Kenya's First Kite School
EST. 1999
Kitesurfing is our main water sport, and it's what Che Shale is best known for. Justin, who owns Che Shale and grew up on this stretch of coast, introduced kitesurfing to Kenya and East Africa in 1999. Ours was the first kite school in the region, and it's still the only one in the bay.
Our setup is one of a kind. With a vast, untouched beach and the only kite school around, you’ll often find fewer than 15 kiters on the water. From your banda, it’s just a few sandy steps to the sea - roll out of bed and onto your board and ride with reliable, consistent winds. Our bay is kiteable at any tide, offering the best of both worlds: flat water for learning and progression, and playful waves for those looking for more of a challenge.
There are two windy seasons on this coast; the Kuzi and Kaskazi.
Kuzi, June to the end of September. The wind blows from the south-east at 15 to 25 knots on average and holds all day. July to September is the windiest stretch, at 15 to 25 knots.
Kaskazi, mid-December to mid-April. The wind blows from the north-east, comes in after lunch, and averages 15 to 20 knots.
At Che Shale comfort and safety are paramount! Our staff are here to make your stay memorable and are happy to help in any way; pumping & packing your gear, launch and landing assistance as well as rescue service!
Spot Breakdown:
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Beginners/Intermediate/Advance Riders
Rescue Service
Shallow, Flat, Small waves, Big waves, Choppy
Lessons or Coaching
Kite Storage Available
8-10 hours 1-2-1 lessons (3-4 days)
$350 p.p.
From beginner to board stage.
Day 1: Basic Kite Control
Day 2: Body Dragging
Day 3: Board Stage
6 hours 1-2-1 lessons
(2-3 days)
$250 p.p
For students who might have completed a course a while ago and need a refresher. Master water starts, ride upwind and learn transitions.
1-2-1 lessons
$50 per hour
Recommended if you only have another day to spend at the beach after you completed your beginner course. Master water starts, ride upwind and learn transitions.
Experienced Riders
Traveling with your own gear? Store your equipment in the school free of charge, and get assistance from our staff with launching, landing and rescue if needed. Experienced riders rush to book their stay during our windiest months (15-25 knots) from July through end of September. In July and August join us for some fun wave riding. We can take our experienced wave riders to a great spot a few kilometres nearby.
Downwinders & Dhow Trips
Our vast bay is completely protected by the reef, making it perfect for epic downwinders that take you from one end of the bay to the other. We organise downwinders throughout the kiting season and you don't want to miss them.
For a real treat, book a full day on our traditional East African sailing dhow Sawa Sawa and kite across our bay (Dec - April).