Kitesurfers come from all over Europe to the Neretva Delta, where the river empties out in the Adriatic at Komin. Here, the Maestral wind blows late afternoons in summer over the long sandy shores lining this spit of land in central Dalmatia, creating the perfect conditions to kitesurf.
It was here that Lovre Šuman and a few local enthusiasts set up the Komin Kiteboarding club a decade or so ago. Now Germans, Austrians and Hungarians head this way from the end of May to the end of September.
The club also offers tuition for anyone over the age of 12 who wishes to learn: “This sport is specific because it is accessible to everyone and can be learned in just three days with professional assistance,” says Lovre Šuman. “It is more about technique and practice. We spend hours in the sea working on it. Anyone can find their level and those who try fall in love with the sport.”
“I was taught by a man from Slovenia who is now 70 and still kitesurfs. There are a lot of people over middle age who want to try it because it is not physically demanding. This one of the most favourable winds in this part of Europe for this sport because it is constant, it blows almost every day and is very good for learning the basics.”