Risco del Paso Windsurfing

Risco Del Paso beach is location to the south of Sotavento Beach (approximately a 10 minute drive) from the hotels of Sotavento Beach. It offers more sheltered conditions, and also has its own lagoon for windsurfing beginners and training. Kitesurfers can also enjoy the wide sandy beaches for easy launch and there is plenty of space to enjoy. The ocean side of the lagoon provides excellent conditions for both more advanced wind and kitesurfing.

Like at Sotavento Beach Risco Del Paso is well catered for with “world class” rental and training centres.

The wind is similar to that of Sotavento Beach, in that it is accelerated by the topography of the hills. The wind angle is between offshore and cross offshore from the left in direction. Generally the winds are lighter in the morning before picking up midday or early in the afternoon. Although the winds are lighter in Autumn and winter, there are still many good days to be had with suitable wind and warm water.

The location is very versatile and therefore suitable for all disciplines, from those having their first windsurfing or kitesurfing lesson, to freeride, freestyle, slalom, speed, and even wave.

Risco del Paso has a variety of conditions due to the shape of the bay and the presence of the main sandbar/beach. There is the open ocean on the other side of the sandbar for bump and jump and freeride, and on the inside of the sandbar there are two shallow lagoons ideal for teaching beginners and improvers when the tide is high. There is also a large shallow area that is ideal for intermediates practising waterstarts and jibes just in front of the launch area. 200m upwind of the launch area and the ocean side of the sandbar there is a wave sailing spot with waves up to a metre on a normal day, and 2m if there is a swell running. The waves turn to the direction of the beach due to the large sandbank which also divides the lagoon from the open sea, and the shape of the bay. This is an ideal spot for those who want to make the first steps into wave sailing as the waves normally break very smoothly, and the sandy bottom is harmless without the presence of any rocks or reef. Kitesurf lessons are held to the left of this area and kept separate from the windsurfing area for safety.

Last but not least, the old world cup speed course in front of and towards the right of the launch area is ideal for high speed runs and freestyle.