Dakhla lagoon is one of the best places in the world to learn kitesurf. The wind is reliable almost every day, and the flat water makes progression smooth and safe. Several areas inside the lagoon are especially suitable for beginners, although conditions change significantly with the tide and the wind angle.
Understanding the seasonal conditions helps a lot when choosing where to ride; our Dakhla weather, wind and wetsuits guide explains how different seasons affect water depth, chop and overall comfort.
This guide breaks down the most beginner-friendly zones inside the lagoon, based on real local conditions and how each area behaves with tides, wind direction and daily traffic.
Main Lagoon#
The main lagoon is the most classic beginner area in Dakhla. The water is shallow across a wide surface, and you can walk comfortably during most of the tide cycle. The bottom is smooth and sandy, which helps build confidence during body drags, water starts and your first meters riding.
Wind is typically side shore or side on shore, which naturally keeps beginners in a safer angle without drifting into deep water. Schools use this zone because it provides consistent conditions and enough space for many riders to practise.
The stability of this zone makes it a core reference for new visitors. If you're curious about how lagoon safety compares across the region, the Dakhla safety guide outlines how structured and calm the area feels for travellers.
Speed Spot During High Tide Only#
Speed Spot is famous for advanced riders thanks to its ultra-flat water, but it also offers gentle conditions during high tide. As the water rises, shallow banks become fully covered, giving beginners half-meter depth where standing, relaunching and practising basic control becomes easy.
This area has offshore wind. During high tide the shallow edge provides safety, but at low tide it becomes deep immediately. A beginner who cannot ride upwind would drift into open water without any place to stop, which is why upwind ability is essential here. The region’s safety context is explained further in our local safety guide for Dakhla.
With the right tide and supervision, Speed Spot becomes incredibly smooth and progression is fast.
White Dune Side#
The White Dune area delivers a peaceful learning environment with long flat sections and scenic surroundings. The water remains shallow near the edges, making it a comfortable place to practise water starts, edging and early transitions.
Wind here is clean and steady. Depending on the tide, you may need to walk slightly farther to reach enough depth, but once you find rideable water, the space is wide and uncrowded. It is a great alternative for beginners seeking quieter conditions away from the busiest teaching zones.
Oyster Farm Side#
Oyster Farm works particularly well during high tide. The incoming water creates a shallow playground with flat water and smooth sandy bottom, ideal for early progression. You can walk long distances, and the zone has few obstacles, which gives beginners time and space to focus.
During low tide, the water recedes far from the beach and exposes multiple sand formations, creating separate pools that are not practical for kitesurfing. This spot is best experienced when the tide is rising or fully high.
Secret Spot at High Tide#
Secret Spot transforms into a fun beginner zone during high tide. The water becomes deep enough to walk and practise safely, and the ground features patches of green grass that create a smooth, unique sensation under your board.
This area remains quiet, away from heavy traffic, and is suitable for first rides, early transitions and introduction to upwind practice. As with other secondary spots, high tide is essential since low tide makes it too shallow or too distant to use.
Choosing the Right Spot Based on Tides#
The lagoon changes dramatically with the tide. High tide generally offers beginners more standing depth, easier relaunching and more usable space. Many secondary spots only become beginner-friendly when the water rises enough to cover their sandbanks.
To plan your sessions more accurately, you can check the real time tide chart for Dakhla on Tide Forecast, which shows exactly when each spot becomes usable for beginners.
Low tide remains suitable in the main lagoon, but areas like Speed Spot, Oyster Farm and Secret Spot require high tide to be safe and functional. Understanding how tides influence each part of the lagoon helps avoid difficult sessions.
If you are visiting for the first time, choosing the right combination of tide and wind can make your progression much smoother.
Final Recommendation#
Dakhla offers several beginner-friendly areas, each with its own personality. The main lagoon is the safest all-round option with stable depth and predictable wind angles. Speed Spot, Oyster Farm and Secret Spot become excellent during high tide, while White Dune offers quiet flat-water riding in a beautiful setting.
For structured progression or help choosing the right spot, you can book your kitesurf lessons in Dakhla. If you need equipment suited to lagoon conditions, you can rent your kitesurf gear directly on the lagoon.
By aligning your sessions with tide and wind, and choosing the right zone for your level, you will progress faster and enjoy safer, more confident time on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is the main lagoon the safest place for beginners?
Yes. The main lagoon offers the most consistent depth and wind angle, which makes it the safest all-round area for new riders.
Can beginners ride at Speed Spot?
Only during high tide. At low tide the water becomes deep immediately, and the offshore wind requires upwind ability. Use this area with supervision.
Which spot has the flattest water for learning?
Speed Spot at high tide delivers the flattest water, but the main lagoon offers the best balance between flat conditions and safety.
Is White Dune good for complete beginners?
Yes, especially for early water starts and first rides. It is quiet and scenic, although sometimes you need to walk a bit depending on the tide.
When is Oyster Farm suitable for kitesurfing?
Only at high tide. When the water rises, it becomes a large shallow area ideal for learning. At low tide it becomes impractical due to distant water and sand formations.
Is Secret Spot safe for beginners?
Yes, during high tide. The water becomes shallow enough to stand and gives beginners a calm area to practise transitions and early upwind work.
Does tide matter for beginners in Dakhla?
Very much. High tide improves standing depth, relaunching and safety across multiple spots. Low tide limits several areas to intermediate riders only.
Do I need lessons to ride in these beginner spots?
Lessons are strongly recommended for faster progress and safety. Certified instructors help you choose the right zone and avoid offshore or deep-water risks.
Local coaching team based in Dakhla, 10+ years of lessons on all Dakhla's spots; daily spot checks and wind logs.
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