Country and Location

Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border with Brazil. The country also includes the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific, about 965 kilometres west of the mainland.

Manta is a mid-sized city in Manabí Province, Ecuador. It is the second most populous city in the province, the fifth most populous in the country and, economically, the third most important city of Ecuador. Manta receives numerous visits from foreign as well as local tourists. The most visited beaches include "El Murciélago", "Santa Marianita", "San Lorenzo" and "Barbasquillo". Surfers often travel to San Lorenzo to find powerful waves (regularly head high). Kitesurfing has recently become very popular in Santa Marianita (Playa Bonita) because of the excellent wind conditions and large beach.

The seasons and Accommodation info

The best months to visit Ecuador are June-January. There is accommodation right at the spot but also in the nearest big city Manta.

Possibilities besides kiting

Besides kitesurfing you can:
-Enjoy other watersports
-Check out the The La Pila Market
-Check out Manta (the fishing harbor)
-Check out other beaches in the area
The city is very poor and it is not very save to walk there alone. The streets are full of dirty, aggressive beggars so most tourist are escorted by the policia.

Climate

Although the country is not particularly large, there is great variety in the climate, largely determined by altitude. The Pacific coastal area has a tropical climate, with a severe rainy season. The climate in the Andean highlands is temperate and relatively dry; and the Amazon basin on the eastern side of the mountains shares the climate of other rain forest zones.

Spot conditions:
The beach

The soft sandy beach is big. It is 300m wide and 4km long. There is enough space for save launching and landing. There are no obstacles on the beach, except two small huts where you can get some drinks and seafood.

The water conditions

In general the weather in this area is warm, with temperatures averaging 25°C-30°C. You dont need a wetsuit with an avarage watertemperature of 23°C.

The wind conditions

The wind in Manta is created by a strong thermal effect. The wind starts in the morning (11:00), reaches its peak around 1:00-2:00 and lasts until 4:30. From June-November the wind is stronger (15-25 knots). During December the wind gets weaker, 10-20 knots. From Junuary-May te wind is the weakest, but there can be windy days (8-18 knots). The wind blows from the west and southwest which is sideonshore to sideshore.

Facilities

All facilities you need are available. Accommodation right at the beach, rental and repair, toilets and food, a school and rescue etc.


Downwinder and trip possibilites

There are other kitespots in the area:
El Murcielago (Near the city Manta, flat water and waves)
San Mateo (Great waves, wind picks up in the afternoon, downwinders from San Mateo to El Murchielago are possible)

Travel info

The nearest town is Santa Marianita. The nearest big city and airport is Manta. Fly on Quito and take a plane from there to Manta. From there you can take the bus or a car to drive to the spot.

Links

Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equador
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manta

Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9REmY4Oez0

Schools:
http://www.mantawatersports.com
http://www.humboldtkites.com/HomeEnglish.html

Info:
http://www.ecuadorkitesurf.com/kitesurfecuador.htm
http://thewindmap.com/wiki/index.php/Manta-South_America
Vivatravelguides
Rampant-book