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Wissant is the region’s best wave spot in a south-westerly wind. There's an amazing atmosphere between two limestone capes here, a real Atlantic vibe – and it ranks amongst the top five high wind spots in the whole of France. The waves are best at high tide, although rip and shorebreak are also strongest then. The current can hit 11 knots, so the walk back upwind is a familiar sight! The left of the bay is dominated by windsurfers, kiters generally launch from the right – where everyone congregates at high tide as the beach disappears along the reinforced promenade. Wissant is popular with French, Belgian and German riders, so it gets pretty crowded on good days. Vans might still grab a motorhome spot in the car-park, or there's a campsite at the southern end of town.

This one’s devoted to nature’s beauty up in the mountainous interior. The magnificent Canyon du Verdon flows along a high plateau into the man-made lake of Sainte-Croix. In the local afternoon thermal, Force 5 winds create a playground in the triangle between Sainte-Croix, Bauduen and the concrete dam. In Mistral, the anemometer hits maximum with amazing consistency. Launch from the small beach north of Hotel Les Cavalets, or the picnic area on the edge of the little village of Bauduen.

The 6.5km long Brouwersdam connects Goeree with Schouwen Duiveland, isolating the North Sea from the inland Grevelingenmeer. Windsurfers and kiters have long gathered here to cut loose, and its popularity remains intact today. Away from the water, it’s all about chatting with kindred spirits over a well-deserved beer or BBQ in the evening. The dyke is drivable and the surrounding dunes and beaches offer an amazing backdrop – it’s just like being on holiday. In fact, this area gets more sun than anywhere else in Holland. Conditions are usually freeride: the stronger and more onshore the wind, the choppier it gets – rarely bigger than a metre though, as a ring of sandbars about 5km offshore absorbs most North Sea swell. Only at high tide in stormy west to north-westerlies do any waves wash over to break feebly on the dyke. There are three launches: the main spot, roughly in the middle of the dam, is also the kite zone (all the way to the southern beach pavilion at 'De Kou', marked by yellow buoys). The southern can occasionally host good waves at high tide. The second spot is at the northern end of the main beach, where you can park right by the water. Windsurfing only though! The third is at the northern end of the dyke: beyond the slipway, a bay suitable for all wind directions nestles amidst high dunes with a sandy shore downwind. Although not officially allowed, kiting is still tolerated here.

A perfect combination of large standing-depth area with butter-flat water, and nice waves further out. Just be careful of the tides; that 60 to 80cm makes all the difference at low water (when it’s even too shallow to kite in the standing-depth area). Bora is better for jumping; frontside down-the-line riding’s possible in strong southerlies (which are sadly all-too-rare). Overall, a very popular spot. The drawbacks being that there's so much seaweed, and kiting is only allowed outside of high-season.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is most famous for perfect speed conditions off the eastern beach and in the purpose-built "French Trench" speed canal in Mistral wind. Loads of records have been set here, but it's not all speed – waves readily break to the west of the harbour in east to south-easterly winds; it also works in a westerly. If you’re lucky and the wind veers from south to northerly, head back east where you can ride waves for miles in the offshore wind.

An excellent and hence popular kite spot. Low-pressure winds blow freely and consistently onto Lac d'Hourtin, as does the thermal. Pleasant parking under pines with showers and toilets rounds things off nicely. The kite zone (which should definitely be observed – the swimmers are all too quick to alert the beach patrol!) is between the harbour and Lachanau. 500m wide, the lake’s whole east bank is a protected nature reserve. The shore drops off so gradually that windsurf blasters have to wade out a long way to find fin-deep water.

Vada is one of Tuscany’s windiest and most versatile venues. It’s a perfect beginner and freeride arena that’s treated to thermal north-westerly winds in sunny weather – plus Scirocco is easily rideable too. Waves build below the harbour's super-long pier in winter low-pressure, although they don’t get quite as big as 'Lillatro'.

Koper-Zusterna just beyond the Italian border is the most northern Balkan spot. The launch is from the left of the bay beside the surf club’s containers. The water’s rough in strong and often gusty Bora, then in summer the thermally enhanced Maestral (NW) just nudges 12-15 knots; ideal for relaxed freeriding. Izola is the better call in Bora, which blows cross-shore from the right less gusty than elsewhere out by the lighthouse. Be wary of the reef upwind as it’s claimed a few fins. In strong Bora (over 30 knots), intermediates retreat to the protected bay of Fiesa safe in the knowledge that they’ll be swept back to the beach if they get tired or break anything. Just beware of the dead wind zone at the foot of the cliffs. A couple of kilometres south-west, just over the Croatian border is Savudrija where you can rig up sheltered from Bora winds. The launch is over a wall and through a 50m lull into strong winds and nice bump-and-jump conditions. In southerly winds, windsurfers should head for Umag to find a powerful wave by the lighthouse. The launch from a small beach right onto the harbour is comparatively easy. On the southern point of Istria is northern Croatia’s most popular spot. The EFPT meet at Premantura every autumn for freestyle windsurfing competition in good Bora winds. The safest launch is at Camping Stupice, where there’s room to rig and launch kites on a small peninsula within the campsite. Southerly winds can produce nice waves by the islands offshore, where it’s best to wear boots to protect from sharp, urchin-infested rocks. Medulin is even better in southerly winds, the prime launch is at the western end of the long shingle beach. Liznjan remained a well-kept local secret for years – even weak NE accelerates to planing strengths, and strong Bora can generate a nice wave that breaks on the reef. Another good freeride venue, Ravni scores a Force 3-5 thermal on sunny afternoons. But better known for its thermal is Preluk where an offshore Force 5-6 beckons freeriders in the early morning. Just don’t linger over breakfast or you might have to swim back in as the wind drops off 1-2 hours after sunrise. Offshore Bora renders the entire steep coastline between Rijeka and Zadar useless, but not the islands within Kvarner Bay. The northernmost, Krk Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. The hills surrounding Punat strengthen a good Bora wind by a Force or two, while in Baska even light NE airflows from the mountains above Senj hit planing strengths when everywhere else has nothing. Sick jumps can be had here off decent ramps that form in strong Bora. Further south, there are two safe spots for freeriders and beginners on the Pag peninsula at Simuni and Sabunike. Both bays have sandy beaches and large shallow areas. Croatia’s most famous beach is the 'Golden Horn’ near the picturesque town of Bol on the Dalmatian island of Brac. Most summer days a 15-knot wind builds in the strait between two islands, ideal for relaxed freeride. There is a Jul/Aug kite ban on the main beach, in which case launch onto the turquoise waters from the next beach downwind of the promontory. In south-east wind try Supetar or in Bora, Povlja. Like Bol, both Viganj and Perna on the Pelješac peninsula enjoy a summer thermal that ramps up to Force 5 in the 1.5km venturi between the islands of Korčula and Pelješac. Plus there’s a picture-postcard view of Korčula Island and its historic town of the same name.

The spots south of 'Cap Rhir' are only really windy in wintertime when a north-westerly sea breeze builds in the afternoon. If it's on, launch at the northernmost of the three beaches at 'Tamraght’ where the waves are usually manageable and the wind blows cross-onshore. As usual around here, only go out if you’re not getting the surfers' way.

Just north of Agios Georgios, Issos Beach is a beautiful learning and freeride venue in summer north-westerlies. The breeze builds to 12-15 knots around noon – sometimes stronger, although high winds are rare. Sand dunes keep the water nice and flat, and a local windsurfing centre hires out kit. The wind shadow from those dunes isn't ideal for kites, especially as the hotel deckchairs lie in wait – but the kite spot of 'Chalikounas' is just 4km north. In winter, Issos reveals its dark side as low pressure southerlies blow nice waves into the bay and kiters ride in front of the deserted hotels.

Just half an hour from the city, this spot by the Stör estuary is a godsend for the Hamburg scene. There's even a 50m standing-depth area when the tide floods up to the dyke. Otherwise just walk a little way towards the middle of the Elbe – it's no problem keeping away from the ferry channel, particularly in westerly winds. The currents mean it's not ideal for beginners though. Despite the silhouette of the Brokdorf nuclear power station on the horizon, idyllic Elbe prevails: huge ships glide past sheep grazing on green dykes. Apart from what they leave behind, it's not as mucky as other mudflat venues!

“LE wave spot” around these parts – Marseilles locals would doubtless claim it’s the best in the whole Mediterranean! North-westerly blows cross-off from the right over a clean reef-break; south-easterly’s cross-shore from the left with even bigger waves, but also some chop. The right conditions tempt quite a few decent riders onto the water. If you’re going to risk sailing here, you’ll need to be up to it. The launch is over slippery slabs, while mussel-covered rocks await anyone who drifts off. You’re in the wrong place for northerly Mistral; the violent and gusty offshore wind irons the waves out – maybe try 500m west at 'La Cabane’? You can get a campervan into the car-park on the headland, although break-ins are common.

Koper-Zusterna just beyond the Italian border is the most northern Balkan spot. The launch is from the left of the bay beside the surf club’s containers. The water’s rough in strong and often gusty Bora, then in summer the thermally enhanced Maestral (NW) just nudges 12-15 knots; ideal for relaxed freeriding. Izola is the better call in Bora, which blows cross-shore from the right less gusty than elsewhere out by the lighthouse. Be wary of the reef upwind as it’s claimed a few fins. In strong Bora (over 30 knots), intermediates retreat to the protected bay of Fiesa safe in the knowledge that they’ll be swept back to the beach if they get tired or break anything. Just beware of the dead wind zone at the foot of the cliffs. A couple of kilometres south-west, just over the Croatian border is Savudrija where you can rig up sheltered from Bora winds. The launch is over a wall and through a 50m lull into strong winds and nice bump-and-jump conditions. In southerly winds, windsurfers should head for Umag to find a powerful wave by the lighthouse. The launch from a small beach right onto the harbour is comparatively easy. On the southern point of Istria is northern Croatia’s most popular spot. The EFPT meet at Premantura every autumn for freestyle windsurfing competition in good Bora winds. The safest launch is at Camping Stupice, where there’s room to rig and launch kites on a small peninsula within the campsite. Southerly winds can produce nice waves by the islands offshore, where it’s best to wear boots to protect from sharp, urchin-infested rocks. Medulin is even better in southerly winds, the prime launch is at the western end of the long shingle beach. Liznjan remained a well-kept local secret for years – even weak NE accelerates to planing strengths, and strong Bora can generate a nice wave that breaks on the reef. Another good freeride venue, Ravni scores a Force 3-5 thermal on sunny afternoons. But better known for its thermal is Preluk where an offshore Force 5-6 beckons freeriders in the early morning. Just don’t linger over breakfast or you might have to swim back in as the wind drops off 1-2 hours after sunrise. Offshore Bora renders the entire steep coastline between Rijeka and Zadar useless, but not the islands within Kvarner Bay. The northernmost, Krk Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. The hills surrounding Punat strengthen a good Bora wind by a Force or two, while in Baska even light NE airflows from the mountains above Senj hit planing strengths when everywhere else has nothing. Sick jumps can be had here off decent ramps that form in strong Bora. Further south, there are two safe spots for freeriders and beginners on the Pag peninsula at Simuni and Sabunike. Both bays have sandy beaches and large shallow areas. Croatia’s most famous beach is the 'Golden Horn’ near the picturesque town of Bol on the Dalmatian island of Brac. Most summer days a 15-knot wind builds in the strait between two islands, ideal for relaxed freeride. There is a Jul/Aug kite ban on the main beach, in which case launch onto the turquoise waters from the next beach downwind of the promontory. In south-east wind try Supetar or in Bora, Povlja. Like Bol, both Viganj and Perna on the Pelješac peninsula enjoy a summer thermal that ramps up to Force 5 in the 1.5km venturi between the islands of Korčula and Pelješac. Plus there’s a picture-postcard view of Korčula Island and its historic town of the same name.

Klitmøller is Denmark’s most famous break – its fans rave about “Cold Hawaii”, while the North Atlantic Surf Association recently built itself a gigantic new clubhouse. As it's open to a range of wind directions, there’s actually a broad scope of conditions on offer. In south-south-west to south-westerly the sheltered bay isn't at its full potential, so the mussel-reef to the south is the best call for perfect cross-shore conditions on big, powerful waves. Reef contact is possible after a wipe-out though – so wear boots if you care about your feet. West to west-north-westerly is jump-time as huge swells roll into the bay, presenting decent ramps with plenty of space between them. There are a few pitfalls in Klitmøller though, like the 'Washing Machine' section where walls of white water break almost perpetually making it tough to recover. Plus there are so many on the water in decent conditions that you’ll need your wits about you. Life’s a little more relaxed downwind at 'Klitrosen’; a popular choice among locals and kiters (to launch from there, park in the last car-park on the edge of the village, then walk 300m over a large sand-dune to the beach). Aside from superb wave conditions, there are plenty of amenities on-hand in Klitmøller; fish-&-chip shops, bakeries, campsites and holiday cottages – what more could you want?

At just 22km long, this is the region’s smallest inland sea. The Veersedam looks similar to the Brouwersdam at first glance, but it’s much narrower (2km across) and the road runs around rather than over the water. Its entire length is paid parking, yet launching from here is rocky and slippery so most riders prefer the sandy shallows at either end of the dyke. Another popular launch is from 'De Schotsman’ campsite on the west bank, complete with coin-operated showers and a coffee shop. The wind’s generally a little weaker on the Veersemeer than at exposed coastal venues, which can be handy if it’s super-windy. Kiting is not permitted on this relatively small body of water.

Mostly bump-&-jump and freestylers enjoy playing in the small bay of Pointe Rouge. As long as the wind's not too much, beginners also feel safe thanks to 100m of shallow water. In strong Mistral, nice waves break to the right of the breakwater – great for big jumps and backside riding. Onshore conditions can mean crowding in front of the rocky shore. If the wind’s too gusty it’s worth tacking upwind out of the bay to the foot of Le Glissant slipway, where it blows stronger and more consistently. It's a tricky launch because of shorebreak and slippery concrete, but the vibe’s really chilled.

Part of the Peligoni Club this beach, if you can call it that, is literally a small slipway launch leading to typical flat water/bump and jump, summertime Greek Meltemi conditions. Although the Peligoni slipway is private there's option to launch either side for sailors that fancy.

Mirns is the best kite spot on the IJsselmeer's east bank, but the vast standing-depth area is too shallow for windsurfing. It can get a bit tight for launching on land, but there’s plenty of space on the water. Southerly winds are particularly steady here.

Koper-Zusterna just beyond the Italian border is the most northern Balkan spot. The launch is from the left of the bay beside the surf club’s containers. The water’s rough in strong and often gusty Bora, then in summer the thermally enhanced Maestral (NW) just nudges 12-15 knots; ideal for relaxed freeriding. Izola is the better call in Bora, which blows cross-shore from the right less gusty than elsewhere out by the lighthouse. Be wary of the reef upwind as it’s claimed a few fins. In strong Bora (over 30 knots), intermediates retreat to the protected bay of Fiesa safe in the knowledge that they’ll be swept back to the beach if they get tired or break anything. Just beware of the dead wind zone at the foot of the cliffs. A couple of kilometres south-west, just over the Croatian border is Savudrija where you can rig up sheltered from Bora winds. The launch is over a wall and through a 50m lull into strong winds and nice bump-and-jump conditions. In southerly winds, windsurfers should head for Umag to find a powerful wave by the lighthouse. The launch from a small beach right onto the harbour is comparatively easy. On the southern point of Istria is northern Croatia’s most popular spot. The EFPT meet at Premantura every autumn for freestyle windsurfing competition in good Bora winds. The safest launch is at Camping Stupice, where there’s room to rig and launch kites on a small peninsula within the campsite. Southerly winds can produce nice waves by the islands offshore, where it’s best to wear boots to protect from sharp, urchin-infested rocks. Medulin is even better in southerly winds, the prime launch is at the western end of the long shingle beach. Liznjan remained a well-kept local secret for years – even weak NE accelerates to planing strengths, and strong Bora can generate a nice wave that breaks on the reef. Another good freeride venue, Ravni scores a Force 3-5 thermal on sunny afternoons. But better known for its thermal is Preluk where an offshore Force 5-6 beckons freeriders in the early morning. Just don’t linger over breakfast or you might have to swim back in as the wind drops off 1-2 hours after sunrise. Offshore Bora renders the entire steep coastline between Rijeka and Zadar useless, but not the islands within Kvarner Bay. The northernmost, Krk Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. The hills surrounding Punat strengthen a good Bora wind by a Force or two, while in Baska even light NE airflows from the mountains above Senj hit planing strengths when everywhere else has nothing. Sick jumps can be had here off decent ramps that form in strong Bora. Further south, there are two safe spots for freeriders and beginners on the Pag peninsula at Simuni and Sabunike. Both bays have sandy beaches and large shallow areas. Croatia’s most famous beach is the 'Golden Horn’ near the picturesque town of Bol on the Dalmatian island of Brac. Most summer days a 15-knot wind builds in the strait between two islands, ideal for relaxed freeride. There is a Jul/Aug kite ban on the main beach, in which case launch onto the turquoise waters from the next beach downwind of the promontory. In south-east wind try Supetar or in Bora, Povlja. Like Bol, both Viganj and Perna on the Pelješac peninsula enjoy a summer thermal that ramps up to Force 5 in the 1.5km venturi between the islands of Korčula and Pelješac. Plus there’s a picture-postcard view of Korčula Island and its historic town of the same name.

It’s not just the shorebreak that gets underestimated here – in south-easterly Scirocco, Genoa might be the region’s most radical break. The most popular city spots are at 'Centro Surf Club’ (for both kiters und windsurfers) and 'Sturla Beach' (kiters only) further east near the football stadium.

Rømø is a legendary wave spot that's always well-attended yet never overrun. The waves peel over several sandbars, while a powerful shorebreak and strong current sort the men from the boys. If your car gets blown towards oncoming traffic on your way over the dam, you’ll be looping on starboard off the beach. If you veer towards the crash-barrier, expect wind from the left. And if your car's going slower than usual, it’s blowing onshore (often gusty) and there’s chaos on the water. Rømø starts producing fantastic conditions in Force 6+ south to south-westerly and north to north-westerly winds. It's biggest in a north-westerly on the back of a passing low, when the fetch is at its longest and the preceding south-west to westerlies have had a few days to do their work. Rømø becomes a tame flat-water venue in offshore easterlies – just be careful, as it’s a long way west before any sign of land. Also watch out for nets inshore plus a few groyne remnants. And don’t park too close to the water at low tide: it’s only going to come in!

Bora airs this urban spot more often than most – it’s windy over 100 days a year, often storm force. Launch at 'Barcola Park', opposite the Esso petrol station – or mix with the locals off the sailing club premises (nobody seems to mind too much). Some even launch their kite from the water, which isn’t really recommended. Amazing views of the castle from super-flat water, as the wind blows bolt offshore – don’t go out too far, as it’s very gusty and prone to pick up or drop off very suddenly.

La Maddalena is a good option for loners who find Costa Smeralda too crowded. On the plus side, this island is no less windy than 'Porto Pollo' . the problem being that the bays are narrow and the beaches are often peppered with rocks. Your best bet is 'Baia Trinitá' on the west coast. But if in doubt, just enjoy the atmosphere: crystal-clear water and white beaches framed by wind-eroded cliffs.

Offshore northerly winds mean Lagos’s city beach is primarily a slalom and freeride venue. Compared to 'Martinhal', the Nortada starts working later in the day here and doesn't get as strong, attracting beginners and intermediates. Windsurfers launch at the centre in the middle of the beach, the official kite zone is by the golf course to the east. Nortada blows cross-offshore and this long, sweeping beach also works in winter. Best in cross-shore south-westerly, with big waves that aren’t as confused as 'Martinhal'. Onshore winter south-east to southerly winds are also rideable, but better for kiting as current and shorebreak seriously increase. In easterly winds the cleanest waves are behind the breakwater in the east.

Similar to 'Forte dei Marmi', this wide, sandy beach stretches from Lido di Camaiore to Viareggio. It offers loads of room outside of high season, whereas parasols rule in midsummer when kiting is banned. In south to south-westerly winds, there’s a decent beach-break over the sandbars. The area downwind of the jetty is particularly good when it’s howling.

Koper-Zusterna just beyond the Italian border is the most northern Balkan spot. The launch is from the left of the bay beside the surf club’s containers. The water’s rough in strong and often gusty Bora, then in summer the thermally enhanced Maestral (NW) just nudges 12-15 knots; ideal for relaxed freeriding. Izola is the better call in Bora, which blows cross-shore from the right less gusty than elsewhere out by the lighthouse. Be wary of the reef upwind as it’s claimed a few fins. In strong Bora (over 30 knots), intermediates retreat to the protected bay of Fiesa safe in the knowledge that they’ll be swept back to the beach if they get tired or break anything. Just beware of the dead wind zone at the foot of the cliffs. A couple of kilometres south-west, just over the Croatian border is Savudrija where you can rig up sheltered from Bora winds. The launch is over a wall and through a 50m lull into strong winds and nice bump-and-jump conditions. In southerly winds, windsurfers should head for Umag to find a powerful wave by the lighthouse. The launch from a small beach right onto the harbour is comparatively easy. On the southern point of Istria is northern Croatia’s most popular spot. The EFPT meet at Premantura every autumn for freestyle windsurfing competition in good Bora winds. The safest launch is at Camping Stupice, where there’s room to rig and launch kites on a small peninsula within the campsite. Southerly winds can produce nice waves by the islands offshore, where it’s best to wear boots to protect from sharp, urchin-infested rocks. Medulin is even better in southerly winds, the prime launch is at the western end of the long shingle beach. Liznjan remained a well-kept local secret for years – even weak NE accelerates to planing strengths, and strong Bora can generate a nice wave that breaks on the reef. Another good freeride venue, Ravni scores a Force 3-5 thermal on sunny afternoons. But better known for its thermal is Preluk where an offshore Force 5-6 beckons freeriders in the early morning. Just don’t linger over breakfast or you might have to swim back in as the wind drops off 1-2 hours after sunrise. Offshore Bora renders the entire steep coastline between Rijeka and Zadar useless, but not the islands within Kvarner Bay. The northernmost, Krk Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. The hills surrounding Punat strengthen a good Bora wind by a Force or two, while in Baska even light NE airflows from the mountains above Senj hit planing strengths when everywhere else has nothing. Sick jumps can be had here off decent ramps that form in strong Bora. Further south, there are two safe spots for freeriders and beginners on the Pag peninsula at Simuni and Sabunike. Both bays have sandy beaches and large shallow areas. Croatia’s most famous beach is the 'Golden Horn’ near the picturesque town of Bol on the Dalmatian island of Brac. Most summer days a 15-knot wind builds in the strait between two islands, ideal for relaxed freeride. There is a Jul/Aug kite ban on the main beach, in which case launch onto the turquoise waters from the next beach downwind of the promontory. In south-east wind try Supetar or in Bora, Povlja. Like Bol, both Viganj and Perna on the Pelješac peninsula enjoy a summer thermal that ramps up to Force 5 in the 1.5km venturi between the islands of Korčula and Pelješac. Plus there’s a picture-postcard view of Korčula Island and its historic town of the same name.

North of town, conditions are almost identical to 'Årgab', the facilities are just as comfortable, yet the standing-depth area's even bigger. Both spots are traditionally windsurfing territory, although responsible kiters are welcome.

Illetas in the nature reserve on Formentera’s northern headland is one of the finest beaches in the Balearics – hence its azure waters grace the pages of many a travel catalogue. In high season, countless yachts anchor in the bay and it gets really crowded on the beach. It's a good spot out of season though: Poniente offers the choice of offshore flat-water on the east coast or onshore waves to the west of the sandbar. It’s best in south-westerly, while Levante usually means freeride on both sides. If you didn’t arrive at the park by boat, bicycle or on foot, admission costs about €4.

North-west of the freshwater lake Limni Korission is the island's most popular kite spot – although it's never that busy. At most 30 kites share the skies above a 20m wide sandy beach. Happily, swimmers rarely come here as the beach is off the beaten track and the last mile down the dirt track is bumpy. Like neighbouring 'Issos', the summer wind usually stays manageable here; the most popular kites are 12-14m. There's a kite hire centre on site, right next door to a beach bar for those glorious sunsets.

Zaafarana is just such a secluded desert oasis, about halfway between Cairo and Hurghada. According to managers of the local wind farm, this is the region’s windiest place – and it definitely offers the most space on the water. Only one hotel (3- to 4-star) sits on the long sandy beach. With its standing-depth area and no reefs it’s a relaxed spot without much variety, yet it is affordable and handy for excursions to nearby Cairo or St Paul’s Monastery. It’s a completely different story at the El Gouna mega-marina, built by telecoms millionaire Samih Sawiris. High-class hotels, bars and restaurants line countless bays and canals across 10km², including a marina and 5-star golf course. Due to comfy surroundings (for non-sailors too), an excellently stocked hire centre and a standing-depth area, Mangroovy Beach at the northern end has rapidly become one of the most popular (and crowded) kite spots in the whole of Egypt – despite the fact that prices here have risen to near European levels. Another option is a private beach in front of the 5-star hotel Mövenpick in the centre of the complex. Especially good for beginners kiters is Seahorse Bay 10km south of El Gouna. Similar to Zaafarana there’s nothing there but two hotels, although it’s only 15km to Hurghada’s markets and restaurants – a welcome diversion from staring at the hotel wall. Some of Hurghada’s hotels might be getting a bit tired, but they make up for it with very affordable prices. Flights to Hurghada are also by far the cheapest. With cross to cross-onshore winds, four spots merge into the bay south of town, each named after their respective hotel and hire centre: Magawish/Colona (nice beach and large standing-depth area), Sofitel/Ibi & Friends (launch protected by a jetty), Grand Seas / Tommy Friedl (protected beginner’s bay), and Yasmin Village / Tommy Friedl (a classic with affordable accommodation). 50km south, investors developed Soma Bay to offer more luxury than Hurghada. Since then, windseekers wanting a better class of accommodation can find 4- to 5-star hotels and a 'Club Robinson’. The wind always blows offshore at the northern end of the bay, creating especially smooth water but also introducing an element of risk. But the standing-depth area and safety boats mean even riders that can’t yet stay upwind will ride here. If that’s too sketchy for you, there’s cross to cross-off wind and a large standing-depth area at Abu Soma on the western shore of the bay near the InterContinental Resort. 5km south in Safaga everyone gathers in front of Hotel Shams at the beach with the only standing-depth area and the best wind. While you can’t imagine Hurghada without tourism, the future’s only just begun down south. But you’ll have to forego the beach culture and nightlife – instead, immerse yourself in the vastness of the desert or infinity of the starry sky during a pitch-black night. Despite its isolation, the 4-star hotel Equinox in El Naaba is very comfortable. In front are Baby Bay and Giant Bay, a varied venue with flat water or a bit of wave action over the reefs. There’s a kite school 2km south in Blue Lagoon. The last windsport oasis before the Sudanese border is Wadi Lahami, about 180km south of Marsa Alam Airport and about 400km from Hurghada. In front of the only hotel, Lahami Bay offers a large freeride bay with a bit of a standing-depth area and the option of a foray through the reef into harmless swell. A kilometre north, soulful Bedouin tents and chalets make up Camp Wadi Lahami which offers a shallow lagoon fringed by mangroves and a little bit of wave action over the reef. The recently discovered Camel Beach is about 10km north. Since the reef’s still a long way offshore (unlike the north coast) a gigantic standing-depth lagoon offers great cruising opportunities.

This big, sheltered bay boasts several sandy beaches – and a nice shallow area for intermediates at 'La Roya’. Unfortunately, the Libeccio’s influence wanes here so the wind blows a bit gusty over the hills. There’s a light thermal in summer, and not many people.

Who hasn’t heard of La Torche – the legendary World Cup beach that even Robby Naish called “a really difficult spot”? The bay’s split in two by a pronounced rocky outcrop from where you can watch an exhibition of double-mast-high waves. The right-hand side is for accomplished wave warriors only; the surf is more radical and the current’s more extreme too – especially close to the jutting cliff-face. If in any doubt, stick to the southern bay of 'Pors Carn' where you can launch a kite too (there's a kite zone in summer). Only the rocks midway along the beach are any problem here as they’re covered at high tide. There is extra parking at the southern end of the beach, known as 'Le Petit Bois’.

Windsurfers meet a few hundred metres north-west towards 'Marseillan', or on the lake's east shore at 'Le Barrou'.

The vast shallows of La Arihuela and the island with the imposing Castillo block most of the swell here, providing relaxed freeride sessions with perhaps a little chop in strong Poniente. Experienced riders tack up to the large sandbar to find some more space – but if you don’t feel comfortable in the shipping lane's strong tidal current, you can take the kite school’s boat shuttle over in season. In big swell, wave experts will find a fast reef-break over rocks at low tide up near the bunker. Sufficiently strong Levante is rare, gusty and offshore, so it better suits windsurfing.

South to easterlies blow in much stronger than elsewhere at Porto Pino, while Mistral can build mid-sized waves too. This sandy bay is a real beauty, its crystal-clear turquoise water attracting quite a crowd in summer. So use the kite zone – and be careful when parking on the loose sand. Lately a few beach-bars have sprung up here.

A popular all-rounder on Étang de Berre – the first 100m is standing-depth, so it’s especially popular with beginners. The kite zone, roughly in the middle of the dam, stays open in high summer. North to westerly generates up to 1m of chop, it can be even wavier than Carro in due northerly (generally with stronger wind too). What’s more, in summer the south-westerly blows 15-20 knots at Plage de Jai - topping the charts for this area. In contrast, the lake’s flat as a pancake in offshore east to southerly. Dubious water quality with blooms of algae in summer's heat. Come winter though, that warm water chills off extremely fast.

This lively city beach next to the 'Kasbah Oudaya’ is an alternative when low-pressure systems bring southerly winds, as the swell is generally smaller here. Northerlies mean freeride conditions – for even flatter water head to the rivermouth between the breakwaters. Even with full amenities and a surf club (whose president is no less than King Mohammed VI), just like most northern beaches there are rarely more than a few riders on the water.

Blåvand isn’t exactly a secret either, although the crowds do spread out across the vast beaches, even at the weekend. The waves don’t get quite as big as 'Rømø' or 'Vejers', but they can be really clean. The wind’s also steadier, the current’s tempered by an offshore sandbank, and at low tide the first 50m is standing-depth. Blåvand is touristy and fully developed, which means there are plenty of holiday cottages to rent . but also such 'attractions’ as a miniature railway and full-sized sweet factory!

Both of Le Havre's city spots occupy the same beach as Sainte-Adresse. Launch at the breakwater in south to south-westerlies, or 800m north at 'Ponan’ for west to north-westerlies. The latter can be especially good in strong north-westerlies – waves and sideshore wind. The break starts working two hours after high tide, just as the shorebreak (which is evil on this pebble beach) backs off. Either way, avoid launching a kite at high tide as the road really isn’t far away – low tide exposes a sandy beach and safe, shallow lagoon though.

Only rarely does anyone come here to ride the ocean side in the waves, as kiting and windsurfing is prohibited in the protected nature reserve of the lagoon. Conditions are similar to 'Comporta' and 'Carvalhal' further north. If you have the choice, head to 'Sines' for a more reliable Nortada.

Way south of Cape of Creus, Pals is the best break around these parts in northerly Tramontana. Within limits though; Pals only works when it's nuking further north – even when it's small sails at 'Port de la Selva', there could be nothing here. But when the wind does push through, conditions are phenomenal. Big, clean waves with cross-shore wind from the left allow high jumps and quality frontside riding. The best Tramontana time is February to April; look inland to see the snow-capped Pyrenean peaks – wonderful! (The wind is suitably cold though.) But conditions in Pals can be relaxed too – south-westerly Garbí (cross-off from the right) might be gusty but isn’t bad for freeride. South-easterly Xaloc is ideal for kiting – even north-easterly Gregal is fun, sometimes with small waves to jump. Onshore Levante is no good though. Launch by the red-&-white antennae.

The crescent-shaped beach beneath this resort offers several viable launches. Depending on wind direction, either 'Supertubes' near the harbour or 'Consolação' in the south work best. Supertubes has a legendary reputation, but the waves can be awesome in Consolação too – and a little more relaxed than its famous neighbour. It's a long hike to the water, especially in the middle of the bay – and thieves work the whole area around the clock in summer. Plus the surfers don't always like sharing their waves.

Coming from the east, Somo is the first (and best) launch into 'Bahía de Santander’. The beach is long, wide and sandy, the waves form a clean beach-break – and there’s only ever shorebreak at high tide. The quality also deteriorates in a big swell, when you’ll have thundering white water to deal with. Otherwise it’s a good break for surfing too, although so close to the city it's often crowded at the peak. There’s strong current in big swell and out in the rivermouth, while a shipwreck exposes at low tide. Without swell, the bay is also good for freeride in north-easterlies, offering long reaches past Isla de Mouro and Palacio de la Magdalena all the way to the impressive Cabo Mayor.

A spectacular beach with white sand and Caribbean water-colours. In theory it's a perfect freestyle and beginner venue, although of course such a beauty is also a very popular swimming beach in summer.

The lower part of the “Untersee” is considered the windiest part of Lake Constance (=Bodensee). Orientation and topography favor southwesterly wind whilst also every breeze from the northeast squeezes through this narrowing. There are three spots close to each other near the Swiss-German border and all three are quite popular with freeriders and freestylers. If you are looking for waves, you will be disappointed even in a storm. Sea depth and length are simply not enough here. Speaking of storm: orange rotating lights on the banks signal emerging wind. In strong winds of 25 - 33 knots (6-7 Bft.) it flashes 40 times per minute - during storm warning of 35 and more knots it’ll be 90. No matter how much wind: in any case you should pay attention to the busy boat traffic!
Berlingen West - Hornstaad attracts the most windsurfers on the Swiss side. Parking is tight, but somehow there is always a place between railway line, road and bike path. The fortified shore don’t really allow for an easy entry via two narrow stairs. However, once on the water the situation relaxes quickly.
Opposite on the German side you water either at the Strandbad Horn (at Camping Gaienhofen) for € 2.50 or you can choose the slipway at the port of Horn.

Unlike Costa Vicentina's northern beaches, you can day-trip to Carrapateira from the Algarve. The powerful beach-breaks around here are popular with surfers, so the town offers everything from surf-schools to hostels. North of the headland, vast Praia da Bordeira is a potential big-wave spot. North to north-westerly blows cross-on to almost onshore, but the wind's never as strong as Sagres and only regularly breaks Force 4 in winter. In summer it's barely enough for large kites. There are hardly any rocks, but huge currents and shorebreak combined with a long hike to the water ensure that it's never really crowded. Sometimes a shallow lagoon forms a great little playground in the estuary behind the beach.

Punta Ala and 'Giannella' are the only Tuscan spots that work in north-easterly Tramontana, although the wind is gusty and the water choppy. Narrow for kiting, but possible – although only out of season.

In summer you'll need a huge kite here, hence Georgioupoli is more of a winter spot. Building winds bring stronger currents, but on good days the locals from Chania and Rethimnon head here as it's their nearest spot for northerlies.

Marina di Grosseto is a bit more comfortable than its neighbours, as the beach is wider and parking spaces closer. The fairly ugly town isn't a patch on Castiglione though. On the water it's usually flat with some chop, although a strong wind will deliver waves. It’s overcrowded in summer when you can launch further south at 'Baia di Talamone'. You’ll see plenty of RRD gear around here – no wonder, as Roberto Ricci’s corporate HQ is just 10km inland in Grosseto.

This village is on Dutch soil, although the venue itself is halfway to Knokke in Belgium. The most popular launch is in front of 'De Zeemeuw' pavilion. Nice waves break along a long sandy beach in south-west to westerly winds. It can get pretty big in a north-westerly, although that will be onshore. Towards Knokke there are ever fewer groynes.