Spain
La Jaima is a spot located at the northern end of Tarifa beach, in Andalusia, right by the football field. It is a fine sandy beach that is part of Los Lances South, popular among riders for its easy access from the center of Tarifa. The atmosphere is lively with a beach bar nearby and convenient parking.
The spot extends to the rio Jara and offers space to settle, although from June 15 to September 15, kitesurfing is prohibited due to bathers. You can walk from nearby accommodations to access it easily.
With the Poniente, the conditions are consistent and the spot is suitable for all levels outside the summer season.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
wave
flatLa Jaima mainly works with the Poniente coming from the west, which is side-on relative to the east-west oriented beach, providing steady power without too many gusts. The Levante is offshore but very gusty due to nearby buildings and terrain, making it risky especially for beginners; it's better to avoid or stay cautious. The launch area is on a large sandy beach near the football field, with plenty of space to take off and land the kite.
In summer, marked zones exist between the Dos Mares hotel and the Waves Beach Bar, followed by a boat channel and then a training area up to the Rio Jara camping, but kitesurfing is generally prohibited on Tarifa beach. The water surface varies: flat or choppy with light Poniente, small to medium waves with strong Poniente, and chop or small waves under Levante. A lagoon can form behind the beach with prolonged Poniente days and high tide, but it is prohibited as it is a protected natural park with wooden posts. Stay clear of the rio Jara where the current is dangerous.
Near Balneario to the south, watch for rocks while navigating. The spot is crowded off-season, with pros and locals; opt for Los Lances Norte or Valdevaqueros in summer.
The ideal conditions are with Poniente side-on from 15 to 25 knots, offering a smooth to slightly choppy water surface with rideable waves. Avoid strong Levante if you are not an expert.
The water surface is sandy without major hazards, with chop under Levante, flat to choppy under light Poniente, and small to medium waves (up to 2m) with strong Poniente or high tide. A flat lagoon sometimes forms but remains prohibited.
The current is generally weak on the beach, but it becomes strong and dangerous near the boat channel and at the mouth of the rio Jara. Absolutely avoid the area of the rio where currents can trap riders.
Plan for sizes from 7 to 11m² for light to medium Poniente, and 5 to 9m² for strong Levante. Bring your entire quiver as the wind varies from 10 to 40+ knots.
The main wind is the Poniente from the west, consistent between 10 and 25 knots, ideal for long sessions. The Levante from the east blows strong at 15 to 40+ knots but in gusts, perfect for pros but technical near the spot.
The climate in Tarifa is Mediterranean with over 300 windy days per year. Temperatures are mild in winter around 15-18°C and hot in summer up to 30°C. The best months for kiting are from March to October, with a low season from November to February being calmer.
The depth is gradual with a fine sandy bottom everywhere. You can stand for a long time from the shore, ideal for launching and falls.
The water is around 16-18°C in winter and low season, and rises to 20-24°C in summer and mid-season. A 3/2 wetsuit is sufficient in summer, full 4/3 in winter.
