Summary
Just a half hour jaunt away from the well-known kitesurfing hub, Hua Hin, kiting in Pak Nam Pran is a different game. The 7 kilometer long sandy beach hardly ever reaches full capacity, meaning there's always plenty of space to lay down your lines and fly around (something that's especially nice for beginners, who might otherwise be a little stressed with too many kites in the air). There are two wind seasons here. The first runs from February to June, during which time the wind blows 10-20 knots side shore. This orientation shapes lovely little flat water lagoons across the beach, with a gentle chop as you ride further out- ideal for beginners and freestyle junkies! The second season runs from October until January, during which time the monsoon winds blow 15-28 knots of side-on from the northeast. This time of the year is better suited to those who fancy some stronger wind for big boosts. Thailand has a reputation as a very inconsistent wind spot, but on the beach in Pranburi you'll easily have 12+ knots on 60-70% of days during the season- which is plenty for visitors who'll be staying for more than just a couple of days. Thankfully, the weather is warm throughout the entire year, so most likely you won't need a wetsuit at any point (a long sleeve rashy or a 1/2mm wetsuit should be enough to compensate for the winter wind chill).
The Destination
The Experience
Whether your schedule is to pack in as many intense on-the-water sessions at Yoda Kite School as humanly possible, or you plan on taking things a little more "sabai sabai" as they say in Thailand (which basically means 'cool as a cucumber'), Pak Nam Pran has a full menu- and speaking of menu, don't leave town without getting your hands dirty at a seafood BBQ!
Coaching
Headed up by 6 times Asian Kitesurf Champion, 'Yo' Narapichit Pudla (i.e. Master Yoda), the team of instructors here have more than a decade of experience in the kitesurfing world. Beginner courses are taught by highly experienced members of the team, who know exactly how to make your first steps in the kiting world enjoyable, stress-free, and safe. But if body dragging and upwind riding is already old news for you, the reigning champ Master Yoda is available for advanced courses and competition coaching; he'll have you double handle passing and boosting big in no time!
Downwinders
Thanks to the long stretch of sheltered coastline that runs both north and south of the local kite beach, there's a handful of beautiful downwind routes to explore- each dependent on the wind direction. The most popular route takes you 25 kilometers along the coast to the mega kiteboarding hub, Hua Hin, where you'll be able to jump off the water and reward yourself with an ice cold bottle of Chang at the surf club and make friends with the local riders. Or if you fancy something a little more roots, you can ride down to the baby blue water and palm fringed beaches in Sam Roi Yot- Thailand's only marine National Park.
Other Sports & Activities
Pak Nam Pran (and the wider Pranburi area) is absolutely splitting at the seams with extreme sports and outdoor adventure potential. If the wind isn't right one day- or if you just fancy a day of doing something else- you can head to the peaks of the National Park for a hike and swim at the beaches below, or take to the mountains on a two-wheeled adventure and rip around on some of the downhill tracks. Now, if the idea of spending a single day without a board on your feet gives you the heebie jeebies (it's cool, we get it), you can get your fix at Pak Nam's very own 2.0 cable park complete with a couple of kickers.
Getting There
Despite its remote(ish) location, Pak Nam Pran is fairly easy to access from Thailand's main airport in Bangkok. Keep in mind, there are two international airports in Bangkok, Don Mueang (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi (BKK)- the latter of which offers a seriously comfy luxury bus service that goes straight from the airport to Hua Hin (and only costs about $8). From Hua Hin, the best way to get to the spot is to take a taxi. Alternatively, you can easily hire a mini van to get your crew and your board bags straight from the airport to your beachfront door in Pak Nam.
Accommodation
There are many awesome options to stay close to the spot. Ask us in case you need some advice.
Thailand
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Your Host: Agata
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