South Corniche (Sumaymah)

South Corniche (Sumaymah) is a big sandy Red Sea shoreline south of Jeddah, set up for wind sports with an easy, spacious launch/landing area and clean water. The first stretch of water can be very shallow (walking out is typically needed), after which there is more room before you reach reef patches/rocks in and around the riding zone. For kitesurfing, the spot is commonly described as having mostly flat water with small to medium waves, and at times chop. Wind is often driven by northwesterly trade winds with thermal/sea-breeze enhancement later in the day, which helps create a dependable afternoon-to-evening window in the cooler half of the year. Typical wind is reported in the mid-teens up to the mid-20s knots, and kitesize ranges commonly mentioned are around 9–14 m². Access is generally by car via King Faisal Road south of Jeddah and includes passing a manned military checkpoint; visitors may also have to be prepared for spot policing or checks. On the sand, the practical hazard set includes debris that can tangle lines and several underwater hazards (reaf/rocks, and reports of sea urchins/stingrays). Because of this, riders are repeatedly advised to wear protective booties and use a ground cover/tarp for setup. Facilities are minimal: parking is available near the launch, but food/drink and gear rental on-site are described as very limited or none, so planning self-sufficiency is important. Locals/rules around beach use and modest dress are emphasized, including avoiding “nearly naked” attire and respecting other beach users’ space. Overall, it’s positioned as a relatively quiet, low-profile spot that favors consistent riders who can handle shallow-water navigation.