Makhatchkala · Russia
Shurabaad Lagoon, Azerbaijan
13.5kts
NNW · Wind season
Shurabaad Lagoon: 206 windy days/year on flat water. Wind rotates constantly. Beginner progression spot that demands repositioning.
- 13.5kts
- Average wind
- 206
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- NNW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Makhatchkala
- Coordinates
- 40.7755, 49.5379
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
60%
rideable
19.3 kts
Feb
46%
rideable
18.2 kts
Mar
74%
rideable
17.3 kts
Apr
70%
rideable
18.3 kts
May
61%
rideable
18.4 kts
Jun
50%
rideable
17.8 kts
Jul
47%
rideable
16.3 kts
Aug
69%
rideable
16.2 kts
Sep
60%
rideable
17.5 kts
Oct
55%
rideable
17.6 kts
Nov
48%
rideable
16.4 kts
Dec
35%
rideable
18.5 kts
Best wind directions
- NNW
- SSE
- N
- ESE
- S
Water conditions
- Flat Water
- Lake
Best months
Hazards
- Shallow lagoon waters with potential underwater vegetation and debris
- Variable wind directions (NNW to SSE) requiring frequent position adjustments
- Cold water temperatures in winter months despite frequent windy days
- Limited visibility into water conditions during spring thaw periods
What that means for you
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Nearby Makhachkala city services and accommodation options
- Local fishing communities with basic supplies and food vendors
- Flat water ideal for progression but limited dedicated kite facilities
Local tips
With 206 windy days yearly, this is an excellent spot for skill progression despite modest average winds. Coordinate with local communities before sessions to understand seasonal fishing patterns and water restrictions.
Launch & beach
Flat lagoon water provides excellent launch conditions with minimal waves; sandy/shallow entry makes launching straightforward. Check wind direction consistency as multi-directional winds may require repositioning your launch point throughout sessions.
Local etiquette
Respect local fishing activities and boat traffic common in lagoon areas. Maintain awareness of other water users and stay clear of populated areas.
What to wear
5/3mm wetsuits recommended for winter months (Jan, Feb, Dec); 3/2mm for spring/fall transitions. Summer months (Jun-Aug) may allow thinner suits or rash guards depending on personal cold tolerance.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
- Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- 3/2 mm full wetsuit.
- On land
- Hoody and jacket; long pants in the evening.
Derived from the spot's latitude (temperate 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
Flat water. Frequent wind. No swell. On paper, ideal for learning. Reality: the wind here swings between NNW, N, SSE, ESE, and S—sometimes within the same session. You launch, conditions shift, you move your setup and adjust angles. This forces constant water-reading. Good for edge control and body mechanics if you embrace the repositioning. Annoying if you want to send it in one direction.
Wind & Conditions
13.5 knots average, 206 windy days per year. Consistent enough that you won't sit around often. Direction consistency is another story. Winter brings cold water and poor visibility during spring thaw. Fall and spring are your reliable windows.
The Water
Shallow, sandy bottom. Entry is easy. Underwater vegetation and debris collect here—your bar can snag weed, your board can hit submerged objects. Wear booties. Cold water in winter limits session length. This isn't a pristine lagoon.
Who It's For
Beginner-to-intermediate riders building fundamentals. Flat water forgives mistakes. Wind repetition is the strength here. If you want big airs or waves, go elsewhere.
Getting There
Makhachkala provides basic services. The lagoon has active fishing communities—check with them on water restrictions and safe zones before launching. No kite infrastructure, no schools, no shops. Bring all your own gear and know how to use it.
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