving. A ferry between Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada makes an Egyptian road trip (by taxi) a distinct possibility. Head to the Valley of the Kings and you'll be amazed by the underground tombs and ancient artwork.
DON'T MISS: • The Valley of the Kings • Bazaar in Hurghada old town
AIRPORTS: Hurghada (HRG) airport is about 20 minutes drive to town amd 10 mins to hotels at the kite spots. Taxis are fairly cheap and extremely plentiful.
