Kite, surf, SUP and wake in Esposende
June 21, 2022Photographer Pål Rype tells you all about the kiting, conditions, surf, wake, parties and goodtimes you will find at Lapoint kitecamp in Portugal. This is the guide for those of you who are looking for a sporty and fun holiday this summer
Having three weeks off in May, I was pretty sure I wanted to go somewhere warm and windy to start the kite season. I ended up at Lapoint kitecamp in Esposende. This is a charming coastal town in the North of Portugal, half an hour from Porto Airport. The flight was super cheap from Stavanger, and I felt good about leaving the rain to get some sun, 25 degrees and constant wind.
Arriving paradise..
Well settled at Lapoints kite villa. I looked out to check the view. I could see the conditions from the upper balcony: Perfect flat water, and solid wind for my 10-meter kite. I later found out that this was what we were going to enjoy the whole week! The beginners started with the basics, and ended the week with jumping (and of course landing) lessons.
I had the opportunity to improve my flat water riding in the lagoon, I rode waves outside in the ocean, and we discovered the coast by doing a downwinder and a kite boat trip. I will tell more about this later in the text.
The town
There are around ten thousand inhabitants in Esposende, and lots more during the summer season. The town has a very charming coastal culture, and everything is walking distance from the camp. There are plenty of good restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties such as fresh seafood and huge steaks. The town is split into two by a bridge and a river: “Our” side of the river is cozy and characteristic with restaurant, café and shops. The other side of the river (half hour walk) is where you go to party. This part of town is known for its good parties, and lots of people come here during summer to enjoy a night out at the clubs and the bars.
The kite villa
Lapoint is based in a large house with a beautiful view of the kite spot and the ocean. The kitchen is big, and the living room is the perfect place to socialize with other kiters. You really get the feeling of being home, and the rooms are all comfy and nice. We bought fresh fish from the marina and prepared it at home. We could also enjoy a 3-course meal in the restaurant for only 15 euros (including drinks!!!!)
The spot
Rio Cavado is where most of the people kite. This is a river that goes through the center of town. The beach we launch from is on the opposite side in a small nature reserve. The boat transfer to the other side is included in the Lapoint package. You can also drive a few kilometres to get to the spot and walk the rest (20 minutes). Because of the limited access, there are less kiters and beach guests than what you will find on most other kite spots. We had the spot almost to ourselves!
Consistent wind
Esposende is one of the windiest places in Portugal, and you will always find more wind than what you can see on Windguru. A forecast of 8 m/s often ends up being 12 m/s!! I was using my 8 m and my 10 m most of the week. Even on days with a bad forecast, we can enjoy the sea breeze from the afternoon until sunset.
Freestyle and kitesurfing
The river has a flatwater lagoon for people who are practicing tricks, and a big open area for those who are learning or just want to cruise around. There is a massive slider for those who want to practice their wakestyle skills. The boat will pick you up if you are in trouble. Those of you who like to ride waves, can cross the beach with your kite in the air and walk straight out to ocean and nice waves!
The kite course
I can truly recommend Esposende for beginners who want to learn kiting. The wind statistics are good, and the instructors have many years of experience on the spot. All the beginners I met were riding independently only after a few days!
The waves
Portugal is probably the best place in Europe for wave surfing. Esposende has miles of beaches with waves and there are just a few surfers out. There are waves for both beginners and more experienced surfers, and the conditions are also great for SUP (stand up paddle). This is a fun option if the wind doesn´t kick in one of the days.
Road trips
Viana
There are plenty of options if you want to experience more of Portugal. 20 kilometers North of Esposende is Viana, a beautiful spot for surfing and kiting. We kited from Viana and back to Esposende where we ended the day with a sunset session in the lagoon.
Ericeira
Ericeira is a three-hour drive South, and offers some of the best waves in Europe! Lapoint has three surf camps in Ericeira so you can easily combine a kite and surf holiday.
Porto
The big town Porto is 30 minutes from Esposende and offers good shopping, sightseeing and nightlife.
The cable park
There is a cable park nearby worth visiting. Improve your riding skills and have fun with some wakeboarding!
Thanks for the good times, I will definitely come back to Esposende in the future.
Pål Rype, Norway
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