Riding the Waves of Western Liguria: Surfing, Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and SUP

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Articolo del September 27, 2026. Pubblicato in Sea and beaches

In the far west of Liguria, along the coast of the Riviera dei Fiori, the relationship with the sea does not end when the summer season is over. Thanks to a particularly mild climate and often favourable wind and sea conditions, the coastline becomes a true playground for enthusiasts of sports such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and SUP, disciplines that can be practised here for much of the year.

Windsurfing: When the Wind Takes Centre Stage

Among the most established water sports in Western Liguria is windsurfing. The coast of Bordighera is one of the area's reference points: its particular exposure and the presence of sea breezes and winds coming from different directions make it possible to find suitable conditions for different levels of experience. Bordighera is also home to the No Stress Team Windsurf Center, active since 1997 and dedicated to teaching and practising water sports, including windsurfing. The centre offers courses for beginners and advanced riders, as well as equipment rental. In summer, sea breezes can provide particularly pleasant conditions, while during storms and with Libeccio winds, the character of the sea changes completely, creating conditions that can be challenging and more suitable for experienced riders. Ultimately, this is the appeal of windsurfing: it is not simply about sailing across the water, but about finding the right balance between board, sail and wind.

Kitesurfing: Speed, Wind and Freedom

Kitesurfing adds an even more spectacular element. Instead of a sail attached to the board, the rider controls a kite connected by lines, using the wind to glide across the water, jump and perform manoeuvres. In the far west of Liguria, there are several stretches of coastline where this discipline is practised, with Ventimiglia, Bordighera and Sanremo among the destinations historically associated with wind sports. The area around Ventimiglia is particularly interesting, as the local authorities have designated specific public coastal areas for water sports, including surfing, SUP and windsurfing. Kitesurfing, however, requires specific preparation and careful attention to safety. Wind conditions, available space, the presence of swimmers, obstacles on the beach and sea conditions must all be assessed before every session. It is not enough simply for "the wind to be blowing": you need to know your own level and choose conditions that match your experience.

Surfing: Waiting for the Right Wave

Wave surfing follows a completely different logic. Here, the main factor is not so much the local wind as the swell, which transfers energy to the waves and creates surfable conditions. One of the defining characteristics of surfing is precisely its unpredictability: you cannot completely plan a session. You have to wait for the swell, observe how the sea develops and recognise the moment when conditions become favourable. In Western Liguria, the most interesting conditions generally occur during autumn and winter swells. Tre Ponti Beach in Sanremo and Calandre Beach in Ventimiglia are among the best-known surf spots in Western Liguria, with conditions that can vary considerably depending on the direction of the swell. Surfing is also possible in Bordighera. Libeccio swells can create significantly more challenging conditions, with shore breaks and pebble seabeds requiring experience when entering and exiting the water. At the No Stress Team recreational sports centre, it is also possible to rent equipment and take private or group lessons.

SUP: A More Relaxed Way to Discover the Sea

While surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing require particular weather conditions, SUP is an activity that allows you to enjoy the sea even when there are not enough waves or wind for the other disciplines. This water sport offers a different perspective on the coastline: all you need is a board and a paddle. SUP is also accessible to people with no previous experience in board sports and can be practised not only as a workout, but also as a recreational activity or excursion. In Western Liguria, it can therefore become a wonderful way to discover and explore coves and coastal views that are difficult to appreciate from land. Especially during windier periods, the best time is often in the morning, when the sea tends to be calmer.

Four Sports, Four Ways to Experience the Sea

The real appeal of these water sports in Western Liguria is that surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and SUP are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Each has its own characteristics and requires specific conditions. As the conditions change, so does the sport that takes centre stage. A day with a strong Libeccio can transform the coastline into an ideal setting for surfers and windsurfers. A period of steady wind may attract kitesurfers, while a calm, windless morning can be perfect for a SUP excursion. Surfing follows the waves and performs at its best during swells; windsurfing looks for the wind and turns it into speed and movement; kitesurfing harnesses the power of the kite and requires greater attention to conditions and available space; while SUP can also be enjoyed on calmer days, allowing you to explore the coastline at a slower pace. Different disciplines, therefore, but all sharing the same environment: the sea.

A Destination for Enjoying the Sea All Year Round

The classic image of the Riviera dei Fiori is one of summer beaches, sunshine and seaside promenades. But looking at the sea through the eyes of a surfer reveals a completely different Liguria. From Sanremo to Bordighera and Ventimiglia, the coastline offers different conditions throughout the year, from wind and waves to calmer days at sea. Autumn brings the first major swells, while winter often provides the most interesting conditions for board sports. Spring alternates windy days with calmer periods, while in summer sea breezes make it possible to enjoy windsurfing, SUP and other water activities. This is a dynamic and active side of Liguria, where the sea is not simply a landscape to admire from the beach, but a space to experience, explore and interpret. All it takes is a board, a sail, a kite or a paddle to transform an ordinary day into a small adventure.