Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, is one of the fastest-growing water sports in Canada. It’s surfing, wakeboarding, and paragliding all mixed together—and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds. With thousands of lakes and miles of shoreline, Ontario has become a kitesurfing haven. Whether you’re riding Lake Erie winds or cruising shallow waters in Prince Edward County, Ontario, has something for every level.
Best Spots to Kitesurf in Ontario
Ontario has over 250,000 lakes and many wind-friendly beaches. Top spots include:
- Cherry Beach, Toronto: Perfect for city dwellers. Popular with beginners and pros.
- Wasaga Beach: Shallow warm water makes it great for learning.
- Sandbanks Provincial Park: Consistent southwest winds and open space.
- Sauble Beach: Great summer spot with friendly locals.
- Long Point, Lake Erie: One of the longest sand spits in the world—flat water and consistent wind.
Kiteboarding 101
New to kitesurfing? You’ll need:
- A kite for your wind conditions (7m–12m is common in Ontario).
- A board, twin-tip (for beginners) or directional (for wave riding).
- A harness and safety leash.
- Basic skills like body dragging, water starts, and understanding wind windows.
Tip: Don’t self-teach! A certified instructor can save you weeks of learning and keep you safe.
Other Water Sports
Kitesurfing often overlaps with other water sports:
- Windsurfing
- Paddleboarding
- Foilboarding
- Wing surfing
Many kitesurfing spots like Sauble and Wasaga offer rentals and lessons in multiple water sports—perfect for family trips or no wind days.
Shallow Water Kitesurfing
Why do so many people learn in Ontario? Shallow water. Beaches like Wasaga and Sandbanks allow riders to stand up after a fall, which makes learning much easier.
- Safer landings
- Less tiring than deep water
- Better for technique practice
Cherry Beach Kitesurfing
Cherry Beach in Toronto is a hotbed of local kiteboarding.
- Close to downtown
- Clean water (thanks to improvements in Lake Ontario’s water quality)
- Active community with dozens of riders on windy days
- Launch zone can get tight—etiquette and safety are a must
Tip: Avoid west winds—offshore and gusty here.
Equipment and Safety
Your safety checklist:
- Helmet and impact vest
- Quick-release system on the bar
- Check the forecast before launching (avoid thunderstorms and offshore winds)
- Understand right-of-way rules
Safety First Pro Tip: Always ride where someone can see you.
Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, level up with:
- Upwind riding
- Toeside carving
- Jumps and transitions
- Back rolls and kiteloops
- Hydrofoil kiteboarding (more popular on big lakes like Lake Ontario)
Kitesurfing Communities
Ontario has a strong grassroots kiteboarding scene. You can use Reddit spaces like r/Kiteboarding to meet and discuss kitesurfing with kindred spirits.
My suggestion? Nothing beats the wise advice of the people who have been living and surfing there for years. Go looking for meets, ride meetups, and gear advice from local experts.
Plan Your Trip
- Best season: Late spring to early fall
- Accommodations: Campgrounds, lakeside rentals, or boutique inns near beach towns
- Rentals/lessons: Available in most kiting spots
- Forecast tools: Windy, iKitesurf, Windfinder
Pro tip: Book early for long weekends—Sandbanks and Sauble get busy!
Environmental Awareness
Freshwater beaches are sensitive ecosystems. Respect these practices:
- Pack out all trash
- Don’t damage dune vegetation
- Don’t kite near nesting birds (like piping plovers at Wasaga)
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
Ontario Parks and conservation authorities often post local eco-rules.
Local Regulations
Know before you go:
- Kiting restrictions may apply in provincial parks or urban beaches.
- Insurance is recommended—many instructors require it.
- Drone footage is regulated near people and public spaces.
Check: Transport Canada, Ontario Parks, and local municipalities.
Kitesurfing Events
Keep an eye on:
- Kite Clash Ontario (usually in late summer)
- Canadian Freestyle Kiteboarding Tour
- Community demo days hosted by shops like Silent Sports or Windshop
Many events offer clinics for beginners and gear demos from top brands.
Learning from Experts
Want to fast-track your progress?
- Take lessons from IKO– or PASA-certified instructors.
- Clinics often include video analysis and advanced coaching.
- Mentorship from local pros is invaluable—just ask around at popular spots.
Endnotes
Ontario may not have palm trees, but with world-class lakes, consistent wind, and great communities, it’s a top kitesurfing destination. Whether you’re flying your first kite at Wasaga or landing jumps at Cherry Beach, the thrill is real and the locals are friendly.
So grab your board, check the forecast, and let the wind do the rest. Your next kite adventure starts here.
