When one thinks of the sea and beaches, the connection with the world of sport is not always immediate. Yet in recent years there has been an exponential growth in the practice of two sporting activities whose enthusiasts look forward to nothing more than a windy day to ride the waves unfurling the sail of their board or to let themselves be pulled by a kite hovering over the water’s edge.
We are talking about windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, two sports that have a very special appeal, require specific training but above all locations with precise characteristics.
In our beautiful country, there are several beaches that lend themselves to the optimal practice of these two disciplines, and among these the south coast of Salerno is an undisputed protagonist.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing: differences and similarities
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are two fascinating, challenging and relatively new sports.They require an excellent ability to read the wind and sea conditions, combined with good coordination and physical endurance.In both disciplines, the wind plays a major role as it is used as a propeller, albeit in different ways. In windsurfing, the wind acts directly on the sail mounted on the board, while in the case of kitesurfing, it is essential to move the kite to which one is attached.
The two sports also have in common the speed they can reach, which is around 102 km/h, but in terms of cost, kitesurfing is more expensive as the kite needs to be replaced at least every three years.
Approaching kitesurfing is for some slightly easier than windsurfing, but this does not mean that one can rely on improvisation. For both sports, it is necessary to rely on trained instructors. Lack of awareness in practice can entail serious risks to one’s own safety and that of others.
The south coast of Salerno: an ideal location for kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts
Sea, wind, boards, sails and kites are fundamental but not sufficient elements for windsurfing and kitesurfing.In fact, these disciplines require special weather conditions that characterise only a few stretches of the vast Italian coastline. These include the beaches in the province south of Salerno in the towns of Marina di Eboli and Battipaglia, Casalvelino, Pisciotta and Acciaroli.As early as the Sunrise coastline, the ideal structural and meteorological characteristics for the proper practice of these two water sports begin to be present.The coastline that connects Battipaglia to Paestum is an expanse of several kilometres of white sandy beach and, at some lidos, it is also possible to rent the equipment needed to practice one’s favourite sport.
The coast road that connects Battipaglia to Paestum is an expanse of several kilometres of white sandy beach and, at some lidos, it is even possible to rent the necessary equipment to indulge in your favourite sport.
The wide beaches not overhung by mountains prove to be ideal due to the absence of natural ‘shelters’ whose presence would not allow the wind to blow in the best way.There are several specialised schools in the area that offer courses at various levels, both to approach the two sports in total safety and to perfect paces, jumps and manoeuvres.
In any case, whether one rides the waves or glides over them, the sense of lightness that one breathes amidst the scent of saltiness is unique and wonderful.
In the middle of the sea with your arms firmly on a sail or a kite, the wind becomes a necessary partner for a dance that makes you forget all negative thoughts and gives you moments of pure happiness.Anyone who practises these two sports, whether occasionally or assiduously, confirms that they experience an unparalleled sense of freedom that only the sea can give.With the wind in their hair and the sun in their faces, kitesurfers and windsurfers are ready for an ever-changing challenge in search of the perfect wave to surf.If, then, to the beauty of these two sports is added the marvellous nature of the location where they are practised – the beaches of the long Tyrrhenian coast south of Salerno – an unparalleled magic comes to life.
