The spot on Lake Uri is regularly stirred by a north thermal wind in summer during good weather. The best period is during the months of June, July, and August. In spring and autumn, the foehn can blow very strongly on the spot. Launching from the beach requires an excellent kiteboarding level. The beach is small, and there are few options for getting out of the water downwind in case of problems.
Launching from Isleten beach is suitable only for experienced kiters
From April 2, 2021, using Isleten beach as a launch/landing point will only be possible for Kite Uri club members and kiters registered for the day. The club lycra or daily use lycra must be worn visibly. The availability of day passes can be checked on the kiteUri website -> https://kitecluburi.clubdesk.com/tagestickets
When possible, the kite should be brought to the beach with lines already connected.
Inflate the kite just before launching. The launch and landing area (the entire peninsula) must be cleared immediately.
Launching the kite by body dragging is only allowed from the tip of the peninsula.
The kiter may be excluded from the launch area by club representatives in case of non-compliance with the sport and spot rules, or if they don't have the required level.
Spot functioning
General information:
The only launch/landing area for kitesurfers on the shores of Lake Uri is located on the delta north of the Isenthaler at Isleten (see maps, information board).
Only the north side of the beach can be used for this purpose
Kitesurfing is prohibited in areas marked in red (see spot map).
No launching or landing at the spot during the approach, departure, and passage of navigation company boats. This rule also applies when the boat is at the dock (passengers boarding/disembarking).
A minimum distance of 200m must be maintained on the water from navigation company boats, on all sides.
If it's no longer possible to relaunch the kite from the water, fold the lines and swim back.
Navigation in the coastal zone (150m from shore) is prohibited. This area can only be used for departure and arrival from the launch zone. The most direct route must be used.
Nature protection areas, as well as swimming areas, must be avoided.
Required level
Expert
Spot closed
Parking
Next to the Seegarten restaurant, or across from it. Only parking spaces marked as such can be used. Parking is paid and regularly checked (Easypark App or coins). The parking lot is about 200m from the spot. Stopping vehicles in front of the spot to drop off equipment is not allowed (safety line, sidewalk, curve).
Hazards
The water can be cold for a relatively long period in spring (arrival of a lot of meltwater through the Reuss).
With north thermal wind, the wind loses intensity from mid-afternoon. In the launch area region, the wind decreases more rapidly than on the other side of the lake. If it's no longer possible to return, the kiter must pack up their equipment before reaching the nature protection zone and swim back.
During foehn conditions, the wind can be extremely irregular. It can reach speeds of 50kn in a few minutes, or drop just as quickly. It's better to abstain or at minimum get information from locals. In case of problems, there is practically no possibility of easily reaching the shore downstream from the launch beach.
As already mentioned, the spot is reserved for experienced kiters. For others, during north thermal wind, there are possibilities to reach the area with shuttle services.
Wind specificities
The best wind conditions are north and sometimes south, in thermal situations.
During foehn (south) conditions, kiteboarding is strongly discouraged.
This chart shows the probability of Foehn in the Swiss Alpine valleys. It is based on the pressure differential between Zurich and Lugano based on the Open Meteo model (Icon-EU).
Warning, this station has not provided information for 1264 minutes
Last update on: 27/07/2025 01:29
Direction
191 °
S
Wind
2.2 kts
Gust
3.8 kts
Temperature
15 °C
Humidity
%
Pressure
- hPa
Chart
Combination chart with 3 data series.
The chart has 2 X axes displaying Time, and navigator-x-axis.
The chart has 2 Y axes displaying kts, and navigator-y-axis.
Comments 0
Login to commentNo comments yet.