When the Baltic Sea lies grey and icy in January, your fingers start to itch. The good news: somewhere in the world it is always season, with warm water, reliable wind and plenty of sun. Here come the destinations that really deliver in winter, from the short flight to the big adventure.
Short trips: the Canaries and Egypt
You do not have to fly far to escape winter. The Canaries are only about four and a half hours away and, thanks to the trade winds, deliver wind almost every day, plus T-shirt weather. Even more reliable and often cheaper is Egypt on the Red Sea. Places like El Gouna or Soma Bay have wide, shallow lagoons where beginners feel right at home, and the water stays pleasantly warm even in winter.
The big dream: Brazil, Cape Town, Zanzibar
If you bring more time and a bigger urge to travel, you will find the truly great spots. In Brazil the flat-water lagoons line up one after another along the north-east coast, and the wind blows almost on demand. Cape Town combines strong wind with Table Mountain and safari, completely without jet lag. And Zanzibar lures you with turquoise reef flat water and a beach backdrop straight out of a picture book. These are the trips you will still be talking about during next winter on the Baltic.
How to plan your first long-haul trip
Before booking, it pays to look at two things: the wind season and your skill level. Every destination has its best time, and a flat-water spot forgives beginners more than waves do. Remember the VDWS licence, without it you often cannot rent gear on site. And insurance that includes kiting belongs in your luggage just as much as the sunscreen.
Winter is the best excuse for the trip you always keep putting off. Pick a destination that matches your level, and swap the cold board for warm water. We are happy to help you choose, because we have been to some of these beaches ourselves.