Kitesurfing in Shuraabad Lagoon, Shuraabad, Azerbaijan

World • Asia •

Azerbaijan

Water type

sea, lagoon

Beach type

sand, grass, mud

Crowd

none

Rider level

all

Tide dependent

Waves

none, choppy

Overview

Shuraabad lagoon, the first official (and only for now) kitespot in Azerbaijan with ~8 km² shallow & maximum chest deep water. It’s a very windy spot in any week you will most likely get around 3-4 windy days – when the wind starts blowing it usually blows for few days (and nights). Wind can pick up anytime (and sadly stop too) or changes the direction (usually north to south or south to north) within minutes. You can kite in any wind direction, in case you end up on the other side of the lagoon, the staff will give you a buggy ride (the buggy ride of shame!). In the same day, you might need to use few different kites sometimes, next time you’ll be able to kite all day with just one. The wind can reach 30+ knots, next time you’ll just enjoy the light winds. Water in the lagoon is totally flat, you can go out on the sea and kite in little or choppy waves. The waves of the Caspian sea are never really big.

Beach has an entrance fee.

Wind

Light to very strong (5-35 knts), sometimes in the same day.

Dangers

You might see a snake swimming, but they are not dangerous.

It is your responsability to check whether kitesurfing is allowed at the spot; you might need a 'special permit' or membership from a local kite organization, etc. Local rules can change. Respect others - kiters or not; kite safely and enjoy the wind!