Aruba · Aruba
Westpunt, Aruba
16kts
E · Wind season
Westpunt: 320 windy days/year on Aruba's northern point. Consistent trade winds, heavy chop, reef navigation required. Expert riders only.
Expert-only spot. Strong skills required — confident self-rescue, upwind body-drag and handling overpowered conditions.
- 16kts
- Average wind
- 320
- Windy days / year
- 15:00–18:00
- Peak wind hours
- E
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Oranjestad
- Coordinates
- 12.6171, -70.0597
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
95%
rideable
17.3 kts
Feb
84%
rideable
17.1 kts
Mar
85%
rideable
17.7 kts
Apr
98%
rideable
16.8 kts
May
97%
rideable
17.3 kts
Jun
100%
rideable
18.4 kts
Jul
98%
rideable
18.8 kts
Aug
94%
rideable
16.7 kts
Sep
90%
rideable
16.1 kts
Oct
63%
rideable
15.5 kts
Nov
62%
rideable
15.8 kts
Dec
84%
rideable
15.8 kts
Best wind directions
- E
- ENE
- ESE
- SE
- NE
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Choppy
- Waves
Best months
Hazards
- Choppy ocean conditions with regular wave formation require advanced wave riding skills
- Rocky outcrops and reef hazards near Westpunt's northern coastline demand careful navigation
- Strong consistent trade winds can create powerful gusts; exercise caution during peak wind days
- Shallow water areas near shore increase risk of board strikes and limit recovery zones
What that means for you
- Reef booties recommended at low tide
- Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Limited facilities; nearest services in Westpunt village with basic supplies and accommodation
- Beach access with parking available near launch point
- No dedicated kite school or rental shops on-site; bring all equipment from elsewhere on island
Local tips
Westpunt offers reliable year-round wind with 320 windy days annually, but plan visits during Jun-Sep for optimal wave conditions. Stock up on supplies and fuel before heading to this remote northern spot, as facilities are minimal.
Launch & beach
Launch from the beach directly into consistent trade winds from the east and northeast. The choppy ocean conditions mean you'll need solid wave control; assess conditions carefully as the exposed coastline offers limited shelter.
Local etiquette
Respect the remote nature of this expert-only spot and share the water responsibly with other riders. Stay aware of local fishing activity and give swimmers wide berth.
What to wear
A 3/2mm wetsuit is ideal year-round in Aruba's warm tropical waters (77-84°F). Rash guards and reef booties are recommended for protection against sharp rocks and reef contact.
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
- Surfboard — directional for the wave sets
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
Wind & Conditions
320 windy days annually isn't marketing—it's the trade wind belt. You get consistent northeast flow year-round, averaging 16 knots with regular pushes harder. June through September add Atlantic swell on top. Gusts rip across the rocky northern coastline; this is pure trade wind, no thermal component.
The Water
Choppy and shallow near shore. Board strikes happen. The reef isn't scenery—it's a navigation constraint you work around. Recovery zones are tight. You need solid wave control to function here.
Who Belongs Here
Advanced riders comfortable in chop and reading reef. Self-reliant types who pack repair kits, plan their own exits, carry everything they need. If you need a school, rental shop, or safety boat, go elsewhere.
Logistics
Accessible but remote. Parking and direct beach access near the launch point. Westpunt village has basic supplies and accommodation—fuel and stock up before heading out. Assume nothing else exists. Winter swell (June–September) stacks conditions; conditions are rideable year-round but lighter on swell outside those months.
Real Talk
This spot rewards self-sufficiency and punishes shortcuts. Reliable wind, genuine conditions, zero handholding.
Live network data powered by Antigravity Alliance Inc.