When to Kitesurf/kiteboard in Xiamen?
Winter period: Late September to January
Wind direction: NE Kiting time: 1 pm to 5 pm Wind strength: 14-25 knots, or even to 35+ if there is a typhoon brewing! Kite size: 12 m mostly, good to have a 7/8/9 m too Air/Water temp: thin & thick wetsuit needed. |
Summer period: May until the end of July
Wind direction: SE thermal winds Kiting time: 1 pm to 4 pm Wind strength: 10-20 knots Kite size: 12-18 m Air/Water temp: hot/boardshorts. |
Kitesurf/kiteboarding lessons & club
Raptor Kitesurfing Center
Location: Hai yun tai (海韵台) beach, next to Asia Gulf hotel
Getting there: 29 bus Lundu (轮渡), 47 XM Uni (厦大)
Lessons: 3500 RMB, 9 hours teaching, equipment provided.
website: Xiamen Raptor
Email: [email protected]
Frequently asked questions
Do I need kitesurfing/kiteboarding lessons? I have experience snowboarding, surfing etc...
Yes. It is pretty much a definite. Although you might feel confident with a board, kite control and kite safety are very important. Things could go horribly wrong if you were to learn by yourself, with the possibility of damaging your equipment, hurting yourself or other people on the beach. Instructors at the kite center are very experienced, and can guide you safely through the learning process.
What does the 9 hours of teaching involve? Will I be able to ride independently afterwards?
The kite center will provide an instructor that can speak Chinese or English. All equipment is provided too.
The course:
1. Kite, wind and safety theory.
2. Trainer kite on the beach.
3. How to set up your equipment.
4. Practicing with an inflatable kite on the beach.
5. Body dragging in water & relaunching the kite in water.
6. Body dragging upwind & controlling the kite one handed .
7. Retaining your dropped board from an upwind position.
8. Body dragging with the board in one hand, going upwind.
9. Self rescue (if your kite fails or breaks, how to use it as a flotation device to get back to the beach).
10. Getting up on the board.
The speed of the course depends on how well the student completes each stage. Some people can be up on the board after 5 hours, whereas some fail to get to the last steps after the 9 hours. Raptor kite center doesn't guarantee you will be independently kitesurfing after the 9 hours, but they will do their best to be patient and guide you slowly and safely through the course.
Will I need to buy equipment after I finish the course? Or can I just rent it?
If you are planning to be kitesurfing regularly and you are living in Xiamen, it would be definitely worth buying your own equipment. If you are just coming here for holiday now and again, then renting could be an easier option. Although, it could be worth buying your own harness and kite, and just renting a board when you come here.
Buying second hand equipment?
Depending on your budget, second hand equipment could be a more affordable alternative.It would be better to try out the equipment after you have finished your course, and check the equipment thoroughly. There are always a few people at the kite club wanting to sell some equipment.
Is there storage at the kite center?
Yes. For a yearly fee, you can keep equipment there. The package also includes help from the beach boys in launching and landing your kite, rescue if you have problems in the water, and access to the water pipe to hose down your equipment after each session.
Do I need kitesurfing/kiteboarding lessons? I have experience snowboarding, surfing etc...
Yes. It is pretty much a definite. Although you might feel confident with a board, kite control and kite safety are very important. Things could go horribly wrong if you were to learn by yourself, with the possibility of damaging your equipment, hurting yourself or other people on the beach. Instructors at the kite center are very experienced, and can guide you safely through the learning process.
What does the 9 hours of teaching involve? Will I be able to ride independently afterwards?
The kite center will provide an instructor that can speak Chinese or English. All equipment is provided too.
The course:
1. Kite, wind and safety theory.
2. Trainer kite on the beach.
3. How to set up your equipment.
4. Practicing with an inflatable kite on the beach.
5. Body dragging in water & relaunching the kite in water.
6. Body dragging upwind & controlling the kite one handed .
7. Retaining your dropped board from an upwind position.
8. Body dragging with the board in one hand, going upwind.
9. Self rescue (if your kite fails or breaks, how to use it as a flotation device to get back to the beach).
10. Getting up on the board.
The speed of the course depends on how well the student completes each stage. Some people can be up on the board after 5 hours, whereas some fail to get to the last steps after the 9 hours. Raptor kite center doesn't guarantee you will be independently kitesurfing after the 9 hours, but they will do their best to be patient and guide you slowly and safely through the course.
Will I need to buy equipment after I finish the course? Or can I just rent it?
If you are planning to be kitesurfing regularly and you are living in Xiamen, it would be definitely worth buying your own equipment. If you are just coming here for holiday now and again, then renting could be an easier option. Although, it could be worth buying your own harness and kite, and just renting a board when you come here.
Buying second hand equipment?
Depending on your budget, second hand equipment could be a more affordable alternative.It would be better to try out the equipment after you have finished your course, and check the equipment thoroughly. There are always a few people at the kite club wanting to sell some equipment.
Is there storage at the kite center?
Yes. For a yearly fee, you can keep equipment there. The package also includes help from the beach boys in launching and landing your kite, rescue if you have problems in the water, and access to the water pipe to hose down your equipment after each session.
The Kite beach
Location:
The kitesurfing/kiteboarding beach is located at 'Hai yun tai' 海韵台, one of the best beaches Xiamen has to offer. It is positioned next to two of the city's top seaside resorts: 'Asia Gulf Hotel' and 'Seaview Resort'.
Conditions:
The winter brings more consistent NE winds, creating choppier seas, which can create fun little wave kickers to pop or boost off.
Whereas, the summer carries lighter and warmer SE winds that give Xiamen its tropical characteristics of blue skies and sea.
Where to Stay: (see the map page for locations)
Low budget:
Zeng cuo an 曾厝垵 is a seaside fishing village that has been transformed into a popular tourist spot. There are many hostels each with their own unique character, a large selection of little bars, cafes and local seafood restaurants. If you like being in a busy, happening place then this could be the choice for you.
Tatou 塔头 is another seaside village that is a bit more authentic than zengcuoan. It receives very few tourists in comparison, but holds its own local charm. If you are looking for a quieter and simpler alternative, then this could be a convenient option. The village is also just a walk across the road from the kitebeach.
High end:
Asia Gulf Hotel 亚洲海湾大酒店 lies on the right hand side of the kitebeach, just a few minutes walk along the beach to Raptor Kite Center. This is about as convenient as it gets.
Seaview Resort 海悦山庄酒店 is one of the best seaside resorts on the island. It is picturesquely placed overlooking Haiyuntai beach.
The kitesurfing/kiteboarding beach is located at 'Hai yun tai' 海韵台, one of the best beaches Xiamen has to offer. It is positioned next to two of the city's top seaside resorts: 'Asia Gulf Hotel' and 'Seaview Resort'.
Conditions:
The winter brings more consistent NE winds, creating choppier seas, which can create fun little wave kickers to pop or boost off.
Whereas, the summer carries lighter and warmer SE winds that give Xiamen its tropical characteristics of blue skies and sea.
Where to Stay: (see the map page for locations)
Low budget:
Zeng cuo an 曾厝垵 is a seaside fishing village that has been transformed into a popular tourist spot. There are many hostels each with their own unique character, a large selection of little bars, cafes and local seafood restaurants. If you like being in a busy, happening place then this could be the choice for you.
Tatou 塔头 is another seaside village that is a bit more authentic than zengcuoan. It receives very few tourists in comparison, but holds its own local charm. If you are looking for a quieter and simpler alternative, then this could be a convenient option. The village is also just a walk across the road from the kitebeach.
High end:
Asia Gulf Hotel 亚洲海湾大酒店 lies on the right hand side of the kitebeach, just a few minutes walk along the beach to Raptor Kite Center. This is about as convenient as it gets.
Seaview Resort 海悦山庄酒店 is one of the best seaside resorts on the island. It is picturesquely placed overlooking Haiyuntai beach.
Forecast
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