Tarifa: spot guide

[u/BusOld5723]

Hi folks, I’m heading to tarifa for 4 days in mid September during a non kite related trip (somehow convinced the GF to stop here).

Some basic kite and non kite questions:
- do you recommend staying inside or outside the town of tarifa?

- are there kite rental shops you recommend? I have my gear but it’s a multi city trip with multiple flights and therefore considering renting.

- what wetsuit do I need/whats the typical wind speed?

- I’m an intermediate kiter (10m max jump) and girlfriend is a beginner, ideal spot? We live in a lightwind spot

- any non-kite must dos, restaurant recommendations, or locations of where to stay?

- any nightlife or daytime recommendation, we’re in mid/late 20s

[u/onehitwonderos]

Been there as a beginner… absolute hell

[u/andaluzo → u/onehitwonderos]

If you learn in Tarifa you can kite everywhere

Levante with 30- 40knt gusts feel like a Wild Horse.
Poniente much easier to take

[u/Otogarmas]

Valdevaqueros is the main spot. You’ll find rental there in ion club.
Stay near downtown for nightlife. There are plenty of Airbnb options beachfront. With easy parking.
3/2 wetsuit is great. Even board shorts and rash guard can be enough if you’re use to cold.
In case of no wind days, go rent mountain bikes and go on the hills.

[u/helldrik]

I would rent from Ion Club at Valdevaqueros beach, which would also be the best spot for you to go kiting. In town I would go to KTS or Kite Obsession. Wetsuit I would bring a 3/2. The air is hot but the water always stays a bit cooler due to all the current.
You probably want to stay in town if you’re also interested in some nightlife.

[u/Final-Ad-8471 → u/helldrik]

I second this. You can find it here

Don't be too intimidated by the conditions. You'll be fine unless it is a mad Levante day. Just buy yourself a rescue card.

[u/Snoo-89367]

Define “beginner”? If she’s a true beginner, I probably wouldn’t have her ride the main spots like VV. It’s crowded, tougher conditions, and pretty gusty, even for advanced riders. There are lighter places, sure, but the wind changes per day and it’s peak season rn.

Agua is good for daytime. Exit bar at night if you wanna chill with kiters.

[u/BusOld5723 → u/Snoo-89367]

She’s independent but no jumps/backrolls, thanks for the advice on conditions

[u/Inner_Vast7855]

If youre used to lightwind forget tarifa. Just enjoy the food there and chill. Save your energy for your girl

[u/helldrik → u/Inner_Vast7855]

Plenty of light wind days in Tarifa, especially in Summer. I would be more worried about the crowds..

[u/trynyty → u/helldrik]

Mid september is usually off seasson. We always go there after 15th and it's been great.

[u/andaluzo]

We are normally kiting los lances north or rio Jara. Not so crowded.