Barra Grande (and Macapa)
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This centre offers a perfect spot and lots of space for all kitesurfers windsurfers and wing foilers. It is situated less than 50 meters from the turquoise-coloured water's edge, directly in front of a speed strip with lots of free upwind space. The Palm Royale Abu Soma is within walking distance but has a separate beach.
On the left-hand side of the station and about 20 meters from the beach there is a 2-kilometer long and 600 meters wide area where you can stand. Depending on the tide it is between 30 cm and 60 cm deep. The hip-deep water is the perfect place to learn kitesurfing and windsurfing. They have an ample storage space where you can leave all your own material, and not waste any time pumping kites and wings, there is a compressor. There is enough space to set up / rig up and pack down or to just put your equipment down while you are taking a break without interfering with others.
There is a panorama terrace with its own bar, lots of shade, showers, toilets, changing rooms, umbrellas, and sun beds. The centre also has its own workshop for repairs.
The spot - Soma Bay is one of the best flat water spots in Egypt. Turquoise super flat water – lots of space – long sandbanks – relaxed and easy for all levels.
The wind - With the development of new hotels around the Bay in recent years many parts of the bay, which have an offshore wind direction, have become very inconsistent and gusty. However, this Southern part of the bay (Abu Soma) still offers super clean reliable wind conditions, with hardly any obstacles to the wind. The wind in Soma Bay tends to be 1-2 knots more than in other spots up and down this coastline due to a local wind effect. There is the morning wind which blows 10 - 12 o'clock cross-off shore. Later it changes direction slightly blowing cross-shore and stronger. Mid-afternoon there can be a very stable wind which then decreases slowly depending on the season - sometimes it even blows till shortly before sunset.
For rental of equipment you may be required to produce a VDWS/IKO/RYA or equivalent licence to prove ability to rent (For Egypt this is mandatory and if unable to provide you will need to do a skills test and pay for a licence locally)
Windsurfing - This is one of, if not THE best, windsurf centre in Egypt, stocking a good range of the latest JP and NP equipment. A large standing area, long sandbanks with mirror-flat water and 2 islands in the field of vision guarantee a special kind of windsurfing. The easy conditions make jibing and tricking a pure joy! In front of the station, you have direct access to the 100 × 150 m large, depending on the tide, 30 cm – 1 m deep beginner lagoon, which is limited by a sandbar. Directly behind is the speed strip, which offers mirror-smooth water thanks to a 400 m long sandbank. At low tide, it is almost dry, at high tide small wind waves can form. You can land anywhere on the sandbank to just take a breather or talk with others
Wing Foiling - This is also an excellent spot for Wing Foiling, with plenty of deeper water sections, where the water is still super flat. The steady wind and flat water make this a perfect place to learn to Wing Foil, or for improvers looking for a safe and easy spot to practice. The centre stocks a decent range of JKP Foil boards and Cabrinha Wings. For beginner they off a specific programme consisting of 2.5-hour semi-private lessons (or 2 hours if private) followed by 1 hour free practice. In this location you will for sure learn fast!
Kitesurfing - This is the best spot in Soma Bay (and one of the best spots in the whole of Egypt) for kitesurfing by far, with the perfect side shore wind conditions and a large shall flat water section for teaching, or for improvers that want a safe easy spot to practice. For the independent kitesurfers, a number of sand bars and speed spots (depending on the tides) make for an amazing playground. The centre stocks a good range of the latest Cabrinha equipment for rental or lessons. Due to the large size of the spot, it is into two areas, the beginner/teaching area and the freeride area. There are also separate zones for kitesurfers and windsurfers to reduce the risk of accidents. Lessons are either private or semi-private (max 2 students per instructor) to ensure maximum progression and safety.
Kindly note the below regarding the Egypt amusement tax to be paid on site:
The Egyptian parliament has passed a so-called amusement tax. From 16 July 2023, this tax must be paid to the Egyptian tax office. Unfortunately, this amusement tax also applies to all Sport/Dive centres on the Red Sea. Centres are now obliged to report the income daily to the tax office and to pay this tax to the state.
