Kitespot Valdevaqueros: What to expect?
Located in the southern coast of Spain, kitespot Valdevaqueros is a popular destination for kitesurfers of all levels. With its sandy beach, lots of wind, beach bars and good atmosphere, it offers a unique and exciting kitesurfing experience. The spot is situated in the province of Cadiz, and is only a short drive away from the towns of Algeciras, Tarifa, and the city of Malaga.
Wind
Kitespot Valdevaqueros' best wind months are from March through October.
There are basically 2 kinds of wind. Levante (E) and Poniente (W). Levante is strong, blows from the land, a bit gusty, off-shore, and is boosted by the Venturi effect. Poniente is a lighter wind, blows from the sea and when sunny, boosted by a thermal effect.
The forecast does not show the real deal around summer. 8 knots Levante (E) on the forecast will be around 17 knots in real life, and 20 knots will be around 35 knots. Every few days Poniente (W) will be present and 8 knots on the forecast will be around 17 knots in real life. This is because the forecast doesn’t include the Venturi effect and thermal wind.
If you’re curious about the current action at the spot, check the Valdevaqueros webcam.
Thermal wind & Venturi effect
The Venturi effect is caused by the Levante wind from the eastern mediterranean. This wind is compressed between the Sierra Nevada and the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and results in a strong wind (20-50 knots).
The thermal wind is caused by the temperature difference on land and water. When heat, during the day increases, the thermal wind will do the same. It starts increasing at 11:00 until the afternoon and calms down in the evening. The thermal effect is most present with Poniente, which results in a wind from 15-25 knots.
Kite sizes
The wind strength and direction at Valdevaqueros can vary, so it's important to have a range of kite sizes with you. In the low season, you will need kites in the 7m-14m range (80kg), while in the high season, you can use kites as small as 4m-5m. So it’s best to bring all your kites no matter which season.
Kiteseason
- Low season: Nov-Feb
- Mid season: March-May / Sept-Oct
- High season: June-August
Water conditions
The water conditions can vary depending on the wind direction, with the spot being choppy with Levante and having waves up to 2m with Poniente.
Launch Area
The launch area at the beach of Valdevaqueros is about 50m wide. It can be very crowded with other kiters or beachgoers. So keep your eyes open.
To handle the crowd there are zones from June 15 to September 15, for kitesurfers, windsurfers and swimmers. During this time, the beach is restricted to these activities, and it is important to follow the IKO rules to ensure the safety of kiters and all beachgoers.
Lessons & Gear
If you're new to kitesurfing, there are plenty of schools that offer lessons and rental gear at Valdevaqueros. The schools are well equipped and staffed by experienced instructors who can help you get started or improve your skills.
- Liam Whaley Pro Center
- Adrenalin Kite Area
- ION Club
- Tarifa Kite Experience
- Lazykite School Tarifa
- Kite School 100 Fun
Hazards
Valdevaqueros is a relatively safe spot, but there are some hazards to be aware of.
The wind is offshore with Levante and therefore it’s advised to get a rescue card at a nearby kiteshop. If you need a rescue and don’t have a card, the rescue fee can be up to €150. Fortunately, Valdevaqueros has a natural bay that can save you, as long as you don’t ride out far.
There are a few rocks at the seabed, far left (south) of the kitespot.
With strong wind, especially when it’s above 35 knots, think about your kitelevel and if you have the skills to ride with those strong winds. If not, pick a spot like Palmones with probably less wind.
Level of Riding
The spot is most suitable for intermediate riders, this is mostly because of wind gusts wind Levante. If you’re under guidance of a kitesurf instructor you can also kitesurf when you’re a beginner.
How to get there
Kitespot Valdevaqueros is located on the southern coast of Spain, and is only a short drive away from the towns of Algeciras and Tarifa, and the city of Malaga. The spot can be reached by car or bus. The nearest airports are Malaga, Jerez, Gibraltar or Sevilla.