Las Picuas (Río Grande)

Las Picuas (Río Grande) is a small sandy beach with a shallow, flat, crystal-clear water setup that’s generally protected by the surrounding reef/lagoon area. The water conditions are especially appealing for kitesurfing because they support freeride/twin-tip riding and can also work for freestyle and foiling styles when riders can manage depth. Wind is dominated by easterly trade winds, with the most favorable directions described as NE, ENE, and E (also including NNE in some notes). Typical wind strength is reported in the ~15–22 knot range, with relatively steady performance overall, though localized gustiness can occur very close to shore near trees/buildings. Safety is a key consideration. The launch and entry areas are narrow and include hazards such as sea urchins, sharp coral patches, and shallow reef sections. A wind shadow can be present before the beach/landing area, so kite landings require attention to wind behavior. There are no lifeguards and no formal beach-side rescue reported, so riders should follow strict self-rescue planning and avoid any risk-taking around swimmers. For timing and logistics, the most consistently recommended visit window is during the dry season (especially December through April). Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, and parking is easier earlier in the day. Essential spot-use tips include using booties due to reef/urchins and landing the kite with an assistant over the water while avoiding kite parking.