France
Fakarava is an isolated atoll in the Tuamotu in French Polynesia, famous for its immense lagoon of 50 km by 20 km. It is a kitesurfing spot accessible only by boat, with areas of perfect flat and waves on the reefs. Riders enjoy the shallow turquoise water and the wild atmosphere.
The main spots are located to the south, such as Hirifa and Tetamanu, where kite schools operate from anchored catamarans. Navigation is done directly from the boat or the nearby beach, in a paradise setting with pink sand and palm trees.
Very little frequented, Fakarava offers an authentic experience, combined with shark diving and exceptional snorkeling at the passes.
Les données de vent affichées ici proviennent d’ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) sur 4 ans, retraitées pour refléter des conditions réalistes.
👉 Le vent moyen a été calibré pour éviter la sous-estimation habituelle des modèles.
👉 Les rafales ont été corrigées par un ratio médian afin d’éviter des valeurs extrêmes irréalistes.
👉 Chaque jour est résumé par le vent médian (P50) observé pendant les heures utiles (8h–20h), puis classé dans des plages de vent.
👉 Le mode pondéré mélange vent moyen et rafales pour refléter au mieux le vent ressenti.
flatflatThe ideal wind comes from the N, NE, E, SE or S, often side-on or side-shore relative to the anchoring areas south of the lagoon, allowing for easy takeoff from the boat or beach. Launching is done from the swimstep of the catamaran or the small sandy beaches, with many areas around the lagoon to navigate.
The water surface is generally flat and shallow in the lagoon, with small to medium waves on the outer reefs. Tides do not significantly influence conditions, but the north and south passes have strong currents to watch out for. To the south, Hirifa offers turquoise flat for all levels, perfect for freestyle, while Tetamanu allows kiting near the pass but away from snorkeling areas.
The navigation areas are vast due to the size of the lagoon, with comfortable anchors in all seasons. Schools like Tuamotu Kite School offer downwinds from Hirifa to Tetamanu, combined with foiling or SUP.
The ideal conditions are with a wind of 10-20 knots from the SE or E, side-shore for maximum flat and rideable waves on the reefs.
The lagoon offers a flat and shallow water surface, with small to medium waves on the reefs. The water is crystal clear, turquoise, dotted with coral gardens visible beneath the surface.
The currents are strong at the north and south passes, especially at Tetamanu where the marine flow attracts sharks. In the lagoon, they remain weak, but caution is advised during downwinds near the channels.
For wind of 10-20 knots, plan for sizes of 9 to 12 m² in lagoon flat, or 7-9 m² for windier days with waves.
The dominant trade winds from SE to E blow regularly, with more than 300 days of wind per year in the Tuamotu. The strength typically varies from 10-20 knots, more glassy on windless days for foiling.
The climate is warm tropical all year round, with temperatures around 25-30°C on average. The trade wind season from April to October brings more stable wind, while the austral summer (November-March) is wetter but still manageable.
The lagoon is shallow with a sandy and coral bottom, standing possible in many areas near the anchors. Gradual depth towards the reefs.
The water remains warm all year round between 26-29°C, generally without the need for a wetsuit.
