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Rio Jara kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
Spain · Andalusia
Overview
Rio Jara river mouth, located between La Jaima and Los Lances Norte, about 4 km from Tarifa. The spot offers two distinct areas: the ocean side and the famous lagoon (Lagoon). Strategic position on the N-340 road at km 82, also accessible on foot from La Jaima or Los Lances (~10 min walk).
Wind is often more consistent here than at the main Los Lances parking, especially during Levante. This is one of the first spots where Levante blows in Tarifa. In winter with swell, waves of 3-4m can form - renowned spot for wavekiting with powerful, fast waves breaking on sandbanks.
Best months: May, July, August (2836h of kiteable wind/year).
Spot forecast for Rio Jara
Sunrise 08:33 · Sunset 19:40
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Tides
Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 3.6 km from the spot.
- Tuesday 20 October Low tide · 0.6 m High tide · 1.1 m Low tide · 0.6 m
- Wednesday 21 October High tide · 1.1 m Low tide · 0.6 m High tide · 1.2 m Low tide · 0.5 m
- Thursday 22 October High tide · 1.2 m Low tide · 0.5 m High tide · 1.3 m Low tide · 0.4 m
- Friday 23 October High tide · 1.3 m Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 1.4 m Low tide · 0.3 m
- Saturday 24 October High tide · 1.4 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 1.4 m Low tide · 0.2 m
Rio Jara: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
300h
in April · 27 rideable days
The season runs from March to May, peaking in April: 27 rideable days a month and 300 hours of usable wind, at 20 °C. The low point is December, at 19.5 days.
Kiting is forbidden here from 15/06 to 15/09. Plage réservée aux baigneurs
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 55% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is December, at 16 °C. The wettest month is March, with 344 mm.
Monthly averages: Rio Jara
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21.0 | 179 h | 17 °C | 86 mm |
| February | 22.5 | 203 h | 18 °C | 78 mm |
| March | 26.5 | 264 h | 18 °C | 344 mm |
| April | 27.0 | 300 h | 20 °C | 39 mm |
| May | 26.0 | 313 h | 23 °C | 18 mm |
| June closed | 25.5 | 327 h | 26 °C | 6 mm |
| July closed | 21.5 | 248 h | 29 °C | 0 mm |
| August closed | 22.0 | 278 h | 30 °C | 4 mm |
| September closed | 23.0 | 242 h | 26 °C | 10 mm |
| October | 24.0 | 236 h | 23 °C | 111 mm |
| November | 22.0 | 190 h | 20 °C | 104 mm |
| December | 19.5 | 168 h | 16 °C | 118 mm |
Photo gallery of Rio Jara
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Rio Jara spot
The spot works with winds from ENE, E, ESE, S, WSW, W, WNW.
Local association recommendations
Camping Rio Jara - N-340 road, km 80, 4 km from Tarifa.
Nearby restaurants: Le Suria (breakfasts) and Lupita (Mexican, flamenco nights) 300m on the other side of the stadium.
Teaching zone - respect the rules and students.
Spot functioning
During light to moderate Levante (up to 30 knots), wind comes side-offshore port tack - ideal conditions. Ocean side offers flat water during Levante, with waves only when Atlantic swell comes in.
During Poniente, the spot works well with chop and small waves.
The lagoon (La Charca) forms at high tide and offers perfectly flat water - the only one in Tarifa. During equinoxes (March/September), spring tides create an exceptional huge temporary lagoon.
Note: The south part of Los Lances (from town to Rio Jara) is in wind shadow during Levante, creating dead zones.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
-
- Closed : from 15/06 to 15/09
Plage réservée aux baigneurs
⛔ SUMMER RESTRICTIONS (June 15 - September 15):
The area between Tarifa and Rio Jara is closed to kitesurfing during summer - beach reserved for swimmers.
Kitesurfing allowed only north of Rio Jara (towards Los Lances Norte).
🚫 LAGOON CLOSED YEAR-ROUND:
The coastal lagoon (Lagoon/La Charca) is closed to all water sports, 365 days a year. ZEPA protected area - fines possible.
- Closed : from 15/06 to 15/09
- Required level
- Intermediate
On the water
Atlantic / Strait of Gibraltar. Sandy bottom, lagoon has sand and mud in places.
During Levante: Flat to slightly formed water, ideal for freestyle.
During Poniente: Chop and small waves, good for freeriding.
With swell: Powerful, fast waves on sandbank, perfect for wavekiting and down-the-line aerials.
Water: 17-20°C. Shorty in summer, 4/3 to 5/4 in winter.
Parking
Parking behind Tarifa football stadium (last parking in town). Access: leaving Tarifa, before the industrial zone, turn left towards the sea (~400m).
From the parking, Rio Jara spot is ~300m downwind (during Levante). Two bars 500m away.
Alternative: accessible on foot from Camping Rio Jara or Los Lances (~10 min walk).
Wind specificities
Poniente (west, ~40% of days): Side-onshore, chop and small waves <1m, constant wind. With medium swell: waves 1.5-2m.
Levante (east, ~50% of days): Side-offshore, flat water at all intensities. Gusty wind. With strong swell (rare, winter): waves up to 3m, excellent for wavekiting and aerials.
South (~5%): Onshore, choppy rough sea, difficult conditions (hard to go upwind).
North (~5%): Side-shore, slightly choppy, ideal for surfkite with swell.
Hazards
⛔ LAGOON KITESURFING PROHIBITED - Year-round, all water sports forbidden in the coastal lagoon. Protected area (ZEPA, ZEC, Strait Natural Park). Regular controls since 2013, fines possible.
Legal basis: Decreto 262/2007 art. 4.g) + Tarifa Municipal Ordinance art. 61.7
⛔ Beach closed in summer: From June 15 to September 15, area reserved for swimmers (from Tarifa to Rio Jara). Kitesurfing allowed only north of Rio Jara.
⚠️ RIVER MOUTH: Extremely dangerous currents, avoid at all costs.
Offshore wind during Levante: Risk of drifting towards Morocco. Sea Angels Pass recommended (~€30).
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Additional stations
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ALGECIRAS Station19.8 km
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source aviationweather.gov
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Ogimet - Tarifa (Spain)4.3 km
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source ogimet
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