Windsurfing is one of the most popular water sports in Rhodes and generally in Dodecanese. If you are a novice, most of the schools renting equipment also give lessons.
Kitesurfing on the other hand is becoming more and more popular in Rhodes every year. Windsurfing & Kitesurfing equipment , which are usually rented by the hour can be found on all the popular beaches, such as Faliraki, Ixia, Afandou, Tsabika Beach, Kolymbia, Lindos and even in the city of Rhodes itself.
The East coast, with its calmer waters might be more suitable for beginners, but experienced windsurfers will be sure to find the waves of the West coast an exciting challenge and for the more adventurous types Prassonisi which is better known as ‘Surfer’s Paradise’.
From May to October, in Prasonisi, you can learn to uphaul, learn to carve gybe and learn to vulcan. From beginner to winner, this place rocks! Very flat water on one side, onshore waves on the other, very chilled, nice accommodation, good food but most importantly…WIND!
HOW THE WIND WORKS
It’s the NW “Meltemi” trade wind that blows across the whole Med in the summer. Hot weather in mainland Europe creates a very dry and very stable high pressure which funnels this NW wind through the Greek Islands. Due to local topography, the wind funnels through the island opposite Prasonisi and the large hill behind it therefore Prasonisi will usually have a force stronger than elsewhere on the island. The windsurfing season is May to mid October with the strongest winds in July/August.
Don’t bother going in the winter as the Meltemi wind shuts down and it gets pretty cold.
Typical daily wind: June and Sept: 6m in the morning, 5m in the afternoon, July and Aug: 5m in the morning, 4m and less in the afternoon.
You do get the odd windless day but even then you will get going on a 6.5m/freeride board by the afternoon.
The wind can vary in strength from day to day but will pick up as the day progresses. Regular sail changes aren’t a problem if you’re hiring as they are already rigged for you!