Feb 01 2025 - Apr 20 2025
Handstands and Kiteboarding Private Retreats in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
If you’re looking for a hidden kiteboarding gem in Puerto Rico, Las Picuas should be on your radar. Tucked away on the northeastern coast, this spot offers shallow, flat waters – making it an excellent location for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
But before you pack your gear and head out, let’s break down what makes this spot unique, the best wind conditions to look for, and the key factors to keep in mind while riding here.
One of the biggest advantages of Las Picuas is its shallow-flat water, providing an ideal learning environment. The absence of big waves makes it easier to focus on technique, and the flat water conditions help riders of all levels progress faster.
However, don’t be fooled, this spot comes with its own set of challenges, primarily the influence of the tide and the strength of the tidal currents. At certain times, you’ll feel like the wind is much weaker than the forecast suggests, and that’s because the westward tidal current decreases the apparent wind.
Las Picuas works best with northeast (NE), E and north-northeast (NNE) winds. If the wind is slightly from the east southeast (ESE) or southeast (SE), the houses along the beach create a strong wind shadow. To monitor any wind change we keep a flag or wind sock on the beach during our kiteboarding lessons.
There are four unofficial parking zones:
While this may sound like a lot, it is not. Parking is extremely limited, especially when vehicles are not parked efficiently. Please be mindful and park in a way that allows access for others. This beach is used for kiteboarding, but is also highly used by families looking for calm waters and those that wish to have a chill time.
When organized properly, the sandy road and beach areas can accommodate up to 10 vehicles without blocking anyone in. However, just one or two poorly parked cars can significantly reduce available space.
If you own a large or wide vehicle, consider parking on the west side or on the street.
Safety Tip: Don’t block a car belonging to someone outside your group. If there’s an emergency, blocking vehicles can delay critical response times. This is a shared space. Always park responsibly to keep access open for everyone.
The beach at Las Picuas is very narrow, requiring extra skill and attention when launching and landing.
During high tide, there’s just enough space to lay down your lines. In ideal conditions, the kiter should walk into the water while the assistant remains on the shore. However, we recommend that the assistant also walk a few meters into the water.
If there’s a wind shadow, the placement switches. The assistant walks deeper into the water while the kiter stays closer to the beach. This adjustment helps position the kite outside of the wind shadow, increasing the chances of a smooth launch.
Since the water is very shallow, you can also walk upwind and practice drift launching and landing.
Experienced riders can use a palm tree near the water for self-launching and landings. There is already a hook on the palm tree. Although adding an anchor strap and a carabiner would be a more safer method. You can use this method on a NE and E wind direction. It is not recommended with a NNE wind (onshore wind) or if the beach is crowded.
Once in the water, follow the safety protocol to ensure a smooth and enjoyable session. Keep a safe distance from houses and the shore; this means staying at least the span of your lines, plus additional space for safety and your kite’s reach away from any objects or people.
This beach is used for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and spear fishing in addition to wind sports. So keep an eye for other people in the water.
If you’re a beginner, start by walking upwind and keep within the shallow zone. The safest approach is to exit the water once you reach the last house (just before the beach). This helps you stay within controlled conditions and avoid getting pulled into the deeper waters.
Intermediate riders can practice jumps in deeper water and explore upwind of Las Picuas. From here, you can attempt an upwinder all the way to El Balneario de Luquillo and beyond! However, make sure to return before low tide – otherwise, you’ll need to navigate around the reef, through the waves, and across the channel. Only venture into these areas if you’re comfortable with those conditions.
If you plan to ride outside the shallow zone, be aware that strong tidal currents and potential wind shadows require deep-water self-rescue skills. It’s crucial to be prepared – especially if you’re a newer riding without supervision.
The shallow, flat water area transitions into a channel, where the tide creates a powerful westward current. If you’re not paying attention, this current can pull you into the channel and the wind shadow, making it difficult to relaunch or return to shore.
Should you find yourself caught in the channel, stay calm. The best response is to initiate a self-rescue and swim toward the beach. As you approach the shore, the water will become shallow again, making it easier to walk or swim back to safety.
Most schools in the north and east side of the Island visit Las Picuas at one point or another. So make sure to always give way to students.
When it comes to landing, we recommend landing the kite with an assistant over the water and to not park the kite. This way you will make sure your kite does not enter the wind shadow and does not touch the ground. The beach is scattered with sharp coral fragments, rocks, and cement cylinders – elements that can easily damage your kite, even with the smoothest touch on the ground.
Once the assistant catches the kite ask them to hold it in the smile position while you store and disconnect your lines.
From there either, carefully fold the kite, making sure it never touches the ground or the water, or walk the kite upwind to the small grassy area just before the first house.
Since this is very small beach, avoid leaving your kites parked and your lines stretched on the beach while you are not using them.
Pro Tip: Be aware of the wind shadow before approaching the beach to land. If the wind shifts slightly E or SE, you’ll need to stay upwind before heading back to the beach. Otherwise, the combination of the current and the wind shadow might cause your kite to drop and push you offshore deeper into the wind shadow and deep water.
Just the two of us… 😉
But honestly, Las Picuas is best enjoyed with no more than a handful of riders, since the shallow flat-water spot is relatively small.
If you’re planning to kiteboard in Puerto Rico and would like a guide or would like to learn how to kite, contact us, we will make sure to take you here.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Raquel is a seasoned movement educator, adventure athlete, and senior YogaSlackers lead teacher. Passionate about blending yoga, slacklining, and acroyoga, she travels the world teaching and exploring unique outdoor destinations. When she’s not upside down, you’ll find her kiting, climbing, or chasing her next great adventure.
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