Kitesurfing in Soma Bay, Safaga, Egypt
Soma Bay, located on Egypt's stunning Red Sea coast, is a paradise for kitesurfers of all levels. With its crystal-clear waters, consistent winds, and beautiful surroundings, Soma Bay offers an unforgettable kitesurfing experience. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about kitesurfing in Soma Bay.
What to Expect?
Soma Bay is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and consistent winds, making it a popular destination for kitesurfers from around the world. The area offers a mix of flat water and chop, catering to both freestyle enthusiasts and those looking for some high-speed action. The beach is expansive, providing plenty of space for launching and landing your kite.
Wind
The wind in Soma Bay is reliable and consistent, especially from May through October. The summer months boast the most windy days (+80%), but you can expect good wind conditions from November through April as well (60-80% wind certainty). Typically, the wind is stronger in the mornings and tends to drop in the afternoons. One of the unique aspects of Soma Bay is that the actual wind conditions are often stronger (+5 knots) than forecasted. The wind ranges from 15-22 knots, with from May through October occassional 25-30 knots days.
The best wind directions are N, NNE, NE, NW, and NNW, with the main wind directions being N, NNE, NW, and NNW. These northerly winds are sideoffshore, so it's important to ensure that rescue services are available. Most of the surrounded kitecenters have a rescue service.
Kitesizes
Due to the varying wind conditions, it's advisable to bring a range of kite sizes to Soma Bay. Typically, kites ranging from 9m to 12m (75kg) will cover most wind conditions you'll encounter here. The wind is usually stronger in the morning, so having a smaller kite ready for those early sessions can be beneficial.
Kiteseason
While Soma Bay is kitesurfable year-round, the prime kite season spans from May through to October. During these months, you can expect the most consistent and strongest winds. The period from November through April can be a bit more unpredictable, but it still offers plenty of windy days for kiting.
Water Conditions
Soma Bay's water conditions are nothing short of spectacular. The water is crystal-clear with some coral reefs scattered around, so wearing shoes is recommended to protect your feet. The water is generally flat to choppy, with very flat conditions close to shore when the wind is offshore or sideoffshore. The northern end of the bay offers excellent speed areas and is perfect for jumping. There are shallow areas both to the left and right, catering to kitesurfers of all skill levels.
Launch Area
The launch area at Soma Bay is spacious, offering ample room for setting up and launching your kite. The beach is sandy and free of any significant hazards, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and seasoned kitesurfers.
Lessons & Gear
Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced kitesurfer wanting to hone your skills, Soma Bay has several kitesurfing schools offering lessons and equipment rentals. Certified instructors can guide you through the basics or help you master advanced techniques, while rental shops provide a range of gear to suit the day's conditions.
Hazards
Soma Bay is relatively hazard-free, both in the water and on the beach. However, the presence of coral reefs means that wearing protective footwear is advisable to prevent injuries. As the winds are typically sideoffshore, it's crucial to have rescue services available.
Level of Riding
Soma Bay caters to kitesurfers of all levels. Beginners can take advantage of the shallow and flat areas close to shore for practicing their skills, while more advanced riders can explore the speed zones and choppy waters further out. The consistent winds and wide-open spaces make it an excellent destination for both learning and progression.
How to Get There
Soma Bay is located on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, approximately 45 kilometers south of Hurghada. The nearest airport is Hurghada International Airport (HRG), which is well-connected to major cities across Europe and the Middle East. From the airport, Soma Bay is easily accessible by taxi or private transfer, with the journey taking around 45 minutes.