Kiting in Panama
Panama and Panama- city are most widely known for its Canal, its thriving economy and skyscrapers. It has easy flight connections, and has great potential with some top class and uncrowded locations for both surfing and kitesurfing.
In the central American region, Panama is one of the safer countries.
We can distinguish 2 main kite regions, The San Blas islands and Punta Chame, but there are also some other spots.
San Blas Islands:
The San Blas islands are about 360 small islands on the Caribbean side of Panama, mostly deserted but some with original tribes still living there.
If you are not a beginner anymore, it is absolutely worth wile to do a kite cruise hopping between these paradise islands. Check out an organized kite cruise with accommodation on a boat.
Punta Chame:
Within an hour drive of the capital we arrive at a long peninsula that engulfs a wide bay with perfect cross on-shore wind from the north.
Wind, Weather and Water
Windy season and also dry season starts in December picking up intensity in January, and goes until April. Expect 20 knots on the good days. Bring 9 and 12/14m on your twintip. No wetsuit needed, as water temperatures exceed 27ºC. The climate is tropical with high temperatures it’s never below 20°C.
In the afternoon the wind usually picks up a few knots.
Punta Chame is great for all levels of kiters as there are no rocks or obstacles in the water.
Expect fairly flat water with sometimes small waves or chop depending on the tide and wind combination.
The lagoon in Punta Chame at the downwind end of the village has butter flat conditions perfect for freestyle or taking your first lessons and works best around mid-tide.
Panama Kite Center has a great setup there with accommodation and a restaurant.
–Sand Bars
Another option at Punta Chame is a trip to the sand bars and the flat-water formations around it. sand bar formations elevate in the middle of the bay and provide super flat water. It´s about 15 minutes kiting from the shore. The local kite center can organize it to keep it safe.
–John Wayne Island
A small island in the middle of the bay that used to be owned by John Wayne. On the deserted island remain only the ruins of a western style hotel, abandoned a decade ago. Ask your local kite center to take you on a trip there. They usually pack lunches and a few drinks and accompany you there with a rescue boat. It’s a nice kite safari, which will usually take 20-30 minutes to get there going upwind ending with a lovely downwinder.
–Mangrove Downwinder
From the first lagoon you can downwind between 20-30 minutes to the end of the bay. Some kite centers offer a trip passing by all the mangroves, catching more flat water and more lagoons. Have them pick you up by truck for a small fee at the end or take the trip straight back upwind (10-15min).
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Apart from kiting there are some other things you can do.
Rent bikes or stand-up paddle boards to check out the spot. Catch some waves and go surfing in Playa Caracol, just 15 min away from Punta Chame. If you´re into hiking, get the best views on top of Cerro Chame, overlooking the entire kite bay. Head down into the Chame Canyons or visit Valle de Anton for more eco-action.
In Punta Chame nightlife centers around the kite schools and hotels. Try local and international food in the various restaurants and enjoy a sundowner with pizza on the deck at Solé Beach Club.
