HISTORY

Kite Boarding History – Tarifa Spain

Tarifa has become known as 'the Wind Capital', due to the strong winds of the Strait of Gibraltar. It is really difficult to have two consecutive not windy days..

Tarifa has been known for decades as the mecca of windsurfing, and has now transformed into Europes top spot for kiteboarding. The winds that funnel through the strait of Gibraltar are said to blow some 300 days a year. For this reason, Tarifa has been attracting wind sport fanatics for many years now.

Tarifa plays host to various international competitions throughout the year, such as the Kiteboarding World Cup, and the European Windsurfing Championships.

General History – Tarifa, Spain

The name "Tarifa" itself is derived from the name of the Berber warrior, Tarif ibn Malik.
Tarifa even before the era of windsurfing was a icon to many populations. The Straits of Gibraltar, the boundaries between Africa and Europe, the Mediterranean and Atlantic have always attracted many civilizations and individuals.
Tarifa transformed from a strategic military fortress to a remote fishing town, and today tourism flourishes in this melting pot of cultures.

Tarifa has always been wrapped around in an aura of mystery. Ever since ancient mythology told stories of the Pillars of Hercules, of which Gibraltar is one, being where the world ended, travellers have always been weary and intrigued by this place. Sailors will still narrate how sailing past Tarifa’s coast evokes the similar fascination.
The current city is believed to take its name from the Berber Tarif Ben Malluk who landed here in July 710. The Arabs called the place "Island of Tarif", hence the name Tarifa. Under the Muslim domination, despite not being very populated, it was port of great activity.