Family Kitesurf Holiday in Madagascar: What You Need to Know

This article is written by the founder of Madakitecamp, an IKO-certified kitesurf instructor based at Sakalava Bay, Diego Suarez, since 2012. We regularly welcome families, especially during the July and August school holidays. Here's what you need to know before traveling with children.

Is kitesurfing suitable for families with children?

Yes, from age 10 for kitesurfing, and from age 5 for windsurfing. Kitesurfing doesn't require any particular physical condition: it's above all a sport of technique and finesse (see our [guide on learning to kitesurf]). A 10-year-old can therefore learn very well, as long as they're coached with gear suited to their weight and size.

For younger children, the family doesn't have to wait: windsurfing opens the door to board sports well before kiting.

What can children under 10 do?

They can start windsurfing from age 5. We have gear perfectly suited to young children, with rigs starting at 1.5 m². This is the solution we offer to most families whose children are too young for kiting, and it lets them practice while their parents progress on their own.

For toddlers and very young children, we also offer a babysitting service while parents go kitesurfing. Parents can therefore ride with peace of mind, without the little ones having to wait on the beach among the wind and the kites.

What can the family do together for those who don't ride?

There's plenty to keep the whole family busy out of the water. A 20-minute walk from Sakalava, Angongo Bay is a beach naturally sheltered from the wind where you can swim in peace, without being bothered by wind or kites. It's the ideal spot for a relaxed day with young children.

All the region's must-do excursions are also organized from the hotel, so you can build a complete stay without handling the logistics yourself. Among them, the boat day to Suarez Islet in the Emerald Sea offers lounging, massages, and snorkeling for those who aren't riding. To discover everything the region has to offer beyond kiting, check out our guide to [things to do in Diego Suarez].

What accommodation is there for a family at Madakitecamp?

We have three family bungalows. The first has one large double bed and one single bed, practical for a couple with one child. The other two, side by side, each have one large double bed and two single beds on a mezzanine, sleeping four people per bungalow. Their proximity also suits very large families perfectly, who can take both bungalows next to each other.

Do kids and parents take lessons together?

No, we prefer separate lessons for parents and children. The difference in weight and size plays a decisive role in choosing equipment: a child and an adult don't use the same kite size or the same board. We therefore organize groups by level or by age, so everyone can progress with suitable equipment and at their own pace.

Is the spot safe for children?

Yes, it's one of the most reassuring spots in Madagascar for a parent. Lessons are given at low tide, over a sand and seagrass bottom with no rocks or stonefish, in waist-deep water. The wind is side-shore: it always carries riders back to the beach, with no risk of being pushed out to sea. Combined with a wide, open beach, this setup makes accidents very rare. Each student is also connected to their instructor by walkie-talkie, allowing live coaching from the very first runs.

What's the best time to come as a family?

Easter and All Saints' holidays are generally the gentlest for families, with more moderate wind (around 15 to 25 knots in April). July and August remain the busiest period for families at Sakalava, but they are also the months with the strongest wind. This isn't really a problem thanks to our gear adapted to these conditions, but a stay in April or around All Saints' will be more comfortable for children just starting out. For the month-by-month detail, check our [wind and season guide].

If you're aiming for July or August, book several months ahead: it's high season, and the family bungalows are limited in number.

Are there kids' menus?

Yes, the restaurant offers menus adapted to children under 12, at a lower price than adult menus.

Continue planning your trip

Once your family stay is taking shape, all that's left is organizing the trip itself. Our article [how to get to Diego Suarez] covers flight and transfer options to Sakalava Bay, and our [real budget for a kitesurf trip to Madagascar] helps you estimate the total cost for the whole family.

Book your family stay at Sakalava Bay

With windsurfing from age 5, babysitting, family bungalows, and excursions from the hotel, Sakalava Bay offers a complete stay for the whole family. Contact us to plan your trip, letting us know the children's ages and your dates.