General Info - Baja, Mexico Kiteboarding
La Ventanna is well known as Baja’s infamous wind capital. In search of lesser known kiting areas, the City of Lost Barrels, Los Barriles, became our base. Our close friends, Holland and Luna Duell, vegi powered their diesel truck with 200 gallons of fast food grease and drove from Charleston, SC to Baja. They met us there and were our tour guides. Luna awesomely chilled behind the lens while we kited.

While many take advantage of free camping along beaches where rain runs off the mountains (like Holland and Luna), we booked Casa Bonita Vista, an insane modern adobe for 75% less than a similar American rental. A sweet deal as we had a private beach, and private wind.

With the western sunset, we and most others would crash soon after dusk. Waking early, stoked and ready, to intense sun rises. Mornings meant meandering among the desert until noon, when winds hit full strength. Cool air often prompted hoodies and hot drinks.

Baja offers super chill moods, with little to spend your money on. Though getting to and around the peninsula can be costly. Friends made were from the western USA and Canada as we broke out the culinary techniques. Things seemed and felt very safe as we were all there for one thing, wind.

In Baja, look for the "arroyo" These wide open public beaches are naturally formed during rainy seasons where water runs off from the Mountains into the Cortez Sea. They make the best free camping....and kiteboarding.

Wind Trends, Speeds, & Seasonal Conditions 
Baja winds are strong and predictable November through March. Outside of that, leave your kites home. Waking to deep 6am sunrays, we could kite by 8am in about 12-15kts. We would make ourselves wait till noon in order to fully enjoy Baja’s strong 20kts plus winter breeze, known as"El Norte."

Low water temps had us in shorties. Cooler days had us in full wetsuits. Not a bad trade off as the powered riding is created by the cool water embracing the warm desert.

On the Sea of Cortez there are no breaking waves! The slow building winds stir up a nice swell, making the Cortez Sea resemble a nice skate park with seals swimming about. Around La Ventana and La Paz, barrier islands keep the swell low and chop very mild. Los Barilles stirred on average 3’ ramps with occasional 6 footers to blast off of.

Unlike the thermal winds often found along American coasts, the events that produce El Norte are hard to forecast. It is the same wind that is streaming all across Baja. Unlike American spots where pressure gradients can be steeper just a few miles away, El Norte either blows or it doesn't. Driving 20 or 30 miles to another launch site to find wind is usually a waste of time.

kiter tip
Baja is one of the most predictable winds we've ever found. Novices will enjoy morning's mild winds. Progessive kiters should sleep in till noon.    El Norte winds usually blow for periods of 3-8 days with 2-4 days of light wind in between. Side shore winds average 18-25 knots with peak velocities up to 30. Typical kite sizes range from 8 to 14. Above 15 knots, a widely spaced, rolled swell provides great ramps for jumping. .

Baja Kiteboarder travel tips

• Cash rules in Baja. Use a Credit Card and you’ll be charged an extra 7%. ATMs run out quickly, but you can withdraw twice the machines limit.


• After a Los Barilles session, head to the resort for Hector’s Crazy Margaritas. Two will have you on the floor.


• Watch your kite pump. They are rare valuable items here.


• Return beer bottles to the market for a discount on your next case. Oh yeah, no beer sold after 2pm on Sunday.


• If you need spare parts, you can swap or buy from other Baja kiters.


• Need cash? Offer a nice price and you’ll likely sell your gear to a local or a kiter on sabbatical.


• Watch for Baja’s roaming livestock. Cows, goats and burrows will eat your kites (and cars).

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