Kitesurfing near Mombasa, Kenya
Harry Cox, January 29, 2012
The brilliant white sand, azure skies and turquoise waters of the Kenyan South coast have long served as a magnet for beach lovers. Whilst these idyllic features provide the perfect setting for a lazy coastal break there is also something on offer for those looking for a little more adventure. Kitesurfing on the coast south of Mombasa has been in existence for a number of years and with conditions which are ideally suited for all level of kiters it’s not difficult to see why. From mid-December through till early March the Kaskzai (northerly) trade winds provide a steady side-shore wind which strengthens during the day from around 10 knots in the morning, up to winds in excess of 20 knots by late afternoon. This is replaced from June by the Kuzi (southerly) trade winds which blow through until September. The Kuzi provides side to side-onshore winds which range in strength from 15-30 knots and can bring with them a stronger swell. However the protection provided by offshore reefs means that protection from the larger waves can always be found if so desired.