Africa Kiteboard Spot in Namibia

Donkey Bay

Donkey bay aka Skeleton bay in Namibia is a wave spot for advanced kitesurfers only, with cross offshore wind and pumping swell in the middle of the Namibian desert. You’ll need a 4x4, and a local guide is helpful to find your way to Donkey bay without getting stuck in any sand dunes. Once you arrive on the beach you’ll find a surfing and wave kitesurfing paradise, with peeling left handers and strong wind, and most likely not many other people in sight. As it’s a remote spot you’ll definitely want to be comfortable with self rescue, as you are on your own if something goes wrong while kitesurfing. The waves generally are medium sized and are fast and powerful, so you’ll want to be confident riding in waves before you venture out kitesurfing at Donkey bay. It can also get really big on occasion, so on those days really be careful.

Donkey Bay Kitesurf season

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
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Donkey Bay Kitesurfing wind conditions

The wind here blows nearly year round, but the strongest wind tends to be around September and October, when the speed kitesurfers and windsurfers descend on the nearby Walvis bay speed strip. It can get up to 45 knots here at times, so definitely a kite spot where you’ll want to have a small kite in the bag, but watch the forecast and check with the locals if you aren’t sure about conditions. The water here is generally a bit colder than in the lagoon at Walvis bay, so a decent wetsuit is definitely needed to keep toasty warm. The waves can get pretty large here with the right swell and wind, and they barrel in multiple places so definitely not a beginner friendly place to kitesurf, but advanced wave riders will love the challenge. As the wind here is difficult to forecast it’s well worth contacting the local kite schools and checking with them for their recommendations depending on the conditions.

Be aware of surfers here and give them right of way when riding waves, don’t be a dick and cut them up, as us kitesurfers can always get out and catch another wave quickly.

  • body wear

    • long neo
    • short neo

  • downwinder

    • Yes

  • ride type

    • wave

  • skill level

    • advanced
    • professional

  • spot type

    • ocean

  • starting area

    • sandy beach

  • water condition

    • choppy
    • medium wave

  • wind daytime

    • in the afternoon
    • midday

  • wind type

    • constant
Donkey Bay

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Historical Wind Stats for Donkey Bay Kiteboarding

How is the wind

Forecast for Donkey Bay the next days

Infrastructure

Around the Kiteboarding Spot Donkey Bay

There’s really not a lot around here in terms of tourism infrastructure. It’s a stunningly beautiful part of the world but is a desolate and brutal kind of beauty, so if you’re looking for a pure kitesurfing and surfing mission and don’t care about luxurious 5* hotels this could be perfect for you. If you want to take a break from the waves then there are multiple 4x4 tours available through the dunes, and to visit the flamingo and seal colonies which live nearby. Other than that: kite, eat, sleep, repeat.

  • camper parking

    • Not allowed, but possible

  • car parking

    • Nearby

  • emergency

    • A medical center
    • Kite repair

  • has restaurant

    • No

  • has toilet

    • No

  • has shower

    • No

Logistics

How to get to Donkey Bay

Walvis bay international airport (WVB) is about 15km from the town of Walvis bay itself, and then a bit further to Donkey bay. You can rent a 4x4 yourself if you want, or just get a taxi to your accommodation and organize transport to Donkey bay with the local kite schools or a local guide/driver. There’s no way to get to the spot without a 4x4, so don’t imagine you can rely on public transport here!

  • accommodation

    • far away

  • public transport

    • Not existing

  • rental cars

    • Not recommended

Notice

You will need a 4x4 wheel drive to enter the spot. Otherwise you will need to go upwind around the lagoon. Here you will find a clean left hand wave spot more then less for yourself. make sure to take a buddy with you, the wind can blast pretty strong.

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Questions

Read our answers

What are the unique characteristics of Donkey Bay for kitesurfing?
Donkey Bay, also known as Skeleton Bay, stands out as a wave spot nestled in the heart of the Namibian desert, primarily catering to advanced kitesurfers. The spot features cross offshore winds and a pumping swell, creating a surreal kitesurfing paradise. However, accessibility is a challenge; hence, a 4x4 vehicle and a local guide are highly recommended to navigate through the sand dunes safely. Upon arrival, surfers are greeted with peeling left-handers, strong winds, and an expansive area almost to themselves, making Donkey Bay a unique and unforgettable kitesurfing destination.
What is the best season for kitesurfing at Donkey Bay?
Kitesurfing at Donkey Bay is a thrilling experience almost all year round. However, the wind conditions are exceptionally strong around September and October, attracting speed kitesurfers and windsurfers from various regions. During this period, the wind can reach up to 45 knots, providing an exhilarating challenge for experienced riders.
Are there any safety measures in place at Donkey Bay for kitesurfing?
Given its remote location, Donkey Bay does not have dedicated water rescue services. Kitesurfers need to be well-versed in self-rescue techniques and should be confident riding in medium to large, fast, and powerful waves. It's crucial to be fully prepared and aware of the conditions, as help is not readily available on the spot.
What type of kitesurfing gear is recommended for Donkey Bay?
Considering the strong winds and cooler water temperatures at Donkey Bay, it's advisable to bring a small kite for the gusty conditions and a decent wetsuit to stay warm. The gear should be well-suited to handle the spot's challenging wave conditions and powerful swells.
Are there any guidelines for interacting with surfers at Donkey Bay?
Respect and courtesy are paramount at Donkey Bay, especially given the mix of surfers and kitesurfers. It’s essential to give right of way to surfers while riding the waves, ensuring a harmonious and safe environment for all. Kitesurfers have the advantage of quickly getting back out to catch another wave, so it’s important to be mindful and considerate.
What kind of water and wind conditions can I expect while kitesurfing at Donkey Bay?
The water at Donkey Bay is generally choppy with medium-sized waves that can become large and powerful, especially with the right swell and wind conditions. The wind is predominantly strong, blowing from the ocean, creating perfect conditions for advanced wave kitesurfing. Kitesurfers can expect challenging yet rewarding sessions at this unique spot.
What are the facilities available at Donkey Bay for kitesurfers?
Donkey Bay is a remote spot with limited facilities. There are no restaurants, toilets, or showers on site. Kitesurfers should come prepared with everything they might need for the day, including food, water, and emergency supplies.
How can I ensure my safety while kitesurfing at Donkey Bay?
Due to the remote nature of Donkey Bay, personal responsibility for safety is paramount. Kitesurfers should have a solid understanding of self-rescue techniques and be comfortable riding in challenging wave conditions. It’s advisable to kite with a buddy and keep a close eye on the weather conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
What other activities can I enjoy around Donkey Bay besides kitesurfing?
The region around Donkey Bay offers a stunning, albeit harsh, natural beauty. Visitors can explore the desert on 4x4 tours, visit nearby flamingo and seal colonies, and fully immerse themselves in the raw, untouched landscape of Namibia.
How do I get to Donkey Bay and what should I consider for transportation?
Donkey Bay is accessible from Walvis Bay International Airport, located about 15 km from the town of Walvis Bay. Visitors can rent a 4x4 vehicle or arrange for transportation through local kite schools or guides. It's crucial to note that a 4x4 is necessary to navigate the challenging terrain and reach the kitesurfing spot safely.