Houmt Souk

Djerba

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The nearest spot to squeaky-clean Zarzis International Airport is the lagoon in front of the island capital Houmt Souk. The name 'Market Quarter’ echoes a time when this was the last stop on an important route for the gold, ivory and slave trades. Nowadays, wooden replicas of old pirate ships plunder tourists and deliver them to the other side of the lagoon on the white beaches of Îles des Flamants Roses – 'Flamingo Island’. Kiters who don’t fancy the trek south will find a perfect standing-depth area near the restaurants and evening markets in town. Within sight of the lagoon, at the foot of the peninsula on the sea-facing coast, is the Radisson Hotel and Club Mistral hire centre. A vast sandy beach and consistent, predominantly cross-onshore easterly winds ensure safe riding. When it occasionally blows a touch stronger it even builds a bit of windswell and shorebreak. For the next 10km along the east coast, the hotels and sun-loungers are tight-packed. Only the Calimera Yati Hotel affords enough space to launch. But it’s a good idea to check where the swim zones are first – ask at the island’s oldest kite centre, Ste. Les Dauphins. It’s basically safe, although the chop builds with increasing wind and there’s a noticeable current further out running around the eastern tip of the island. At high tide, detour to Kleine Kitelagune 3km south. The easiest launch is near the little fishing harbour in the south of the lagoon. A protective stone jetty makes for super-smooth water, and the north-south orientation produces a nice long speed-strip parallel to the road in prevailing E wind. Just don’t fly your kite too low as the shore’s lined with palm trees, and watch for shallow spots as the tide ebbs. At low water, the lagoon dries out. The island’s main spot is the 30km² Souk el Ghebli to the south, where Les Dauphins now have their main shop. Since the lagoon is standing-depth throughout, it’s a perfect teaching area in every wind direction. Plus the water’s always a degree or two warmer than open sea, even during the transitional months. Nevertheless, boots are a common sight as the bottom is pretty mucky and conceals a few shells. But overall, this is a completely relaxed spot. While the hire centre is served by a shuttle-bus, you’ll need your own moped or car to reach the combination spot at the ruined Spanish fort of Bordj Kastil. Choose from protected flat water inside the peninsular or waves on the sea-facing side. If a bit of swell finds its way here or it blows Force 5+, waves can reach 2m. It usually blows a Force stronger than elsewhere and it’s wonderfully consistent – a beautiful venue amidst a secluded landscape. But play it safe, take a buddy and don’t go out alone.
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Kite and Windsurfing Guide
Der erste Spot, zu dem man gelangt, wenn man den blitzblanken Zarzis International Airport verlässt, ist die Lagune vor der Inselhauptstadt Houmt Souk.
The nearest spot to squeaky-clean Zarzis International Airport is the lagoon in front of the island capital Houmt Souk.
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