La Baie d'Etoile, Mauritania

• Ocean
• Flat Water

• Strong currents and tidal flows in the bay requiring awareness of water movement patterns
• Shallow areas and potential sandbars that can shift seasonally
• Cold Atlantic water temperatures year-round despite desert location
• Limited rescue infrastructure in remote coastal area

• Basic accommodation in nearby Nouadnibou town
• Local fishing village facilities and small shops
• Minimal formal tourist infrastructure; bring supplies from larger cities

This remote spot offers exceptional consistency with 294 windy days annually but requires self-sufficiency and advance planning. Coordinate with local guides or established kite schools before visiting to navigate local conditions and logistics.

Launch from the sandy beach with generally easy entry into flat bay waters. NNW and N winds are most consistent; watch for gusty conditions during transitional wind directions.

Respect local fishing activities and vessels in the bay; this is an active working harbor. Coordinate with other kiters to maintain safe spacing in the relatively confined bay area.

Wear a 3-4mm wetsuit year-round due to cold Atlantic currents; water rarely exceeds 18°C. Add a hood and booties for extended sessions in winter months.

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.

1. 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
2. 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
3. 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
4. 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
5. 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.