Understanding waves
Not all waves are equal: Why it matters for kitesurfing
Ever launched into a wave session only to find yourself dealing with frustrating closeouts or weak, mushy waves? Understanding how waves break—and why—is key to scoring the best rides and avoiding wipeouts. Whether you're riding a twin-tip or a directional, knowing how waves behave will level up your kitesurfing game. Before heading out, check the swell forecast to avoid disappointment.
What is a closeout wave?
A closeout wave is when the entire wave face breaks at once, leaving no clean shoulder to ride. Instead of peeling smoothly along the shore, it collapses in one big mess, making it nearly impossible to surf or kite properly. Closeouts can happen due to:
Swell angle: If the swell hits the shore too directly, the wave has no room to peel and simply dumps all at once.
Seafloor shape: A steep, sudden drop-off can cause a wave to break too quickly.
Tide conditions: Some spots close out more at low tide when the water is too shallow over sandbanks.
Strong wind: Onshore wind can force waves to break sooner and in an unpredictable manner.
How to avoid closeouts
Look for waves that break gradually and peel from one side to the other.
Choose spots with a gradual seabed or a point break setup.
Consider tide changes—some spots work better at mid to high tide.
Double-check the forecast before you pump up—unless you enjoy every session.
Different types of waves and how they impact your session
Peeling waves: The holy grail
Peeling waves break in one direction, creating a long, clean ride. These are the dream for kitesurfers riding a directional board. You’ll usually find them at:
Point breaks: Waves wrap around a headland or reef, breaking in a predictable line.
Reef breaks: Waves break over a coral or rock reef, forming powerful, hollow sections.
Beach breaks with an angled swell: When the swell direction is slightly off from the shore, waves break gradually instead of dumping.
Point break at Jeffrey’s Bay
Mushy waves: Not great, but rideable
Mushy waves lack power and often crumble instead of breaking cleanly. They are caused by short-period swell, weak winds, or deep-water conditions. While not ideal for aggressive wave riding, they can be fun for carving and freestyle. Plus, great practice for when the good waves finally show up.
Reforming waves: A second chance
Some waves break once, lose power, and then reform into another rideable section. This is common at deep-water reef breaks or sandbanks that create multiple peaks. If you wipe out early, you might get a second shot at riding—because sometimes, the ocean believes in second chances.
Barreling waves: For the brave
These are powerful, hollow waves that create a tube as they break. While advanced kitesurfers can hit sections of a barrel, these waves are mostly surf territory due to their steep, fast nature. Spots like Teahupo’o in Tahiti or Cloudbreak in Fiji are famous for their barreling perfection. If you end up in one unprepared, don’t panic—just embrace your role as human seaweed.
Reading waves before you ride
Before hitting the water, spend a few minutes observing the break:
Watch the peak: Does the wave break in one clean direction, or is it closing out?
Check the surfers: If surfers are scoring long rides, it’s a good sign of a peeling wave.
Assess the tide: Mid to high tide is often better for smooth wave formation.
Compare with the forecast: Look at the swell angle and period—longer period swells (10+ seconds) create more structured waves.
Check the swell forecast: Sites like Windy show real-time data so you can make a smarter call.
Make the most of every wave
Even if conditions aren’t perfect, every session is an opportunity to improve. Closeouts and mushy waves teach you how to react quickly, while peeling waves help refine your technique. The more you understand wave behavior, the better you can adapt and make the most of what the ocean gives you.
Want to know more about the swell? Read Kitesurfing swell: What you need to know
So next time you check the forecast, don’t just look at the wind—read the waves too. It could be the difference between a frustrating session and the best day on the water.
xox Berit