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KITE OPTIONS? A 12 and 9m should cover most conditions. Something smaller if you are foiling and check the forecast before you travel. WHICH WETSUIT? No need, the water is a balmy 24-28 degrees, so boardies/bikini plus sun protection. BEER Expect €2-3 for a local beer. TYPICAL DINNER As you’d expect, delicious and colorful Italian fare, with fresh fish a specialty. LATE NIGHT… Drink cocktails or beer listening to some chilled tunes on the beach. Don’t miss the big beach parties on Fridays and Sundays… GETTING THERE Hang Loose Beach is only three kilometers from Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) which has direct connections with Rome and Milan. WHY CALABRIA?
THE SEASON
Famously known as the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, the Calabria region, in the extreme southwest, is fantastic yet one of Italy’s least visited regions. It’s an ideal spot for kitesurfing, with perfect wind every day from April until August. As well as the fantastic kiting conditions you can also expect fantastic Italian food and an exceptionally vibrant night life.
April-August: This is the best season for kiting with around 17 knots each day from around midday until 7pm. The air temperature is warm, around 20 degrees in April and May, 25 degrees in June, and 30 degrees in July and August. September to October can be great, but with less predictable wind. Sometimes the Sirocco winds blow, and sometimes it’s the Mistrals…
THE SET UP
At Hang Loose there is a sandy beach with a clear launch. If you head off the front or downwind from there, then you’ll find many kilometers of completely empty beach. At Hang Loose Beach there is a kite school, test center and surf shop, as well as a beach club, kids area, restaurant, bar, disco, and basketball and beach volleyball areas. Then there is also a camping area and a Volkswagen Village where you can pitch up right next to the beach.
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NO WIND?
If you fancy exploring you can visit the Aeolian Islands by boat, check out the Sila Mountain, or visit Pizzo and Tropea towns. Staying on the water SUPing, canoeing, sailing, snorkeling and fishing are all possible. Or stay put and practice basketball, skateboarding or beach volleyball at Hang Loose.
