JC Kite School has been teaching kitesurfing lessons on Garoda Beach in Watamu since this coastline became one of Kenya’s prime kitesurfing destinations. Our school sits right on the sand at Garoda Beach, on the south-east coast of Kenya, about 120 kilometres north of Mombasa. Watamu has two distinct wind seasons, and between them, the place draws riders from across the world year after year.
At a glance:
- We are an IKO-certified school at Garoda Beach, Watamu, Kenya, founded by Italian Duotone pro rider Jacopo Cantini
- Kitesurfing lessons for all levels, from first-timers to advanced riders; tandem kite experience available for those wanting to try before committing
- IKO certification issued on completion of the beginner course
- Safety gear: radio helmets, dedicated rescue boat, and beach staff for kite set-up, pumping, launching, and landing
- Equipment: full Duotone 2024/2026 kites and boards, plus rashie and harness included
- Two wind seasons: Kaskazi (December to April, 15 to 20 knots NE) and Kuzi (July to September, 20 to 25 knots SE cross-onshore)
- Experiences and day trips: 15 km downwind run, Jacaranda flat-water trip, Che Shale kite trip, SUP rental, wakeboard sessions, dhow sunset tour, dolphin watch, Tsavo East safari
- Accommodation: 2Livu Villas, 5 minutes by motorbike from the school, 20 private villas with pool, garden, breakfast, AC, and Wi-Fi
About our spot at Garoda Beach
Garoda Beach runs for about 5 kilometres along the Watamu coastline. The water is mostly flat with patches of coral reef, and it stays workable even at low tide. That matters on a tidal coast like this. Wind blows cross-onshore in both seasons, so the learning zone stays safe and the riding conditions stay clean. It’s a long, open stretch of beach with plenty of space to rig and launch. Beginners get generous flat, shallow water to practise in, and more experienced riders can push further out where it opens up.
Our kitesurfing season in Watamu
There are two seasons here, and both are worth knowing. Kaskazi runs from December to April, with north-easterly winds sitting around 15 to 20 knots. The air is warm, water temperatures hold between 25 and 30°C, and the lighter wind suits larger kites. Kuzi runs from July to September and is the stronger of the two. South-easterly winds come in at 20 to 25 knots, extremely consistent given Watamu’s position close to the Equator. The cross-onshore direction is reliable in both seasons, which is why riders keep coming back rather than chasing other spots. Outside these windows conditions are lighter, but the school still operates for lessons when wind allows.
Kitesurfing lessons we provide
Our lesson programme covers all levels. The youngest student we’ve taught was 7 years old, the oldest was 70, and both learned to ride. Beginners work through the IKO course from kite control on land through to their first water starts on a board. Most students attempt their first water start after 4 to 5 hours of instruction. Ten to fifteen hours on the water gets most people riding comfortably upwind in both directions. Students receive their IKO certification on completion, a credential the kite community recognises anywhere in the world.
For those wanting a feel for the sport before committing to a course, we offer a tandem kite experience. You ride attached to an instructor’s kite. It’s a good way to find out whether kitesurfing is for you without putting hours in first.
Intermediate and advanced riders can book supervised rental sessions, join one of our downwind runs, or head out with the team to spots like Jacaranda, considered one of the flattest kite spots in the world, or Che Shale, a quieter bay about 20 kilometres north of Malindi.
Our equipment
We run Duotone kites and boards from the 2024 to 2026 range, all insured. The full rental kit includes kite, bar, harness, board, and rashie. For supervised rental sessions we provide a radio helmet so our team can coach you from the beach while you’re riding. A rescue boat is always on standby.
Our accommodation
2Livu Villas sits about 5 minutes by motorbike from the school, in the heart of Watamu. The property has 20 private villas, each with one or two bedrooms, its own bathroom, and an outdoor patio with seating. There’s a central pool and a shared dining area on site. Breakfast is included, the villas have AC and free Wi-Fi, and it’s a 10-minute walk to Turtle Bay. Local restaurants are close, and the town centre is a short ride away.
Beyond the kite spot
On days when the wind doesn’t show up, or you just want something different, there’s plenty going on around Watamu. We offer SUP rentals, wakeboard sessions in Mida Creek, a sunset dhow tour out through Mida Creek with grilled fish and wine, and dolphin watching tours from Garoda Beach. Safaris to Tsavo East National Park are available for those heading inland, and we can arrange airport transfers from Mombasa or Malindi. Watamu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gede Ruins are nearby, and the Arabuko Sokoke Forest is a short drive inland. There’s more to the place than most people expect when they book a kite trip.
