Chile boasts 4000 km of beautiful coastline facing the Pacific Ocean with many vast beaches and secluded spots. It makes Chile a perfect destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing in South America. Due to storms in Antarctica accompanied by stable and robust southwest winds, there is enough wind power, up to 35 knots, for kites and sails to speed up.
Extreme wind and waves of еру Chilean coast suit experienced riders and may be too rough for beginners. The kiting, surfing and windsurfing season in Chile starts in October and lasts till March bringing some 3-5 meter swells. However, keep in mind that water is always cold in Chile, so a wetsuit is a must. The air temperature is usually lower on the coast than inland.
Kitesurfing and windsurfing spots in Chile
Matanzas, La Vega de Pupuya, and La Boca de Rapel are some of the most popular spots for kitesurfing in Chile. They are also perfect for windsurfing. Matanzas, located in 2.5-hours south from the capital city of Santiago, is an excellent base for water sports enthusiasts because it features at least four excellent beaches for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Many riders stay at hotel Surazo or the Olas de Matanzas campsite.
Pupuya & La Roca Cuadrada
Pupuya is located just a few kilometers south of Matanzas. It boasts strong on-shore winds suitable for practicing acrobatic stunts. La Roca Cuadrada, just north of Matanzas village, has the reputation of one of the best surfing spots in the world.
Topocalma
If you drive south from Matanzas for about an hour, you can reach Topocalma that boasts the strongest winds on the coast. It is popular with windsurfers and surfers. For kites, the local wind might be too abrupt, making it almost impossible to kitesurf.
Windsurfing on lakes
In Chile, another popular option for windsurfing is on the country's numerous lakes. While In the Northern Area and the Central Region, windsurfing is mostly practiced on coastal beaches, whereas in the southern areas of Chile it is mostly done in lagoons and lakes, especially in the Araucania and the Lakes District. Villarrica Lake (87 km pr 54 mi southeast of Temuco), Caburgua Lake (23 km or 14 mi east of Pucon) and Llanquihue Lake (20 km or 12 mi north of Puerto Montt) are some of the places worth heading to for a great windsurfing trip in a scenic setting.
Practical info
What is the best time to visit Chile for kitesurfing and windsurfing?
Kitesurfing and windsurfing in Chile are best from October through March thanks to strong southerly winds and Antarctic storms. These provide ideal wind conditions and swells for experienced riders, but the water reserves its cold temperature, making a wetsuit necessary. It's best to plan the trip in advance as the weather conditions can significantly affect these sports. Show more
What kind of wind strengths can one expect on the Chilean coast for kitesurfing and windsurfing?
Kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts in Chile can expect powerful winds, up to 35 knots. However, the coast's rough winds and waves can make it dangerous for beginners to enjoy these sports. These extreme conditions make it the perfect location for experienced riders to showcase their skills, preferably in the October-March period. Show more
Which are some of the popular spots for kitesurfing in Chile?
Matanzas, Pupuya, La Boca de Rapel, and Topocalma are among Chile's most popular locations for kitesurfing and windsurfing. These sites provide excellent wind conditions for kitesurfing at several fantastic beaches. Matanzas, located in Southern Chile, is a favorite for kiting enthusiasts, while La Boca de Rapel is perfect for beginners. Each location has unique features that provide an enjoyable experience for riders with varying skill levels. Show more
Is it safe for beginners to try kitesurfing or windsurfing on the Chilean coast?
The rough and extreme conditions on Chile's coast may not be suitable for inexperienced kitesurfers or windsurfers. The cold waters and strong winds can be daunting, making safety gear like a wetsuit necessary. It's best for beginners to take a course and gain experience elsewhere and then attempt these sports along the Chilean coast. La Boca de Rapel serves as an ideal spot for beginners with gentle waters that ease riders into the sport. Show more
Where else in Chile can one go windsurfing besides coastal beaches?
Windsurfing enthusiasts have several options beyond the coastal beaches to choose from in Chile. In the Northern and Central region, the coasts are ideal for windsurfing, while the Southern region's lakes are more suitable. Caburgua Lake, Villarrica Lake, and Llanquihue Lake offer a tranquil setting, and the absence of rough waves makes for a peaceful windsurfing experience. Show more
