Learning to Kitesurf in Dahab: Lessons, Prices and What to Expect

Dahab is one of the easier places in the world to learn to kitesurf. The town sits on the Gulf of Aqaba in Egypt's South Sinai, and its kite lagoon is enclosed, sandy and shallow enough to stand in, with wind on an estimated 300 days a year. Here is what a course looks like, which format to choose and what it costs.

Why the lagoon works for beginners

The lagoon is closed off from the open sea by a wide sand spit, so the water stays flat. Most of it is knee- to hip-deep, with no reef. "There's one small section that runs about 5-6 meters deep, but beginner students usually don't ride out that far," says Julia from Soul Kiters. Standing in shallow water means you can stop, reset and try again without swimming after your board, which is what makes the first days go faster.

One thing to expect: inside the lagoon the wind can be gusty in places, because the headland and the town sit upwind. "As a beginner you need to pay extra attention to kite control," Julia says. Schools rig smaller kites for the same reason. Her tip for the most common mistake: do not grip the bar too hard. "Beginners tend to hold on tight and use it for support, when the bar is really there for steering."

Which course to pick

All courses are taught by IKO instructors with the kite equipment included, and both beginner courses end with an IKO certificate. The basic course gets you through the first steps up to the water start. The extended course adds four hours to practise and turn the first rides into real riding. A group course is cheaper per person but is only taught with a partner, so it suits couples and friends who learn together. If you come alone, a private course is the way in. If you already ride, the one-hour private lesson is for working on the next step.

You can request any of these courses on the Dahab kite page or on the Soul Kiters profile: choose your dates, send the request, and the school confirms the times with you. Nothing is paid online.

When to come

Dahab does not really have an off-season. May to September is the steadiest stretch, with wind on most days. Winter (December to February) is calmer, with windy spells followed by a few quiet days. For comfort, Julia recommends spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November), when air and water temperatures are the most pleasant. Read more in our guide to the best time to kitesurf in Dahab.

What to know before you go

• Fly into Sharm El Sheikh (SSH), about 90 km and 90 minutes south. A private transfer is easiest; the public bus is cheaper but slower.
• You do not need a car. Dahab is small, easy to get around by bike, and taxis cost about $2.
• Water is 23–28 °C in summer and 19–23 °C in winter, when a 4/3 mm wetsuit is the usual choice.
• Julia's local tip: the best wind is at sunset, at high tide.
• On a day without wind, Dahab is one of the Red Sea's best-known diving towns.