Gokova has established itself a reputation for its reliably windy conditions in a beautiful setting surrounded on three sides with forest covered mountains. It offers warm, shallow water combined with flat, obstacle free beaches and thermally generated winds. All of those things put together, along with the warmth and beauty of its surrounding is why it’s a must for all those kitesurfers out there! As long as it is sunny and hot (which is almost guaranteed in the summer) there will be wind.
Gokova sits about an hour from Dalaman airport and located on the Aegean coast in South Western Turkey. It is actually a village called Akyaka that is made up from a varied selection of hotels, villas and guest houses. There are a number of bars and good value restaurants along with some more up market fish restaurants dotted along the riverbank. This is a fantastic for those with families and non-kiting partners as there is a lovely feel to the place and its very family friendly. The nightlife, whilst not world renowned offers enough bars to keep most people happy!
As mentioned, Gokova has gained the reputation as one of the best summer destinations with fans such as Hannah Whitely and Aaron Hadlow heading there for training sessions. We at Windseeker agree, there really could not be a better set-up. With its user friendly conditions of warm shallow water and reliable, on-shore winds with one to one tuition as standard by our partner kite school, whether you are a beginner or expert you will definitely progress.
The kite centre and spot is a little way from the main town beach giving a large area of swimmer free kiting. It’s a 20 minute walk form the town to the beach but boat transfers are included in lessons and there is a kit run for freeriders not opting to add the transfers to their package.
The wind in Gokova starts at about 11-12 in the morning meaning you can recharge your batteries with a lie in before hitting the water and won’t miss any action. It’s a typical sea breeze and one of the best examples we have seen. First thing its totally flat and by mid morming as the sun warms the hills and slowly the cooler air is brought from the sea and by lunchtime you can be seeing a good 20 knots if not more
The kite beach has a shallow entry and stays this way for about 150m out with no shore dump and giving plenty of space for learning whether it’s your first attempt or you are trying a new trick. The launch is either side of the large man made jetty forming a divide between the freeride and teaching zones.
New in 2013 for Windseeker guests are boat trips out to Cleopatra’s Island and a great downwinder back to the beach – all tried and tested of course!!
A great set up and just a short walk or boat transfer from the main village of Akyaka. Yavuz, the centre principle and former Turkisk champion kayaker has been teaching here for many years since 1999. Along with iis wife they head up a great tream of enthusuastic kiters who will make sure you get the best out of your time here. Instruction is on a one to one basis as standard so you are sure to progress. In the height of the season, due to Gokova's popularity,the launch area can get a bit congested with people heading in and heading out so for 2013 another improvement will be beginner lessons a little further out, away from the crowds and ensuring an easy downwind return to hone your skills and build your confidence.
Between sessions hang out in the shade of the centre or at the snack bar to grab a bite or a drink and watch the action on the water. Theres a new decking area and fresh water showers to rinse off after a session or to just cool down.
6 day Private Beginner CourseThis great value course gets you up and riding with 9 hours of private tuition followed by three full days kit hire and an additional hour a day private tuition - thats 12 hours one to one in total! |
£532.00 |
9 Hour IKO Beginner CourseIt does what it says, beginner IKO Level 1 & 2 tuition to get you up and riding. Group size 2-4 students |
£324.00 |
Private Tuition per hourLooking to perfect a trick or skill, 1:1 instruction lets the instructor concentrate 100% on refining your technique. |
£54.00 |
6 days rental - RRD kit includes boat transfers & beach tax |
£260.00 |
12 days rental - Liquid Force kit includes boat transfers & beach tax |
£490.00 |
7 days storage including transfers, beach tax and kite caddy |
£80.00 |
14 days storage including transfers, beach tax and kite caddy |
£160.00 |
