Is kiteboarding/windsurfing safe?

Your safety is our primary concern and we provide a constant safety watch and rescue service for our kiting and windsurfing customers. Furthermore the location is fundamentally safe for the following reasons: There are no strong tides or currents. There are no submerged hazards. The shape of the bay and wind direction enable easy self rescue. The majority of the beach is wide, sandy and free of obstacles. The beach is far from roads and traffic. At certain times small stretches of beach may be subject to heavier shore break and small rocks near the shore. These can easily be avoided with a little local knowledge. The Vela team will coach you on the spot before you head out for the first time.

We recommend pre-booking to secure priority of equipment versus “walk-up” clients.

What are the conditions like in Los Barriles?

Conditions at Vela Baja are perfect for all types of kiting and windsurfing. For launching and landing there is a wide, sandy and uncrowded beach that stretches for several miles in both directions. For kiteboarding, the wind usually fills in around mid-morning and blows until late afternoon. Winds vary from a steady breeze to very strong with a typical windy day ranging 18 to 23 knots. The side-shore winds from the left ensure there is ample space for all kiters. When a strong “El Norte” blows, sizeable swell can build giving great conditions for kitesurf style riders. Conditions at Vela Baja are perfect for windsurfing too. Typically the wind is side-shore, port tack (from left to right). Early morning breezes are often light favouring beginners and improvers. Then later on due to a local thermal effect the “El Norte” wind increases resulting in stronger winds with a typical day ranging 18 to 23 knots. Seas build to a decent size rolling swell giving the spot its famous “bump and jump” conditions. Even on days when shore-break increases, there are safe entry and exit points just a few metres upwind and downwind of Vela Baja.

Is equipment or personal insurance included?

Personal insurance is not provided. All activities are undertaken entirely at the customer’s own risk. No local insurance is available for kite equipment rentals. All riders do so at own and 3rd party risk. Any equipment damage or loss will be charged for.

What are the opening hours of the business?

The Center is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm seven days per week from 15th Nov to 20th March.

What other amenities are at the center?

All customers may use the free wifi, outside shower, hotel pool, hotel bar. There is on-site Cafe Grill Bar with excellent menu and expresso style coffee. There is an on-site shop which stocks clothing and gloves and other accessories A weekly beach bonfire is held to which all customers are welcome.

Activities Payment may be made locally in Cash in $USD or Mexican peso calculated at current exchange rate. We offer a 5% discount for cash payment. Payment may be made via Credit Card for minimum transaction amount of $50 USD. Credit Card payments incur a 5% Card handling surcharge.

Do I need to bring harness or wetsuit?

For renters there is an additional charge for wetsuits, harnesses and “on water” helmets. Typically a shorty or short arm wetsuit of around 3mm is sufficient. We have limited amount of booties and gloves for purchase in our shop. If it is your preference to wear either of these we strongly suggest you bring your own.

Does somebody provide assistance in fetching and carrying equipment?

Customers are expected to manage the materials they rent by themselves. We will endeavour to provide assistance if required.

What else should I bring?

Good sunscreen (hard to find locally) Eye glass retainers

What's Los Barriles like?

Los Barriles is a great little town with a mix of friendly locals and permanent ex-pat residents. The town retains its charm but has developed sufficiently to offer a good range of services. For example there are Health Centres including emergency services Dentist Pharmacies Banks Supermarkets Wide range of restaurants and bars Car rental services Quad/ATV rental services Gym Yoga Studios Saturday Market Los Barriles is typically very safe and free from both petty and organised crime. The town is small enough to explore on foot. Free wifi is widely available.

What is required to rent kiteboarding equipment?

PRE-RENTAL ASSESMENT 30 MINS $25 SAFETY FIRST A mandatory requirement for ALL kiteboarding equipment renters unable to demonstrate kiteboarding proficiency via a certificate issued by an internationally recognised kiteboarding association. Our qualified kiteboard instructors will assess basic knowledge and determine if the customer is suitably knowledgeable for SAFE INDEPENDENT kiting. Proficient kiters unfamiliar with our Cabrinha equipment may also elect to take this course in which our instructors will run through basic safety systems and location specific factors.

Los Barriles Baja Kiteboard & Windsurf Rental from $35

Los Barriles Kiteboard & Windsurf Rental

Shop Information

Looking for an exciting, action-packed and hassle free Baja Sur vacation where you can practice and improve your favorite adventure sport in the glorious Baja sunshine and scenery? That’s where we come in. Vela Baja offers kiteboarding and windsurfing rentals in the charming village of Los Barriles on the East Cape of the Sea of Cortez. With long, wide, uncrowded sandy beaches, clear blue waters and glorious sunshine, we have the perfect conditions for kiting and windsurfing.

From 15th November to 20th March each year our team of dedicated, experienced and friendly personnel are here with one goal in mind – to ensure your vacation not just lives up to but exceeds your expectations. Your safety is our primary concern and we provide a constant safety watch and rescue service for our kiting customers.

Los Barriles is situated right on the Tropic of Cancer where the foothills of the ‘Sierra De La Laguna’ mountains reach the Sea of Cortez. This spectacularly scenic, sparsely populated region of “sub-tropical thorn forest” boasts unpolluted air and a plethora of natural plant, bird and animal life that thrives in the warm, sunny, arid climate.

Rental Information

Kiteboarding Rentals

Los Barriles is a kiteboarding paradise with long, wide, uncrowded sandy beaches, clear blue waters and glorious sunshine. We offer a wide range of Cabrinha kiteboarding equipment for rental. No matter the wind conditions, your level or preferred riding style there is equipment to suit your needs. You’ll find an extensive range of twin-tip and kite surf boards as well as the latest hydrofoils. The majority of kites are current year models with sizes from 5m to 14m. Rentals start from as little as half a day with prices discounted for longer periods.

Your safety is our primary concern so we ask all renters to take a brief pre-rental assessment course. Alternatively you may present your valid IKO level 3 card as evidence of kiting competency.

Los Barriles Kiteboard Rental	Half Day	Full Day	Weekly
Complete Set (kite + twin-tip board)	$65	$80	$350
For Kite Surf Board (instead of twin-tip)	Plus $15	Plus $15
Twin – Tip Board Only		$30
Surf Board Only		$45
Foil Board Only		$75

Windsurf Rentals

We offer an extensive range of boards and sails for rental from major windsurf brands like JP, Goya, Starboard and Neil Pryde. No matter the wind conditions, your level or preferred windsurfing style there is equipment to suit your needs. Boards include wave and freestyle editions as well as larger freeride and freerace types. There are also several windfoils now available in the fleet. Standard sails range from 3.7m² to 7.7m² and come fully rigged ready to plug and play. For younger or lighter riders we also have purpose designed “Dragon Fly” rigs.