Panama, Punta chame, Kite Spot guide

Find out all the info you need to know about where to kite and when in the bay of Punta chame

The kitesurfing spot guide

This is a short guide written by Brendan to help you understand the kitesurfing spots and adventures you can have around Punta Chame. We have been exploring the bay and area since 2015 and have discovered many special spots most of which we are happy to share.

In this video can also see many of the spots you can visit and below is more information about each.

1. The main kite beach

The main kite beach is a huge area stretching from the guesthouse/fishing village right up to the end of the peninsula. It is where we teach our beginner lessons.
Pump up using our compressor and head straight out for a session, at low tide that water is flatter and as the tide comes in we can get some small waves with flatter sections in between. Depending on the tides sometimes the high tide is only suitable for intermated / advanced kitesurfers due to less space on the beach for launching and landing.

The Sand Bars

Kitesurfing panama, punta chame, San Bar — 2. The main Sand Bar // 4km from the main beach

We visit the main sand bar stretching out from Isla Taborcillo big tides (Spring tides / New & full moon) over the season and at low tides. Arriving about 1.5 hours before low until 1.5 hours after low you have a huge flat water spot. With butter flat conditions world-class conditions.

The tidal range is even bigger during new moon than full moon so the sand bar is at it’s longest at new moon.
This Sand Bar can even create a thermal effect and make the wind stronger at this spot than on the main beach.
If your experienced and go with a friend it's possible to kitesurf over at your own risk and as soon as we have 4 or more people wanting to go in a boat we arrange this for $20 per person including rescue cover. This is the way we recommend kiting the sand bar. It’s then possible to ride back to the main beach downwind with the boat following at the end of your session.

3. The Neap Tide Sand Bar // 4km

This is another sand bar stretching out from Isla Taborcillo we visit when the tide is no low enough for the main sand bar to show during Neap tide. Its best to arrive 1.5 hours before low and have nice flat water until 1.5 after.
As soon as we have 4 people that would like to kite this sand bar we can arrange a boat to take guests for $20 per person.

The lagoons/inlets & river mouth

Every year the sand bars can shift so some years the quality and size are better and sometimes less.

These all work best during mid / mid-high tide. During low tide, the lagoon/inlets can empty completely.

4. The mini lagoon / inlet // 1km

If you ride past the fishing village you will get to the first small inlet. During mid to mid/high tide it can create a nice but very small flat water spot. If your lucky and get it when it’s empty or just a few kites it can be a nice spot to train some tricks.
There is also a kite station and bar in this area, so you can even stop in for a drink.

5. The big lagoon / inlet // 3km

Keep riding past the small lagoon and you will get to a much much bigger flat water area.

6. The river mouth // 7km

If you keep riding past the big lagoon you will then arrive at the river mouth and can kitesurf right into it. The whole area can be fairly flat but if you tuck in behind either of the two sand bars you can see in this post you can get some butter flat conditions.
From the river mouth, you can cruise back upwind to the main beach as it does not take too long. Or land on the small beach by the road and get a ride back. If pre-arranged we can arrange a downwinder with a pick-up from the river mouth. 4 people minimum.

The River Mouth Run

Cruise down and get picked up at the river mouth or kite back after. A pick-up from the river mouth costs $10 per person.

7. The Jurassic downwinder