Pingtan Island · China
Pingtan Island / Pingtan, China
16.6kts
NNE · Wind season
Pingtan Island: 280+ windy days annually with consistent NE thermals. Beginner-friendly flat water, but tidal currents and shipping traffic demand attention.
- 16.6kts
- Average wind
- 283
- Windy days / year
- 08:00–11:00
- Peak wind hours
- NNE
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Fuzhou Changle
- Coordinates
- 25.5135, 119.8061
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
87%
rideable
18.8 kts
Feb
77%
rideable
19.1 kts
Mar
77%
rideable
18 kts
Apr
62%
rideable
17.5 kts
May
73%
rideable
16.6 kts
Jun
73%
rideable
18.3 kts
Jul
79%
rideable
18.6 kts
Aug
61%
rideable
16.6 kts
Sep
63%
rideable
18.8 kts
Oct
87%
rideable
23.5 kts
Nov
97%
rideable
20.5 kts
Dec
90%
rideable
18 kts
Best wind directions
- NNE
- NE
- SSW
- N
- SW
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Flat Water
Best months
Hazards
- Strong tidal currents common in this strait location requiring awareness of tide times
- Shipping traffic and fishing vessels in the Taiwan Strait area
- Sudden wind shifts and gusty conditions from surrounding geography
- Shallow water hazards and submerged rocks in certain areas
What that means for you
- Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Stay well clear of fishing nets and lines (50 m+)
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Beach clubs and water sports centers catering to kite and windsports enthusiasts
- Accommodation options ranging from hotels to guesthouses on Pingtan Island
- Local restaurants and shops for food and equipment supplies
- Rental facilities for kites and boards available at main launch areas
Local tips
With 282+ windy days annually, Pingtan offers exceptional consistency for progression. Check local tide tables carefully as tidal ranges significantly affect launch zones and water conditions.
Launch & beach
The flat water and ocean setting provides excellent beginner conditions with generally consistent launches. NE and N winds are most reliable; avoid SSW conditions which may be less predictable due to island geography.
Local etiquette
Respect active fishing areas and local maritime traffic; stay within designated kite zones if marked. Coordinate with other riders during peak season to maintain safe spacing.
What to wear
A 3-5mm wetsuit is appropriate for most months; water temperatures range from cool (Nov-Feb) to warm (Jul-Sep). Summer months may require only board shorts or a thin spring suit.
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
- 2 mm shorty or a rashguard.
- On land
- Light layers plus a windbreaker for the evening.
Derived from the spot's latitude (subtropical 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
Wind & Conditions
NE winds dominate October through May, with textbook thermal builds strongest mid-afternoon. You're looking at 16.6 knots average—light enough for beginners, consistent enough to log real hours. SSW swings kill sessions; the island's geography makes them gusty and unpredictable.
280+ windy days a year means the off-season barely exists here.
The Water
Flat on good days. The Taiwan Strait's tidal currents are the real factor—they're constant, they swing hard, and they shift launch zones. Check tide tables before every session.
Shipping traffic passes through regularly. This is a major lane between the strait and South China Sea. Fishing vessels work these waters too. Not a daily hazard, but it's there.
Shallow sections and submerged rocks exist in certain areas. Pay attention on launch and you won't get caught.
Who It's For
Beginners and early intermediates benefit most. Consistent wind + flat water = progression sessions without fighting conditions. Bring a few weeks and local ops will accelerate your learning curve.
Advanced kiters find light-wind days tedious.
Requirement: do your homework. Check tides, talk to local operators, respect the strait's moods. The consistency pays for the effort.
Infrastructure
Beach clubs, rental gear, hotels, guesthouses. It's functional, not luxe. Restaurants and shops cover your needs. This is working infrastructure for kiters, not a resort experience.
Local kiting community exists. You won't be a spectacle.
Live network data powered by Antigravity Alliance Inc.