Kitesurfing in Soma Bay: The Best Red Sea Spot for Wind, Lagoon & Lessons (2025 Guide)

Soma Bay is widely regarded as one of the best places for kitesurfing on the Red Sea. With year-round sunshine, warm water, a huge shallow lagoon and reliable wind, it attracts both beginners and experienced riders from all over the world. This guide explains everything you need to know about kitesurfing in Soma Bay and the wider Red Sea region: wind seasons, kite spots, lessons, rentals, safety tips, and how Soma Bay compares with other Egyptian kite destinations.

Whether you are planning your first kitesurfing holiday in Egypt or looking for a new Red Sea spot to progress your riding, Soma Bay offers an ideal mix of conditions, comfort and accessibility.

Why Soma Bay Is a Top Kitesurfing Destination on the Red Sea

• Consistent wind across much of the year
• Massive, shallow lagoon with flat water and sandy bottom
• Easy deep-water access for advanced riders and foilers
• Warm water in all seasons
• High visibility and sunny weather almost every day
• Professional kite schools with experienced instructors
• Top-rated Red Sea spot for consistent thermal wind

Compared with other kitesurfing locations on the Red Sea, Soma Bay benefits from a peninsula that sticks out into the sea, catching more wind and creating an unusually large and safe riding area.

Wind & Weather Conditions in Soma Bay

Soma Bay benefits from thermal desert winds, enhanced by local venturi effects along the Red Sea coast. This combination often produces stronger and more stable wind than the weather forecast suggests.

Best Wind Months in Soma Bay

• March – June: Strong, steady winds and excellent reliability; ideal for all levels.
• July – August: Warm air and water with reliable afternoon thermals; great for freeride and freestyle.
• September – November: Warm water, comfortable air temperatures and solid wind conditions.
• December – February: Mixed conditions with windy periods; still good for motivated riders.

While kitesurfing is possible in Soma Bay throughout the year, spring and autumn typically offer the best combination of wind strength, temperature and water conditions.

The Main Kite Spot: Soma Bay Lagoon

The primary kitesurfing area in Soma Bay is a large, shallow lagoon with a sandy bottom. It is one of the most forgiving and beginner-friendly environments on the Red Sea.

What to Expect in the Lagoon

• Flat, shallow water over a wide area, perfect for beginners and freestyle.
• Sand underfoot rather than sharp reef, making crashes more comfortable.
• Large standing areas where learners can stand up to reset and relaunch.
• Separate deep-water zones for advanced riders, foiling and big airs.
• Warm water most of the year; shorty or thin wetsuit only needed in winter.

Honest Note: Localised Gusty Wind Near the Shore

Although Soma Bay is known for very steady winds, it’s worth noting that in recent years some new buildings near the lagoon have created localized areas of wind shadow and occasional gustiness, especially closer to shore. This mostly affects beginners practicing right at the launch zone, while intermediate and advanced riders typically experience clean, consistent wind once they ride a little further out. The schools are aware of this and adjust launch techniques and lesson areas to ensure safety and comfort.

Despite this localised effect, Soma Bay still maintains some of the most dependable riding conditions on the entire Red Sea coast.

7Bft KiteHouse: Soma Bay’s Main Kitesurfing Center

The 7Bft KiteHouse is the best-known kitesurfing center in Soma Bay and one of the most established in Egypt. It offers a full-service setup directly on the lagoon.

What 7Bft KiteHouse Offers

• Beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons with experienced instructors
• Equipment rentals (kites, boards, harnesses, foils)
• Beach support for launching and landing
• Rescue boat service for safety and peace of mind
• Storage for guests bringing their own gear
• On-site chill-out areas, shaded seating and food & drink options

Who It’s Best For

• Beginners: Large shallow areas and structured lessons make learning safe and efficient.
• Intermediates: Perfect for practicing riding upwind, transitions and first jumps.
• Advanced riders: Flatwater sections and strong wind days are ideal for freestyle or big air.
• Foilers: Clean wind further offshore and deep water provide excellent foiling conditions.

Lessons & Courses in Soma Bay

If you are new to kitesurfing or want to improve quickly, booking lessons at a Soma Bay kite school is highly recommended.

Typical Beginner Progression

• 3–6 hours: Kite control on land, body dragging and first water starts.
• 6–9 hours: Riding short distances, improved board control, basic safety and self-rescue.
• 9–12 hours: Consistent riding in both directions, simple transitions and greater independence.

Most complete beginners need around 2–3 days of lessons to start riding independently, depending on wind conditions and individual learning pace.

Equipment Rental & Bringing Your Own Gear

In Soma Bay you can either rent equipment from the local centers or bring your own gear and store it at the kite station.

Renting Equipment

• A range of kite sizes to match different wind strengths.
• Boards for freeride, freestyle and sometimes foil and directional boards.
• Harnesses and safety gear such as impact vests and helmets.
• Rescue services usually included when renting through a center.

Bringing Your Own Gear

• Storage available at most kite centers for a daily or weekly fee.
• Lighter kite sizes recommended for strong spring winds (e.g. 7–10 m²).
• Medium sizes (10–12 m²) useful for most average days.
• A shorty or thin wetsuit may be useful in winter months.

How Soma Bay Compares to Other Red Sea Kitesurfing Spots

The Red Sea has several popular kitesurfing locations, including El Gouna, Hurghada, Safaga, Hamata and Marsa Alam. Each offers its own combination of wind, water depth and atmosphere, but Soma Bay stands out in several ways.

• El Gouna: Very social and lively, but with smaller and often choppier lagoons. Soma Bay typically offers stronger, cleaner wind and a larger shallow area.
• Hurghada: Good for mixed holidays but city-adjacent; wind and water conditions are generally less consistent than Soma Bay’s dedicated kite lagoon.
• Hamata / Far South: Beautiful and wild, but more remote, with fewer amenities and longer transfers. Soma Bay offers a better balance of comfort and convenience.
• Marsa Alam: Scenic and windy in many areas, but often reefy and less beginner-friendly than Soma Bay’s sandy-bottom lagoon.

Overall, Soma Bay is often rated as one of the best kitesurfing spots on the Red Sea because it combines strong wind, flat water, easy access and modern infrastructure.

Why the Red Sea Is Ideal for Kitesurfing

The Red Sea is famous among kitesurfers for its reliable winds, warm climate and clear water. The long coastline and desert environment help generate strong thermal breezes, which are then funneled along various bays and peninsulas.

• Thermal desert winds create frequent riding days.
• Warm water makes long sessions comfortable.
• Dry air and clear skies provide excellent visibility and sunshine.
• Variety of spots range from flat lagoons to open sea and wave-like conditions.

Within this broader Red Sea region, Soma Bay is particularly attractive because of its peninsula position, large lagoon and resort-style infrastructure.

Safety & Practical Tips for Kitesurfing in Soma Bay

• Use designated launch areas: Follow instructions from the local kite centers to avoid hazards and respect safety zones.
• Understand right-of-way rules: Especially important in busy periods to avoid collisions.
• Check the wind forecast: Local thermal effects often add extra knots; ask the school for real-time advice.
• Wear sun protection: A rash guard, hat and reef-safe sunscreen are highly recommended.
• Stay hydrated: The combination of wind, sun and salt water can dehydrate you quickly.
• Use fins and safety gear: Impact vests and helmets are a smart choice, especially for beginners.

Who Kitesurfing in Soma Bay Is Best For

• Complete beginners wanting a safe and forgiving environment.
• Intermediates aiming to ride upwind, improve transitions and learn simple tricks.
• Advanced riders seeking flatwater freestyle and strong winds for big air.
• Foilers who want clean wind and space offshore.
• Couples and families combining kitesurfing with a relaxed Red Sea holiday.

Because of its warm lagoon, structured schools and easy access, Soma Bay is one of the most beginner-friendly kitesurfing destinations on the Red Sea, while still keeping advanced riders entertained.

Where to Stay in Soma Bay for Kitesurfing

To make the most of your kitesurfing holiday in Soma Bay, it helps to stay in areas with easy access to the lagoon, Marina and shuttle routes.

• Mesca: Modern apartments close to the beach and a short ride from the kite spots.
• Bay Central: Balanced location between the Marina and the beaches, ideal for families.
• Marina: Perfect if you want to combine kiting with restaurants, cafés and a social atmosphere.
• Wadi Jebal: Elevated villas with stunning views, best if you like space and quiet after a day on the water.

Seascape Stays offers carefully curated apartments and villas in these neighbourhoods, making it easy to combine kitesurfing, beach time and relaxed evenings.

Browse all Seascape Stays rentals in Soma Bay

Final Thoughts: Kitesurfing Soma Bay & the Red Sea

For anyone considering kitesurfing the Red Sea, Soma Bay is a standout choice. It combines reliable wind, a huge shallow lagoon, professional schools and comfortable accommodation in one compact, easy-to-navigate peninsula. While new buildings near the beach have introduced some localised gustiness close to shore, the overall riding experience—especially once you are out on the water—remains excellent.

If you are looking for a Red Sea kitesurfing destination where you can learn safely, progress quickly and still enjoy a relaxed holiday setting, Soma Bay should be at the top of your list.