June 2021 - the second year of the pandemic. Our flights to Fuerteventura have been cancelled twice so we have decided to take a ferry to Spain, as we thought this was less likely to get cancelled, and go on a road trip in our lovely vintage camper Cynthia (over 27 year old Toyota Hiace). In the first week, we have arranged a family reunion in central Spain, which we wanted to combine with some kitesurfing so we have chosen a location near Lake/Embalse la Loteta.
Embalse Le Loteta
Beautiful, remote location which may not be easiest to find, but if you put in google maps 'Embalse la Lotetta kite spot' you will get there eventually. No services apart from a local, kite school on wheels, which operates there. There are no toilets, but they have some changing shacks and launch/landing pad.
We had a lovely afternoon/evening big kite session there. Just a few of us on water.
La Manga
The wind at the La Loteta didn't last long and the forecast was looking more favourable in the south so we have decided to head down to La Manga. We have been there before, one year very early in the season, and La Manga has not welcomed us very much back then. It was raining heavily for most of our stay, with a couple of days of crazy wind at the end of our stay. We were hoping for more sunshine and steady summer wind this time. We got the sunshine for sure but the wind was very light so we have just managed a couple of afternoons of light wind cruising, just about managing to stay crosswind. One session at the very north end of Mar Menor was very enjoyable and at the place like La Manga is easy to enjoy sunshine and great sea food so we were very happy anyway... for a couple of days until we got hungry for more wind. If you are there check out 1975 - Escuela de Pieter - it has outstanding food and wines. Not the cheapest but definitely worth it. We have travelled in our camper and stayed in a CapFun La Manga campsite, which was ideal for us as very close to the Playa Paradisio, where we have kitesurfed on easterly wind. The campsite suited us as we wanted facilities like toilets & shower. There was also a good shop on site so we could get all our groceries for cooking. We have seen some wild campers at the north end of the island next to the second spot where we kited, very close to Playa Veneziola so if you don't fancy the campsite this is a good option. Playa Veneziola was beautiful, idillic spot and we had an afternoon session there but the wind was quite light and we have barely managed to stay upwind. We were told that wind is usually stronger at Isla del Ciervo at the bottom of the island so maybe it wasn't our the best choice for that day, but nevertheless we got our kiting fix. We have been to Isla del Ciervo before and we wanted to explore a new spot and it was worth it as the spot is beautiful. Isla del Ciervo and Playa Veneziola both work really well on westerly directions, and we have been told that Isla del Ciervo usually has around 2-3knts more than Playa Veneziola.
La Oliva
After a couple of days Andras who is my partner's brother and lives in Spain, mentioned a new kite spot La Oliva and Garbi - the fantastic southwesterly thermal wind that arrives in the afternoon for a few hours during summer months. We had enough of resting and fine dining so we drove two hours up north for a day to check it out. And we were not disappointed - we pulled up to the first kitesurfing beach in Oliva, where the small river joins the sea. The spot was ideal, large beach, side onshore wind and small waves. I loved it instantly and said 'I want to move here'. Yes, one of those spots.
We had an amazing session, I was on my favourite kite 9m Cabrinha Moto and Gabbs was on 11m Switchblade. After this session we have decided to move there for the rest of our holiday.
Santa Pola
The following day the wind was coming from North West so Andras, our kitesurfing guide to Spain, told us this wouldn't work in La Oliva and we better off checking Santa Pola. It was on our way and we are always keen to kite new spots so we had to check it out. Santa Pola again was beautiful, but could have done with a couple of more knots. You don't kite on the main beach as it is banned but walk south pass a little pier. Locals use the pier to set up and pack up kites, but there is plenty of place on the beach too. Great kitesurfing spot near Alicante for North Westerlies.
After our session in Santa Pola we drove to La Oliva, where we stayed and kited for the rest our our holiday. Everyday our beloved Garbi came around 1pm and lasted until at least 5pm and often longer, blowing strong enough for me to use my favourite 9m Moto. The sea was amazing and warm, you can wear a shorty or full, thin wetsuit or just swimwear. I would wear 2m wetsuit for protection and sunblock, Gabbs would kite in his swimming trunks. We stayed at Eurocamping campsite right next to the beach we kited, but have seen many people wild camping too.
The campsite was run by an English family, had a shop with bakery and a restaurant on the beach.
Watch out for 1st July as the beach rules change. It was our last day and we were enjoying kiting session at our usual spot. After a couple of hours, I got quite thirsty so I have decided to get out of water for a quick drink and a snack of watermelon. Gabbs has seen me getting out and came out to join me. This was really bad timing. As we got out of water, police on quad bikes has pulled up to tell us we cannot kite on the beach from today as it is now summer season and it is banned. They have taken our details, gave us a warning and told us to move. We were gutted as we really didn't want to loose time moving, but didn't have choice. We had to pack up and drive a few kilometres up north to set up on the official kitesurfing beach. The main beach was nowhere near as nice as the river estuary spot and it was very crowded with a small launching area. We have managed to get another hour of kiting there though.
Pros & Cons of Road Trip:
Pros:
- freedom of movement and therefore the ability to chase the wind
- visiting lots of different kitesurfing spots
- outdoor lifestyle
Cons:
- very expensive as ferry costs are high plus you will need international car insurance so it makes more sense for longer trips
- wind was on a low side at most sites and La Oliva was the only place that really delivered in my view
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