Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Kitesurfing at Arenales del Sol Beach

Arenales del Sol is Elche's big beach: almost 3 km of fine white sand, with a Blue Flag, about 16 km from the city and 5 from the airport. On its promenade is the base of Parres Watersports, a school that teaches stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing and wing all year round. For someone who has never done anything on the water, paddleboarding is the easiest way in; kite needs more time and wind.

Paddleboarding: two hours to get to your feet

The introductory course, "Descubre el SUP", lasts two hours and costs €60. It runs from 9:30 to 11:30 or from 18:30 to 20:30, with other times on request, as long as the sea allows. The school adapts it for students from 12 to over 60. If you prefer to go at your own pace, the one-hour private lesson costs €45. It includes an adapted board, paddle, safety equipment and insurance, and in winter, a wetsuit. You bring a swimsuit, water-resistant sun cream, water and a change of clothes.

Kitesurfing: first on the sand

The introduction lasts three hours, costs €75 and is the first contact: assembling the kite, safety and first pulls. If you want to really learn, the beginner's course is nine hours over three days, about six in the water and three on land, for €245, with two to four students per instructor. All equipment is included: kite, bar, lines, board, harness, helmet, life jacket and wetsuit if needed. Classes start between 11:00 and 15:30, depending on the wind; if it does not blow, there is no class and it is moved to another day.

The beach

It has sunbeds and parasols from June to September, beach bars, toilets, an information point and wooden walkways to the water, with an adapted bathroom from 1 June to 30 September. There are lifeguards at Easter, from June to September and from 1 to 12 October. Parking is easy and there are regular buses to Elche, Alicante and Santa Pola. If you have a spare morning, at the end of the promenade is the Clot de Galvany.