Kite Surfing in Canada
Canada may not be the first place people think of when thinking of kite surfing, which is also called kite boarding. The water is cold and the weather can be dreary at times. But Canada is a very large country with an amazing amount of locations for you to practice kite surfing or learn it for the first time. Explore a sampling of the locations that offer great kite surfing in Canada and consider heading to one on your next kite surfing adventure.
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Geography of Canada
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Canada has the largest coastline of any country in the world. The coastline extends for thousands of miles and covers the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Though certain spots are better at certain times, it is a year-round sport. In addition to the many miles of coastline there are also thousands of lakes throughout Canada that provide nice, flat water. Snow kiting also exists in Canada, which is the same as kite surfing except it is done on frozen lakes or ice fields, of which there are also many in Canada.
West Coast
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The coastline of British Columbia is a very popular area to kite surf. Bring a thick wetsuit and booties as Canadian kite surfing can be extremely cold. Main spots on the British Columbian coastline include Vancouver, Vancouver Island on Nitinat Lake, Squamish, Tofino and snow kiting in Whistler. These spots are all located relatively close to each other and it is possible to visit several spots in a weekend trip.
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Vancouver
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As a large Metropolitan area, the city of Vancouver is a major hub for Canadian kite boarding. You can go from kite surfing to city life in a matter of minutes. The best seasons to go are during spring, fall and winter where the wind ranges from about 12 to 35 knots. One well-known spot is Ambelside park in the Burrard Inlet. This spot enjoys west winds and light chop. The beach is closed in summer months and surfers can be a factor so be on the lookout for large packs.
Ontario
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Most kite surfing in Ontario is done on lakes. Ontario offers many great spots within a short drive of one another. In Ontario it is normal for the windiest locations to be on the eastern shores of the lakes. Lake Huron, Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe are all easily accessed areas. Some kite boarders use drysuits at these lakes due to the very cold waters.
Kitesurfing Schools in Canada
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KitesurfingSchools.org lists about 20 schools that teach kite surfing to the novice in Canada. It is highly recommended that you learn kite boarding from a professional instructor before heading off on your own. Most of the schools are located in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Price usually includes all the equipment provided for the duration of the instruction. Research the school that fits your personal needs.
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References
- Photo Credit o" canada image by Kathryn Palmer from Fotolia.com
