What to Pack for a Kitesurfing Trip to Egypt

Heading to Egypt for kitesurfing? You don't need to bring your own gear. What to pack, what to leave at home, and what to buy on the spot.

Heading to Egypt for kitesurfing for the first time and not sure what to pack? Good news right away: the most important thing — kite equipment — you don’t need to bring at all.

Equipment? Leave It at Home

If you’re coming for a course, lesson equipment is included: kite, board, harness, wetsuit and vest. Our 250+ Flysurfer kites across the stated size range give the team broad options to match your weight, level and measured conditions. A particular model or size remains subject to availability, and a session runs only when conditions are safe and rideable.

And even if you’re coming as an experienced kiter who just wants to ride, our rental has equipment for independent riders, subject to a practical skill and safety check, availability and rideable conditions. Rental already includes spot access and rescue support during operating hours; a specific intervention or response time cannot be guaranteed. Bringing your own gear instead? Then the Kitepass covers beach use and facilities.

Why It’s Not Worth Bringing Your Own Kite

Simple math: a kite bag costs around €80 per flight with most airlines. That’s €160 round trip. For that amount you can rent equipment for several days at our rental centre — and you don’t have to worry about excess baggage, transport damage, or whether your sizes will match the local conditions.

Exception: if you’re coming for an extended stay (a month or more) and have your own gear, it may be worth bringing it. In that case we offer storage by the day or long-term, so you don’t have to lug your kit back and forth every season.

What to Actually Pack

Must-Haves

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ — The Egyptian sun is brutal, even when it’s cloudy. Buy quality waterproof sunscreen before you leave — the selection in Egypt is worse and more expensive.
• Water shoes (neoprene) — The lagoon has a sandy bottom, but you’ll appreciate protection on the beach and when entering the water. Light neoprene booties will do.
• Sunglasses with a strap — You can’t be on the water without them. And without a strap, you’ll lose them on your first fall. Don’t buy expensive ones — buy functional ones with UV protection and a strap.
• Cap/hat — On the beach, at the beach club, on excursions. The sun shines all day here.
• Light clothing — Shorts, t-shirt, dress. From March to November, summer clothes are all you need. Cotton or linen — synthetics aren’t pleasant in the heat.

Wetsuit

Depends on the season:

• December–February: Full, long wetsuit (4/3 or 3/2 mm). Water sits around 20–21 °C and mornings can feel cold.
• March, November: A thin full suit (around 2 mm) — depends on your cold tolerance.
• April–October: Boardshorts and a rashguard. Water is roughly 24–28 °C.

You can also rent a wetsuit from us — but if you have your own, it takes up minimal space in your suitcase and always fits better. For a fuller breakdown of conditions by month, see our best time to kite in El Gouna guide.

Documents and Practical Items

• Passport and entry documents — Required validity and visa rules depend on nationality and can change. Check your government’s current Egypt advice and the official Egypt e-Visa portal before departure.
• Travel insurance — Confirm in writing that it covers kitesurfing or wingfoiling, organised or higher-risk sports, treatment, rescue where applicable and repatriation. A standard policy may exclude them.
• A practical payment mix — Card and ATM availability can fail or vary, so carry an appropriate backup and confirm the currency and total before paying. Do not rely on an old visa price or a claim that every business accepts the same methods.

What to Leave at Home

• Warm clothing (you won’t need it — even in winter it’s 20+ °C by day)
• Your own kite gear (unless you’re going for a month or more)
• Expensive jewelry and electronics (unnecessary risk)
• Stress (doesn’t work in El Gouna)

What to Buy on the Spot

In El Gouna you can get the basics — sunscreen, clothing, souvenirs. Hurghada has a wider selection of shops. But specific items like quality water shoes or sunglass straps are better bought before you leave.

At our shop at the centre you’ll find Flysurfer and Levitaz clothing and accessories. We’ve been the official Flysurfer distributor and test point since 2009, so it’s the genuine range. And if after a course you decide you want your own equipment, our team can advise you on the right setup to take home.

Summary

Pack a light suitcase with summer clothes, sunscreen, water shoes, and sunglasses. Leave the kite gear to us. And if you’re not sure, write to us and we’ll advise you based on the exact season you’re travelling.

---

Wondering when to go? Read our month-by-month guide.