Cambodia Kiteboarding is the first organization to offer kitesurfing in Cambodia. Founded seven years ago by Dutch instructor Frank van Zoggel, the school is based in Kampong Bay in Kampot, a location ideally suited for training. It provides lessons for everyone, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Frank has also been organizing the Cambodian Kitesurfing Championship every July for the past five years, which attracts athletes from across Southeast Asia.

Frank van Zoggel is a certified instructor with the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO), and he adheres to the standards set by this organization. The institution promotes the teaching of the sport within a safety framework that is well-studied and regularly updated. He leverages his expertise to further develop Cambodia Kiteboarding, with the practice spot situated downstream from the Teuk Chhou River, right in the middle of Kampong Bay, facing the sea. The location offers a magnificent view of the horizon and Phu Quoc Island, with the impressive Bokor Mountain in the background. Here, you will learn to practice the sport of kitesurfing, which involves riding a wakeboard while being pulled across the water by a kite securely attached to your waist, harnessing the wind’s power.

An ideal spot

The warm, shallow waters of Kampong Bay provide a perfect setting for kitesurfing. These conditions allow for full enjoyment of the sessions, and the vastness of the area makes learning easier, as mistakes are less problematic and ample space between participants ensures a smooth learning experience.

This relatively secluded spot also has the advantage of being usable year-round, with no obstructions to the wind. Winds are especially strong at higher altitudes from November to March, and the weather is typically clear, dry, and sunny, creating excellent conditions for practice. From April to October, the wind comes closer to the land, providing more pleasure for experienced kitesurfers. However, due to the rainy season, beginners might find it harder to fully enjoy the conditions during this period. In fact, it is during this time that the club organizes its annual competition every July, bringing together seasoned kitesurfers. The event helps showcase the school, the only one of its kind in Cambodia.

To reach Kampong Bay and participate in the lessons offered by the club, you will need to meet the instructors at the rendezvous point, located 7 kilometers upstream from the Teuk Chhou River. The team will then take you on a boat ride to the sea, providing all the necessary equipment. This 30-minute journey will give you the opportunity to get to know the instructors better.

All skill levels welcome

The school is open to all. If you’ve never tried kitesurfing before and wish to begin, you will learn how to prepare your equipment, set and control the kite on land, get on the board once in the water, navigate according to the wind’s direction, and move from left to right. After several sessions, or if you already know how to handle the kiteboard, you can start learning how to jump and fly safely. You will also learn how to master the landing, interpret the wind’s strength and direction, and even study the proper etiquette when practicing near other kitesurfers.