THE LURE
Surfing in the mornings and kiting in the afternoons in an un-spoilt, crowd-free paradise.
THE SET-UP
Kaliantan beach on the Indonesian island of Lombok gets some of the most reliable kitesurfing conditions in Indo, with steady side-on winds blowing across a lagoon that’s protected by a surrounding coral reef. On a low tide the lagoon conditions are perfect inside the reef for freestyle and freeriding with butter-flat water. On a higher tide when there’s a swell running (and there frequently is!) there are pumping waves outside on the reef.
The beach is wide with shallow water close to shore, so is ideal for beginners, while more experienced riders can also downwind to other beaches in the area from here. Kura Beach and Cobra Beach are two of the closest alternative spots and, though you can score some solid wave riding, the conditions need to be more specifically correct, so these spots aren’t normally as consistent as Kaliantan.
A big draw for this area is that it rarely gets crowded due to (for now) being relatively unknown by kiters, so you won’t be jostling for waves or space out in the lagoon!
WIND, WEATHER & WATER
The main season runs from May to August with average wind speeds between 15 - 25 knots throughout the season. The wind builds from late morning and blows through until sunset at around 18:30, usually very steadily from the left.
Most riders can expect to be on eight to 12 metre kites most of the time and it’s super consistent during the season with wind on up to 96% of days in the peak months, from July to September.
During the season the water temperature is around 24°C / 75°F, so you won’t need a wetsuit, but a neoprene top will block the windchill on stronger days. Air temperatures average 27°C / 80°F from May to August, so it’s tropically warm on land.
SCHOOLS
KALIANTAN KITESURF is Ekas Break’s own kite centre where they teach all levels with jet-ski safety cover. Tuition is 1:1 using the latest Liquid Force gear, which is also available for hire. Combine your lessons with an all-inclusive accommodation package at Ekas Breaks who also run a shuttle from the hotel to the beach. Languages: English, French and Polish.
www.kaliantankitesurf.com
info@kaliantankitesurf.com
+62 811 3906 566 (WhatsApp)
ACCOMMODATION
EKAS BREAKS
Ekas Breaks Resort offers 12 Lombok-style thatched bungalows as well as six larger family suites, all of which have king-size beds, private balconies and are set inside a beautiful garden with a swimming pool. The resort has a massage / treatment area and a restaurant serving western and Indonesian dishes.
www.ekasbreaks.com
info@ekasbreaks.com
+62-811-3906-566 (WhatsApp)
OFF THE WATER
The area around Kaliantan is quiet and remote; a departure from some of the busier, more built-up tourist destinations in Indo. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a quiet break and for families who will enjoy the beautiful, natural surroundings and plenty of non-kiting activities on offer.
The obvious no-wind alternative is surfing, with four different waves breaking in the bay close to the resort, suiting novice surfers to barrel-hunting supremos. Go SUPing, snorkelling, mountain biking or join a river rafting expedition instead. Drive a couple of hours north and you can check out Mount Rinjani – an active volcano!
There aren’t many shops but there’s an ATM within 30 minutes drive and Ekas Breaks accepts credit cards. There are other hotels and resorts in the area if you want to head out somewhere else for dinner where you’ll find more excellent, super-fresh seafood. Head to the local fish market to see it being brought to shore. If you want to explore around Lombok then hiring a car is essential and Ekas Breaks can arrange one, or you can pick-up at the airport.
PRACTICALITIES
There aren’t many shops but there’s an ATM within 30 minutes drive and Ekas Breaks accepts credit cards. There are other hotels and resorts in the area if you want to head out somewhere else for dinner where you’ll find more excellent, super-fresh seafood.
Head to the local fish market to see it being brought to shore. If you want to explore around Lombok then hiring a car is essential and Ekas Breaks can arrange one, or you can pick-up at the airport.
Lombok International (LOP) Airport is one hour drive from the resort and Ekas Breaks can arrange a transfer if you aren’t hiring a car.
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