Laoag · Philippines
San Vicente Airstrip, Philippines
14.7kts
ESE · Wind season
San Vicente delivers 233 windy days yearly on a working runway beach. ESE trades blow consistent and predictable—nine months of rideable wind means you show up and it's there.
- 14.7kts
- Average wind
- 233
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- ESE
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Manila Ninoy Aquino
- Coordinates
- 18.5077, 122.1488
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
92%
rideable
19.6 kts
Feb
88%
rideable
18.6 kts
Mar
84%
rideable
16.7 kts
Apr
63%
rideable
14.8 kts
May
56%
rideable
14.5 kts
Jun
40%
rideable
14 kts
Jul
50%
rideable
15.7 kts
Aug
24%
rideable
14.3 kts
Sep
40%
rideable
18.4 kts
Oct
52%
rideable
17.8 kts
Nov
88%
rideable
20.8 kts
Dec
89%
rideable
20.1 kts
Best wind directions
- ESE
- ENE
- E
- NE
- SE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions with strong currents require experienced wave management
- Airstrip proximity demands awareness of aircraft operations and restricted airspace
- Shallow areas near shore with potential rocks or debris common to Philippine beaches
- Tropical weather patterns can bring sudden squalls and unpredictable wind shifts
What that means for you
- Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Nearby Laoag city with hotels, restaurants, and kitesurfing shops
- Local beach facilities and basic water sports rental services
- Airport access for international travel and equipment transport
Local tips
The 233 windy days annually make this highly reliable, with 9-10 month window of excellent conditions. Plan sessions around optimal wind windows (typically early morning or late afternoon) to avoid midday thermal fluctuations.
Launch & beach
Launch from the beach area, though choppy conditions mean a controlled entry is essential. With predominantly ESE to NE winds, scout launch zones aligned with prevailing directions to minimize paddling effort.
Local etiquette
Respect airstrip operations and maintain safe distance from any restricted zones. Share the water respectfully with other water users and local fishing activities common to this region.
What to wear
A 2-3mm wetsuit is ideal during cooler months (Dec-Feb); switch to a 1.5mm or rashguard during warmer months as Philippine waters stay tropical year-round.
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
- Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn
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
You're launching off a beach literally next to an active airstrip. The wind is relentless and predictable—that's why kiters keep returning. Nine to ten months of rideable conditions means no gambling on forecasts. You show up, the wind is there.
ESE to NE winds dominate. Scout your launch zone before entry—align with prevailing direction to avoid fighting cross-shore push from waist-deep. The beach demands respect. Choppy ocean and strong currents punish sloppy entries. Get your foil dialed before committing.
Wind & Conditions
That 14.7-knot average represents a solid reliable range. Early morning and late afternoon deliver consistent pressure; midday thermals kill drive. The 233 windy days aren't inflated—trades show up that often. Best window: January–May and October–December. July–September stay rideable but rougher.
Squalls roll in fast in tropical patterns. Read the sky constantly. Wind shifts usually telegraph themselves, but sudden changes happen.
The Water
Choppy full stop. Shallow zones near shore hide rocks and debris—wear footwear. Currents run strong enough to matter; they'll push you downwind faster than expected. Plan exit points, not just entry. No direct reef at the launch zone, but Philippine coastal conditions demand respect. Watch chop patterns and current set before paddling out.
Who It's For
Intermediate riders who handle choppy water and strong pushes thrive here. You need solid wave management and current awareness—the intermediate rating assumes foundation skills. Conditions stay reliable enough to actually build technique rather than chase good days. Swell stays manageable; the ocean's got teeth anyway.
The Scene
Laoag city sits nearby with restaurants, hotels, and actual kiteshop support. Airport access is convenient for kit transport. Local community understands the sport. The trade-off is real: you're launching next to an active airstrip. Aircraft operations are part of the visual and acoustic reality. Not dangerous if you respect airspace boundaries, but this isn't a mellow secret beach. Show up early, check the sky, commit clean to your entry. The current will have you sorted by your second run.
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