By JC Kite School · November 7, 2026
Pack light: Watamu is easy
The good news first: if you don't want to travel with a kite bag, you don't have to. At our school you can rent the latest Duotone and ION equipment – full kit, kite and bar, twin tip, strapless or foil board – by the hour or for 3, 5 or 7 days. Prices are on the Kite Rental page. And if you bring your own gear, our storage includes beach assistance, outdoor showers and washing and drying of your material.
If you bring your own gear
- Kaskazi (mid December – February), 15 – 20 knots: small to medium kites, roughly 9 m to 14 m.
- Kusi (May/June – August), 20 – 25 knots in June and early July, 15 – 20 in August: your smaller kites, up to 12 m.
- A board for flat water: the lagoon is shallow and flat inside the reef.
- Booties are a good idea at low tide, around the coral patches.
Not sure about the wind for your dates? Check our month by month guide.
For the water
- Swimsuit or board shorts – in Kaskazi that's all you need.
- A rash vest or a shorty wetsuit for the Kusi season (we provide rash vests and wetsuits during lessons).
- Sunglasses, ideally with a floating strap.
- Reef-friendly sun cream with high protection: the equatorial sun is strong, especially from December to March.
- A cap or hat for the beach.
For the land
- Light summer clothes, and a hoodie or jumper for the cooler evenings in June – August.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Sandals and a pair of comfortable shoes for excursions and safari.
- A refillable water bottle.
Documents
- Your passport, and the travel authorisation required to enter Kenya: check the official requirements well before you fly.
- An ID card or passport is mandatory to rent equipment at the school.
- If you already kite, bring your IKO card or logbook: it helps us check your level quickly.
- Travel insurance that covers kitesurfing.
And most importantly…
Bring your smile and good vibes. See you on the water!
