The kitesurfing launch area is located in the 300m wide sandy bay shallow lagoon of Anse La Raia. There is an ION Club kitesurf centre located there which provides tuition as well as rental of equipment. The bay is mostly sandy and knee deep, with a cross-onshore wind from the right, making it very safe, and the water very flat. The wind averages between force 3 and 6 beaufort (12 to 25 knots).
The bay is about a 5 minute walk from the Sensimar Lagoon Hotel and from the Paradise Cove Hotel.
Beginners can have lessons in the shallow lagoon at the centre. Teaching takes place from the beach, as well as from the support boat in the lagoon. The ION Club centre also provides staff who can help those hiring equipment to launch their kites.
Outside of the small 300m wide lagoon is the main lagoon, which extends 2.5km to the outer reef for more experienced kiters. The water has a small chop but no swell. The lagoon stretches 20km towards the South East. To take advantage of the huge area, the centre also organizes downwinders with a support boat for those wanting to cruise long distances in the 20km long lagoon.
At the outer reef there are small waves between 0.5 to 2 meters high which are smaller than those in the south of the island. The centre provides excursions to the outer reef with a support boat and supervision.
For those that are customers of the ION club there is also a rescue service
Best Suited To
Anse La Raie Bay is suitable as a launch location for all levels of kiters.
Le Morne in the south of the island is a better location for those in search of big waves.
Best gear to Use
Twin tips and directional boards, and kites up to 14m. Foilboarders need to walk out of the small bay lagoon out to where the water becomes deeper.
