Janek Grzegorzewski shares an insider’s perspective on why Balneario stands unrivaled as one of the world’s most challenging yet rewarding big air kite surfing destinations. With the Full Power Tarifa 2023 just around the corner, the thrill is already palpable as we anticipate seeing athletes defy gravity at this prestigious event! Please note, the competition has been rescheduled to between September 15th and October 30th owing to inadequate wind conditions in the original period.
So, what makes Balneario unique? The magic lies in its upwind wave kickers, which are positioned precisely where kite surfers typically ride. These waves act as natural elevators, pushing surfers upwind, thereby increasing their chances of reaching thrilling heights – a rare phenomenon not found at many other places.
Moreover, the wind conditions at Balneario are nothing short of extreme. It’s reputed to be one of the world’s windiest locations, with 50-knot sessions sometimes lasting for an entire week. When the Levante wind arrives, it often stays for an extended period, offering ideal training conditions for the most dedicated big air riders.
However, let’s be clear – Balneario is not for the faint-hearted. For first-timers, the conditions can be quite intimidating. Not only are the winds exceptionally powerful and gusty, but the beneficial waves also demand a high level of skill and experience to use effectively. Beginners may find it difficult initially to perfect their takeoffs and anticipate when waves will break.
In addition, Balneario is quite a compact location. When there are about ten riders in the spot, you’ll find a queue forming with riders waiting for their turn. It’s a demanding and busy spot, but given the conditions, it’s no surprise that everyone wants to kite here. The conditions, after all, are among the world’s best.
Stay tuned for more updates and see you later on!
