Imagine how great it would be just doing nothing but enjoying the waves and the wind, kiteboarding or kitesurfing in Samui. The good news is there are a few good kiteboarding schools conveniently located on the island, so why not give it a try to see if this thrilling sport is really for you? Most schools have been on the island for over a decade and have high-standard equipment. And it’s good to know that safety is their primary concern.
Kitesurfing in Samui
Kiteboarding is becoming a hit water sport in Samui. For the past few years, they have had a kiteboarding competition on Koh Phangan, some 12km from Samui. This sport is basically a combination of surfing and paragliding and thanks to the warm sea in Samui, temperatures hardly dip below 26 Celsius throughout the year, making it perfect for this kind of activity.
But the key factor is the wind. The best time to come and try a kitesurfing session is from November to February when the wind ranges from 8 to 20 knots. The worst months are probably April and May when some say that it’s best to forget about kiteboarding for that period. But then again with the weather changing rapidly because of global warming, Samui sometimes get good winds at the time when they less expect to so it’s really best to check with the school before making a booking.
If you would like to observe kiteboarding, head to Maenam, Nathon or Hua Thanon.
Kitesurfing Lessons in Samui
Courses are designed to follow the same standards as those of the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO), a worldwide organization that teaches this extreme sport and hands out recognized certification.
The instructor will walk you through the steps necessary, for example – what kite size and type is best for you; how to set one up; and how to handle it and how to play safe while on the water. As for location, they will take you to an area that has shallow flat water to make it easier for riders, especially beginners.
All schools share similar prices; an introduction course would be about 4,000 baht. It lasts a few hours and is open up to maximum 2-4 students each class. It’s perfect for beginners (the term ‘beginners’ here means those who are not only fit but at least know how to surf too). Some schools use a small inflatable four-line kite to start off.
Many who have tried kitesurfing lessons on Samui suggest that if time allows it might be worth taking a three-day course to really get into the sport. That way you’ll walk out with a better understanding of it. The cost is about 10,000 – 12,000 baht, and this includes equipment and certificate. There’s always an option if you prefer to do a one-on-one or private lessons that fit all levels from beginners to intermediate and advanced students. Prices vary.
Good to Know
All schools also have their own shops selling well-known brands of kites, gear and boards. Even if you don’t take lessons with them, they are happy to rent out equipment as long as they understand that you are an experienced kiteboarder. They will even point you to the right kitesurfing spots on the island.
Most Samui kiteboarding centres also provide windsurfing lessons at a price of a couple thousand baht per session. Check it out!
List of Kiteboarding Centre in Samui
Koh Samui Kite Boarding (KSK)
KSK owned by a long-term Samui expat Dominique Chamonin , an IKO instructor level 2 as well as a diving instructor and windsurfing teacher.
Open: All year round
Location: Maenam town, not far from the Mercure Hotel
Tel: +66 (0) 86 267 1169
Kiteboarding Asia (KBA)
KBA is probably the biggest kitesurfing centre in the country with about 15 around Thailand including a few branches in Samui alone.
Open: November to March: at the Samui Orchid Resort in Hua Thanon
May to October: at the Grand Seaview Beach Resort, Nathon
Location: Their main centre is in Hua Thanon next to the Samui Orchid Resort.
Tel: +66(0) 83 6431627
One2Kite
This centre is located on Koh Phangan at Phangan Beach Resort in the Ban Tai area. It is basically halfway between Thongsala and Haad Rin Beach (aka Full Moon Party Beach).
Open: All year round
Location: Phangan Beach Resort in Ban Tai
Tel: +66 (0)82 277 3374
