Turkey: Gokova
| THE LURE If you are looking for turquoise blue waters, sunshine and kiting in nothing more than your boardshorts just a short flight from Europe, then Gökova Bay, Turkey, is a cracking option. Flat waters, constant daily winds and a country steeped in history will keep the kiter and non-kiter coming back for more. THE SET-UP Three kilometres wide and with shallow water up to 150 metres out, the bay is suitable for all levels of rider. There are no obstacles such as trees, buildings or rocks and, with seven rivers entering the bay, the water is clear, clean and remarkably unsalty! Gökova Bay is essentially a flat water spot with tiny waves developing as you enter the deeper water. There is no noticeable tide in the bay to effect the kiting conditions. Other kiting spots nearby are Didim, Fethiye and Patara, approximately two hours drive away. WIND WATER AND WEATHER The location, orientation and surrounding land/sea mass make Gökova Bay the picture perfect thermal location, giving wind probability as high as northern Brazil. The area isn't dependent on the Meltemi wind, like Greece and Northern Turkey. A light sea breeze starts around 9am and accelerates to around 18-20 knots by noon in the summer season as the air temperature increases. The clean, smooth wind makes it the ideal place for beginners, intermediates and advanced riders to learn and progress. The season runs from April to the end of September; the strongest winds in July, August and September with higher temperatures, ranging from the early to late 30 degrees centigrade. Thermal winds keep the air temperature in the late 20’s though, making it ideal for non-kiters to kick back with a book or swim in the bath-warm waters. This is a thermal location and therefore Windguru will not give you a precise forecast. As a rule of thumb, if it’s sunny it’s always windy! A shorty is recommended for April and May and something warm to wear for the evening. The rest of the season will see you in boardies and a T-shirt all day and night. GET AROUND The Bay is a ten kilometre drive from Akyaka, so a hire car is advisable if you wish to come and go freely. Taxis will get you to the beach for around 40TL per day. ACCOMMODATION Gökova Bay is a nature reserve, so there is no accommodation at the kiting bay itself, making it an outstandingly natural and beautiful spot to kite. Self-catering apart/hotels and pensions to boutique hotels and private villas available in Akyaka. All are within walking distance of the village and bathers’ beach. Pre-booking accommodation for July and August is advised. The Always Windy House in Akyaka contains apartments with WiFi, chillout space, projector screen, BBQs and bar. FOOD AND DRINK Don't miss a Balik Ekmek for lunch - €2 will get you a traditional fish sandwich leaving you stuffed! Akyaka has three supermarkets and restaurants to suit all budgets, serving mainly Turkish. If you like your kebabs and köfte (meatballs) then you are in for a treat! Two weekly farmers' markets in Akyaka and in Gökova sell cheap, local, fresh produce. For amazing local fish, the river restaurants are not to be missed. Akyaka is very relaxed in the evenings, so for a more lively night out head to Marmaris, 25 minutes' drive away. NO WIND The Sakar Pass for stunning views of the bay and the islands. Walk/mountainbike in the forest, discovering secluded coves with crystal clear waters. Boat trips from the harbour head to Cleopatra’s island for snorkelling and more. Visit the Ephesus Ruins and Pamukale’s hot springs or the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz is just an hour and a half’s drive. Ölüdeniz also has many paragliding schools for joy rides and more. Turtle Beach in Dalyan is good for all the family. AIRPORT Dalaman (DLM) is one hour away and Bodrum (BJV), two hours. Transfers are available from both airports but must be pre-booked. Taxis from Dalaman to Akyaka should cost no more than €60 each way. SCHOOLS ALWAYS WINDY teach all levels, focussing in particular on improvers - those past boardstarts and bored of cruising. Advanced clinics are over five days with intensive freestyle training. Ratios never exceed 2:1 and higher level courses all 1:1 with radio helmets and video analysis, plus you get to keep the footage. They teach on Ozone kites, which are available for sale, demo or rent ( rentals offpeak season only). A rescue boat is provided. They also offer accommodation all year. Languages spoken by staff:English, German, Spanish, French and Turkish. www.alwayswindy.com This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +44 (0) 1273 252543 KITE TURKEY run an official IKO training program including beginner courses, refresher classes and progression clinics at their 3 kitesurf schools in Alacati, Urla and Gokova in Turkey. Courses are available in English, French, German & Turkish. Group courses & clinics have 2-4 students and private lessons for all levels. www.kite-turkey.com This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +44 (0)20 7193 1829 TRAVEL AGENTS: SPORTIF www.sportif.travel +44 (0) 1273 844919 |
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