Kitesurfing has really boomed in Raglan NZ since kiters first started riding here in 2000, and it's not hard to see why. Raglan is regarded as one of New Zealands best riding locations with an average of 250 sailing days a year in either flat water  or waves. The West Coast of New Zealand has more wind and swell  action than the east coast with a wetter and generally more temperate climate.

The prevailing wind direction is from the west, and sailing is done at the harbour entrance with clean flat water conditions assisted by tidal movement at up to 7 knots.. Best directions are SW  to NW on the outgoing tide, but even when gusty easterlies are blowing, it is possible ..and safe ..to ride on the incoming tide. Care has to be taken when the outgoing tide gets strong, it can and does get gnarly out there and you must
be able to self rescue.