Setting seasonal kitesurf goals
As kitesurfers, we live by the wind, and nothing feels more satisfying than harnessing it to propel ourselves across the water. But let’s face it—wind patterns change with the seasons, and so should our kitesurfing goals. Here’s how to ride the waves of seasonal shifts and make the most of every gust.
Why seasonal goals matter
Each season brings its own set of wind patterns and challenges. Summer might gift you steady sea breezes, while winter can surprise you with stormy gusts or leave you wind-starved altogether. By aligning your goals with these patterns, you can:
Stay motivated year-round
Maximize your time on the water
Build skills tailored to the season’s conditions
Step 1: Understand the wind patterns
First things first—study the wind. Know when and where the wind typically shows up in your region. For example:
Spring: A great time for consistent winds, perfect for refining your basics or landing new tricks. Just don’t let the sunshine fool you—the water is still ice-cream-headache cold. Wear your wetsuit like you mean it.
Summer: Think light-wind sessions and mastering foilboarding or larger kites. Sunscreen, a hat, and a shorty wetsuit are your best friends. Unless you like the lobster look, in which case, proceed without sunscreen.
Autumn: Variable conditions that challenge your adaptability. The air might feel crisp, but the water often holds onto its summer warmth longer than expected. Don’t over-layer; sweat is not your style.
Winter: Strong, stormy winds—time to build confidence in gnarly conditions or focus on off-water training. You’ll need a thick wetsuit, booties, gloves, and a hood. Basically, dress like you’re diving into the Arctic, because, spoiler alert, you are.
Keep an eye on local forecasts, and if your region’s wind scene is hibernating, consider traveling to windier destinations.
Step 2: Chase the wind (locally and abroad)
Sometimes, your home spot doesn’t deliver the goods. Summer back home might be as exciting as watching paint dry, but guess what? Somewhere else, the wind is blowing, and it’s calling your name. Consider:
Europe: Summer is a prime time to hit Tarifa, Spain, or the Greek islands for steady winds and crystal-clear waters.
Africa: Morocco’s Essaouira or Cape Town’s famous kite beaches during winter.
Asia: Think about Sri Lanka’s Kalpitiya for summer winds.
The Americas: Brazil in late autumn for those dreamy trade winds.
If traveling abroad isn’t an option, explore new spots within your country. A change of scenery can do wonders for your motivation—just don’t forget snacks for the road trip. Hangry kitesurfing is not a vibe.
Step 3: Set SMART goals
Your goals should flow with the season’s opportunities. For instance:
Spring goal: "Land 5 clean backrolls by the end of the season."
Summer goal: "Master foilboarding in light winds within two months."
Autumn goal: "Try a new kitesurfing spot with variable conditions each week."
Winter goal: "Increase core strength through weekly workouts to prepare for stormy rides."
Make your goals measurable and achievable within the season. This way, you’ll have a clear sense of progress without getting overwhelmed.
Step 4: Stay flexible
Mother Nature doesn’t always follow the forecast, so keep your plans adaptable. If the wind doesn’t show up, use the time to:
Work on gear maintenance
Improve your fitness
Watch tutorials or take online courses
Remember, even the calmest days can fuel your passion for kitesurfing. If all else fails, have a dramatic conversation with your kite about how it’s letting you down.
Step 5: Reflect and adjust
At the end of each season, take stock of your achievements. What went well? What could you improve? Use this reflection to fine-tune your next season’s goals. Maybe you’ll realize you’re ready to tackle a new discipline, like strapless wave riding or boosting higher jumps.
Conclusion: Embrace the seasonal flow
Setting seasonal goals not only helps you adapt to changing conditions but also keeps your kitesurfing journey fresh and exciting. Whether you’re mastering light winds in the summer or braving winter storms, every season brings new opportunities to grow.
And remember, if the wind isn’t blowing at home, pack your bags and chase it somewhere else. Because life’s too short to wait for the perfect session—and your kite deserves better.
xox Berit