WELCOME TO THE ANIMAL TARIFA ACADEMY!

Based near the bustling town of Tarifa on the southernmost tip of Spain, the ATA is a centre of excellence for holidays and training trips in kitesurfing, windsurfing and MTB in the windsurfing mecca of Spain.

At the ATA we specialise in adventure sports holidays and offer a total ‘hassle free’ experience, just step off the plane and we’ll provide the rest: • A warm welcome to Southern Spain • A great location near Tarifa’s busy shops and lively atmosphere (and/or nightlife?!!?) • The best kit rigged and ready • Intimate knowledge of the best spots for the conditions • The best instructors ready to guide you We cater for all abilities – from finding that perfect shallow lagoon for beginners to accompanying you on a 5 mile downwind dash along the coast to rendezvous with the Animal truck - then finish the day with an all-important ‘apres-surf’ beer, chilling out in the bar with the best views of Africa at sunset.

We’ll make sure that whatever your level, you’ll have a great trip!

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT TARIFA

Windsurfers discovered Tarifa’s windy secret over 20 years ago. It lies on the southernmost tip of Europe, only a stone’s throw away from the African continent. The narrow body of water between the two landmasses is known as the Straits of Gibraltar; and this is the machine that keeps the wind blowing.

Tarifa is located at the narrowest point, some 11km or so wide, and no matter which way the wind is blowing, it will be squeezed through the gap in what is known as a ‘Venturi’ effect. This culminates in the claim that Tarifa is the ‘Wind Capital of Europe’ with around 300 days of wind per year.

The Conditions:
Tarifa isn’t just about wind, due to it’s location at the tip of Europe it is known to be the point at which two bodies of water meet: the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic. This means there are lots of ‘spots’ within an hours drive with a huge range of conditions on offer, from gentle breezes and flat water through to 50 mph winds and huge surf, making it a great spot for all of us that love the water.

Weather:
As we are situated at the furthest point south you can possibly be in mainland Europe, and 11k or so from Africa, sunblock is essential! Summer temps average at 25- 35 degrees, Winter temps average at 15 – 25 degrees. On the water: In summer a shorty or no wetsuit is fine, and during the winter a full wetsuit or steamer is required. (We have a range of wetsuits for your use.)

Wind:
Tarifa has around 300 days of wind a year, see below as a guide:

A cultural melting pot:
Due to it’s close proximity to Africa, Tarifa has always been an eclectic place where two very different cultures meet. The town has a Moorish feel, with an old fortress and tiny whitewashed winding streets, within the old town’s walls. For those people that enjoy the cultural pleasures in life there is much here to tempt the senses. Sample the freshest tuna from the fish market, immerse yourself in café culture, or just stretch out on ‘playa chica’ a small sheltered beach reserved for sunbathing only!

KITESURFING

Kitesurfing is one of the fastest growing watersports of the moment - a combination of wakeboarding, parascending and windsurfing - a true sport for the 21st century. Anyone who is fairly confident in the water and has a 'go for it' attitude really can master the basics in as little as 1 week.

FIRST TIMERS

COURSE OUTLINE

First off, you'll be mastering basic kite control, using trainer foil kites scudding through the sand whilst learning about the wind-window and launching and landing drills.

Then you will move up to the larger inflatable kites. You'll be shown how to set them up and manage them properly, with safety information covered too. Then one of the best bits, body-dragging with the kite in the water!

Finally you'll be arming yourself with a board and venturing out for your first runs on the water.

"We'll always look for the spot with the best conditions, to make your learning curve as quick as possible..."

Tuition is totally hands on for the early part of the course, and the aim is for you to steadily grow in confidence until you are more and more self sufficient as the week draws on. The instruction will then assume a more coaching role with lots of advice, video feedback and the all important safety cover.

THE SPECIALIST & IMPROVERS

A course aimed at kiters who are up and riding and want to take their skills to the next level, in one of the best kitesurfing environments in the world.

Tarifa has a wealth of different conditions and surf spots on offer, it is always a welcome change to your local beach. You could be cruising a shallow lagoon one day practising your transitions, or tackling the breakers of 'Canos de Mecca' the next getting some serious wave hours under your belt.

Tuition is clinic and coaching based, all supported by video analysis. There's nothing like watching yourself to really understand where you may be going wrong.

Whether it’s kiting upwind, first jumps, back loops or even ‘F16 to flat 3's’ we will be on hand with clinics, advice, technical tuning tips and of course video feedback. The instruction is in a coaching based style aimed at making you feel there's always someone watching your back, so you can relax and concentrate on learning the moves!

WINDSURFING

We aim to get you up and fully blasting around in our 1 or 2 week courses - easily achievable as Tarifa has shedloads of that particular ingredient essential for windsurfing enjoyment: WIND!

Join our Wind Wobblers course and take advantage of the latest windsurfing equipment developments – lighter and easier to use gear, or sign up to the Wind Warrior course which aims to boost your skills to the next level.

LEARN TO WINDSURF

In 1 or 2 weeks we’ll take you through the basics, like standing on the board, pulling up the sail, wind theory, cruising in light winds and basic turns.

We start with nice stable boards to get your balance on which are coupled with light rigs to kick start your learning curve. Turning around and coming back to where you started is the goal for day one.

The aim though is to fast-track you through this, and move on to wearing a harness to take the pressure off your arms and then to the exhilarating part - planing in the footstraps and going FASTER!

All you’ll need is a real ‘go for it’ attitude!

BOOST YOUR WINDSURFING SKILLS

One of the best things about windsurfing is that you never stop learning – but often you can get stuck in a rut – and that is where we come in.

With the best kit available and an instructor to take you to the best spot for the conditions on the day, you will really be able to boost your skills to the next level.

We run all our courses along RYA guidelines, and they have just released a new Fast Forward scheme that really will revolutionise your windsurfing. Rather than focusing on levels and jumping through hoops, the emphasis is on giving you a simple formula to think about when you are on the water - simplifying moves down to five basic elements, no matter what you are doing on the board.

The new course also enables you to analyse your mistakes and learn from them, making it easier to progress to the next stage.

MIX IT UP!

Just sit back and relax ... One or two week breaks where we choose the best activity for the day, depending on the conditions and aim to give you a taste of what Tarifa's mountain biking and our other sports on offer are all about.

Aimed at those who want a holiday break but can't face the thought of lying on a sun lounger for one or two weeks straight! Don't worry tough, there will be plenty of time for a little bit of sun bathing, you can join in as much or as little as you want.

These holidays are ideal for the whole family. Parents can get their adrenaline rush and the children get a taste of all our sports plus a superb experience into the bargain.

"Whether you are kiting, windsurfing or biking, Tarifa is a blast!"

MTB TARIFA

Tarifa and its beaches are set in front of the stunning peaks of the Los Alcornacales national park. There are hundreds of trails running through the area, from easy pedals through to more challenging rides with some reaching up to 1500 ft above sea level.

If a member of your family is seriously into watersports and you aren’t, or if you’re a hard core hillsman who fancies mountain biking in the morning and trying something different, like kitesurfing or windsurfing, in the afternoon, then this is the ideal place for you.

We have mapped and test ridden a series of tracks for the beginner through to the expert, ranging from 1-6 hours and will guide you throughout the trail.

SAIL WITH THE ANIMAL PRO TEAM

Don't just have your own instructor to guide you, get on the water and learn from your very own pro!

Throughout the year the ATA will be running exclusive rider camps with Animal pro team riders. These weeks are for anyone that would like to learn from the top pros who spend their life kitesurfing, windsurfing and mountain biking around the world. The format and emphasis on these exclusive camps will vary week to week and will range from specific Wave riding sessions through to Girl only camps.

Check out our News page for more information about the Animal Rider Camps.

Sail & Kitesurf Gibraltar Straits

We have teamed up with 'Trafalgar Sailing' are are offering a fantastic trip combining cruising the ocean waves onboard a 40ft yacht, and then kitesurfing your own secluded Moroccan beach, accessible only by boat!

One week trip includes:

Sailing to the best beach of the day for a kitesurfing session on the water, whether that's Spain or Morocco!

Full accommodation aboard the yacht for the duration of the trip.

Food and drink, breakfasts, lunches and 3 home-cooked evening meals.

Safe mooring each night at a Marina, with access to showers and other facilities.

All the latest kitesurf equipment hire.

Your own kite instructor, providing coaching and safety cover.

A top level yacht skipper / trainer, so you can either relax and enjoy the ride, or try your hand at sailing too!

Watch the News pages for dates and availability – only 4 places per trip.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Gibraltar airport and introduction to yacht sailing. You are taken directly to the boat for an afternoon of sailing around Gibraltar bay, including safety briefings, etc.

Day 2-4 Kitesurfari!

Skipper will decide on the best destination for the day's kitesurfing!

Day 6

Return to Gibraltar and farewell meal.

Day 7: 10:30am depart for airport.

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