Destinations: Thailand | Kiteflip Kite and Wing Foil Center

Today we hear from guest blogger Philip Simons, owner of Kiteflip in Thailand. If you're looking for a unique kite or wing getaway on an island in paradise, this might just be the ticket.

Introduction

Hi, my name is Philip Simons and I am the owner of Kiteflip on Koh Phangan island in Thailand. I changed the grey weather and countryside of Belgium for the tropical sunny island vibes of Koh Phangan 12 years ago. I fell instantly in love with the place, the people and of course the lifestyle. I arrived on this magical island as a kite instructor and after 1 year opened my own school. Now, 11 years later, kitesurfing and wing foiling has grown immensely, and so has the school. We have become one big family here at Kiteflip with instructors, students and members from all over the world. My goal was to build up a community of like-minded watersport fanatics to share my passion with. We started with just a few people and a small place on the beach. Right now we have 3 locations on the island and over 1000 five-star reviews online from happy customers. My job is my passion and hobby at the same time, so I could not be more grateful. I hope I can inspire more people to follow their passion and get into kitesurfing and wing foiling!

Why Do I Love Thailand?

I love Thailand for so many reasons. One of the most captivating aspects is the great weather. With its tropical climate, Thailand offers endless sunny days and pleasant temperatures year-round. Whether it's the dry season with its clear skies or the refreshing monsoon rains, the weather here is always inviting.

Another reason I adore Thailand is the friendliness of its locals. Thai people are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted with smiles and kindness. The genuine friendliness of the Thai people creates a sense of community and belonging. It's easy to make friends and feel at home, no matter where you are. It does help to learn some Thai. Not everybody speaks good English, but people will make an effort to communicate with you.

The affordability of living in Thailand is also a major draw. The cost of living is significantly lower compared to many Western countries, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. From affordable housing to delicious street food, everything is reasonably priced. This makes it possible to enjoy all that Thailand has to offer without straining your finances, providing an excellent quality of life for both locals and expats.

One very important reason is definitely the food! Thai food is just soooo good with a lot of strong flavors. It's very diverse and pretty healthy. Even if you don't fancy spicy food, there are so many options to choose from. Besides Italian, it's probably my favorite type of food.

Lastly, Thailand is an incredibly safe country. Whether you are traveling alone or with family, the low crime rates and the general sense of security are reassuring. You will, for example, see many women from all over the world travel alone in Thailand. One of the reasons is, of course, the Buddhist culture where being peaceful is imprinted in the people from a young age.

All these factors combined make Thailand a truly special place that I am proud to call home.

What is Winging Like in Thailand?

Wing foiling is becoming more popular in Thailand, especially in coastal areas like Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Koh Phangan. These spots have steady winds and calm waters, perfect for wing foiling. It is important to know when and where to find the right wind and conditions because, outside the seasons, it's not always windy. More people, both locals and visitors, are getting into the sport, making it more popular. There are many schools, rental shops, and instructors available to help beginners and experienced foilers alike. Many tourists and expats who love water sports bring their enthusiasm and skills to Thailand, boosting interest in wing foiling. Thailand also hosts events and competitions that attract wing foilers from around the world, promoting the sport. Additionally, the stunning beaches and clear waters make wing foiling in Thailand a visually amazing experience. All these factors combine to make wing foiling a growing and exciting sport in Thailand.

My Favorite Spots

Koh Phangan

My favorite spot is, of course, my home spot, located on the south side of the island of Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand. It's not the windiest spot in Thailand, but it's definitely in the top 3.

The island has two main wing foiling seasons. From January to April/May, the southeast winds provide stable conditions at 10-20 knots. February and March are the best months, with 75 percent windy days on average. During July to October, the southwest winds bring occasional rainstorms and stronger gusts, ideal for advanced wing foilers who enjoy jumping and wave riding. Just don't expect a big swell here. From mid-October to mid-December, the island sees its rainiest months with little wind. In December, north winds shift wingfoilers to Chaloklum on the island's north side, making it a popular spot for enthusiasts and schools.

It's not easy to explain, but this place has a special vibe that you won't find anywhere else in Thailand. It's a mix of a huge underground rave party scene on one side of the island and a whole spiritual community on the other side. The main thing that makes this place special is its people. You will find the most crazy types here. An island of misfits, I would say. With over a million tourists per year and thousands of expats living here, there is a big community vibe. There are also so many things to do that, when there is a day without wind, you will not get bored!

Pak Nam Pran

Pak Nam Pran, located in the Pran Buri district, is just a half-hour drive from Hua Hin. This charming area is primarily home to small fishing communities and a few luxury resorts. It features one of Thailand's largest and most stunning national parks, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, and boasts a 10 km long sandy beach that remains blissfully free of tourist crowds.

The first season, running from November to January, is marked by strong northeast winds. During this period, you can expect some waves when the wind is at its peak, with the strongest winds typically occurring in the mornings and tapering off by mid-afternoon.

The second season, from February to June, brings winds from the south. These winds are generally less intense but more consistent and stable. Thanks to a thermal effect, the winds improve in the afternoon, starting around 12-1 pm.

Pak Nam Pran is home to two professional wing foil schools and is renowned for its long downwinders and several international competitions. It also boasts a vibrant wingfoil community.

Hua Hin

Hua Hin, located 200 km south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand, is a favorite spot for Thailand's wealthy, but is not overrun by tourists. It has a beautiful 6 km sandy beach where five schools offer wing foil lessons and rentals. It is also the spot with the most consistent wind, making it one of Thailand's top places for wing foiling. Despite being popular, there's plenty of space for a fun ride. The water is choppy with waves that are good for riding but not ideal for prone foiling.

The best time for wing foiling in Hua Hin is from November to March when northeast winds blow most of the time, ranging from 8 to 20 knots. April is hot and brings some of Thailand's best thermal winds. From May to mid-October, Hua Hin gets the southwest monsoon with lots of rain and strong winds, sometimes up to 30 knots.

Sometimes, Hua Hin hosts wing foiling events and competitions that attract local and international riders. It's a great chance to meet others who love foiling and see some impressive skills.

For more detailed info about all the wing foil spots in Thailand, please check out my Complete Guide to Wing Foiling in Thailand.

The Ideal Wing Vacation Itinerary

If I would come for the first time to Thailand and plan to wing foil, I would plan the following itinerary. Start with a few days in Bangkok as you'll want to experience a bit of this crazy city before heading to the coastal areas. Then I would start in Hua Hin since it's only a 2-3 hour drive south from Bangkok. After a few days, drive another hour more south to Pak Nam Pran and check out the different spots over there. Then take a bus and, with a 7-8 hour drive and a 2.5 hour ferry ride, you will be on Koh Phangan. Spend at least a week here to get some wing foil sessions in, but also to explore the parties, workshops, activities and connect with the community here.

To return, take a 30min ferry to the neighbouring island of Koh Samui and take a 1 hr flight back to Bangkok. This way, you've made a nice circle and didn't lose too much time being on the road while visiting the 3 best spots. For more info, you can always contact Kite Flip HERE.

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