WWS

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.

BeginnerIntermediateFreerideFoil
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
Open full map

Monthly wind profile (peak window)

19
Jan
18
Feb
17
Mar
18
Apr
18
May
18
Jun
16
Jul
16
Aug
18
Sep
18
Oct
16
Nov
19
Dec

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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

  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.

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.