Sotavento / Risco del Paso (Fuerteventura)

About this spot

Sotavento, on the south-east coast of Fuerteventura between Costa Calma and Morro Jable, is one of the most famous kite spots in the world and a former World Cup venue. Its signature feature is the tidal lagoon at Risco del Paso: at low tide a huge, shallow flat-water lagoon forms behind a sand bar, while outside the bar the open Atlantic delivers chop and swell. The trade winds are accelerated between the hills, so it often blows several knots harder here than forecast.

The wind is typically north-easterly (trade wind), blowing side-shore to slightly side-offshore across the lagoon — strong and reliable in summer. Because the wind can be side-offshore, the local schools run rescue boats; beginners should ride inside the lagoon at low tide with a school. The main hazards are the tide (the lagoon empties and fills, and currents run through the gaps), the offshore component of the wind, and sharp rocks at the edges of the sand bar.

There are large kite centres with schools, rental and rescue, parking at Risco del Paso, and year-round warm water (around 18–23 °C). Check tide times before you go — the lagoon only exists around low tide.