Cocos Keeling Islands / Shacks, Australia
Cocos Islands, Australia
About Cocos Keeling Islands / Shacks, Australia
290 days of ESE trades at Cocos Keeling—relentless wind in the Indian Ocean, 2,700km from Perth. Coral reefs dictate launch zones. Rescue is a helicopter flight away.
16 kts
16 kts
290
08:00–11:00
Monthly wind profile
Bars = average wind speed in knots. Solid = best months.
Best months
Wind directions
Amenities
Hazards
Launch notes
Launch from sheltered beach areas on the leeward side of the islands where possible. The choppy ocean conditions require careful entry; scout launch zones for coral hazards and use the consistent ESE-SE winds for optimal offshore flow.
Gear & clothing
Gear · Use 14-17m kites for the consistent 16kt average winds; larger kites handle the variable gusts well. A directional or wave board is ideal for choppy conditions and the swell-exposed nature of this remote spot.
Clothing · A 3-4mm wetsuit is recommended year-round due to the tropical Indian Ocean location and occasional cool swells. Water temperatures range from warm to moderate, so adjust thickness by season.
Crowd & etiquette
Respect local marine reserves and restricted areas around the islands. Coordinate with the small local kiting community and obtain necessary permits from the Cocos Islands authorities before launching.
Additional notes
Plan trips during the consistently windy months (April-December) when wind is most reliable at 290+ days annually. Bring all necessary spares and equipment, as resupply options are extremely limited on these isolated islands.