Antsiranana

The Coco Beach spot is located in the large Diego Bay, generally oriented north-south, with a coast that forms an open curve. The dominant wind in the region blows from the SE to ESE in season, which generally results in a side-on to side-shore wind relative to the beach. This orientation is reassuring for most riders, as one drifts towards the coast in case of trouble.

The water surface is generally flat to choppy in the bay, especially near the shore where one enjoys more sheltered areas. The further one goes out towards the channel axis, the more chop forms with the wind and boat traffic. There are no exposed reefs directly in front of Coco Beach, which limits the risks of contact with corals, but there may be some pebbles or debris near the shore, related to port activity and tides.

Launching is done directly from the beach in front of the hotels and restaurants. The launch area is relatively narrow in places, as the beach is not as wide as at larger spots in the region like Sakalava or the Emerald Sea. It is important to organize takeoff and landing in a well-cleared area, away from trees, terraces, and potential power lines. Once on the water, the useful navigation area is between the shore and the port channel, avoiding getting too close to moored boats and shuttle paths.

Tides have a moderate impact on navigability in this part of the bay. At low tide, there is generally enough water to navigate, but more shallow areas near the shore are revealed, sometimes with seaweed or pebbles. At high tide, access is more comfortable and the beach shrinks a bit, requiring more rigor in ground organization. The wind often blows throughout the day in season, with a reinforcement in the afternoon, allowing for long sessions.

The uniqueness of Coco Beach compared to more exposed spots like Sakalava or Babaomby is its urban and accessible nature. One can stay in the city of Antsiranana and quickly reach the spot by road. It is a good base for riders traveling with non-kitesurfers or who wish to alternate between sessions and regional visits. However, the wind is generally a bit less strong and a bit less clean than at spots fully exposed to the Varatraza, as the bay and terrain filter part of the flow.