Risco del Paso
Costa Calma - Spain
Spot Type
Flat
Water
Crystal Clear
Beach
Sand
Rider Lever
beginner
Spot characteristics
Spot Type
Flat
Rider Skill
beginner
Crowd
Seasonal Crowd
Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Crystal Clear
Tide Influence
All tide levels with different conditions (chop - flat - wave)
Description of Risco del Paso (Spain)
Risco del Paso in Fuerteventura is one of those spots that you won’t forget once you’ve been there. Located on the southern end of Sotavento beach, it's an ideal place not just to level up your skills, but also to reset from the chaos of everyday life. The beach is huge—like, really huge—so you can rig up your kite with plenty of space and rarely have to worry about tangling your lines with someone else’s. Even in the peak summer months when it gets more traffic, the layout of the spot keeps it very rideable and not congested. What makes this location particularly beginner-friendly is the lagoon, which fills during high tide and creates a wide, shallow pool with crystal-clear water and flat conditions. This is where most schools set up, so you’ll see a bunch of instructors and students especially in the earlier part of the day when the water depth is around 50–60 cm. It’s a great place for safely learning your first water starts or practicing transitions without the pressure of waves or deep water.
Step past the lagoon—about a three-minute walk—and you hit the open ocean with slightly choppier water but still manageable for intermediate riders. The waves are mellow, just small beach breaks mostly, and you can absolutely lock into some cruisy freeride or freestyle sessions there. The spot benefits from a reliable thermal wind that kicks in from spring through autumn. May through September is prime time, with steady wind in the 20 to 40 knot range. The wind here typically blows side-offshore from the north or northwest, which can get gusty, particularly in the afternoons. Summer sessions can get punchy with wind jumping up to 30+ knots, so most guys and girls my size (70 kg) are riding 6 to 8 meter kites. Lighter days call for a 10 to 12.
The beach is pure white sand, stretching for 6 kilometers, so there are more than enough launching points. You’ll also find defined kite and windsurf zones to keep things safer and less chaotic. Upwind from the main ION CLUB center, there’s a wave section where on bigger days you’ll get rolling peaks of about 1 to 2 meters on a soft sandy bottom. It’s mellow enough for getting into wave riding strapless. The vibe overall is relaxed—most people are there to ride and chill. And even though it’s not a “locals only” kind of spot (a lot of folks come through on kite vacations), it doesn’t have the over-touristy crush of some mainland beaches. It’s a dope mix.
Whether you’re coming to learn in a safe shallow zone, dial in freestyle in butter flat water, or play in small waves, Risco del Paso has it. Throw in warm air, clear water, and the fact that you can kite nearly every day from May to September, and yeah—it’s easy to see why so many riders keep returning year after year.
See also the nearby Sotavento kite spot.
Spot best suited for
Spot profile
Travel spot
The typical kite travel destination, it is known for its great conditions, and kiters from around the world come here for their vacations.
Family spot
Located in an area that offers amenities for all the family and can provide good alternatives for everyone when the kiters are in the water.
Equipment
A shorty wetsuit comes in handy during shoulder months or windier, cloudy days. In peak summer, boardshorts or a lycra are fine. Neoprene shoes are optional but helpful if you're walking across hot sand or the occasional rocky patch around the access path.
Wind Conditions
Main wind directions
% of Windy days per month
Wind Speed Range
From 15 to 40 Knots
Suggested sizes
7 mt and below
8 - 9 mt
10 - 11 mt
Forecast on Windy.com
Dangers
The biggest factor you need to keep in mind at Risco del Paso is the wind direction and strength, especially during peak season. The wind tends to blow side-offshore from the north or northwest and can get quite gusty, which adds a layer of complexity when riding far out or transitioning from the lagoon to the sea. It’s not unusual to have sudden gusts blast through in the afternoon, typically between 25 and 40 knots. You need to be confident in managing your kite, depowering smoothly, and knowing when to switch kite sizes. This is especially important if you're heading out into the ocean area alone. That said, the wind is predictable—usually building late morning and strongest mid-afternoon, so plan your session accordingly.
The lagoon at high tide is about as safe as it gets, but things can change quickly. When the tide drops, the water gets too shallow to ride safely, meaning your window of usage is dictated by tidal charts. Also, be aware of the changing sandbanks during tidal shifts; you might find yourself standing waist-deep in one session and knee-deep the next. Luckily there are no big rocks, coral, or reef hazards—mostly sand everywhere. Still, occasional small shore breaks or wave surges can surprise beginners, especially when walking in or out with gear.
Also, watch your lines and gear in the launch zones, especially mid-summer when there's more kiter traffic. The beach area is clearly zoned between kite and windsurf; respect these zones, and you'll contribute to keeping the vibe safe and friendly. Lastly, self-rescue knowledge is essential here. Offshore winds mean if you get dragged away from the beach, you're going to have a long float or need boat assistance—so always rig safely and ride within your level.
Location
Closest City
Costa Calma
How to get There
Fly into Fuerteventura Airport, which is about an hour's drive from Risco del Paso. From there, rent a car (highly recommended) and follow the FV-2 southbound through Costa Calma. About 7 km further you’ll see signs for Sotavento beach. Drive down the sandy access road next to the ION CLUB and park by the beach—it’s all marked and easy to spot.
Access
Publicly accessible. No permits or fees are required. There’s a dirt road right off the main road leading to a parking area beside the beach. It's easy to reach, and from there you have multiple launch points along the sand. No fences, no barriers, just drive in and rig up.
What to do besides kitesurfing
Costa Calma is the nearest town, just 10 minutes up the road, and it's got everything you’d want off the water—grocery stores, beach cafes, kite shops, rental gear outlets, pharmacies, and a mix of accommodations from resorts to Airbnbs. The vibe is low-key, tourist-friendly but still chill. It's not party-central, which suits most kitesurfers who’d rather have a beer at sunset and get up for another good wind day. The ION CLUB at the beach has its act together—whether you need rentals, lessons, rescue, or a fast weather update, they’re ready. Super helpful if you're new to the island or just want an easy setup.
Around the beach, there aren’t many built-up structures—things stay scenic and natural. You can take a break from kiting and hike in the dunes or explore the nearby Montaña de Cardón area inland. If you’ve got a rest day or you’re traveling with family, renting bikes to cruise the coastal trails is a good shout. And yeah, for non-kiters or rest-days, the beach is beautiful without being crazy crowded. You’ll often see couples and families hanging out while the riders launch, making it a legit spot for mixed-ability groups or people tagging along who might not be riding. Oh, and don’t skip out on the local food—plenty of beachside joints serve local Canarian fare.
Try the papas arrugadas with mojo sauce and fresh fish. The seafood is unreal. Markets happen a couple times a week in Costa Calma with local artisans, so snag a handmade souvenir if you're into that. All in all, Risco del Paso hits the sweet spot for wind consistency, gear convenience, and just straight-up enjoyable days on the water without the stress. Bring your gear, pack a chilled attitude, and let the trade winds handle the rest.