The complete guide to kitesurfing in Dublin

The best time to learn kitesurfing is during summer, when the air and sea temperatures are warmer. You spend more time in the water when learning, so temperatures are more important at this stage, and the water is warmest later in summer. You will need to take lessons, which are available in Dublin from April or May up to around the end of October. Once you know how to kitesurf, you can do it year-round when wind conditions are suitable.

The ideal wind strength to learn kitesurfing is from around 10 or 12 knots up to 25 knots. The lighter winds are better while you are getting used to the equipment, and as you get better, more wind makes it easier to get going – and more fun. Anything over 25 knots is for experienced riders, from 30 to 40 knots requires serious thought and above 40 is a gale and at the upper limit, even for experts. Kitesurfing schools provide equipment – wetsuits, lifejackets, helmets, harnesses, boards and kites.

Media captionLearn to kitesurf when the wind is right.

Media credit@shifty_scientist

Clontarf-based Pure Magic run lessons, mostly on Dollymount Beach and on Burrow Beach in Sutton. The company has been teaching kitesurfing for 15 years and all instructors are certified. Total beginners will start with an introduction to the basics and a theory session on land about the wind, sea, where to kitesurf, safety and how to assess hazards. You will also learn how kites work and fly a trainer kite. This takes one or 1.5 hours, and then classes finishes in the water. A full lesson is usually three hours long.

It usually takes 12 hours of lessons to be proficient – going through all the steps from the introduction and setting up the kite, through to controlling the kite in the water and then getting to grips with the board. As there are different elements to get used to, it might take three or four classes before you are kitesurfing in the water. You can either book a full course with Pure Magic, or start with one session and upgrade to a course of lessons if you decide this is the sport for you.

Media captionPure Magic will have you finding your sea legs.

Two other providers run similar classes in Dublin. Spruce Goose Kitesurfing runs private or group two-hour lessons at Dollymount and Burrow Beach, Sutton, from April to October, and also provide equipment rentals if that’s all you require. Kitesurfing Dublin runs three-hour sessions for two people, or two-hour private classes, and the locations are Dollymount, Portmarnock, Burrow Beach and Poolbeg.

Dublin has a great selection of beaches and ideal conditions for kitesurfing can depend on a combination of wind direction, wind strength and tide height, so are often assessed on the day. If you are new to a beach, always ask experienced local kitesurfers about hazards, currents, launching areas, and check if any bathing bans are in place; Kitesurfing Ireland has some good resources and tips as well.

Media captionFind the right beach to kitesurf on.

Dollymount is a 5km-long beach on Bull Island near Clontarf. It is a sandy beach with shallow water, plenty of space and has a dedicated launching area. It works best in all southerly winds, and its generally flat waters are ideal for beginners but suit kite surfers of all levels.

This is a popular beach for kitesurfing. It is a shallow beach with flat waters and is good when the wind is ranging from north-east to north-west. It is known to be choppiest at high tide and you will need to watch for strong currents.

Media captionCatch a wave and the wind at Burrow Beach.

The beaches here suit similar wind conditions to Dollymount – especially coming from the south-east through to the south-west. There are great views of the bay and Poolbeg towers, but depending on tides, some parts of the beach require a long walk. As there are hazards like shells underfoot, plus rocks and concrete (including the nearby road), it is more suitable for intermediate and advanced riders.

Both north and south beaches in Rush work best with winds coming from the south or south-west direction. South Beach is a Blue Flag beach so it can become crowded, especially in the summer months. However, there are dedicated launching areas across the beach.

Skerries is not as popular for kitesurfing, but the south beach is suitable when the wind is coming onshore from the east. Be mindful of electrical lines at high tide.

Media captionCatch the wind and waves in Skerries.

Media credit@fmxphotography_irl

Seapoint can work in a northern wind but hazards like concrete plus the DART line (and its live wires) can be dangerous for the kites which use long lines, so it is suitable for experts only. You must also be sure of the tide height here to be able to kitesurf properly.

Media captionEnjoy an evening kitesurf at Seapoint.

Media credit@mnugent01

Killiney has a great setting, but it is not as accessible for kitesurfing as the beach is limited – the water gets deep quickly, and cliffs and the DART line provide hazards to be careful of. It is a Blue Flag beach which means it can get busy with other beach users, especially when the weather is warmer.

Sandymount Strand is a long, sandy beach that is becoming increasingly popular with kite surfers. It’s a bit tricky, however, as it is too shallow at low tide, and there is not enough beach at high tide; so those wanting to kitesurf here need to wait two hours on either side of high tide before they set off.  The winds are best when they are coming from the north-east.

Stay Active in Dublin

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