René Egli Center Sotavento

René Egli Center is one of the largest windsurf, kitesurf and wing-foil centres in the Canary Islands. Based on Sotavento beach in Costa Calma, in front of the Meliá (Paradisus) hotels, it has operated since 1984 and is open all year round. René Egli built the business after discovering the wind and the lagoon of Sotavento; the centre claims more than 25,000 customers a year and organised the Fuerteventura windsurf and kitesurf World Cup for over thirty consecutive editions.

Three centres on the beach: a Windsurf Center, a Kite Center and a wing-foil / e-foil area, with school, rental and a large store (Megastore).

• Windsurfing: lessons from a 2-hour trial to improver and advanced level (waterstart, planing), kids' lessons for ages 8 to 12, hourly rental. JP Australia, Starboard, Severne and Neilpryde gear, Fixboard system. Maximum six students per instructor.
• Kitesurfing: lessons from beginner to advanced (from kite control to riding and upwind), supervised Advanced Pool sessions and private lessons (foil, strapless, jumps), free shuttle to the deeper parts of the lagoon. From 15 years old and 50 kg.
• Wing-foil: rental and lessons for all levels.
• E-foil: lessons on the Aerofoils Audi e-tron Foil.

Qualified multilingual instructors, English guaranteed. International licences and level checks. On site: rescue service with supervised zones, beach bar, free wifi, fresh-water showers, changing rooms and lockers, sunbeds. The centre holds an exclusive lagoon licence for all classes; the store sells equipment and accessories, with a 5% discount for centre customers.

Direct lines: Kite Desk +34 669 88 59 83, Windsurf Desk +34 649 81 61 93.

Open all year round (prices are valid all year). Book online or by phone; lessons depend on wind conditions and individual progress.