Costa Calma and Sotavento and Wind Conditions

Sotavento is about 50 minutes South of the airport at Fuerteventura, which makes access very easy. It is one of the most beautiful spots on the island and is less developed than Correlejo in the North or Jandia in the South.

Sotavento itself is some 16kms of superb, white sand beach. At the Southern end is the holiday town of Morro Jable, however the most beautiful part is north here - around the Sotavento lagoon.

The lagoon is very large and shallow and the depth is effected by the tide. It is perfect safe swimming area or for learning to windsurf and kitesurf. The open water provides first class conidtions for watersports and is the home of the Windsurfing and Kitesurfing World Cup.

There is a windsurfing and kiteboarding centre Rene Elgi 1. For those who don't want to take their own kit, Sotavento has a further two two large rental centres (Pro Center I and II). A number of UK tour operators now go to Costa Calma, although often the best option is to buy a cheap flight and rent an apartment seperately, in order to be located right on the windsurfing / kitesurfing beach.

In the Summer trade winds, this area will typically be the windiest part of the islands. The Northerly wind hits the North coast of Jandia, and rises over the hills, where it's squeezed and accellerated between the hills, past the wind farms, before dropping down onto the Sotavento side of the peninsula.

The Esmeralda / Los Gorriones site is probably where the wind blows strongest, followed by El Paso, Costa Calma and Matas Blancas. For more information about the wind at Sotavento see Sotavento Wind.

Trade winds, Fuerteventura

The North East trade winds blow throughout the year, although they tend to move up & down the Atlantic. The summer is the windiest time in Fuerteventura and the trades can start to blow as early as March and as late as May. The trade winds are not as strong wind as many people imagine; only about Force 3 on the open sea. Sotavento actually means "Leeward Side", Barlovento being "Windward side". However around the island of Fuerteventura there are acceleration zones where the wind is either funnelled between mountains, or islands. In these places, the wind can sometimes increase to as much as 8 or 9 Bft.

The trades can blow right the way through to the middle of September when they tend to move further south. The summer winds in Fuerteventura are controlled by having High pressure sitting over the Azores (Azores High) and a Low over the Sahara (Sahara Low). The high pressure can be very stable and it is possible for it to extend right across the Atlantic from Portugal to Florida.

Winter winds, Fuerteventura

In winter the situation is different. There are small low pressure systems coming from the coast off New Foundland. They travel eastwards accross the Atlantic, and as they travel they get deeper and stronger. This results in the bad winter weather of Europe and the British Isles. These low pressure systems generate waves in winter. If these systems travel as far South as the Canaries they create very strong winds - force seven to eight, or even nine. These winds blow in a south - southwest direction. They last from 2 to 4 days.

Scirroco Wind, Fuerteventura

Finally, there is one other wind direction which is interesting, which is the Scirroco. This is a hot dry wind coming straight off the Sahara desert, about 65 miles away. This is either onshore or cross -onshore from the right. It can be strong or light and normally lasts anything from 2 - 10 days

 Windsurfing Sotaventa Fuerteventura

Sotavento is an ideal spot for all levels of windsurfers. You can choose to sail on the sea, or on the shallow lagoon, which fills with the tides. The lagoon is a perfect place to learn or practice waterstarting and gybing, as the water is waist high and a short stroll from the windsurfing centre.

The beach at Sotavento is amazing. It stretches as far as the eye can see in both directions and there is as much space as you may want on the water and on the beech.

Pro Center I is located directly in the Sotavento Wind Funnel. There is strong and constant wind, and the water conditions are from flat up to six foot waves. Whatever, the conidtions the centre has the right equipment, with a wide range of rigs and sails. At the centre there are also sunbeds and a beach bar in the palm garden - a great place to watch the action from or to sit and relax.

Pro Center I and II are located about 2 miles from each other. Rene Egli offer a shuttle bus to go between the venues and their hire charges include sailing at the two venues for the same price.

Kitesurfing Sotaventa Fuerteventura

Sotavento is a perfect spot for kitersurfers. The area has very reliable winds and the temperatures of the water and air are comfortable all-year long, in summer and winter. The beach literally stretches for miles which means there is always plenty of space for launching and landing and there is always space on the water.

Rene Elgi 1, the kitesurfing centre by the Playa Paraiso apartments, has a selection of top brand Cabrinha kites for school and rental equipment. This year, there are 180, 2006 kites and 80, 2006 boards.

The Kiteboard World Cup is held directly in front of the Kite Center. In 2001 Sebastien Cattelan set a new hang time world record, an 8,87 second long jump. In 2004 Manu Taub succeeded in kiting a new Kite Speed Worldrecord with 40,58 knots (75,15 km/h)

Sotavento is an ideal spot for all levels of kiteboarders. You can choose to sail on the sea, or on the shallow lagoon, which fills with the tide. The lagoon is a perfect place to learn or practice and there is lots of space to not feel concerned about people around you. The water is waist high and a short distance from the windsurfing centre, so it is very safe for beginners.

The beach at Sotavento is stunning. It stretches for miles in both directions.

Pro Center I is located directly in the Sotavento Wind Funnel. Strong and constant wind, with water conditions from flat up to six foot waves are the highlights of this World Cup spot. Pro Center One and Two are located about 2 miles from each other. Rene Egli offer a shuttle bus to go between the venues. Costs of hiring equipment include sailing at the two venues for the same price.