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Bye the end of 1999 it was estimated that only 1,000 people actually participated in kite surfing, this relatively new sport however seen a dramatic increase in numbers. In only 6 years it has been estimated that there was 100,000 new kite surfers around the world and in 2008 this number have increased again and its set to contiune to rise as the sport gets seen more and more on the beaches around the world.
This extreme sport was established in Hawaii and France to a lesser extent, but now kite surfers, like their conterparts wave surfers, travel the world searching for better and more exciting places to surf with their kite. Thailand has long been a favourite destination for yachtsmen and windsurfers due in part to its prevailing winds at certain times of the year and it is these winds that are bringing more and more people to Thailand for kite surfing.
During the southerly monsoon season you will find the average wind speeds of 12-14 knots but there will increase to about 15-20 knots during the northerly monsoon. Although not an extremely windy place Thailand is a without a doubt a great place to have a holiday. These light winds are ideal for gentle kite surfing so has been perfect for the beginner who can learn to control the kites on land first then on the sea in a more gentle breeze.
For the extreme hard core kite surfers these 'light' winds wouldn't be enough for them to travel to Thailand but for someone who is new to kite surfing or wants to learn kite surfing a holiday to Thailand would be perfect. It would also be a popular holiday activity for paerents looking to get away from the kids for an hour or two. These ideal conditions for beginners has lead to an explosion of Kite Surfing Schools in Thailand.
Unlike other water activities however kite surfing sees a lot of Thai nationals getting involved in the sport. In contarst to scuba diving, where your instructor is more lickely to be from your home country, your kite surfing instructor will more than likely be from Thailand. The kite surfing schools here more often than not will also be owned by Thai nationals as well as those companies who will rent you the gear needed for a days kite surfing. This can all improve your holiday to Thailand as you get more of a chance to interact with local people and business owners who and help you enjoy Thailand and not only your holiday there.
Where to Kite Surf in Thailand?
You'll discover many kite surfing schools in all the major Thailand holiday destinations, Phuket, Chumphon, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya etc. but it's the schools around Pattaya and Hua Hin that would be considered the best. The other places mentioned before may all have wonderful white sandy beaches and they also will be fringed with tropical palm trees but Pattaya and Hua Hin are best located for the off shore winds and it's this that makes them ideal learning spots for kite surfing.
When would it be best to learn to Kite surf in Thailand?
With two seperate monsoon season you can take a holiday to Thailand at any time of the year and get fantastic weather. If you want your holiday between May and October may be able to save some money as this time of year in Thailand is known as the 'Green' season, but often you may find less than perfect weather conditions. For kite surfing though your destination will depend on the time of year it is best to visit, or your holiday time may determine where you go on your kite surfing holiday.
For kite surfing from Pattay and the surround coast it would be best to visit between September and March when the winds make these aeas perfect for the beginner and intermediate.
When to kite surf in Hua Hin is a little more complicated; between November and January the north easterly monsoons provides the strongest winds in the morning. Between February and mid May its best to plan your kite surfing for the afternoons. Although possable for beginners this location is probably bestter for intermediate kite surfers or at least those with one or two previous lessons.
Between the beginning of November and the end of February Koh Samui would be the best place for beginners and intermediates alike. From the
Phuket island has it easy when it comes to kite surfing seasons. From November to March the Northeasterly winds provide a gently breeze, then from March to October the wind is blowing from the West increases slightly.
Chumpon sees the best winds during the north easterly monsoons during November to January but like Hua Hin the winds remain strong enough in the afternoons from February to mid May.
I hope there is enough information here to help with planning a kite surfing holiday to Thailand or at least consider it as a possable destination for your next holiday. For me the combination of extreme sports and laid back life style makes Thailand a must do location, even if the winds never get too strong!
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