Kiteboarding Turkey

I’m not a water sports person, so I have no idea when kiteboarding, also known as kite surfing, became popular. I would love to share with you, however, my firsthand experience having watched it live in Turkey.

At the end of summer 2018, we took a trip to Burhaniye (Ayvalik) on the western coast. My husband had actually lugged 2 kites, boards, and accessories from the US! So I went along to watch him and his brother. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. The Aegean. The gorgeous weather. The colorful kites. The skilled athletes.

Apparently, kiteboarding is not a sport that one just goes out and does. Lessons are a necessity. So the hubby and his brother signed up at Kite Zone Ayvalik. Please don’t ask whether they speak other languages. As with most tourist locations in Turkey, they usually do. But I have no info on that.

Here’s what I do know:

The sport does require some upper body strength and a solid core. If you don’t have that – work on it! You can still do it, but it will be a little tougher to get up on the board.
Almost anyone is capable of doing it. I saw ladies out there. I saw elderly couples!
The weather must cooperate! Just like taking a balloon ride in Kapadokya or paragliding in Kas, there can’t be too much wind, but there must be some! So be prepared to spend time waiting on the beach for the right conditions. You should spend at least a week just in case.
I don’t believe you need your own kite for the lessons, probably not the board either. Check with the agency you choose as to what you need.
There are also websites for KiteDream and KiteSurf. It’s not clear to me whether they are one and the same.
You will be setting up your own kites after the first lesson.

Sitting on the side watching the kites is an amazing way to spend the day! Kite Zone has a lovely old stone building onsite where you can purchase food and drinks. There’s also an outdoor seating area with comfy cushions to sit back and enjoy the ride. I partook in a beer or two while I gazed at the lovely rainbow of colors fly through the air.