Kaichu Doro is the most popular kiteboarding area in Okinawa. This is the safest location for beginners and where most kite lessons take place. Depending on the winds and tides, there can be amazing flat water, foiling, and even waves. There is a small grass launch area. At tide levels below 1.4m, a large sandy beach is exposed. The tides always allow kiting at Kaichu Doro. Wind direction: WNW to E Tides: Any
Getting there
There is a large parking area in the corner across the intersection in Yonashiro Athletic Park. You must cross two crosswalks to get to the launch location.
Launch conditions: Launching from Kaichu Doro’s wide beach is easy and safe below 1.4m tide. At these tide levels, there is a large sandy area to launch from, including two buoys suitable as anchors. If the tide level allows, you should inflate your kite on the grass, then carry it out to the beach to launch.
At tides above 1.4m, you can launch from the grassy area where everyone inflates their kite. There are self-launch anchor ropes for multiple wind directions. I recommend using the beach to launch your kite if the tides allow. I've watched two beginner kiterboarders destroy perfectly good kites by crashing them into the trees after launching from the grass. Both times, had they just walked 50 meters to the wide-open sand, they could have safely launched and without risk to themselves or their gear. Foiling: You can always foil at Kaichu Doro. However, depending on the tide level, you may need to carry your foil up to 100m to reach water that is deep enough to foil. Surfing: While not a primary discipline at Kaichu Doro, when there is sustained strong north wind, the large sand bar on beach right can be a great place to surf at mid to high tides.
Local Hazards
Water depth:The water depth is relatively shallow, and a huge area of seafloor is exposed when the tide goes out. You can get an idea from a map, but it is also advisable to talk to someone at the beach about the depth of various areas. It is also possible to just stop kiting and stand to see how deep it is. Coral: You must walk over a short section of sharp coral to get from the grassy launch site to the water. While there is a very nice sandy area immediately in front of the launch location, there are many other areas to the left and right where the bottom is covered in sharp coral. If you are a beginner or the wind is light, consider wearing something on your feet. If you are going in the shallows, consider a helmet. Rocks: As the tide levels get really low, about 0.4m, there are a couple large rocks that stick out of the water on beach right, about 200m out.
Other beach users
On nice days, there can be people walking on the sand in front of the launch area. Usually, there is plenty of space for everyone.
