This is a question we mainly get from people considering a stay during the summer months. And the honest answer? It depends on what equipment you have and how willing you are to adapt to the conditions. Let’s break it down.
How the Wind Actually Works in El Gouna
El Gouna is one of the most reliable kite spots in the world. But even here, there are periods when the wind dies down. The main wind season runs from mid-August through April — during this time, the wind blows reliably and strong. From May to July, the wind weakens, and July can be a month when the wind shuts off for a few days completely.
But it’s important to distinguish between “light wind” and “no wind.” Complete calm is rare even in summer. Most of the time, at least 8-12 knots blow — and that’s a range you can work with. Just not with any kite.
The Problem with Your Own Equipment
And here’s the core issue. If you fly in with your own 10-meter kite weighing 80 kg, you need at least 14-15 knots to even get going. When it blows 10 knots, you sit on the beach and stare at the water.
Meanwhile, someone next to you launches with a 17-meter kite and rides — in the same conditions, at the same moment.
That’s the fundamental difference between a limited quiver and access to a full range of equipment.
Solution #1: Bigger Kite
The simplest solution. The bigger the kite surface, the less wind you need. Our rental offers kites from 2.5 to 21 m². A Flysurfer Soul or Sonic in the largest sizes can ride in conditions where most kiters are packing up.
Here’s a rough guide:
| Rider weight | Strong wind (20+ kn) | Medium wind (14-18 kn) | Light wind (10-13 kn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 kg | 7-9 m² | 10-12 m² | 14-17 m² |
| 80 kg | 9-11 m² | 12-14 m² | 17-21 m² |
| 95 kg | 11-13 m² | 14-17 m² | 19-21 m² |
These are approximate values — they depend on kite type, riding style, and other factors. But the principle is clear: the right size = riding even in conditions where you’d be stuck with a single kite.
Solution #2: Foil Kite
The Flysurfer kites we use are foil kites (inflatable wing without tubes). They have several advantages over classic tube kites in light wind:
- Better pull in lower wind — the aerodynamic profile is more efficient
- More stable in light wind — they don’t fall out of the sky as easily
- Wider wind range — one kite covers a broader range of conditions
If you’re used to tube kites, the transition to a foil kite takes a bit of getting used to. But in light wind, it’s like night and day.
Solution #3: Hydrofoil
This is the game changer for light wind. A hydrofoil — a kite board with a wing under the water — radically reduces drag and allows you to ride in conditions where you’d have no chance on a twintip board.
With a hydrofoil and a bigger kite, you can ride from 8-10 knots. That’s an extremely low threshold and opens up entirely new possibilities.
We have hydrofoil equipment available for rent and also offer instruction. But you need solid kitesurfing fundamentals (IKO Level 2+), because foiling requires full concentration on your feet and board — you can’t be thinking about the kite.
More about hydrofoiling in El Gouna in our guide.
Solution #4: Wingfoiling
And then there’s wingfoiling — a completely different sport, but an excellent alternative for light wind days. A wing (handheld inflatable wing) combined with a foil board works from 10-12 knots, and during summer months in El Gouna, it’s often a better choice than kite.
Wingfoiling is quicker to learn than kite (especially if you have experience with windsurfing or kitesurfing) and our wing courses will give you a solid foundation in 5 hours.
Summer months are ideal for wingfoiling — warm water, light wind, fewer people on the spot.
Practical View: How Many Days Will You Ride?
Let’s be realistic. If you come to El Gouna in July for 10 days, how many will you spend on the water?
With your own 12-meter kite and twintip board: 3-5 days (estimated).
With access to our rental (all kite sizes + hydrofoil + wing): 7-9 days.
That difference is 2-4 extra days on the water. And that’s exactly why it pays to have access to the right equipment.
Summer in El Gouna — The Hidden Advantage
Most kiters automatically target October-April. And they’re right — it’s the best wind period. But summer has its advantages:
- Fewer people on the spot — during peak season we have 25 instructors and the spot is full. In summer, 8-10 instructors and plenty of space
- Lower accommodation prices — especially July is significantly cheaper
- Warm water — 27-29°C, boardshorts, no wetsuit
- Sports combo — one day kite, next day wing, third day beach
- Quiet — if you’re not looking for parties and action, but peace on the water
What to Do When There’s No Wind at All?
That happens too. And you know what — it’s not the end of the world. El Gouna offers plenty of other activities:
- Our restaurant — relax in the shade with a sea view
- Snorkeling — El Gouna has excellent coral reefs
- Paddleboarding — in calm conditions, the lagoon is like glass
- Diving — the Red Sea is one of the best diving destinations
- El Gouna Downtown — restaurants, cafes, shops
And usually the calm lasts a day or two at most. Then the wind comes back.
Summary: Light Wind ≠ No Riding
The key message: if you have access to the right equipment, light wind doesn’t mean sitting on the beach. Bigger kite, foil kite, hydrofoil, or wingfoiling — there’s always a solution.
And that’s exactly the advantage of our rental with 250+ kites. You don’t have to bring three kites in a board bag. You show up, we check conditions, and give you what works.
Want to be ready for any wind? Book your equipment and leave it to us.