Aruba · Aruba
Arashi, Aruba
16kts
E · Wind season
Arashi serves up 320 windy days yearly with mechanical consistency, but afternoon chop and strong currents demand solid technique.
- 16kts
- Average wind
- 320
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- E
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Oranjestad
- Coordinates
- 12.6111, -70.0538
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
95%
rideable
17.3 kts
Feb
84%
rideable
17.1 kts
Mar
85%
rideable
17.7 kts
Apr
98%
rideable
16.8 kts
May
97%
rideable
17.3 kts
Jun
100%
rideable
18.4 kts
Jul
98%
rideable
18.8 kts
Aug
94%
rideable
16.7 kts
Sep
90%
rideable
16.1 kts
Oct
63%
rideable
15.5 kts
Nov
62%
rideable
15.8 kts
Dec
84%
rideable
15.8 kts
Best wind directions
- E
- ENE
- ESE
- SE
- NE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions with strong, consistent trade winds creating challenging wave patterns
- Reef hazards and shallow water areas requiring awareness of launch and landing zones
- Strong currents common in Caribbean waters; always use a leash and maintain awareness of drift
- Intense sun exposure at this tropical latitude with minimal shade on beach
What that means for you
- Reef booties recommended at low tide
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Nearby beachfront restaurants and bars in Arashi area
- Equipment rental shops and kitesurfing schools catering to tourists
- Parking facilities and beach access points along the northern coast
- Fresh water rinse stations and basic facilities at popular kite beaches
Local tips
Arashi is extremely consistent with 320 windy days/year, making it reliable for visiting kiters planning a trip. Check local conditions early morning; afternoon winds can intensify significantly, creating choppy, challenging water.
Launch & beach
Arashi's consistent trade winds from the E/NE make it ideal for launching, though choppy ocean conditions require careful entry timing and a strong launch technique. Soft sand beach provides good launching conditions when wind is steady.
Local etiquette
Respect other water users and maintain clear communication in this busy tourist area; follow standard right-of-way rules and give priority to swimmers and non-motorized watercraft. Be mindful of other kiters and maintain safe distances, especially in the consistent wind corridors.
What to wear
Lightweight rash guard or thin 2mm wetsuit is sufficient year-round in Aruba's warm tropical waters (78-84°F). Heavy-duty sunscreen and a hat are essential due to intense equatorial sun exposure.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
- 8–10 mstrong days, 20–28 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- Boardshorts or bikini with a rashguard or sun shirt.
- On land
- Light cotton; pack a rain jacket if the season overlaps rains.
Derived from the spot's latitude (tropical zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
The Experience
Arashi is reliable. E/NE trades average 16 knots year-round across Aruba's northern coast—320 days of rideable wind means you can actually plan trips here. Launch from soft sand into shallow reef-scattered water. Mornings are clean; afternoons turn choppy fast as thermals build. It's predictable enough to progress steadily, repetitive enough to bore you if you chase novelty.
Wind & Conditions
Trades run steady and hard. Get on water early—by midday thermals and gusts turn the surface chaotic. The mechanical consistency is the draw; the downside is afternoon chop punishes loose technique and crowds show up once word spreads.
The Water
Shallow near launch, which helps early learners but demands reef awareness. Strong currents are standard Caribbean behavior. Ocean floor comes up fast—pick entry carefully and know the deep channels before committing. Chop builds as the day goes, creating short messy wave patterns. Edge control and staying clipped matter.
Who It's For
Intermediate and up. You need solid launching ability, comfort in chop, and the judgment to read currents and navigate around reef hazards. Beginners get schooled here, especially afternoons. Come for hooked-in jumps and wave riding progression. Skip it if you want forgiving conditions.
The Scene
Beach infrastructure is solid—rentals, schools, bars, parking. Food and freshwater rinse access are straightforward. Expect other kiters, especially shoulder season. Sun exposure is intense with almost no shade; bring high SPF and a hat.
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