Mathieu, the French founder of the school, had already lived for several years in Tarifa, then the capital of windsurfing: after completing his studies as a naval engineer, he settled there to manufacture windsurf boards. At the same time, kitesurfing began to appear on beaches around the world and Tarifa was no exception to this new wave. Mat', a lifelong "waterman" and an excellent windsurfer, is passionate about this new discipline: he quickly becomes very good and people start asking him for kite lessons.
It was then that at the end of 1998, he decided to open one of the first kitesurfing schools in Tarifa: Tarifa Max Kitesurfing School. For the next twenty years, with extreme passion and dedication, Mathieu built his company into the most recognized kitesurfing school in Tarifa. He has always researched and applied the latest pedagogies, setting an example in the industry. He has also always been involved with the local authorities so that the development of this sport is done in good understanding with other sea lovers and in good harmony with the abundant nature of Tarifa. It is therefore several thousand kitesurfers who started their kite adventure between Los Lances and Valdevaqueros, in the hands of Mat’ or his instructors!
On our side, in all honesty, we don't know exactly where we will be but what is certain is that we will be near the sea, on a windswept beach, rigging a kitesurf or any other gear that will have been invented by then. "We" are now Mat', Giulia and Gautier: a new team formed around Mat' at the start of 2022 to continue and develop the "Tariffa Max" adventure, always with the same enthusiasm and the same serious and above all the same desire to share our passion for kitesurfing.
Giulia and Gautier, each on their own, discovered kitesurfing late, at almost 30 years old, but for both of them, kiting quickly became more than a sport, a real lifestyle combining personal achievement, love of nature and also and above all social life: you always need someone to launch a kite!
They decided to settle in Tarifa in 2020, where they met and became friends within a community of “digital nomads” who came to merge work and kitesurfing; they became instructors and completed their first season in 2021, Giulia in Tarifa, Gautier in Zanzibar; so they finally joined Mat’ and the Tarifa Max adventure in 2022. So, at this rate, it’s certain: in 2028, you will find us in, on or above the water!
In life as in kitesurfing, it's one step after another, or one meter after another: so instead of thinking about what we will be or what we will do in ten years, better put right now foot in the strap and get started! If you too want to add a little spice to your life, take up a new challenge or completely change your life like we did: come and try kitesurfing in Tarifa! The material and the teaching have evolved a lot in twenty-five years, making this discipline always safer and the progress always faster. You will quickly be able to discover new sensations, new muscles and new friends.
In 2024, at Tarifa Max we support you with always the same recipe:
Founder of the school in 1998 (& Instructor), he continues to be passionate as on the first day.
Responsible for reservations (& Instructor), she will organize everything for you with her Italian passion.
Beach Boss (& Instructor), he pampers the team so that they pamper you.
Quiet strength, coming from Morocco and windsurfing.
The force NOT quiet, coming from South Africa and very strong wind.
Future beach assistant, in full training.
Our Operations Center, a faithful traveling companion.
You can find us in this wonderful shop on the main street and take advantage of the Tarifa Max discounts to equip yourself with a wetsuit or dress like a kitesurfer
Address:
Calle Batalla del Salado, Nº76, 11380 Tarifa (Cádiz)
As soon as it's windy, that's where you can find us: you can't miss our van or our flag
Address:
Los Lances Norte Nº1, 11380 Tarifa (Cádiz)
