Wind and conditions
Phan Rang is quite simply translated as Wind & Sun in the Vietnamese language. These 2 words are sweet music to any kitesurfers ears. The area is regarded as having the driest climate in Vietnam, evidence of this is seen clearly all around by the abundance of salt farms that scatter the landscape.
Traditionally there are 2 seasons here and they are more commonly known as the high season which starts early to mid-October and this carries on through until early April time and the low season which runs consecutively up until September. As these names suggest one season is busier than the other but that is not to say the conditions in the low season aren’t favourable, they really are, and Phan Rang is rapidly becoming a kitesurfing hotspot in SE Asia for the summer period. In all areas the water temperature is warm and generally, a wetsuit is not required but if you feel the need to bring one then 2mm would suffice.
It is Important to note that both the My Hoa and Son Hai Lagoons are at times severely affected by the tides and can have very shallow to almost no water at all. It is possible to walk to the outer reef and pick up the open ocean water but for the best and most up to date information please just drop us a line.
MY HOA - October to March
The wind blows cross-onshore from a North to NE direction, the average wind speed is 20-25 kts (12 m/s) and is pretty consistent throughout the day with very little peaks or troughs. These are prevailing trade winds and are rarely affected by any thermal. Of course, on occasions, there are days of much lighter wind but still around 15 kts ( 7.5 m/s) at the lowest and for those big air and mega loop enthusiasts, it can get up to +40 kts (20 m/s). The lagoon is tidal so at times it can be dry if this is the case it is possible to walk out with booties, but never has there been a day when it is not possible to kite due to the water level. Simply contact us beforehand and we will give you our on-site analysis
SON HAI - October - March
It will be interesting to see a regular crowd developing at this new location as in the past it has only ever been used when it becomes overcrowded or has the very strong and gusty wind at the more popular My Hoa lagoon. The wind tends to be a bit more onshore here but the tides are slightly more favourable and there is a lesser walk out the reef where you can pick up the main ocean. Downwind of the current kite spot, there is a wide enough channel between the two reefs that have deep water allowing foiling if this was a requirement.
NINH CHU- All Year Round
During the main season at Ninh Chu, when the wind is coming from the North, it does tend to be a bit gusty as the winds are coming over a mountain range, however the winds are consistent and blow in a cross to cross onshore direction averaging 18 kts – 25 its (9 – 12 m/s). When the wind switches from the South around late March then it becomes cleaner but it is slightly less with average speeds of around 15 kts (7 m/s). It is a deep open water spot and is not affected by the tides. There is a wide sandy beach area the water is choppy with a slight shore break.