Clear water. It is shallow for about 500m out and then it gets deeper. There is a great tide difference. The water is choppy but because it is so long shallow it gives us some nice waves, ramps etc.

The beach is soft sand with some shells. The safety of the launch or landing can be dependent on the tide. The beach gets narrow (30m) on a high tide. There is a house and apartment were we launch and land but they are 30+m from the beach. Otherwise there is a good 2km of beach that is available. There is no reef on the beach so no danger of cutting yourself. Sometimes at the lowest tide and during the rough season there are some rocks revealed, but as soon as you get out, after about 10m it is nice sand again. The sand on the beach is nice and soft. You can drive your car up easily right to the water if you want.

Generally we have good winds in the spring, summer and fall. In the winter the wind is highly unpredictable. Average wind is 12-15 knots, but very steady. A NE wind is the best, whereas a NW lacks punch. Athaibah Beach is right in Muscat and can have wind when other areas don't. Very localized weather.

Athaibah Beach is right in Muscat. If you drive up to the beach using the gate you don't need a 4WD, otherwise you can drive up to the beach anywhere in the dune area. 5min away from the airport. Drive to Ghoubrah roundabout and go straight from there to the beach. Drive along the beach until you see the kiters. Theres always someone there.

Do take care as occasionally cars and groups of people wander across the beach, especially after 5pm. Watch out for crazy quad bikers. Please don't kitesurf near the big hotels (Hyatt, Interconti) since it is too onshore and too many people on the beach.