Reading wind on an unfamiliar beach

Before you rig on a beach you've never ridden, take five minutes to just watch: look at flags, trees and the texture of the water to see where the wind is steady versus gusty.

Scan the line-up — are other kites flying clean and high, or dropping and surging? That tells you more about the real conditions than any forecast app.

Then look at the launch and landing zone: space, obstacles, and which way the wind would carry you if anything went wrong. Our guides walk this routine with you on every new spot until it becomes second nature.