Kiters are creatures of habit, following the wind to the top kite spots in the world, like migratory birds with colourful wings. But the best spots tend to have the biggest crowds. Discovering new locales with steady wind and quiet beaches is the real treasure. This issue, we take a look at an up-and-coming destination, Fuwairit Kite Beach in Qatar!

Having an unforgettable session in one of the world's best kite spots is a goal of many kiters. We see dream destinations in magazines and in videos and picture ourselves being the next kiter to make our mark on these dream spots. Kiteboarding meccas like the big air hot spots of Cape Town and Tarifa, the waves of Mauritius, the lagoons of Brazil, the river playground of Hood River, and the flatwater slicks in Cape Hatteras have long been favourites of the international kiteboarding community.

However, those who have experienced sessions in spots on the hot list have likely realised that, with popularity, comes massive crowds. In Cape Town, there's a constant battle for space on the water in the high season. The same can be said for those hoping to learn freestyle in the lagoons of Brazil, or wave riders trying to catch a wave at One Eye in Mauritius - it's hard to find space and make it through without upsetting the local shredders!

How did these top spots earn their stripes? What does it take to be dubbed a "World Class Kite Destination"? And, most importantly, how do we as kiters discover these spots before they take off?

Well, if you were watching the recent GKA event at Fuwairit Kite Beach in Qatar, you may have glimpsed a spot that is on its way up. The aerial shots of this up-and-coming hotspot showed a stunning, flatwater lagoon that opens up to the Persian Gulf. With what looks like ideal conditions for beginners and progression-minded riders, this may very well be the next must-visit spot for kiters on the hunt for new places to experience.

At the recent Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup, viewers watched as defending Freestyle World Champion, Gianmaria Coccoluto, started the season off strong by claiming the top spot on the podium. Former Freestyle World Champion, Bruna Kajiya, surprised spectators by starting her competition season on Airush equipment, which helped her claim 1st place in this event, beating defending Champion Mikaili Sol. It was an action-packed event with off-the-chart talent, and we're excited to see what the rest of the season brings from the GKA.

With this competition being the first time most viewers have seen this beautiful spot, you might wonder what it's like outside of an event week. Of course, being featured as a World Tour stop brings along with it a whole lot of hustle and bustle, but you can be sure that once the GKA crew moved on, preparing for their next stop in Salinas Del Rey, Colombia, there was more than enough room to make kitesurfing dreams a reality in this just-discovered spot in Qatar.

We did some digging to find out all about this area; with input from the Fuwairit Kite Beach Tapestry Collection by Hilton - the beachfront resort on the spot, and the crew behind the scenes at the Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour, we've got everything you need to know before you go to Fuwairit Kite Beach!

Fuwairit is a small fishing village located only an hour north of Doha in Qatar's northeast. Primarily flat terrain with low, rocky structures and shifting dunes are characteristic of this coastal village, which has only recently been recognised as a prime destination for kitesurfing. While you may assume it's a dry desert, it's a haven for hawksbill turtles and seabirds. Close to historical and natural landmarks, Fuwairit is an ideal base for visitors who wish to experience Qatari culture while based at a fully-equipped kite spot.

The windy season in Fuwairit starts in November and goes through until the end of June. Wind ranges from 16 to 25 knots throughout the year. Steady winds during this main windy season blow side to side onshore, offering predictable conditions for visitors. June is the "shamal season", when the region experiences stronger winds up to 35 knots. 

The sense of space in Fuwairit is amazing. Whether you're learning to kite or working on your bag of tricks in the shallow lagoon on the doorstep of the kite centre or exploring the vast open waters of the Persian Gulf, this is a fantastic location for twin-tip, foil or wingfoil riders looking for a well-equipped holiday.  

Fuwairit Kite Beach Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a world-class resort designed for World Champions and first-timers alike, thanks to its unique combination of wind, topography and warm crystal-clear water with an extensive wind season. The Fuwairit Kite Beach Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Kite Centre stand just a few metres from the water's edge, so whether you're in the kite centre, in the Rider restaurant or by the Hang Loose bar, by the pool or on your bedroom patio, you're sure to get an incredible view of the action - if you're not a part of it! What better spot for the kick-off event of the 2023 GKA Kite World Tour?

The competition area is right in front of FKB, which offers an ideal setup for a freestyle event, with everything in place at one location. It's not just a perfect location for the organisers and athletes, as we saw on the event live stream, but the potential for spectators is hard to beat. There's a raised platform on the roof of the hotel to give you an elevated view over the lagoon. Very few events or free riding locations in the world bring the action so close to top-of-the-line resort accommodation.

Sometimes, as kiters, we wonder about our relevance in the greater scheme of things. After all, explaining to strangers on planes that kitesurfing is not windsurfing is not yet a thing of the past. There's still a lot to be learned internationally about our sport. However, inclusion in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics and support from major brands like Porsche and Qatar Airways, has certainly raised the profile of our small sport.

Walking into the Fuwairit Kite Beach Tapestry Collection by Hilton, you will have the immediate impression that kiteboarding is the biggest sport on the planet and that you, a friendly neighbourhood kitesurfer, are the centre of attention. The FKB Tapestry Collection by Hilton is designed and dedicated to everything kiters love about the kitesurfer way of life. It is a paradise built on passion, where every detail embraces kitesurfing culture. From the graffiti artwork around the hotel, created by a local artist, to the decorative structure around the building, made from rubber flip-flops, it is a sight to behold. 

The resort offers dawn-to-dusk activity—a day-long experience designed by avid kitesurfers. They've taken a holistic approach to kitesurfing focused on the mind, body and soul. Off-water offerings include an outdoor cinema, billiards, yoga pavilion, beach volleyball/football, padel, foosball, and adventure biking.

Of course, there's a lot to be seen outside of the Fuwairit Kite Beach area. North Sedra, just 15 minutes from FKB, showcases the Qatari culture, a must-visit, especially if it's your first time in this region. There, you can enjoy everything from homemade food to fun outdoor activities, and it's a great place to visit during the winter season in Qatar. The Panda House Park (Al Khor) is the home of the giant panda pair, Suhail and Thuraya. A bit further afield, you can travel 30 minutes from FKB to see the Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, Qatar's first UNESCO world heritage site. 

The GKA crew had the opportunity to travel around the area and shared a few of their top picks, with the favourite being dune bashing, just south of Doha, where you'll find the 'inland sea'. Within Doha, they enjoyed Code Wake, a wakesurfing and wakeboarding experience at the Pearl Qatar, where there are also plenty of cafés and restaurants to grab a bite. There's an abundance of shopping to be done in Qatar, with large shopping malls scattered everywhere, but a must-see is the traditional market of Souq Waqif.

Travelling to Fuwairit Kite Beach is about as easy as it gets. Being only an hour north of Doha, a major international airport, you can fly here from almost anywhere in the world, in many cases on a direct flight if you're travelling from a major city. Getting to FKB is as simple as ordering an Uber or hailing a local taxi, or you can contact the hotel to request a private shuttle. Either way, you'll be on the water in no time!

FKB is a paradise; a hotel designed to enhance and enrich the life of kitesurfers from the moment they wake up to the time they go to bed. With near-perfect conditions and warm crystal-clear water, this destination has been one of the world's best kitesurfing secrets. Now, it's on the map, so this is your chance to get a taste of what a world-class spot looks like without a world-class crowd!

For bookings and inquiries email Fuwairit Kite Beach Tapestry Collection by Hilton

at DOHKB_RES@hilton.com or call +974 4030 1555.

Videos

FKB Documentary – The new home of kitesurfing
Overall Event Highlight | Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023
By IKSURFMAG

Comments