Editing Tarifa (section)

== Kitesurf Conditions ==

Tarifa's wind engine runs on two cylinders: the '''Poniente''' (westerly, from the Atlantic) and the '''Levante''' (easterly, from the Mediterranean). They rarely overlap, and each delivers a very different ride.

'''Poniente''' blows from the west-southwest at a steady 10–25 knots. It's the friendlier of the two — side-onshore at Los Lances, consistent and clean. Thermals boost it in the afternoon during warmer months. Kite sizes: 9–14 m² depending on your weight and ambition.

'''Levante''' is the beast. Easterly, gusty, offshore at Los Lances but cross-shore at Valdevaqueros, hitting 25–40+ knots on strong days. It funnels through the Strait and can go from manageable to "why did I rig a 7?" in minutes. Kite sizes: 5–9 m². Not for the faint of heart, but the flat-water speed runs it produces are addictive.

{| class="wikitable"
! Season !! Months !! Wind (knots) !! Character
|-
| High || May – September || 15–30 || Dominant Poniente with regular Levante episodes. Thermal boost afternoons. Peak crowds.
|-
| Mid || March – April, October – November || 12–25 || More variable. Good mix of both winds. Fewer people, pleasant temperatures.
|-
| Low || December – February || 10–20 || Wind still shows up 3–4 days per week, but it's cooler, rainier, and more Levante-heavy. Locals-only vibe.
|}

'''Water temperature:''' 17–24°C depending on season. Summer peaks around 22–24°C; winter drops to 17–18°C.

'''Wetsuit:''' 3/2 mm is the Tarifa workhorse from May to October. Go 4/3 mm for spring and autumn sessions, and a 5/4 mm if you're braving the winter Poniente. On scorching August days, a 2 mm shorty will do.

=== The Spots ===

'''Los Lances''' — The main arena. A wide, clean white sand beach stretching from town towards Punta Paloma. Works best in Poniente (side-onshore). Plenty of space to launch, no rocks, flat-to-choppy water. All levels welcome, though the chop can test beginners when it builds. From June 15 to September 15 the Tarifa Sea Angels run a safety boat rescue service for a small fee — a genuine lifeline. A lagoon forms at high tide that's ideal for nervous first-timers.

'''Valdevaqueros''' — About 10 km west of town, this horseshoe-shaped beach is the go-to when Levante fires. The rounded bay means even strong easterlies stay cross-shore, making it one of the safest Levante options. Home to kite schools, the GKA World Championship, and the famous Tangana chiringuito. A small lagoon on the inside is gold for beginners. Gets crowded in peak summer — arrive early.

'''Palmones''' — North of Tarifa in Los Barrios, this flat-water lagoon is a hidden gem for freestyle riders on Poniente days. Less crowded, butter-smooth water, and a chilled local crowd. Worth the 30-minute drive when Los Lances is packed.