My research reveals that most, if not all, pacific locations are dominated by trade winds that work in an approximate 7-9 day window where they blow harder and harder each day until and then shut off for 3 or 4 days. Typically the wind speeds are high teens low 20's for the most powerful tradewinds. If your trip is unluckily timed for the days the trade winds shut off you could get no or little. Obviously there will be other weather systems that generate wind like tropical storms etc.

My conclusion is that you cannot guarantee wind in the islands and if you are going there to specifically kite you may end up spending a lot of money to sit on the beach. If you are a surfer/kitesurfer then the islands appeal takes a big leap as you can surf in the morning and kite in the afternoon or keep surfing if theres no wind. The other conclusion I came to regarding the islands is that if you wanted guaranteed wind you would be better organising a holiday "window" with work. Checking the forecast and literally dropping every thing and go based on the wind/swell forecast for the coming week.


Regarding the expense of namotu island and cloud break. You can stay on another cheaper island or the mainland and then pay for a boat out to the cloud break on the days of a good forecast.

In other news. Theres a guy on kite forum whose been posting about Mauritius. That one eye surf break looks instanely clean! google "Epic days in Mauritius". I have never been there. But man it would be on the top of my list of places to go for epic waves locations.

Hi Plummet, thanks for sharing mate. I came to the same conclusion for most islands when studying historic charts with the wind averaging 18-24 knots when blowing. Might leave my 6 meter.... Samoa for example is going off this week 18-25 knots almost every day!

In regard to Mauritius - I've been there. It is just like the pictures and I rate it the best kitesurfing wave in the world. Very long, super clean picture perfect and insanely consistent wind. I've got mates who live there which is always a bonus. On the other side, there is unfortunately very bad vibes surfing. Even if you know locals they cannot help... You get chased out and asked to leave even when there is only 2-3 surfers out with plenty of waves. Nothing was said to the surfers nor were we taking their waves. This "vibe" has also crept into the kitesurfing at one eye. I was there in 2010 when it was still relatively uncrowded for kiting and out of season,. Probably worth going outside the main holiday period for Europe. Also you need to be experienced in kitesurfing bigger waves in cross off shore conditions.

@SaltySinus - thanks mate - I was looking at Port Villa last night and it looks epic. Waves never get really +6ft, but I never really surf plus 6 ft ;-) Definitely worth considering. My thinking is Fiji - fly to Samoa and or Vanuatu. What about accommodation? Will i be the only kiter? I prefer not to kite solo....

There is another island I've been told about in the area, but unfortunately the person asked me not share it which I will respect. Very similar setup to Port Villa.

Thanks again!

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeew! Im going to Mauritius next Tuesday for the first time, first couple of days in vis Morne Side then over to C beach area for a week or so- got my hands on a Ute too, so if there are any Aussies that want to team up for a kite or know the area and have any tips for first timers please pass them on. only taking a Tt though (luggage limited) so not planning on giving One-eye a go.

SaltySinus said..
I have only one pacific (sic) piece of input: Vanuatu this time of year is ace once the trade winds kick in. If you go to Port Villa, you can drive round the island in about 2 - 3hours, so wind direction is not a problem.

The main challenge is the volume of reef and limited beach sizes, so suggest you go with booties and be prepared to end your session by pulling the quick release and doing a water pack down near shore.

Good luck.

^^^^^ second Vanuatu! tho trust me that reef is like razor blades! and a hell of a a lot of it! Vanuatu is safe and fun! ( i lived there lol) the food is awesome if you like
a good hunk of cow! very friendly accommodation can be expensive so don't rush in. Fiji is a possibility ( lived there too) and somewhat easier and more civilized
the coral coast is windy as ****! and there are many possibilities! tho a lot of that surf is big and nasty so pick your spots . get hold of Kitesurf Fiji or SHQ Rosebud here in Vic there awesome guys and know Fiji kiting like a second home. Im off to Thailand in 2 weeks so ill see what its like there?