Sometimes it is hard to believe that the city of Barcelona can offer in its surroundings a whole series of activities related to water sports. But the truth is different than what we had in mind.

Both by sea and by air and mountain, the alternatives are almost unlimited. And best of all, they are all within an inch of each other from Barcelona. One of them, suitable in any season, is kitesurfing. Let’s stop to clarify what it is about.

Although it has its origins in Indonesia and China in the 12th century, it was not until 1977 when Gijsbertus Adrianus Panhuise, considered the founding father of this modality, patent a system made up of a board and a sailing kite.

It lies in sliding over the water by means of a board, usually a twintip, pulled by a traction kite, adjustable, with four or five lines of strings attached to the steering bar and the user’s body (for power). To do this, you must take advantage of the winds on shore, that is, the direction of the sea, or the side shore, parallel to the shore.

In Barcelona, as we will see moreover, it is a common practice in some points of the coast. Whether you are in the area or not, there is always a possibility to make a getaway to one of the most extraordinary metropolises in Europe and, also, get to know first-hand one of the fashionable pastimes.

Where are the best kitesurfing spots in Barcelona?

• Les Botigues de Sitges: It is on this beach that belongs to the town of Sitges, on the municipal border with Castelldefels, where most of the activities related to this water sport are held in Barcelona. In addition, it is the largest in Sitges, with a total of 17, with more than half a mile long and an average of 100 meters wide. It has all kinds of services such as, for example, lifeguards, showers, bathrooms, sunbeds or accessibility for people with special needs. This makes it one of the best places to do all kinds of water sports, including flysurfing.

• Malgrat de Mar: Located in the municipality of the same name, this beach, 50 minutes-drive from the capital, received the distinction of blue flag due to the unbeatable quality of its facilities (rescue stations, bathroom with amphibious chair, walkways to access the sea, playgrounds and sports, rental of parasols and chairs, etc.). It is not usually very crowded, it is only frequented by the inhabitants of Malgrat, which gives it a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for kiteboarding.

• Playa de Gavá: Even closer to Barcelona is this beach, corresponding to the town of Gavá, which offers a walk between the dunes and a pine forest that reaches the first line. Located approximately 2 miles (4 km) from the town center, the sea area of Gavá is constantly bathed in the sun, with no less than 35000 hours a year, which proves its enormous value. It also offers the visitor permanent leisure spaces such as beach bars during the summer, volleyball field, football goals and parking. And, of course, an unbeatable place to try kitesurfing.

What type of courses and kite lessons can you do in Barcelona?

- Full courses: These are usually courses starting from three days and set up around three modules, to one per day: first, basic concepts are taught and you learn to control the kite from the sand; second, we move to action in the water with bodydrag, and then from bodydrag to waterstart, where we have to stand on top of the board; thirdly, the waterstart technique is debugged and the first navigations are carried out.

- Classes: They can be both collective and private, in which we will have the personalized attention of a monitor exclusively for one person, and semi-private, in which we share the training session with another partner. Also, the duration varies from one to the other, being able to be of sixty minutes, an hour and a half, two or two hours and thirty minutes. Of course, all lessons are adapted to the degree of experience of each person.

- Combined packs: Imagine a package that combines a day of flysurfing with a gastronomic tasting. This is what one of the activities available in the area of Barcelona suggests, a theoretical and practical class of 3 hours of duration next to a culinary tribute for later, consisting of a barbecue, "pan tumaca" (tomato with bread, typical of the region), water, soft drinks or beers.

- Baptisms: The majority of kitesurfing activities in Barcelona focus on these initiation classes. They are baptisms of two, three or four hours. Even the entire courses we talked about at the beginning of this section are divided into separate modules (land, water and navigation) that can be selected individually. Logically, the other offers are focused on the first phase, which takes place on the beach, to, in a staggered way, for those who want to continue the training with the following.

- Equipment rental: For those who have an advanced level, a company makes available the rental of the necessary equipment to navigate. The difference between one offer and another is the duration, from one to two hours, the second squeeze even more experience. They are suitable for those who want to have total autonomy and feel an unprecedented freedom.

What requirements are necessary to go kitesurfing in Barcelona?

As a rule, experts advise the age of 6 to start in the world of kitesurfing, as before they are developing themselves and there is a certain risk, even if minimal, of injury. There are no further requirements on the side of the organizing active tourism companies. In fact, it is proven that this discipline has several health benefits, so it is a good idea to target children to get used to kiteboarding.

Is it a safe sport?

Certainly. The mandatory material for flysurfing is given, in perfect condition, renovated systematically, consisting of a kite, a harness that is fixed to the body, the board, the bar grip, etc. Kitesurfing centers also provide a wetsuit or a vest that prevents friction with the board. All this is provided by companies operating in Barcelona.

On the other hand, the team of each company is made up of instructors with specific qualifications in kiteboarding, similar or substitutes, with a long career behind them. This guarantees, even more, the normal development of the activity.

But also, regardless of whether it is a collective class, an initiation or an advanced course, all options are provided with an explanatory talk, as a foreword, in which aspects of kitesurfing are discussed as well as safety measures to be taken into account.

When is the best time to go kitesurfing in Barcelona?

The great weather of Barcelona allows kitesurfing throughout the year, without prejudice to the summer or winter months, since the summer season is not too hot and in winter temperatures are mitigated compared to other places in the Peninsula.

On the other hand, it must be considered that in both Malgrat de Mar and Les Botigues there are usually regulatory limitations to not interfere with swimmers during high season, so the most common thing is to restrict this activity from June to October. Therefore, it is recommended to previously check the particular conditions established by each city council.

Don’t miss the opportunity to live firsthand the thrill of flying above the waves and, at the same time, steer the course of the kite as the current blows. Tempting, isn’t it?