El Gouna - Makani Beach
Egypt
El Gouna
Makani Beach in El Gouna, on the Red Sea in Egypt, is a popular spot for kiters due to its turquoise lagoon and relaxed atmosphere within the Makani Beach Club. Located north of El Gouna, it offers easy access from hotels and the marina by tuk-tuk.
The large launch area with fine sandy bottom particularly attracts beginners, while also suiting experienced riders thanks to its unlimited space. The club offers complete facilities such as a compressor, hot shower, and rescue boat.
It is a perfect place to combine kite sessions and relaxation, with a restaurant, bar, and fitness center on site.
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.
- 🟢 10–16 kts: light but sailable wind (especially on foil).
- 🟡 16–22 kts: ideal range, comfortable conditions for most.
- 🔴 22–28 kts: strong wind, reserved for experienced riders.
- 🟣 28+ kts: extreme conditions, committed riding.
Location & Points of interest
Useful information
flatflatThe dominant wind comes from the north or northwest, blowing in a side-onshore direction relative to the beach, ensuring ideal consistency without obstacles like buildings. This orientation creates stable crosswind on the water, perfect for long and controlled sessions.
The lagoon offers a flat water surface near the shore, with a waist-deep depth even at low tide, and enough space for all levels. Launching is done directly from the sandy beach of the club, with a dedicated and wide take-off area. Far from the shore, the water becomes chop due to traffic, but the central area remains smooth.
Tides vary by 80 cm every 12 hours, with no major impact on navigability due to the constant depth of the lagoon. Local features include a venturi effect from the surroundings and a mix of tradewind and thermal, making the spot rideable year-round, especially from June to September. The club ensures monitoring with a rescue boat and space to rinse gear.
Ideal conditions are a northwest wind at 15-25 knots, side-onshore, for a flat water surface and controlled jumps all day long.
The water surface is flat and sandy near the shore, ideal for jibing and freeriding. It becomes choppy far offshore due to the constant wind and the passage of riders.
Currents are weak in the protected lagoon. Tides are moderate with an amplitude of 80 cm every 12 hours, having no strong impact on navigation.
Plan for a wide range of 6 to 15 m² to cover seasonal variations. The most common size is 12 m² for an 80 kg rider.
The main wind is the tradewind from the northwest, enhanced by thermals due to warm air on land and cold water, plus a local venturi effect. It blows regularly between 11 and 20 knots, with gusts up to 25 knots, and more than 70% of windy days per year.
The climate is hot and dry year-round on the Red Sea, with temperatures around 27-30°C in winter and up to 35-40°C in summer. The seasons are not very distinct, but winter brings a bit more coolness at night, while summer is very sunny with no rain.
The depth is gradual with a fine sandy bottom, without rocks or reefs. You can stand up to your waist even at low tide, perfect for beginners.
The water is warm in summer with just a lycra or shorts, around 28°C. In spring and autumn, a shorty is sufficient, and in winter a combo or full wetsuit for 22-24°C.