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Cape Hatteras Travel Update Number 2

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:28:00 -0400

Over the last week or so, our usual SW wind pattern has settled in and sessions are in full flow. It seems like we have skipped spring and moved straight into summer.

What kind of conditions can I expect over the next few weeks?

Lot’s of SW wind mixed in with a few days of NE wind. The South West allows you to ride at all of your favorite soundside flat-water spots: Planet of the Apes, Kite Point, Chimi House and more. If you prefer to ride in the waves, SW wind always kicks up a fun waist to head high wind swell on the south side.

If you are looking for a serious adventure and to kite somewhere new, purchase an ORV permit from the National Park Service ($50 for a week / $120 for a year). There are plenty of unexplored sessions to be had all over the island in both flat-water and waves so go explore! If you and your friends want to turbo-charge your sessions – the REAL Guide Service is well worth a look.

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More about ORV use: (http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use.htm)

What about NE days?

North East wind in the spring usually brings beautiful weather and fun waves on the north side. Either set up an Ocean downwinder or post up at your favorite spot and get to work! Alternatively, you can always satisfy your flat-water urges with a slick session at Kite Point.

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What’s the water temperature?

At this time of year you should expect a big difference between the Ocean and the Sound so make sure you bring the correct gear depending on your chosen session.

In the Sound, the water is already a comfortable 68 degrees fahrenheit and will be getting warmer and warmer every day. Currently we are riding in shorties or very thin full suits but expect to be in trunks within the next couple of weeks!

If you are riding in the Ocean the temperature will be around 60 Degrees fahrenheit so a 3/2 or 4/3 full suit is required with boots. This will warm up over the next couple of months and you should expect to be able to session in trunks by the beginning of June.

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Working on your skills?

Spring in Cape Hatteras provides some of the best learning conditions imaginable no matter what your level. If you are looking to work on your skills and improve your riding, make you sure you check out, the REAL lesson center REAL’s kiteboarding lessons and kite camps.

2013 Spring Cape Hatteras updates provided by REAL Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding Travel Update: Cape Hatteras, NC

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:53:00 -0400

Throughout the spring we will be keeping you updated on all things Cape Hatteras so that you can get the info you need for your next trip to the Island. Our goal is to include details about riding spots, access, what’s open and more so that you can spend less time researching your trip and more time preparing your gear for amazing downwinders. If there is info you would like to know – please post a comment so that we can include that info in the next update.

I read on the news that there were some bad storms over the winter - is Cape Hatteras open?

Hatteras Island has had some rough weather lately. Superstorm Sandy in late October plus multiple solid winter storms have changed the shape of the island a little bit – especially in Mirlo Beach on the north end of Rodanthe.

Fortunately for all of us, (and thanks to some very hard work from the North Carolina Department of Transport) Highway 12 has remained open as usual. This means you won’t have any issue coming to or from the island this spring. No ferries, no queues, just Hatteras Island as you know it.

How has Hatteras Island changed?

In some areas, the sand dunes on the Oceanside have been eroded and changed shape a little. The good news is there has been no major damage except to a couple of Oceanside houses at the northern end of Rodanthe (Mirlo Beach). Almost every other piece of property on the island is exactly as you remember it and driving around town – you cannot see any signs of damage whatsoever (except in Mirlo Beach).

Any changes to the soundside?

Nope. All of the houses, riding spots and slicks are good as new. We’ve been sessioning as usual all over the island for the last few months! In addition, lots of the vacation rental companies (including Watermen’s Retreat) have got some amazing deals on soundside houses for your dream kite trip.

Is the little bridge over New Inlet on Pea Island ok?

Absolutely – the bridge is also good as new and the storms have actually almost closed up the inlet there. As you can imagine, there have been upsides to all the wild weather we have had: we’ve had an amazing winter for kiteboarding – including some amazing sessions kitesurfing at the lighthouse.

Travel to the island is easy and safe. If you do have any questions about spring travel details – REAL, Watermen’s Retreat and any of the Hatteras Island realty companies are all here to help.

In the next article we’ll be filling you in on our favorite spring riding spots so that you can make the most of every session on your kite trip to Hatteras. See you soon.

2013 Spring Cape Hatteras updates provided by REAL Kiteboarding

Nuzzi Lighthouse. photo by Lane Dupont

Cape Hatteras’s Best Restaurants

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 09:42:00 -0400

SBC Kiteboard asked some of the leading Cape Hatteras kiteboarders where and what they love to eat.

Photo: Mojos, located on the water in the Real Watersports building.

For me, a vegetarian, I couldn’t live on Hatteras Island without: Lisa’s Pizza – The Hippie Pizza – Hummus based pizza… It’ll make you want to take off your shoes, quit your job and put patchouli in your hair. Well, maybe not the patchouli… Stinky hippies!). After a sunset surf or kite session, I look at my iPhone, realize Lisa’s is about to close, and hightail it to the parking lot and score a pizza while they kick the late comers (9:05pm) out! —Ryan Evans, Best Kiteboarding

Defiantly have to go with ACC or Big Waves. Props to Big Waves began the only place open in Tri Village after about 9pm, so they tend to score a lot of my business after a sunset session. Lower budget, which is about all my budget can handle, but still have great fresh homemade food and sandwiches. But if I had to eat at one place everyday, it would be the ACC (Atlantic Coast Cafe) without a doubt, locally owned and has epic breakfast, lunch and dinner! Spicy Tuna Burger is where it is at!! —Evan Netsch, Airush team rider and College Student

If you are looking for a kick ass burrito, check out the Big Waves Deli for the Cali Style Burrito Carne Asada or the bean version for the vegetarians. (It even has their hand cut fries in it, yum~). Oceana Bistro in Avon has some pretty good crab cakes as well as the Buxton Munch! —Lia Feriancek, Best Kiteboarding

ACC! Atlantic Coast Cafe crispy chicken wrap or turkey wrap for a post session feast! —Bryan Elkus, photographer

The staff at OceanAir Sports has eaten more pizza from Nino’s than anyone else, just ask Papa Nino! The jalapeño & pepperoni will cure just about any ailment, or go with the shop special: tomato, spinach and garlic. P.S. Stay tuned for the all new restaurant going in right next to the shop! —Brian Klauser, OceanAir Sports

When I really want an exceptional meal, we always end up at Mac Daddy’s in Avon. This year they are changing their name to Ketch 55, but same super friendly management and chef. Rob behind the bar and Seth in the kitchen, Jomi has a great staff. Anything form Fish Tacos to Shrimp and Grits, the menu is always an adventure. I prefer to eat at the large U shaped bar which is in the center of the action with some killer beers on tap. —Lane Dupont, Photographer

I would have to say the Mojo’s Sunset Cafe would be my spot, and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with homemade potato salad would be my favorite menu choice. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset and the Buffalo Chicken sandwich is the perfect way to refuel after a day of sessions. You can also catch good live music there a few days a week through the spring, summer & Fall. —Jason Slezak, Liquid Force team rider

MacDaddy’s is the #1 pick on the island, you will see the Outer Banks Kiting staff eating, or drinking, there at least 2-3 times/week. The building is completely remodeled and raised after nasty Hurricane Irene hit us in August, 2011. But, the new name is: Ketch 55! Look for it, same great food, atmosphere, specials, bartenders/staff, and management! —Jay Crawford, Outer Banks Kiteboarding, Naish

Every body is taking about down south but what about up north in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head. You have some amazing restaurants here and also amazing place to kite. The best place to eat here are: Blue Moon Beach Grill in Nags Head right next to Jockeys Ridge state park., Taiko Sushi in Nags Head right next to the Hospital, Seaside Gourmet To Go in Kitty Hawk. Amazing food Tortugas Lie Bar And Grill in Nags Head on the beach road. — Dimitri Maramenides, Owner Epic Kites

I would also have to second Jason’s pick as well, Mojo’s Sunset Cafe is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a good meal and a cold beer. Not only can you relax while watching the sunset, most nights you can also listen to some nice live music. Although the dinner menu is stacked my favorite item is on the breakfast menu. You can’t go wrong with a great bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich aka the Early. Nothing beats a solid kite or regular hangover quite like it. — Brandon Scheid, Liquid Force

Cape Hatteras SBC Test House - Knock Out

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:52:00 -0400

Knock Out: The Perfect Place to Stay
While in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, the SBC Kiteboard Test Team stayed in the house, Knock Out. Located on the Pamlico Sound in Avon next to the infamous SBC Slick, this 2,800 square-foot home boasts six bedrooms, a gas BBQ, gas stove, HD satellite TV (so much better than OBX cable), high-speed Internet, hot tub and gear storage area.

http://www.hatterasrealty.com/

Sheman Island, California: Kiteboarding Guide

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 02:25:00 -0400

Rio Vista, like the Gorge, enjoys reliable thermal winds in the summer time. With onsite camping accommodations Sherman Island is a favorite kiteboarding destination for California kiteboards. Newbies can take lessons from a variety of schools and learn how community-oriented, fun and migratory kiteboarders can be. Sherman also appeals to advanced riders and pros with its buttery-smooth flatwater and steady winds. That it blows almost every day doesn’t hurt.

Best Winds: April to September
Closest Airport:
Typical Kite Size: 8-10m
Cost Factor: $-$$
Local Shops and Schools: See full list at end of article
Family Friendly: not so much
Naish Camp & Demo: August 9-12, 2012

Local knowledge:
• If you’ve never ridden here, ask a local how to navigate the straight onshore winds and blackberry bushes, which make this a very advanced launch.
• Bring a cooler full of food and drinks; it’s at least 20 minutes to the nearest store.
• The launch area is small, so be tidy; move your gear out of the way when it’s not in use.
• Make the 20-minute drive to In & Out for a mean animal-style double-double, fries and shake. If you ask, you can get a four-by-four (four patties plus four slices of cheese).
• Bring $10 for camping, $5 for daily parking.
• Stay 200-plus feet away from shore.

(Warning: without the assistance of a school, this is an expert-only launch)

Local shop:
Delta Windsurf Company, (916) 777-2299, deltawindsurf.com

Schools:
Ki’topia, (209)480-2067, kitopia.biz
Edge Kiteboarding School, (617) 686-0636, deltawindsurf.com/kitesurfing.html
Sheldon Kiteboarding, (707) 374-3053, sheldonkiteboarding.com
Launch Kiteboarding, (530) 318-5474, launchkiteboarding.com

Hood River, Oregon: Kiteboarding Ride Guide

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 01:34:00 -0400

Best Winds: May to September
Closest Airport: Portland
Kite Size: 6-10m
Cost Factor: $-$$$
Local Shops and Schools: See full list at end of article
Family Friendly: Yes
Naish Camp & Demo: June 15-17, 2012

Local Conditions:
Winds range from 10 to 25mph with many days delivering 25-35+mph. Come prepared for any wind conditions from light to nuclear. Our river current runs opposite of the predominate wind conditions (Westerly), so no real need for superlight wind gear and usually not a problem for anyone to stay upwind.   Spring water temps warrant full suits (4mm at least), while summer water/air temps allow for anything from a shorty wetsuit to boardshorts and jersey top.

Gear for the area:
If you have it, bring it all, but leave the super big kites and boards at home.   With the opposing current and our light winds still possessing punchy gusts of wind, the super lightwind gear is usually not very user-friendly in our gusty and choppy conditions.
On a daily basis, kites on the water will range from 6m2 to 14m2, depending on your size and board choice. Bring your twin for boosting air in the kiddy pool and bring your directional for tearing it up in the swell up by the White Salmon Bridge, but always remember to respect other riders space and ability levels.

If you come up short on gear, there are a plethora of kite shops in town that you can find both used and new gear to fill your needs. Demos/rentals are limited to boards only, unless one of our many kite sales reps are running a kite demo (check in with your local shop for more info).
*For quick Kite Repairs : www.airtimekite.com
*For quick Kiteboard Repairs : www.cascadeperformancefiberglass.com/kite.html

3 Places to ride:
1)Western Gorge - Stevenson (Kite Pt) : West and East winds. 17miles West of Hood River on the Washington side of the river. West winds average in the 14-20mph range (Spring –Summer), while East winds average from 10-20 in the early Spring, to 25-45mph in the Fall. Intermediate level launch requires launch assistance. Must have good self rescue experience (no beach and safety is #1 priority).
2)Central Gorge - Hood River Sandbar : West wind only. Located on Hood River waterfront between The Event Site and The Marina. Kite launching is only allowed via the HR Sandbar (Event Site and Marina are strictly off-limits for pumping/launching). Wind conditions typically average in the 14-25mph range, with conditions serving up 25-35+mph conditions when things get really good. Launch area is large and sandy, but due to peak season crowding issues, along with mixed ability levels and our local kite schools, proper launch eticate is to be followed at all times. Ask someone for advice if you’re not sure of the conditions (Look for the brown Chevy Van owned by A-Train, The Sandbar’s official Kite Ambassador. He’ll get you straightened our asap). If you demonstrate an obvious lack of experience or respect for others safety, you may be asked to deflate your kite or be recommended to a local kite school to get your skills up to speed. Please be mindful that the Hood River Sandbar is a local launch spot protected and managed by the Columbia Gorge Kiteboarding Association. Safety and Respect are the two reasons that we continue to retain kite access at the Sandbar. Teaching Kiteboarding on the Sandbar is restricted to Port of Hood River licensed IKO or PASA certified kite schools.
3)Eastern Gorge – Rufus (aka the Rockpile) : West wind only. Located on the 45 miles east of Hood River on the Oregon side of the river. Best in early Spring and late Summer, Rufus is the place to be for some of the best kiting conditions to be had in the Gorge. Wind conditions can be anywhere from 12 to 50mph, depending on the day and the weather patterns. With some of the strongest currents in the Gorge, staying upwind is not an issue. No need to rig too big since the opposing current will add more power to your session and you won’t want to get caught with too big of a kite when the winds start to go nuclear. This is where Ruben Lenten regularly comes out to boost his standard 50’+ airs. Amenities are minimal, so don’t forget to pack up your food and beer ahead of time.

Hazards :
BARGES! The bad news is they’re big, slow, require up to a mile to stop, and when upwind of you will block enough wind to get you swimming.   The good news is they’re big and slow, so there is no reason you should ever get near one or having any issues with one.
If your new to the location or not sure of the conditions or temps, ask someone on the beach for advice. If there are no kiters, then be patient they will come. If they don’t then you are likely in the wrong place and they are not there for a good reason.

Secret Spots :
Wikipedia def. : A secret is a piece of information that one person or a group of people know, and do not want others (either everyone, or certain people) to know.

Oregon
2nd Wind Sports	www.2ndwind-sports.com	541-386-4464
Airtime	www.airtimekite.com	888-386-3910
Big Winds	www.bigwinds.com	541- 386-6086
Brian's Windsurfing & Kiteboarding	www.brianswindsurfing.com	541- 386-1423
Gorge Performance	www.gorgeperformance.com	503- 246-6646
New Wind Kiteboarding	www.newwindkiteboarding.com	541.387.2440
Vela	www.velakitesurf.com	1-800-223-5443
Windance	www.windance.com	541--386-2131

Cape Hatteras Kiteboarding Ride Guide

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:33:00 -0400

No other location on earth offers as much wide open kiteboarding space, and variety of kiteboarding conditions as Cape Hatteras. Every year the Outer Banks consitentantly dishes up epic surf for downwind ocean runs, and uncrowded butter flat action in dozens of secret slicks. Cape Hatteras is the east coast’s undisputed kiteboarding king. That is why SBC Kiteboard magazine has made Cape Hatteras the home to our annual gear tests for the past ten years; It’s the perfect place to demo and test new kiteboarding gear!

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Best Winds: March to November, Locals ride year round
Closest Airport: Norfolk International Airport is located 1 1/2 hours from Kitty Hawk
Kite Size: Winds are primarily frontal so 8 to 16 meter kites is the norm
Cost Factor: $-$$ Renting a house with friends makes Hatteras very inexpensive
Local Shops and Schools: See full list at end of article
Family Friendly: Yes
Naish Demo: Click Here

The Island
Seventy miles of almost unlimited access to the water, both soundside and oceanside, allow riders to pick and choose their perfect riding location. The island bends over its length to create sideshore conditions in almost any wind direction. Combine the fact that it is far from the mainland, and you have the perfect recipe for steady, consistent winds. Waist deep water almost as far as the eye can see on the sound side, and a multitude of great uncrowded ocean side surf breaks make Cape Hatteras the east coast’s number one kiteboarding destination.

Where to stay
With the spring and fall being shoulder season for tourists, rental houses are a great deal. Check Outer Beach Realty, and Hatteras Realty for some of the best ocean front and sound front accommodations. The Watermen’s Retreat are located directly beside the Real shop right on the Sound. These are spot one for the world famous Triple-S, and the Naish demo tour. The Watermen's Retreat is also conveniently located close to the infamous Real Slick. A short drive up highway 12 is the Waves Village Resort.

Eats
Mojo’s Cafe at Real Kiteboarding for Taco Tuesday, or any day of the week for a quick lunch or after session beer or meal. The Orange Blossom in Buxton is a SBC test team favorite for breakfast and coffee. The Apple Ugglies are big . Diamond Shoals restaurant sells some of the freshest fish on the OBX and you can pick it up from their market and grill it at home. Just make sure your house has a BBQ. La Fogata’s in Avon offers traditional Mexican fair at reasonable prices.

Other tips and things to do

Go surfing
SUP the Sound
Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Look for Blackbeard’s treasure
Take a day trip to see the ponies in Okracoke
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

Local shops/schools:

Hatteras Island Surf Shop	www.hatterasislandsurfshop.com	252-987-2292
Kite Hatteras	www.kitehatteras.net	252-305-5290
Kitty Hawk Kites	www.kittyhawk.com	252- 987-2528
Kitty Hawk Kites	www.kittyhawk.com	252- 441-4112
Ocean Air Sports	www.oceanairsports.com	252-995-5000
Outer Banks Kiting	www.outerbankskiting.com	252-305-6839
Real Watersports	www.realwatersports.com	866- 732-5548

Wind and surf forecast

Best launches
Kite Point (KP) just south of Avon is the most famous of the Cape Hatteras soundside launches, and works for almost all wind directions. Across Highway 12 on the Ocean side directly across is Ego Beach, a favorite spot for visit and local pro’s to score a good wave session. By far the best thing about Hatteras is the hundreds of potential riding locations, and secret slicks. Bust out Google Earth and explore! Be sure to also check out SBC Kiteboard’s ultimate Cape Hatteras Downwinder Ride Guide.

View Larger Map

South Padre Island, Texas: Kiteboarding Ride Guide

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

South Padre Island off the coast of south Texas sees a steady flow of kiteboarders from around the globe. The sub tropical barrier island offers a variety of riding conditions for beginners to advanced kiteboarders. It's the perfect place to learn and advance your riding skill, or try out new gear. No matter which way the wind blows, the waist-deep waters of the Laguna Madre stay nice and flat, and the downwinders on the gulf side offer a wide variety of waveriding conditions ranging from sloppy small surf to big side-off perfection.

South Padre Island, Texas
Closest Airport: BRO
Average Kite Size: 10-12m
Best Months: March-July, mid-October-November
Cost Factor: $-$$
Family Friendly: Yes
Naish Camp and Demo: May 3-6, 2012

The Island
South Padre Island runs almost straight north to south and is less than a mile wide, so it handles most wind directions well. During the fall, winter and spring months, wind is frontally driven and can range from 12 to 50 mph. The prevailing winds are typically southeast 15-30 mph. When cold fronts pass the winds usually howl for several days out of the north, so don’t forget to pack your small kite. During late spring and summer months the winds are ridiculously steady thermals blowing 20-25 mph every afternoon.

Where to stay
The island is a destination resort with every major motel chain you could name available such as La Quinta, Travelodge, Holiday Inn and Best Western. Wind Water Hotel and Resort is located next to the Air Padre Kiteboard shop.
Wind Water Hotel and Resort
Casa Bella Hotel and Resort

Eats

After spending all day riding, drive down Padre Boulevard; you’ll see most of what the island has to offer. Padre Island Brewing Co. and Captain Roy’s are local favourites for dinner. Kohnami for Sush. Wanna Wanna Beach Bar and Gril is located right on the beach. Ted’s make the best lunches on the island. For an all-day breakfast fix, search out Manuel’s in Port Isabel and order a breakfast taco con todo, or try Ted’s.

Other tips and things to do
- Mexico is only 30 miles south for shopping, fiestas, lunch and/or dinner.
- Surf or boogie board, ride bikes on the beach, fish inshore or offshore.
- In season, Schlitterbahn Waterpark for big or little kids.
- Wait for the wind, relax into island mode. You won’t have to wait long.
- Check out the local history and marine life.
- Spring Break is in March. But don’t let that scare you. March is still a great time to kite. Breakers, for the most part, are nowhere near the kite beaches. Tip: they seem to be nocturnal anyway.

Local shops/schools:

Air Padre Kiteboarding	www.airpadrekiteboarding.com	956-229-9463
South Padre Island Kiteboarding	www.southpadreislandkiteboarding.com	970- 846-1042
South Padre Kiteboarding	www.southpadre-kiteboarding.com	956- 761-1434

Wind and surf forecast

Best launches
The North Flats just outside of town is 500 acres of wide-open tidal flats, sand dunes and smatterings of grass leading to the waist-deep, tranquil waters of the Laguna Madre. The wide-open, uncrowded spaces of this private beach are hard to believe.
And then you have The Ranch, a.k.a. Holly Beach, on the mainland side, which is probably the steadiest winds for flatwater kiting on the planet. For the more adventurous, the Gulf of Mexico offers waveriding and endless downwinders, and plenty of two- to six-foot surf.

Check out this great riding location map from Air Padre Kiteboarding.

View South Padre Island Kitesurfing in a larger map

4 Best Winter Kiteboarding / Cable Crossover Destinations

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:44:00 -0500

Planning a winter kiteboarding getaway and wanting to be close to some amazing cable crossover locations? Here are five of the best. Be sure to
check out the Cable Crossover feature on page 76 of the Fall issue of SBC Kiteboard magazine.

FLORIDA (CENTRAL)
Central Florida has a lot to offer on the cable front: a clockwise spinning cable, some of the best obstacles on the planet,
plenty of two-tower cableways and countless pro wakeboarders who call it home. The fl atwater kiting on the east and west coasts can be sick, too.
Kiting Spots: St. Petersburg/Cocoa Beach/Titusville
Cable Parks: McCormick’s Cable Park, Orlando Watersports Complex, The Projects (two-tower cables only)

FLORIDA (SOUTH)
Home to North America’s oldest cableway and one of the best fi ve-tower setups in the States, Southern Florida also features a diversity of great winter kiting.
Kiting Spots: Miami/Del Rey/Jupiter/Sanibel/Ft. Myers
Cable Parks: Revolution Cable Park, Ski Rixen

TEXAS (SOUTH)
South Padre Island and Corpus Christi may be Texas’ kiteboarding meccas, but the Houston area offers kiting too, along with cable parks.
Kiting Spots: Houston/Galveston/Corpus Christi
Cable Parks: Wake Nation Houston, M2 Sports (two-tower cable only), Oasis of the Woodlands (opening summer 2011, according to their website).

THE PHILIPPINES
One of the most famous cable parks in the world, Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) is ridiculously epic. The kiting in the boat lake isn’t nearly as stellar, but there are kiting alternatives within a couple hours, plus Boracay. Don’t miss Wind Or No Wind at CWC coming this December.
Kiting Spots: Boracay/Camsur Vicinity
Cable Park: CWC

Cuba: A Kiteboarding Guide

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:56:00 -0500

Cayo Island area of Cayo Guillermo

When you think of Cuba, kiteboarding probably isn’t the first thing that pops in to your head. It’s a place with a Communist past, which has kept the country quiet but strong and unbelievably beautiful. Cuba is an archipelago of islands located in the northern Caribbean where the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean all blend together. Cuba, just like its neighbours, has crystal-clear water, sandy white beaches and luscious palm trees. Being just south of the Bahamas and west of the Dominican Republic, Cuba has no shortage of windy months and spots to ride!
   Canadians have been traveling to Cuba for years. With quick and low-cost flights, getting there is simple and mostly stress-free. You can either book a fairly cheap to medium-priced all-inclusive resort, or head out on your own, moving from resort to resort. Their isn’t anywhere to rent or repair gear, though, so make sure you bring your repair kit and all your kites!
   Scooters are a popular mode of transportation and are super cheap to rent for the day. I usually enjoy veering off the beaten path, but with Cuba being a Communist country it’s kind of hard to do (not impossible though) with all of the major cities being quite a distance from the beaches and resorts and most of the roads not being named it’s never as simple as just following your GPS. I came to kiteboard though! So I did a lot of exploring up and down the coast, sneaking into other resorts, riding at their beaches and grabbing some food and drinks from the restaurants. Then I would do a downwinder back to my place looking for secret spots along the way. Depending on the tide you could really find some sick places to ride. My favourite spot from this trip was right behind this amazing point in one of the Cayos, which offered up some of the most butter-flat water I’ve ever kited on. Two good friends and myself had the spot all to ourselves. There is no shortage of these hidden spots with a little effort for adventure!
   My visit to Cuba was focused on the Cayo Island area of Cayo Guillermo which is part of the Ciego de Avila province. After we arrived at the airport in the mainland, we hopped on a 45 minute ride in this 1950’s old-school hippie bus down a single dirt road headed towards the ocean. You have to stop at a few checkpoints and cross a bridge onto the island. The Cubans are not allowed across the bridge into the resort/tourist area unless they are working. It’s crazy how these people live so close to a paradise that they cannot fully enjoy. That being said the Cubans are some of the happiest and most helpful people I have ever met.
   Cayo Guillermo along with the other Cayo Islands, Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Romano offer up some of the best conditions in the country. Another fun spot is Varadero. It is the most popular spot for kiteboarding and has great conditions that are easily on par with the Cayos. Cuba is not a small country though and I’m sure their are lots of epic spots still to be explored, spots that have been ridden that we don’t even know about and spots that we may never get a chance to see because of the Communism. All in all Cuba is and isn’t what I expected, with so much more left unexplored. Some form of change is likely on the horizon, but with that I hope Cuba can maintain its natural beauty and heritage. I’m curious to know what’s going to happen in the next years for Cuba, but I do know I will be heading back soon!

TO DO

1. Pick a coconut - The beaches are lined with coconut trees… pick one, crack it open and sip on the fresh juice after a nice long session.
2. Smoke a Cohiba - The most famous cigars in the world, made right here in Cuba.
3. Speedboat ride through the mangroves - If you have a day or two without wind this will get your adrenaline going.
3. Swim with the dolphins - So much fun.
4. Rent a scooter and explore the neighbouring resorts - So you can do some exploring and check out where to stay next year.
5. Downwinders - Rent a scooter take it upwind and kite back.
6. Horseback ride with seafood dinner combo - Sounds lame but it’s actually a lot of fun. Plus you will score some points with your girlfriend.
7. During low tide take a walk into the ocean and you’ll find plenty of stranded sea creatures - Pick up a huge star fish. More points with the girlfriend.
8. Bring old T-shirts, hats, watches to trade/give to locals - The locals really appreciative anything you can offer.
9. Go fishing - It’s world-class.
10. Snorkel around the reef - The second largest reef in the world. So check it out. You’ll be happy you did.

DON’T

Trash your kite or yourself on the reef.
Go without getting proper vaccinations from your doctor.
Drink the tap water.

CUBA KITEBOARDING LOCATIONS

1. Marina Palace, Varadero. Will work in any wind direction. Small chop and flatwater if you tuck in behind the end of the point.
2. 53rd Street, Varadero. ENE/NE/N/NW, choppy but downwinders are possible for up to 25 km!
3. Cayo Coco Beach. W/NW/N/NE/E, mostly small chop with a few flat spots.
4. Cayo Guillermo Beach. N/NE/E/SE, small chop with some flatwater spots depending on tide.
5. Find your own spot! Lots of undiscovered location in this archipelago!

Closest Airport CCC(Cayo Coco) / VRA(Varadero)
Best Winds Northern shore: November-April
Best Surf Southern shore: September-January
Average Kite Size 10-12 m
Cost Factor Low/Med
Local Tourism cuba-cayoguillermo.net, cuba-cayococo.net, cuba-cayococo.net, gocuba.ca, varaderohotelbookings.com
Local Schools Communist/private: During my visit there was a school out of the Sol Melia Cayo Guillermo Hotel but it has recently been shut down by the government.
Local Scene The kite scene is a very friendly, laid-back island atmosphere. Varadero is busier then the Cayos but you will always have lots of room! Bring any old gear, magazines or videos as the locals have no access to any of this.
Access Issues None. The government is happy to support tourism in their country. Be respectful of swimmers and other beach users.
Wind Forecast Resources windguru.com
Wind Generally NE/N/NW frontal winds throughout the winter months. With NE 14-20 knots being the most common. Thermals kick in for the summer months out of the SE but aren’t very aggressive.
Accommodations/Food In the Cayos there are numerous all-inclusive type deals which makes it easy for a quick week getaway. In Varadero you have a little more choice as to restaurants bars ect. Here you can go into town and leave the resort-type atmosphere and bounce from place to place.
Hazards The reef! It took out my new kite.
Ability Level Beginner, intermediate and advanced
Fear Factor Reef at low tide

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Cayman Island Kiteboarding Guide

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

“When you jumped you wanted to stay up there to check out everything beneath the sea, huge coral heads, beautiful seagrass beds and tons of stingrays!”—Damien LeRoy

The Cayman Islands is one of the Caribbean’s greatest treasures. What sets the Cayman Islands apart from the rest of the Caribbean is its unique location just below Cuba. This provides an exclusive look to the Caymans you simply can’t find in the Caribbean chain. Its diverse set of world-class activities including kiteboarding, surfing, skateboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, and, yes, an active nightlife! Three small islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman lie on the turquoise waters of the western Caribbean, only 480 miles south of Miami, offering boarders and watermen a dream location.
   We have traveled around the globe trying to find the most amazing kiteboarding vacation, but what does the “best trip ever” really include? We have found epic kiteboarding spots before, but not much else going on. We have found epic surf, but little wind. We have gone on great scuba adventures, but nowhere to launch kites! Grand Cayman offered us everything, that is why we can say it was truly the “best trip ever.”
   Damien LeRoy, Jon Modica, Melissa Gil and Fritz Otiker flew to Grand Cayman, without knowing this would be a full-on, action-packed and epic long weekend. What could be more fun than traveling with friends to a beautiful tropical island in the Caribbean to kitesurf on turquoise, translucent flatwater, ride epic waves over the reef, dive with sharks on the edge of the reef, snorkel and kite with hundreds of stingrays, and on top of that visit a sick surf and skatepark?
   We flew into Grand Cayman Airport on Wednesday night and were welcomed by Mike and George with the Kitehouse at Grand Cayman, which is partnered with Ocean Frontiers, Grand Cayman’s best dive centre, to bring together world-class scuba diving and world-class kiteboarding. The following morning we were up at the crack of dawn and drove past the Blow Holes to East End. We met with Moe and Steve at Ocean Frontiers and drove the boat out to the shipwrecks to shoot with the sunrise. Despite being half awake, the riding was amazing and the spot was spectacular. Damien and Melissa were first out riding 10m kites, on flatwater, in a beautiful sunrise, with 80 degree water and 80 degree air. Basically it was one of the most pleasant sessions of their lives. Of course Damien thought he needed to spice things up a bit and jump over the most rusted and jagged shipwreck sticking out of the water! Once the sun was up we did a downwinder to Ocean Frontiers and Compass Point Hotel. Jon surfed the boat’s wake as we cruised downwind. Once we got to the dive centre Damien used the docks as a slider park.
   On Friday we drove to Gun Bay where the barrier reef protecting the bay and the shallows allow for perfect turquoise flatwater. The beautiful white sand beach has plenty of room for launching the kites. Later that day we cruised downwind, heading north to a spot where the reef comes closer to shore to ride waves. The downwinders were spectacular, the views of the coastline were breath-taking, and the ocean has so many colours, you can see every imaginable tone of blue, from deep blue to turquoise to almost purple! And when you jumped you wanted to stay up there to check out everything beneath the sea, huge coral heads, beautiful seagrass beds and tons of stingrays. And kiting wasn’t the only fun, the waves were great for regular surfing and when the wind was light in the afternoons we would go for a surf session at Blow Holes.
   The next day we headed out on the boat to Rum Point and Stingray City. We enjoyed the boat ride just as much as the kiting as we gazed upon the changing shoreline from beautiful white sand beaches to big, rocky 20 foot cliffs. Once we got to Rum Point we couldn’t believe how beautiful the water is there, it makes you want to jump in and swim and play all day long. Just a couple of miles from Rum Point lies a big sandbar called Stingray City, named after the hundreds of stingrays that hang around and feed in this sandbar. Back in the day fisherman would come back after a long day of fishing out in the open ocean and clean their fish at this sandbar, the food attracted the stingrays and so they became accustomed to being close to humans and feeding. As soon as we jumped off the boat you could see the stingrays coming to check you out. Talk about a close encounter with sea creatures, these stingrays have no fear and come as close as they can get, rubbing themselves on you. We thought this was the greatest underwater experience, but we had no idea what was to come with our diving adventure, it was a diving experience was like none other.
   Between the friendly and knowledgeable staff, well-equipped and comfortable dive boats, and the great dive site selection, Ocean Frontiers offers a five-star dive operation. Diving out in the open ocean of the East End is very exciting and Ocean Frontiers offers visits to sites that no one else goes to. As soon as we hit the water we realized why this place is known worldwide for its diving. The visibility was amazing and the reef wall seemed immense and majestic, standing steep and going down well below 100 feet. The coral reef was full of life and healthy. Swimming through canyons and tunnels was a rush; we saw colourful fish and coral in every direction, huge grouper, moray eels and lobster. As we turned out of one of the canyons we came to a small spot of sand on the bottom where we stood to gaze upon the most thrilling of all the sea creatures yet. Two reef sharks where roaming around. We thought we would be scared of being in the water with a shark, but the experience was really unimaginable. There was something amazing about being next to this incredible animal in its element. Somehow peace and happiness find you in this underwater world as you listen to your own breathing and praise the many wonders of our planet.
   On our final day the wind was out and the waves were small so we decided to go check out the Black Pearl Surf and Skate Park, which has the world’s largest free-standing wave and a 6,200 sp. ft. skatepark. We had so much fun. Jon was a natural; he rode that wave like he had been doing it for years and he even got barreled!
   We stayed at the Compass Point Dive Resort, which has all the comforts of home and is fully equipped. We literally stepped out of our room everyday for a full day adventure of kiting, snorkeling or diving. It was a great way to experience Grand Cayman, which is blessed with warm, steady wind nearly year-round, turquoise, crystal-clear water and a lot to do no matter the weather.


Cayman Islands Kiteboarding Guide
Closest Airport: GCM
Best Winds: October to March but wind year-round
Average Kite Size: 10 m
Cost Factor: Medium, high
Local websites: Ocean Frontiers, oceanfrontiers.com, Black Pearl Surf and Skate Park: blackpearl.ky
Local Schools: thekitehouse.com/cayman

Spot Check: Turks & Caicos

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

One afternoon while walking through a shopping centre my eyes glanced at this large world map an artist had painted on the wall. I walked over and instantly had an idea to search for a remote place to kiteboard. This is when the name Turks & Caicos Islands caught my attention. I spent the following days searching for information and photos in regards to this location. One month later I was on my way to this picturesque location to photograph Julian Hosp, a professional kiteboarder from Austria. I knew in my heart that this place was going to take my breath away.

How to get there:
It’s easy and hassle-free to get to the Turks & Caicos Islands with many major airline carriers such as American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, US Airways, and Continental Airlines to name a few with daily flights either direct or via Miami to Providenciales. Average price range for airfare is $700.00-$1000.00.

Gear transport and local rental options:
Kite Provo will provide you with most of your kiteboarding needs while on the island. They provide transportation pick-ups as well as gear rentals. Rentals are for Level 2 & 3 kiteboarders only. There is a two-day minimum requirement with a secure cash deposit of $100. Available for rent are kites of various sizes, boards as well as harnesses.

The wind and how it works:
The wind is mostly sideshore/onshore. Frontal winds play a big role in the winter months and trade winds during the summer months.

Must-Dos
1. Scuba diving One of the world’s most popular destinations for scuba diving. Natural wonders of the underwater world waiting to be discovered.
2. Snorkeling If scuba diving is not for you, there is no need to miss out on the underwater world. With the proper snorkel gear, you can enjoy the shallow water fish and corals.
3. Windsurfing On Grace Bay Beach the clear, calm water offers an ideal area to perfect your technique.
4. Deep sea fishing Listed as one of the top 20 hot spots in the world for Blue Marlin by Sport Fishing magazine.
5. Whale watching Salt Cay Tours specializes in soft in-water encounters with whales. Kayak with the Humpbacks or take a relaxing boat tour.
6. Surf the reef Rent a surf board or bring your own and ride the powerful surf on Northwest reef.
7. Visit the other islands & cays There is a taxi ferry that runs a couple times a day to other surrounding islands. Visit Parrot Cay where you can see homes of the rich and famous.
8. Watch sunsets from the beach For the hopeless romantics there are many private, secluded beaches you can explore with that special someone.
9. Visit Chalk Sound Intangible turquoise water, impossible to replicate in any form. Chalk Sound National Park is a must-see. It’s simply full of light and vibrance. Pictures do no justice to its beauty.
10. Boat Rentals Silver Deep Excursions offers many activities for the water enthusiast. Inflatable boats for two or four passengers and runabouts are available for adventure seekers. Explore Provo’s south shore beaches, bluffs, caves and snorkel sites.

Don’ts:
It is not advisable to take the highly overpriced taxis.

Accommodations:
There are options for low, medium and high budgets.
Places to stay on the islands can be from very casual to as elegant as your own private luxury villa.
If you are traveling on a low to medium budget there are a couple locations such as Kite Provo Kite Cottage, Comfort Suites as well as Turtle Cove Inn. High budget accommodations include: Grace Bay Club, Seven Stars and The Palms to name a few.

Transportation:
It’s easy to get around the Islands. Anyone, over 18 years of age, holding a valid driving license can rent a scooter. However, various car rental agencies offer a range of vehicles from economically priced, small compact cars to average priced jeep rentals as well as high-priced luxury vehicles. Rental policy states that you must be 25 years of age to rent a vehicle.

Top places for food:
The chefs of Provo offer a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes such as French, Italian, Thai, Japanese, regional American and native cuisine all with a Caribbean twist. If you’re on a low or high budget there are many delights that can satisfy the hungriest customer.
There are a few local favourite spots on the island that offer cozy, relaxed atmosphere and breath-taking views as well as the fancy, fine-dining experience. Here are a few of the better known restaurants.
The Conch Shack: Known for it’s famous Conch Salads.
Jimmy’s Dive Bar: An indoor-outdoor sports bar with amazing burgers.
Sharkbite: A pub-style restaurant with live entertainment.
Magnolia Restaurant & Wine Bar: Known for it’s breathtaking views and fine dining.
Coco Bistro: Know for their famous “Mudslide” beverages.

Any other Local Knowledge:
Providenciales is home to the only conch farm in the world.
Local currency is the U.S. dollar and the official language is English. But beware: You must drive on the left-hand side!

Spot Guide to kiteboarding locations:
1. Long Bay Waist-deep for miles; side-on-wind; flat water; best spot to ride freestyle and freeride
2. Grace Bay Only rideable when N-E Winds; choppy; side-on-winds; if swell, then great break on the reef.
3. North West Point Always the strongest wind, but side-off-shore; if swell, then great break on the reef, but no rescue!
4. Chalk Sound Difficult to enter and to ride, but amazing colours.
5. Turtle Tail Similar to Long Bay, but difficult to get there.

Side Bar
Closest Airport: Providenciales International Airport
Best Winds (Months): December, January, February, May, June, July
Best Surf (Months): December, January, February
Average Kite Size: 10-12 m2
Cost Factor: Medium to high price range
Local Tourism website: www.turksandcaicostourism.com
Local Shops: Blue Surf & Kite Gear, (649) 941-8670
Local Schools: Kite Provo, kiteprovo.com (649) 242-2927
Local Scene: Welcoming, friendly and always willing to help out.
Access Issues: Short Walks. It is strongly advisable to rent a car, otherwise it will be difficult to the various kite locations around the island.
Local Hazards: The occasional conch shell
Ability Level: Beginner, intermediate, expert
Fear Factor: Treacherous Northwest Reef

Julian Hosp sessions the breathtaking hues of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Top Five Golf-Kiteboarding destinations

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Greg Norman JR has been turning heads on the water this past year and is featured in our 2009 Fall issue of SBC Kiteboard magazine. We love multi sports vacations so we asked the Shark's son what his favourite combined Golf-Kiteboarding destinations are. Here is Greg Norman JR's top five list:

1. Queensland, Australia / Pelican Waters Golf Club / Caloundra Spit / Bli Bli Cable Park
2. Maui, Hawaii / Kapalua / Kite Beach / Honolua Bay
3. Jupiter, Florida / Medalist Golf Club, Hobe Sound / Ski Rixen Cable Park
4. Caberete, Dominican Republic / Cap Cana / Kite Beach
5. Outer Banks, North Carolina / Nags Head Golf Club / The Slick, Real Kiteboarding Slider Park

Kiteboarding Ecuador

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Ecuador is emerging as the newest kiteboarding destination on the planet. With great winds June to November and friendly locals it's no surprise Paul Menta loves it there.

"Since my first time kiteboarding in the late 90's in Ecuador, the areas have got a little more modern, but the conditions and the people are still as good as ever. Peru is right next door to this excellent kite spot. When you arrive in the Ecuador kiting spot "Brisas Veijas" (old wind) you see wide beaches, palapas, waves up wind, calm areas out front and the occasional spray of a whale.

Daily side shore winds and friendly people are the normal. The area has something for ever kiter and non kiter. Long down winders, waves to learn on and also to challenge even the best pro. The culture of the area helps you unwind and remember how simple things should be. My hosts Wvaladmir, Nicole and Davo took us kiting in spots till our arms hurt and then lead us on tours of history and tradition that you will rarely find in the world. You will have many stories to tell about your adventures once you leave Ecuador." —Paul Menta

Airport : GYE? or Manta
Best Wind Moths: June- December
Best Surf: for Kite Surf; late july-early december
Average Kites: 9m-12m
Cost Factor: Low
Local Tourism web: http://www.camaraturismomanta.com http://www.vivecuador.com http://www.manta.gov.ec
Local Shop and School: humboldt kites, http://www.humboldtkites.com
www.kiteecuador.com

View Best Kiteboarding Destinations in a larger map

Getting There
Your can fly into Guyaquil airport and get a 3 hour ride to Manta, but the better way is fly into Quito, then flight into Manta. This year they should have flights directly from Miami to Manta.

Gear transportación and local rental options:
Car rental average 35 to 80 USD, there is a private shuttle with booking through the Kite House
You can get all inclusive with the kite house and you get a cheap complete package.

The Wind
18 to 25 knots, SW; side on wind, tradewinds, gets wind around 11.. 12noon

Ten must do:

Montecristi, where they make Panama Hats,and no they are first made in Ecuador and sent to Panama...can take 6 months to make one hat
Humpback whale watching or if your liucky kiting with them
Pacoche Tropical Rain Forest
Tuna factory tour
Breakfast at the local fish market
Isla de la Plata, poor mans galapagos
Surf and Sup Surf

Accomodations
Kite House Ecuador, “Villa Monica“, 20 to 35USD per night with breakfast, plus you get transport package as well.
3 to 5 Start hotels are also avaible in town.

Car rental:
Car rental average 35 to 120 USD per day
Taxi prices from 1 to 3 USD in the City, taxi to Kite Spot 7 to 10 USD
Local Pick up fisherman trucks 1,5 USD
Kite School Pick up and drop off 4 USD

Top Places to EAT
Breackfast and lunch, “Malecon Escenico” at the Murcielago beach in Manta, there are 20 diferent restaurants, but go for he “lucky number” the 13th Alcatraz cant go wrong with that, they have the best local and seafood in tonw, average 5-10USD.
At night there are great grill and pizza places arround the Flavio Reyes stree, where you can get a dinner for 5 to 10 USD

Any other local knowlegde
Is good to be arround someone local to show you arround the city

Spot guide
Local scene: very laid back with Ecuadorian kiters, but its huge so plenty of room
Best wind. Direction:
18 to 25 knots, SW; side on wind, tradewinds, get wind around 11.. 12PM
Access issues: kite house offers guides to get you to the secret spots to get great waves
Local hazards: none
Ability level:beginner-pro
Fear factor: low... dollar is used here and people are helpfull and friendly

Cabarete's Best Restaurants

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Cabrinha pro rider Susi Mai shares her favourite Cabarete hotspots.

La Boca Restaurant
This is a local Dominican shack that always amazes me with the tasty food it produces. It’s located at the river mouth (a good flatwater kitespot) and they serve pineapples in the pineapple and fresh fish caught right from under your kiteboard!

Lolo’s Bar
This is the perfect place for a quick healthy lunch on kitebeach. The best things are the wraps and the homemade chocolate cakes. Sometimes you need a bigger kite afterwards.

Ali’s Surfcamp
This is a restaurant located about half a mile from town with a quiet atmosphere, good wine and amazing churrasco. It’s very affordable so most of the time the place is full of kiters and surfers.

Lax
It’s a chilled-out beach bar with lots of comfy tables and couches and good specials on booze. It is usually where we start off a big night of partying.

Onno’s Bar
This is the best party place in town and no matter where you start off, you usually always end up here. We call the dance floor The Pit of Doom and to this day all the inhabitants of Cabarete are glad that what happens in Onno’s, stays in Onno’s.

Hexenkessel
The only 24-hour food establishment around, conveniently located right in front of Onno’s. To a hungry drunken party person this may well be the best pizza place in the world.

Blue Bar
This is a small hole in the wall across the street from Onno’s with locals serving drinks for next to nothing. Go there and you can find out what happens when rum is cheaper than coke.

Nitinat Kiteboarding Guide (Nitinaht)

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

I’ve been coming to Nitinat Lake on Vancouver Island, B.C., for the past three summers, and can easily say it’s no ordinary kite spot. Sure, it boasts the most consistent 20-plus knot winds in North America, but that’s not what makes the area so special.
   For me, a photographer always looking for some different angle on a place, Nitinat is a gold mine. For starters, the only way in is on highly active, pothole-infested logging roads, overrun by rampaging, giant logging trucks. Then there’s the fact that Nitinat Lake is on native-owned land, and apart from a small native village (Dididat) on the south shore of the lake, there are no other urban amenities or luxuries anywhere near the place. There are designated camping spots, but most people perch their tents amongst the giant, deformed, old-growth driftwood that gets washed up on the beach, or which sometimes ends up mysteriously erect in the water, providing for wild scenery and even wilder obstacles.
   On any given day the perpetual fire-pit fiesta on the beach starts with the first wind and slowly builds up during the day into a full-blown beach party by nightfall, with its multiple guitar heroes and circulating peace pipes. Then there’s the hand-built sauna that rises from the ashes year after year, or the bashed-in bottle cap collection on the face of an extra-large pizza size chunk of old-growth tree stump that was made by a local older dude who’s spent the entire season on his artwork.
   Nitinat is unique to say the least. It’s far removed from reality and the real world. It is its own secluded, bare-bones kite paradise, where kite hippies, kite yuppies, pros, a couple of kite schools, windsurfers, the local natives, and just plain strange people coexist in organic harmony.

Closest airport: YYJ
Best wind: July and August
Average kite size: 7—10m
Cost factor: Low

Local shop: Nitinat Visitors Centre – Has basic groceries, a gas station, kite supplies (North and Dakine), a phone, and a café.
Wind and surf forecast resources: Environment Canada Website – Look at temperature gradients from the West Coast of Vancouver Island to the inland. Also check out www.wunderground.com/global/stations/71483.html .

View Best Kiteboarding Destinations in a larger map

Getting There: There are two ways in, depending on where you’re coming from. If you come from Victoria, drive north on the Trans-Canada Hwy One about one hour from Victoria, make a left on Cowichan Valley Hwy 18. From Lake Cowichan take the North Shore Road through Youbou. From Youbou it’s another 52 km on rough, active logging roads. Follow Nitinat Main Logging road.
If you take the ferry to Nanaimo the route is through Port Alberni. From Port Alberni it’s 70 km away by taking the road to Bamfield, then turn off at Franklin River and follow the Little Nitinat River to Nitinat. Follow Bamfield Road and South Main.

Prices: Ferries from Vancouver are about $72 for one person and vehicle and an extra $10/person.
The Nitinat Lake Recreation Site is $10/person per night.
The Nitinat Motel is $80/night for a kitchenette and $60 for a standard room.

Checklists of things to take: All your kite gear, full camping gear (stove, fuel, water, food, and beer). Nitinat Lake Campsite is classified as “Primitive.” That means there are no amenities besides an outhouse and flat spots to lay your tent.

Gear transport and local rental options: Wake up, grab your board and kite, and walk 20 feet... enough said. Speak with Marie at Elevation Kiteboarding (604-848-5197) about rentals, lessons, and assisted downwinders (she has a Jetski).

The wind and how it works: The consistent thermal westerly wind turns on around 10 a.m. and shuts down around 4 p.m. everyday, all summer long. If you see a fog bank at the west end of the lake, you know it’s gonna howl.

Ten must dos:
1. Take a sauna on the beach, built by locals every year. After the sauna take swim in the lake, and check out the phosphorescence in the lake… they make your body glow.
2. Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park—created to protect the ancient and massive trees of old-growth forest in this region. Home to some of the largest spruce trees in the world including the Carmanah Giant at 95 metres.
3. Pick up some Dungeness crab and salmon from the local fishermen if you can find them in the village.
4. Nitinaht Windfest in mid-August. This is likely B.C.’s biggest and best kite and windsurf extravaganza, party, and competition. Lasts all weekend.
5. Join in on the local jam nights by the nightly bonfire on the beach
6. Canoe Route. Nitinat Triangle is one of the most scenic and remote canoe routes on Vancouver Island. West of Nitinat Lake in Pacific Rim National Park. 38 km and four-five days to complete with only 18 km on the water.
7. Fishing on the Nitinat River and Nitinat Lake.
8. Nitinat River swimming holes. About six kilometres from Nitinat Lake one is called Red Rock and the other is called The Bridge and both close to the fish hatchery
9. Nitinat River Hatchery. Take a tour through the hatchery.
10. Check out the nearby caves in the canyon.

Don’ts: Don’t leave food out anywhere, anytime, or you’ll be wrestling black bears, Don’t litter. Pack out what you pack in. Don’t try to catch a ferry without a reservation on the weekend. Don’t play chicken with the oversized logging trucks. If you see one, pull over and give them room.

Accommodations: Camping or the Nitinaht Lake Motel, 250-745-3844.

Car Rental: Get the extra insurance, and know how to change a flat. The road in is on highly active gravel logging roads. Flats are common, and watch out for the oversized logging trucks.

Access Issues: Aside from crowded campsites, ferries to the island are very busy during weekend. Make a reservation.

Local Hazards: Extra large driftwood, which tends to sprout up out of the water on occasion. This driftwood can also be used as an advantage for natural jib sessions.

Ability Level: All

Top Places for Food: Your cooler, and the Nitinat General Store, which has a café. Treat yourself to breakfast at the café at least once.

Other Local Knowledge:
• You can take a shower at the Nitinaht Motel for $3.
• Make sure you know how to change a flat tire. Ask anyone who’s been there and chances are they’ll have had a flat at one time or another on the way in or way out.
• There is no sand on the beach, just rounded rocks, so either wear flip flops while launching or take special care and watch where you step.
• Since it’s a tidal saltwater lake, it can be a little chilly. Most people use shorty 4/3 wetsuits.
• The campsite can get pretty crowded close to the water, but the spots farther are usually quieter, and more private.
• Bring your bike to get around the site. There used to be some wild North Shore style mountain bike trails, but the stunts got destroyed by the windstorms of 2007.
• If the south end of the lake gets too busy, just make your way up the lake a little and enjoy the solitude. It’s a little less windy, but way more peaceful.

Useful Links:

Webcam

Nitinaht.ca

Elevationkiteboarding School

Strong Kiteboarding School

Local tourism website: ourbc.com , vancouverisland.com, nitinaht.ca

Top Ten Things I Learned While I Was On Maui

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

1. Lanes is actually a left. Go figure. But still fun.
2. Robby [Naish] has some of the coolest toys.
3. Jon Malberg is crazy good at paragliding.
4. Ian Aldredge can sleep more than anyone.
5. Reo has the herp. Not true at all but still fun to spread around during the week I was there. (Sorry Reo)
6. No Taco Bells in Europe, which is why all the European guys fell in love with it.
7. Maui has one of the craziest roads I have been on.
8. Don’t swim in at the restaurant downwind of lanes.
9. Naish is a great company with a lot of good people working for them.
10. I am a lot older than I thought. The younger guys on the team can throw down.

Los Roques: Kiteboarding Paradise

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The beautiful untouched islands that make up Los Roques Marine Park are only a short 30-minute flight from Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. These two places could not be more different. Caracas is a bustling, overcrowded city of five million, while the main island “hub” of Gran Roque has 1,200 inhabitants and no roads. It was on the sleepy island of Gran Roque, with its sand-covered streets and car-less society, that we stepped back in time for a week of riding and fun away from the formalities of the modern world.

Getting there
There are several flights to Caracas from Europe, Miami and South America every day. Flying to Los Roques from Caracas can be a little tricky, but you will get there. Pack as light as possible.

View Larger Map

Money
Venezuela is fairly cheap, though the currency fluctuates. Los Roques tends to be more expensive due to its location. It is better to change money in Caracas before heading out.

Accommodation
There are several posadas or guest houses on the island of varying standards. La Gaviota is recommended because the owner kites and can schedule everything from water taxis and packed lunches. Most places cost around $100 a night, which includes all food, taxis, diving and fishing. It works out to be a good deal.

Safety
Caracas has a bad reputation, but you can stay closer to the airport if you need to overnight before getting to Los Roques and it is perfectly safe. Once there, you will have nothing to worry about. Just relax and settle into the slower pace of life.

Communications
There is wireless Internet all over the island for people who want to stay connected. Some mobile phones work there as well.

Weather
Warm, windy and tropical year-round. Windy season is February to June, but there seems to wind year-round.

Recommendations
• Posada La Gaviota (posadalagaviota.com )
• Martin Travel for trusted flight information (martintravelservices.com )
• Karl at Vela has all the contacts and flight schedules for getting and staying on Los Roques (velawindsurf.com )

The Best Photo Shoot for SBC Kiteboard in Los Roques

Intrepid traveler Miguel Willis and I meet Alvaro Onieva and Bruna Kajiya in Caracas the night before our scheduled departure to Gran Roque for this quick trip between busy PKRA contests schedules. Getting to Los Roques is probably the hardest part of the trip. Flights can be inconsistent because departure times and baggage issues are a problem on such small planes.
   Fortunately, after an early start, we all managed to board the well-used plane with all of our gear piled right next to us. I know Bruna and Alvaro both had their hesitations when we literally climbed into an old Communist-issue puddle jumper. I know I did. As the plane sputtered to life, we lifted off above the crowded city and headed towards kiteboarding paradise. With relief, we touched down on Gran Roque, registered into the National Marine Park, which was founded in 1972, and settled into our posada located on the beach on the harbour side of the island.
   Gran Roque and Posada La Gaviota would be our base for the next seven days as we shuttled between the various islands throughout the marine park to ride, shoot and have fun. Time literally stops as soon as you arrive on the island, with the accustomed noise of everyday life removed from your senses. No mega hotels or jetskis screaming around—just untouched islands and sandbanks beaming several shades of blue at every glance.
   Los Roques is unlike normal crowded kiteboarding destinations. Its tranquility transcends into a way of life both on and off the water. To get around Los Roques, you either walk or take a boat. That very afternoon we took a water taxi to the nearest island of Francisqui for a quick afternoon session to test the wind and new 2009 gear. The wind was light, but it was great to stretch and adjust after a long couple of days traveling, finally returning to the posada for dinner on the beach and to make plans for the upcoming week.
   The amazing thing about Los Roques is the remoteness. Every session was just us, and even though it is becoming a popular destination, there is so much room on the islands and so many of them that there is no need to kite with anyone else unless you choose to. With paradise in mind, we were up the next day at dawn ready to go back to Francisqui to get some action shots and enjoy paradise. The wind was light but still strong enough for the crew to ride 10 m kites or up. Crystal-clear water, pure white sand and flat water everywhere—a kiter’s dream. After our morning session we returned for a late breakfast and midday siesta before our planned afternoon session.
   Later that day, with lunched packed by La Gaviota, we took a water taxi to Bird Island, which is about 10 minutes away. Bird Island is small sandspit about half the size of a football field in the middle of nowhere, offering butter-flat water and not a soul insight. Well, almost. As we ventured closer, we noticed another couple on the island au naturel who obviously thought they had the deserted island to themselves for the afternoon. I felt bad when we pulled up, but the kiting was too good to leave, so we unpacked while they dressed and I tried to apologize in my terrible Spanish.
   To make matters worse, just as the boat was driving away, we realized that we had left the pump at the posada. I’m sure the couple was thinking, what are these losers doing, as we pumped up Bruna’s kite by mouth so she could ride downwind and borrow a pump from the kiters on the next island. Off she went while Miguel, Alvaro and I sat as far away as possible from the other couple and waited for Bruna to return. But it was worth it. Bruna finally caught a water taxi back to the island with a spare pump just as the wind picked up. We had an awesome afternoon session. If only the couple knew they were watching some of the best kiters in the world.
   For the next few days time stopped as we traveled from island to island riding different locations. It’s an amazing place—the people are friendly and the vibe is like no other. It was windy every day from 15 to 30 knots and butter-flat water every session. It has to be one of the best places in the world to kiteboard. The only problem we had was eating too much fish. Every night the La Gaviota served fish for dinner, and as delicious as it was, by the end of the week we were craving a good steak. I guess paradise comes at a price.

Barbados Kitesurfing

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

As the farthest most southern, most windward of the windward islands, what could be better and more irie for a winter kiteboarding vacation than Barbados? A long-time windsurfing destination also renowned for some of the best surfing in the Caribbean (surf demigod Kelly Slater is a regular visitor), Barbados has now developed a well-earned reputation as one of the windiest and waviest kiteboarding destinations in the Caribbean. Combine great waveriding and reliable wind, add in a dash of British colonialism, a healthy pinch of the irie island spirit, great hotels, restaurants and beach bars, and you have one of the best kitesurfing destinations in the world.

Barbados Kitesurfing
Best winds: January to March
Best surf: Winter (November to March)
Average kite size: 10-14 m2
Cost factor: Medium

The island: Barbados
Pushed way out into the southern Caribbean and part of the Lesser Antilles (along with Trinidad and Tobago), Barbados has clear access to the strongest eastern trade winds and is pounded by Atlantic swell. A small island 23 kilometres wide at its widest point and 34 kilometres long, Barbados is a beach-lined tropical gem comprised mainly of limestone coral. Relatively low-lying, the highest point of Barbados is Mount Hillaby at 336 metres.

The kiteboarding scene
While warm water and steady, reliable winds make Barbados an excellent option to learn to kite, big waves make it a challenging port-tack (left-foot-back) waveriding spot.

Best kiteboarding launches
Most of the kiteboarding is done on the southeast coast, with clear access to the prevailing northeast and easterly trade winds.

Silver Rock Beach
Named after the looming silver rock, it is the main kiteboard launch in Barbados. A reasonably larger rigging area, wind can be a little fluky in side or sideoff conditions—thanks to the silver rock. Riders who end up downwind can come in at Silver Sands (home of Club Mistral/Skyriders), or in a worst-case scenario, farther downwind at Rescue Beach.

Long Beach
As the name implies, Long Beach is a long beach farther upwind of Silver Rock Beach. The long, crowd-free beach and a more mellow wave scene make it a better choice for beginners. Great opportunity for downwinders from Long Beach to Silver Rock, or farther to Rescue Beach.

Ten must-dos
• Drink Mount Gay rum.
• Friday night fish fry in Oistins.
• Surf or learn to surf.
• Get irie.
• Explore the island. It’s beautiful. Check out the north coast.
• Happy hour at Surfer’s Point Beach Bar (from 5 to 7 p.m.).
• Learn to ride waves and forget your freestyle ways.
• Fraternize with the locals.
• Rent a car. You need one to get the most out of the place.
• Return often.

Don’ts
• Drive on the right side of the road.
• Waste waves.
• Sleep in. The best wind can be in the morning.
• Be impatient. Things happen on island time—which is just right.

Where to stay
• Silver Point Hotel (silverpointhotel.com )
• Ocean Bliss (oceanblissbarbados.com )
• The Coral House (thecoralhousebarbados.com )

Schools and Shops
• deAction Beach Shop (briantalma.com)

Top places for food
Surfer’s Point Beach Bar: For happy hour, bar menu and nightly buffet. Different menu each night. Best to call ahead and make reservations.
Chicken Rita’s: You need to call ahead so Rita can catch the chickens. It’s that fresh!
Oistins fish market: Open every night for incredible fresh fish. Famous fish fry on Friday evenings.

There are numerous restaurants and bars to meet all budgets and tastes in nearby St. Lawrence Gap and Bridgetown.

View Larger Map

Forecast

Costa Rica Kiteboarding

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Costa Rica is Central America’s jewel. It’s an oasis of calm among turbulent neighbours, and an ecotourism heaven, making it one of the best places to experience the tropics with minimal impact. More importantly, it’s windy in the winter. When we say windy, it’s windy to the point that it’s hard to sleep. Playa Copal in Bahía Salinas is emerging as one of the country’s top kiteboarding destinations. After reports of epic wind conditions started to filter back from pro Wes Matweyew, SBC Kiteboard sent photographer Jason Wolcott along with pro riders Cameron Dietrich and Jon Modica in search of photographic evidence of this windy destination that is starting to attract more and more kiteboarders.

Landing at Liberia International airport in the northwest corner of Costa Rica, I notice, through the airplane window, grass along the runway bent 90 degrees. Getting off the plane confirms my suspicion immediately. A scorching 90°F, 20-knot wind greets my face the second I emerge from the door of the Boeing 737. My first thought is to turn around and watch the reaction of both my travel companions as they feel the warm, steady breeze hit their faces. Jon and Cameron both smile and walk toward baggage claim a little faster than the rest of the tourists. After clearing customs, we negotiate with some 20-odd taxi drivers, who gather like a hungry pack of hyenas. Seventy-five dollars later, we jump in the taxi and head through the grassy hills toward our destination. Playa Copal, in beautiful Bahía Salinas, lies just south of the Nicaragua border in northwestern Costa Rica.
    We are shooting within 20 minutes of getting there. The wind is perfect 12-metre weather, and we have an hour of daylight to spare. Already on the water, Wes rides past, yelling, “Vote for Pedro!” After a quick session, we come back to the house to meet our hosts, Jeff and Emily Rouss, owners of Kite Wind Surf in Alameda, California, and the center here in Costa Rica. We walk up the hill to Ulf’s Resturante Copal and proceed to drink way too much Cerveza Imperial (local beer). Ulf’s place is the after-kite spot where you can find dozens of sunburnt kiteboarders eating pizza.
   For the rest of the week, I awake to the sound of trees blowing outside my window. I peak my head through the curtains and see whitecaps all the way across the bay. It is kiteable 24 hours a day for the eight days we’re there. Trying to wake Cameron is like trying to wake a bear in mid-hibernation. He rolls over, looks at me, blinks a few times and goes back to sleep.
   On the second-to-last day, we pack my water housing setup in a backpack, and with a borrowed 12 m2 kite, I ride out to the island to shoot with the boys. The island has a long sandbar that blocks the chop and creates a perfect buttery section with super-blue water. It’s like kiting in your own little paradise since most beginners and intermediates don’t come out here. Cameron throws huge Kite Loops; Jon kills it with his power wake style; and Wes is being Wes, riding smooth and going huge. It is one of the best days of shooting and kiting I’ve ever had. After the shoot, I kite for two hours and am so stoked on checking out the scenery, I eat shit and break a rib while not paying attention.
   The setup where we are staying is insane. They have everything: a projector to watch DVDs on a huge screen, Internet, phone, great rooms, and even better food. Emily is a great chef. From talking to some of the guests, both Jeff and Wes are great instructors.
   I will be returning to Playa Copal every winter from now on. With strong winds, great people, and warm winter weather, I can’t think of a reason not to.

“My favourite thing about the trip is sheeping the boys in poker: ‘I don’t know how to play. Help me take your money, biatches. Ha!’ As far as riding, bring a 12 m2 and 9 m2 you will ride most of the time, and a 7 m2 you will ride a little, but 9 m2 is your kite. The island is so sick. It’s so much fun to go ride out there, get ridiculously sunburned and just have some steady wind and butter.” —Cameron Dietrich

Bahía Salinas, Costa Rica
Closest airport: LIR
Best winds: November to March
Average kite size: 8-10 m2
Cost factor: $$
Peak season:
The dry season typically lasts November through April. It is dry, hot and windy.

Riding conditions:
Windy. Really windy. November: 15-23 knots, December: 20-28 knots, January: 24-30 knots, February: 18-25, March: 15-25 knots.

Water conditions:
It’s a bay, so no ocean swell. Some chop is to be expected, though. There is flat water to be found below the reef at the upwind riding area and out near Isla Bolanos.

Water temperature:
Warm. If you plan on riding for hours and hours, a shorty wetsuit is recommended.

Entertainment:
Playa Copal is very rural. The Center can help facilitate day trips for activities other than kiteboarding and windsurfing: sport fishing, scuba diving, horseback riding, surf trips, hiking trips to the volcanos, zip-line adventures through the rainforest canopy, trips to Nicaragua to visit the lake, beaches, colonial cities, river rafting, and mountain biking.

Food:
Restaurante Copal is the usual end-of day hangout, featuring local specialties and seafood. This year will feature a new wood-fired oven for great pizza and fresh bread. Ulf keeps the fridge full of cold bear and sodas. Other options include La Sandia, EcoPlaya, and local eateries in La Cruz.

Rental gear:
The Kite Wind Surf Center offers Cabrinha kites, North kites, and Liquid Force boards.

Cabarete, Dominican Republic Kiteboarding

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

What is it about certain kiteboarding destinations that keeps you coming back year after year? Is it the epic wind, waves and flat water? Or is just the chilled-out lifestyle and seemingly endless nightlife? Whatever it is, Cabarete, Dominican Republic has it all.
    If you don’t already know, Cabarete is a small, super laid back town located on the North shore about 30 minutes from the Puerto Plata International Airport. This small town has the reputation of being one of the premiere kite destinations in the world.
    Whatever kind of riding conditions you are looking for, you can find it in Cabarete. If flat water is your thing, La Boca – the mouth of the Yasica River- is one of the coolest places to kite. The howling trade winds come flying over the beach into the river creating “offshore” riding conditions with some of the flattest water you can get. To get to La Boca, you can take a Taxi from town for about 500 pesos or a moto concho for about 200. Taxis and Moto Taxi drivers are well known for ripping off “gringos” so make sure you set a price before you go anywhere.
    A 20-30 minute down-winder from La Boca takes you through some epic shore break to Bozo Beach. Located between Cabarete and Kite Beach, this is the most popular kiteboarding spot in Cabarete and hosts the Presidente Kiteboarding World Cup.
Kite Beach, located about five minutes from town, is surrounded by a reef break and is one of the most fun places to kite.   It is a prefect place for beginners just looking to get in the waves for the first time but can also be a really advanced spot when swell is rolling in.
Finally you have Encuentro. Encuentro is a 15-20 minute down-winder from Kite Beach and offers the cleanest swell within Cabarete. In the mornings, it is home to the surfers but as soon as the wind rolls in, the surfers are “blown” out and the kiters move in.
    On the no-wind days, there are a plethora of options to keep you entertained. For the adventurer, there is canyoning, scuba diving, cave exploring, cliff jumping and many different excursions to keep you busy.
    For someone into extreme sports, Cabarete has it all. One of the most popular non-wind activities for kiters is wakeboarding. The wakeboard school, CabWake (CabWake.com), boasts some of the best wakeboarding conditions you can get in the Caribbean. In addition to wakeboarding, there is surfing, moto-x, skateboarding, and mountain biking. Check out ActiveCabarete.com for more info on all these sports. .
    When it comes to the nightlife and the food in Cabarete, again, the options are endless. You can literally go from fancy French cuisine to Chinese, Japanese, German and Dominican inspired restaurants all within a stones throw away from each other. Some of the best and most convenient places to eat are right on the beach in the heart of town. When the restaurants close, you won’t have to move too far as they transform into the notoriously crazy nightlife.
    So when you are contemplating your next kite trip, Cabarete, DR should be at the top of your list. Anyone who has ever gone there will most likely agree with me when I say it is one of the premiere kite destinations in the world, with recreation, nightlife and cuisine second to non.

10 Must Do’s
Go Wakeboarding, Cabwake.com
Do a downwinder
Cave Exploration
Canyoning
Visit Blue Bar – ask anyone in town, they will know where it is
Enjoy a Power Hour on the beach (Drink Specials)
Go to the Casino – free drinks mmmmmmmmm
Visit Voy-Voy on kareoke night (Tuesdays)
Bring as many pairs of flip flops as possible
Horse back riding on the beach – may sound cheesy but it’s a lot of fun

Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Closest Airport: POP, Puerto Plata
Getting there: Fly direct from Miami and New York, or take a charter flight from Canada.
Wind Resources – Cabaretewinds.com, windguru.com
Best Months – You can have wind all year round but the best months are in the summer (June, July, Aug, Sept)
Best Surf: Best surf is through the winter months
Average Kite Size: 9-12
Cost Factor : $-$$
Forecast: Wind Guru
Local knowledge: Avoid being too hungover. Some of the best surf and wind for training is in the morning. Don’t miss it. Make the most of the friendly atmosphere and speak with friendly locals (they may share their secret spots) and learn the kitesurfing etiquette so you are aware of the rules to ensure safe riding.
Internet resources: activecabarete.com , kiteboardcabarete.com , dare2fly.com , kitexcite.com , xratedkiteboarding.com , cabaretekiteboarding.com , laureleastman.com , caribbeanwinds.com , club-mistral.com

Caution! Falling Coconuts: Kiteboarding in Puerto Rico

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Puerto Rico is famous for its rum, pirates, history, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Tito Trinidad, Benicio del Toro and Zuleyka Rivera (a.k.a. Miss Universe 2006), but it should also be known for its amazing kiteboarding. Fabienne d’Ortoli and Julie Simsar are on a mission to show you the different spots for waveriding, freestyle, drinking, eating and just hanging out. Photographer Frank Socha could not pass on an opportunity to spend two weeks in P.R. to document the action.

Puerto Rico
Getting there: Daily flights to San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
Conditions: 8 to 12 metres
Best wind: December to August (trades)
Best surf: December to March
Cost factor: $ to $$$

View Larger Map

    San Juan is one of the largest cities in the Caribbean with world-class amenities. You can stay in five-star hotels and eat like a king, or find a smaller guest house, eat local cuisine (chicken, rice and beans) and send the boys shopping at Plaza las Américas, because on this trip the girls are kiting.
    When in San Juan you will kite at one of three beaches: Ocean Park, Puntas las Marías or Isla Verde. All three are nice, but Puntas las Marías is where Simsar likes to ride. Here’s why: It gets the cleanest wind in the bay (except the launch, which has a narrow beach with a slight wind shadow). Once 20 metres offshore, you’ll feel a steady 15- to 25-knot breeze, not butter flat but perfect for freestyling and learning. The atmosphere on the beach is relaxed, and someone will probably bring beers at the end of the day. Hint: If there is no beer, go buy some at the nearby Shell and share—a surefire way to make new friends and meet the locals.
    The real magic with Puntas las Marías is that once you get to the reef you will find a great right. Don’t go too far upwind because it gets shallow. Make sure to get your bearings, watch the locals and respect the right of way. Follow these three tips and you’ll have one of the best sessions of your life, guaranteed.
    Once your session is over, hit the shower, put on a skirt or pants and shoes for your man (no shorts or flip-flops), and it’s time to hit old San Juan. Be a tourist: walk around, take pictures, go up to the fort. It’s a great Puerto Rico history lesson. Ricky Martin is not the only thing that happened here, after all. Then go find one of the many great restaurants in old San Juan. I recommend Dragonfly, Marmalade and Baru for a true San Juan experience. After dinner stick around because the Puerto Ricans don’t come out until later, and they know where the party is. Be sure to follow them and partake. Stay out late because it doesn’t start blowing until 10 a.m.
    You have kited in San Juan. Now it’s time to explore this 50-by-100-kilometre Caribbean rectangle. Rent a car. They are cheap, but get some insurance because red lights tend to be optional. Just below the airport you’ll find a natural reserve called Piñones. This kite spot is more for advanced riders. The waves break fast and close to the coast—blast guaranteed. Just watch for the coral heads sticking out every once in a while. You’re best to park at Social Club, a bar across the street, give a few bucks to the guard and kite out front. Be aware of the surfers and bodyboarders who like to ride there, too. When you’re finished give your man the car keys and do a downwinder back to your hotel. Make sure your gear is tuned and you are up for this eight-mile trek across deep water, beautiful breaks and amazing scenery.
    Simsar and d’Ortoli headed south toward the town of Ponce to meet up with Heather and Jim Baus to hit up flat water on the keys of the south coast. They took the boat out from Peñuelas and headed a few miles out to a secluded sand key with just a few mangroves and coconut trees for shade. Simsar took her 8 m2 Havoc and d’Ortoli her 6 m2 Switchblade and waveboard. After a fun session there, they cruised downwind to another key nicknamed the Sandspit, a little sandbar that’s a blast to kite around. Each time they go there the sandbar looks different, and it’s always a fun surprise to see how it has changed. After four hours of kiting they were ready to keep cruising around the island. D’Ortoli needed to find more waves, so Shacks would be the next stop.
    Cruising west on the south coast, they passed La Parguera, the lighthouse of Cabo Rojo, Mayagüez and Rincon, the surf capital of the Caribbean. Rincon is a little surf town that hosts famous breaks like Tres Palmas, Maria’s and Domes. Keep cruising up the west coast and you’ll find yourself on the northwest corner, a.k.a. Shacks Beach, where big waves, strong wind and a beautiful reef break await. If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll have a lot of fun. Many small hotels line the beach and will make your stay a comfortable one. Definitely check out Happy Belly’s restaurant in front of the surf break Jobos. It has the best burgers in the area.
    Puerto Rico is full of activities. If you happen to get some no-wind days, go sightseeing and pick up a copy of Que Pasa. The local tourist magazine will point the way to many activities: discovering the rainforest, exploring caves, visiting the Bacardi factory, diving, landing a tarpon, or just relaxing on the beach.

Essential words you need to know before you go
buen provecho: bon appétit (ay it to whomever you see eating)
mami: woman
mamacita: a cute mami
papi: man
pssst: when you want someone’s attention

“Big city, warm weather, good wind, easy-accessed airport and affordable. We found Puerto Rico and stayed there.” —Julie Simsar

“I loved the atmosphere on the water. Everyone was smiling and having fun. I love the South American influence.”—Fabienne d’Ortoli

Bahamian Rhapsody: Kiteboarding in the Bahamas

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The Bahamas has always been at the top of my list of places I want to kite. With its crystal blue water, crazy nightlife and growing kiter population, it seems like the perfect place to start my summer. With a few quick calls, I have Liquid Force riders John Romais and Bobby Bosch and photographer Kim Kern on board for the trip. None of us know what to expect, but everyone is ready to explore and find the kiteboard world’s next gem.
We start our trip by meeting at the Nassau airport in the Bahamas. Flying from Hawaii, it’s a long trip, but at the first sight of Nassau from the small twin-engine prop plane, I know it’s worth the miles. The island is enclosed by a barrier reef that creates picture-perfect lagoons around the island that never get deeper than 15 feet. There are various white-sand beaches scattering the coastline, and each one looks like the perfect place to kite. After grabbing my gear and heading outside the airport to wait for AJ from The KiteHouse, I start to talk with one of the locals. When I tell him I’m from Hawaii and a kiteboarder, he lights up and starts to tell me the great places to go. There is Señor Frogs for dancing and partying, the Atlantis hotel for gambling and laying out on the beach, and of course, the many kite spots, all of which I can’t wait to check out.

View Larger Map

   The first place AJ takes me is Coral Harbor, located on the south side of the island. There I meet a few of the local riders who are going big in the 25-knot wind. Everyone is super stoked to learn about wakestyle and the new tricks in the kiteboard world. After hanging with the Bahamas crew, I head back to meet up with John and Bobby, who proceed to rent the smallest car on the island. Looking at three kite bags and the car, it’s tough to tell which is bigger, but with a few feet of nylon straps, we have the most stylish car on the island. We pick up our photographer, who can’t help but laugh at our transport situation. Driving is a team effort in the Bahamas since the locals drive on the opposite side of the road. We have a few close calls and many perturbed locals but eventually get the hang of shouting “left lane!” on all right turns. Luckily, we survive the 15-minute drive to the Orange Tree Hill Inn located on the north side of the island. The hotel’s beach is a minute walk down the hill with a long strip of white sand and flat water, which allows for some of the island’s best sunsets.
   It’s tough to sleep the first night knowing we might get to kite a new place in the morning, if the wind cooperates. However, we wake up to a picture-perfect day of sightseeing with the wind forecast to return in a few days, so we spend the first couple mornings driving around the island looking at the many kiteable lagoons. When we are ready to relax from all the driving, we head to Paradise Island, which contains luxurious hotels, one of the nicest beaches on the island and the Atlantis hotel’s casino. Like all good kiteboarders, when there is no wind we spend nights at the casino drinking and watching Bobby play craps. John and I are there to cheer when he is up and to keep him from selling his kites for one more throw of the dice when he is down.
   After waiting patiently for four days, we get our first kite session. Lucky for us, it’s right outside our hotel. Bobby and I sail our 16 m2 C kites, while John rides his 16 m2 bow-style LF Assault. It’s been a long time since all of us have ridden together, and to have flat, turquoise water below us makes it that much better. Kim swims out and exercises her trigger finger as the three of us sail by. Bobby throws solid S-bends and Front Mobes, while John and I practise our tricks to blind. Every trick we do seems better because of the surrounding scenery. As the wind dies down, we can’t do much more than toeside carve around the camera, but even then it still looks and feels great.
   That night we celebrate our session by going out to Señor Frogs for a “few” drinks. I had a nice Tantrum in our session, but on the dance floor John easily takes the award for the best moves of the day. We make it back to our hotel rooms, and a few hours later we’re back on the water for the trip’s last session. Though the wind lulls and the session is more running than kiting, it’s still perfect knowing you have your friends next to you and a postcard setting behind you.
   We plan to return during the windy season, between November and March, but until then we have wonderful pictures, memories of great nights out, and at least one superb session to keep us thinking about another world destination kiters have to enjoy the windy life.

Need to Know

Closest airport: Nassau International (NAS)

When to go: SSE in summer (averaging 12-15 knots); NNE in winter (15-20 knots). During winter cold fronts, winds increase to 25-30 knots. The average air-water temps range from 20°C in winter to 26°C-plus in summer.

Food and drink: Be sure to sample the conch fritters and/or conch chowder. Don’t forget to try the local flavoured rums (super cheap and tasty) and Kalik, the beer of the Bahamas. It’s surprisingly good.

Nightlife: The island’s nightlife breaks down into three basic categories: gambling, drinking and dancing. You can go to the big casinos (Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino, Atlantis Paradise Island Casino) to do all these things at once, but if you’re looking to drink, party and dance, downtown Nassau is fun.

Where to stay: Orange Hill Beach Inn (orangehill.com) is a nice, reasonably priced place to stay for kiters. If you have plenty of money to spend and want the best, try the mega-casino-hotel Atlantis on Paradise Island or Compass Point Hotel. Compass Point is the choice for romance; beautiful island-style coloured huts overlook gorgeous white-sand beaches and heavenly blue shallows.

Website: bahamas.com

Maui Kiteboarding

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Closest Airport: OGG
Best Winds: Feb-Nov (winds all year)
Best Surf: Oct-Mar
Average Kite Size: Small (or really small)
Cost Factor: The full range… you can do it very cheap if you have to, but the niceties of travel comfort may suck you in and bleed you dry.

Maui is the place where kiteboarding evolved. Laird Hamilton, Marcus “Flash” Austin, Lou Wainman, Elliot Leboe, Robby Naish, Pete Cabrinha and Don Montague are just a few of the pioneers from here. Strong trades makes this island one of the most popular kiteboarding destinations and training grounds for pros.

Yes, Maui is famous for big waves like Jaws, but Ho’okipa does not allow kiteboarders, and the only place you can go to ride waves is Lanes, where there is no beach. You must go over dry reef, which is slippery but very sharp. Even most of the locals stay away from there.

There are three other location besides Lanes: Kite Beach , Kihei and Waiehu. The majority of kiteboarders go to Kite Beach, located on the lower side of Kanaha Beach Park. You are not allowed to kite before 11 a.m. on the North Shore, so please follow the rules. Kihei gets wind in the afternoon when the north side of the island is onshore and light, or when it is blowing Kona (which happens a lot in winter). Unlike the North Shore, there is no regulation to separate windsurfers or time to go out, which means you can get out in the water at 6 a.m. if you want. Waiehu is for experts only, since it only has a tiny beach to launch and the wind is often straight onshore. If you make a mistake, you end up getting tangled up in palm trees, or worse. When Kite Beach is unbearably gusty, this place gets good. —Tomoko Okazaki

Kyle Touhey's Maui Kiteboarding Guide

If there’s one “must do” trip that should be on everyone’s list, it is Maui. Its one particular short stretch of windy coastline stands out in a kiteboarder’s mind like Orion’s belt in the night sky. It is astounding that within 15 minutes drive of the eclectic little North Shore Paia town you have the most famous kitesurfing, windsurfing and big wave surfing spots in the world. Going to Maui and riding some of these spots leaves you with a sense of wholeness as a kiter. Sometimes it also leaves you with Hoale Rot on your face, but that’s another story.

Kiting at Kite Beach, Kanaha, Naish Beach or Lanes connects you with so many historical moments in the life this sport. It’s like going to a museum, but instead of being separated from the exhibits by velvet ropes or glass you can become part of it all. It’s like going to the Louvre and being the one to make Mona Lisa smile

Maui is such a great first adventure trip because it’s just so damn easy to do! You have all of the newest gear in the world for sale a few minutes from the beach. There are cheap lodgings ranging from hostels to affordable bungalows better suited for families or significant others. Car rentals are cheap, and we have a habit of renting ridiculously luxurious cars as a point of humorous frivolity. There’s plenty else to do for non-kiters, and even though you’ll definitely get a tan, the temperature is oddly always perfect.
You can easily get there from anywhere in North America, and if you take a few minutes to look online you will easily find cheap direct flights from most major cities on the West Coast. It is totally plausible to leave work one evening and arrive in Hawaii just in time to meet your friends at the Fish Market for a late Ahi burger supper. A long-weekend later and you’re back in the office with a tan, a still-fat wallet, and a cocky smirk knowing that you’ve had so much more excitement than Jimmy from the cubicle next to you.

The place may hold certain mysticism, but rest assured that it is definitely not a “pro’s only” venue. Don’t be afraid that you’re not good enough because even though you’ll easily find yourself riding and maybe chatting with some of the world’s best, the spots provide something for everyone. There are a dozen kite schools along Kite Beach and Naish Beach. With plenty of friendly kiters and big sandy beaches for launching and landing, there’s no reason to be afraid. Where else can you cruise around shirtless in a board-filled Mustang GT and drive up to the beach to see the latest seagull-look-alike prototypes being tested?

The best part of Maui: the place sets up perfectly for wave riding. You read all the articles and see the photos these days and the whole focus is on waves. Well even though you might not have perfect blue-green curls at home, in Maui you are in a perfect place to see what all this fuss is about. There is a reef a few hundred meters offshore and upwind where the waves start to break. This makes them break in a predictable location and dissipate long before you would get in trouble. You can get close and try working up from your first ripples to larger waves along the coast without the fear of being slammed by shore-pound and destroying gear.

For us and many of our friends, Maui has become an annual pilgrimage during the fall, if not more often. The Autumn seems to provide a perfect escape from the impending doom and gloom of Winter in Canada to an excellent balance of wind and wave conditions. Maui gets bigger swells in the winter and bigger winds in the summer, but if we are going for only a short trip, then it makes sense to go during the shoulder seasons when it is more likely to get out on the water every day with a great mix of both.

This year more than ever, our focus was on tracking down some decent waves, and the forecast did not disappoint. Riding at Lanes was on the menu most days. There are not too many places close to North America with that kind of right-hand reef setup (great for natural-footers to rider frontside) and we were totally stoked at the idea. Having ridden there many times before, we were all too aware of the dangers of launching and landing at this spot. There are many other easier launches, but the prospect of heavy waves kept us coming back for more. It must have been obvious that we were out-of-towners as during the whole of our stay you could have driven past that spot any time between 11 and dusk to see Kyle and Stefano still bottom turning without care to stop for food, rest or water (PS. Thank you RedBull & Rockstar). That is the kind of enjoyment that we get out of this place.

We both remember our first trips to Maui many years ago. There was a feeling of being lucky to be permitted access to such a place. At the same time, it was accompanied by a dread of doing the wrong thing and being scrutinized for it. But what we know now is that those fears were just internal and that most places are just as friendly as home. With every new adventure taken, there is more comfort and excitement to go on the next. Maui was a great place to start all of that.
So break free of your home world and start exploring what this planet has to offer. Maui is the perfect trip to get that first taste of adventure and excellent conditions with low risk and a sensible budget… and it’s probably windy right now.

Getting There
Most major cities on the West Coast of North America offer very affordable and easy direct flights. To give an idea of price, if you pay more than $500 for a ticket then you’re getting a bad deal. With the rising price of fuel though, that will likely be far from true by the time this goes to print.

Gear Transport & Rental
The agents for the airlines are already wise to all of your clever schemes for smuggling your ‘golf’ gear to Maui. With oversize baggage, I’ve found that the best card to play here is the ‘nice guy.’ You won’t outsmart them, so you’ll have to charm them.

Otherwise, most local shops offer board demos/rentals and www.KSMaui.com even offers kite rental. Book ahead before you go if you plan to leave the gear behind.

Winds
The winds in Maui are quite predictable. They are also quite strong and can be very gusty, so be ready. A clear sunny day will bring E or NE trade winds from across the ocean. The North Shore spots get an extra push because of a local thermal and Venturi effect created from the air heating and rising and the winds channeling in the valley between the volcanoes. It’s not unheard of to kite every day of a trip, but also be weary that overcast skies can kill the wind or make it ever gustier.

Places to ride
Kiting on Maui’s NorthShore connects you with so many historical moments in the life this sport. It’s like going to a museum, but instead of being separated from the exhibits by velvet ropes or glass you can become part of it all. It’s like going to the Louvre and being the one to make Mona Lisa smile.

View Larger Map

Kite Beach and Naish Beach: Right close to the Kahului airport, Naish beach (aka. Action beach or Flash Beach) is probably the most accessible choice, along with Kite Beach - a “must do.” Both have sandy launches and a friendly vibe. But remember we’re talking about Maui here, and you can’t talk about Maui without mentioning the waves. Launch from either of these spots and head to outer reefs like Boneyards, and Lower Kanaha for some classic, clean, low-consequence wave riding.

Lanes: If your skills are up to par and you have a taste for excitement and powerful waves (along with the occasional cut below the knees) then drive east up near Ho’okipa to Lanes for some world class wave kiting.
The point is, there is something for everyone on Maui: beginners, intermediates and pro’s alike.

Local Scene
The place may hold certain mysticism as a sort of holy place for kiteboarding, but rest assured that it is definitely not a “pro’s only” venue. Don’t be afraid that you’re not good enough because even though you’ll easily find yourself riding and maybe chatting with some of the world’s best, the vibe on the island’s sunny beaches brings out the good stuff. Maui is famous for its peanut gallery, but just like anywhere else they are probably just giving their buddies the gears and will let you pass unscathed. If you feel some localism is at the wave spots. Don’t worry - if you give respect you will get it. When it gets big out there, everyone is too focused on themselves to worry if you are a kook or not.

Best Wind Direction
The best wind is the typical NE trade winds. Overcast days can shift the direction more E, causing gustier conditions – it’s best to get away from the beach as quickly as possible.
Occasionally during winter, the winds will shift SE (ie. “Kona Wind”). The best bet is to head to Kihei bay on the south shore.

Access Issues

The rule is no kiteboarding on Maui's North Shore before 11am. Don’t break this one. Take the time to sleep in and watch the winds build.

No kiting in the area upwind of the airport. This shouldn’t need any further explanation.

Some surf and windsurf spots (like Ho’okipa) are out of bounds to kiters. If you don’t see anyone else out kiting, there is probably a reason.

Local Hazards
Watch out for shallow reef. For the most part they will be visible by looking where the waves break. The worst you should expect is a couple of cuts and bruises, but that can ruin a trip, and a lot more if not properly treated.

Also, there is a problem with vagrant locals at times. They are harmless at the beach, but do pose a serious threat of theft for your belongings. Be aware.

Ability Level
Maui has something for everyone, from absolute beginner taking first lessons, to seasoned pro’s looking for double overhead waves.

Fear Factor
Maui’s fear factor comes only from the overwhelming immersion in such a watersports oriented culture and location. As for the kiteboarding itself, it can be a little windy and gusty at times, but on the whole to people and spots are very friendly and inviting. Don’t be afraid, try it!

Must do’s

Kite in the waves.

Kite from Kite Beach.

Kite with a legend, like Lou Wainman or Robby Naish.

Walk around Paia town.

Rent a SUP for no wind days.

Wear sunscreen!

Catch a Willie Nelson concert at Charlie’s Bar.

Don’ts

Land on a turtle.

Stay at Charlie’s bar after 11:30

Accommodations
Maui’s south shore is packed full of condo’s and hotels just itching to get your medium to high-end business, and are a great bet if you are looking for creature comforts. If you want more of a local feel, try to rent a B&B or house near Paia town. New regulations might make this a little harder to do, so start trolling the internet for that perfect under-the-table deal. For the budget traveler, there are a few hostels on the North Shore. My pick would be the Banana Bungalow (www.MauiHostel.com ) for its fun vibe.

Car Rental
Luckily for cost offset, rental cars in Maui are typically quite affordable, even from Major chains. It’s worth upgrading your credit card to save on rental insurance though. If you need something bigger for your extra gear, check out www.AlWest.com for reliable vans and minivans. Theft can be an issue, so keep away from obvious tourist cars like convertibles, and try to blend in as much as possible. Try even putting a sticker over the rental agency’s logo.

For the ultimate in low budget, most people will tell you to check out www.MauiCruisers.net

Top places for food

You must eat at the Paia Fish Market. No questions.

Livewire Café (Paia) makes the best Cappuccinos.

For a fancy meal out with the wife/girlfriend, catch a sunset at Mama’s Fish House.

Eat a Spam Washubi from a Minit Stop gas bar. Make sure someone witnesses it.

Ahi Poke is a local dish which, for lack of a better term… Kicks Ass!

I remember my first trips to Maui many years ago. There was a feeling of being lucky to be permitted access to such a place. With every new adventure taken since, there is more comfort and excitement to go on the next. Maui was a great place to start all of that.

Internet resources: NaishMaui.com , ksmaui.com , actionsportsmaui.com , mauikiteboardinglessons.com , hstwindsurfing.com , kiteboardcenter.com , kiteboardmaui.com , mauisportsunlimited.com , hawaiianisland.com

Shippagan, New Brunswick

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Home to New Brunswick’s largest fishing fleet, Shippagan Les Iles has its own culture based on the fishing industry. You’ll find the best fish market to get your daily seafood. People around are so nice, they’ll do anything to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Driving around, you’ll notice every spot is accessible. The variety of riding locations is incredible. The big must is Chiasson Office. This spot offers glassy, flat conditions, even if the wind is blowing 25 knots. Kiting there is similar to wakeboarding on glassy conditions. This is one reason why you must plan a trip to the region.

SBC Kiteboard Travel Guide

Closest airport: ZBF, Bathurst, NB
Average kite size: 12 m2
When to go: Anytime between June and the end of September. September is the windiest month, with many major systems passing by. For snowkiting, the best months are February and March.
Cost factor: The place is cheap.
Local shop/school: Club Wind & Kite
Where to stay: Club Wind & Kite—with its cottages and B&B, Club Wind & Kite offers great vacation packages adapted to kiteboarders and located near the best spots on the island of Lamèque; (506) 344-5130, shippagankiteboard.com . Camping Île Lamèque—located on the bay with full-service sites near many kiteboarding spots; (506) 344-3292, lameque.ca/camping . Camping Shippagan—one of the finest wooded campgrounds in the province; (506) 336-3960, i-web.net/camping . Auberge Janine du Havre—a nice vacation rental with a pool and magnificent sunsets; (506) 336-8884, sn2000.nb.ca/comp/janine .
Where to eat: Maboule Bistro is a uniquely-styled bistro with fantastic staff, good food, and entertaining evenings. Mitchan Sushi is the best place to go in the town of Caraquet. You will eat fresh Japanese food at a decent price. The place owned by Michiko Takatsuka, also a kiteboarder. Restaurant of the Marine Centre features a variety of affordable seafood and traditional dishes certain to satisfy your appetite.
Weather: windmeteo.com/shippagan
Tourism: peninsuleacadienne.ca

Location

Shippagan Les Îles is an archipelago of three islands (Shippagan, Lamèque and Miscou) located at the very north of New Brunswick. On the west shore of the islands is the Baie des Chaleurs, where the water gets warm during the summer. On the east shore is the vast Saint Lawrence Gulf, where you’ll find good waves. The islands are very close to each other, creating lagoons where you’ll find outstanding flatwater spots. Also, there are no hills around, so the wind is usually constant.

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Flatwater

Pointe Canot: West to northwest winds. This spot it located on Lamèque Island. In the town of Lamèque, take Road 313 to Pointe Canot and make a left on Chemin de la Grande Batture.
Chiasson Office: Southeast, south and southwest winds. This spot is located on the southeast side of Lamèque Island. Take Road 113 and turn right on Chiasson Office Road once at Savoy Landing. Turn right on Allée Dominicien and go to the end of the road.
Pointe Campbell: East to northeast winds. This spot is located on Lamèque Island. From Lamèque town, take Road 113 and turn right before the bridge of Miscou on Chemin Pointe Campbell. Keep going straight on this road; it’s at the very end.

Wave

Miscou Lighthouse: North and northeast winds. This spot is located at the very north of Miscou Island. Take Road 113 all the way to the end.
Plage Adrien Gionet: West to northwest winds. This spot is located on the northwest of Miscou Island. Take Road 113, then turn on 118 Allée Paradis du Campeur.
St-Marie-St-Raphael: East, southeast, south and southwest winds. This spot is located on the east shore of Lamèque Island. Take Road 305, then once at Ste-Marie-St-Raphael, turn at 1360 Boul. De La Mer.
Chiasson Office Lighthouse: Southeast, south and southwest winds. This spot is located on the southeast side of Lamèque Island. Take Road 113, then turn on Chiasson Office Road once at Savoy Landing. Turn right on Allée Dominicien and go to the end of the road.

Check our this short Youtube video of Liquid Force designer Julien Fillion riding Shippagan on a lightwind day.

Kiteboarding Antigua

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Getting there: Antigua is the main hub of the Caribbean Islands, and its international airport services flights from Miami, New York (via Puerto Rico), Toronto and other major cities on a daily basis.
Conditions: Jabberwock is mainly flatwater on the inside and bumpy conditions on the outside of the reef. Warm tropical waters all year round. Other spots can be found with just a map and some help from a local, and can consist of purely flatwater or wave conditions.
Best time of year: The trades blow steadily from January through July. Winds are less consistent after summer, so plan your trips early in the year.
Local knowledge: Antigua is a friendly island with minimal or no crime. There is little to worry about as far as theft or localism. Visitors from all over the world should feel comfortable exploring the island and taking in the local scene.

If you’re looking for the perfect kiteboarding getaway in a tropical setting, Antigua offers some of the best conditions in the Caribbean for all levels of riders. Whether you want to learn from scratch or are looking to tighten up your Raleys to Blind, Antigua’s local kite beach, Jabberwock, is the perfect destination.
Only five minutes from the airport, Jabberwock offers steady northeast trades from January through July. The local school, Kite Antigua, is situated at the southern end of the beach, where there is ample space to rig up. Kite Antigua owner Nikolai is always happy to extend his courtesy and local knowledge of the area, which is always comforting for beginners. There is a small reef about 30 metres from the shore that provides a sheltered flatwater spot for learners to take off, or for more advanced riders to throw down tricks. Outside the reef, you will find bump-and-jump conditions, with the odd rolling swells coming through to provide some good ramps. Equipment should range from a 12 to 16-metre kite, but expect to be powered on your 12 most of the time, especially during the year’s early months.
Take another 10-minute drive from Jabberwock, and you will find yourself in the town of St. John’s, where you can help yourself to a variety of local shops, bars and restaurants. There are a few nightclubs in the area, but if you are there between March and May, you may want to venture farther south and check out English Harbour, where the annual Antigua Sailing Week Regatta is hosted, and nightlife is in abundance. In a nutshell, Antigua is a fun, safe and friendly Caribbean destination for riders of all levels. —Adam Anton

View Larger Map

Check out this video of Antigua's Andre Phillip in action in Antigua.

Internet resources:

kitesurfantigua.com

adventureantigua.com

Belize

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Belize is a relatively unknown kitesurfer’s paradise. The longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere runs the length of the country, creating a flatwater paradise with clear-blue shallow water. If it’s waves you want, cuts in the reef create some great wave sites.
Ambergris Caye is the centre of the kiting scene in Belize and the largest of the islands off the mainland. San Pedro is the small town on the island. It retains a local feel with golf carts as the main mode of transport and streets of sand or cobblestone. All the buildings on the island are three stories or less.
Just two hours from several major U.S. hubs, you can leave home in the morning and be kiting in paradise by afternoon. —Chris Beaumont

Getting there: Fly to Belize City from major U.S. hubs. Continental flies from Houston, American from Miami or Dallas, US Air from Charlotte, and Delta from Atlanta. From the international airport in Belize City you can either take a 15-minute island-hopper flight on Tropic Air to Ambergris Caye, or a taxi to the marina, then a water taxi (1.5 hours).

Best time of year: February through July sees trades and thermals. November to January can be good with cold fronts. Average wind: 12-20 km.
Conditions: Mostly flatwater with some wave spots on the reef. Water temperature is in the 30s. No wide-open beaches for launching.
Local knowledge: Avoid kiting too close to the piers. Definitely do some downwinders, go snorkeling with the sharks and visit the jungle.
Internet resources: ambergriscaye.com, sailsportsbelize.com

Margarita and Coche Island, Venezuela Kiteboarding

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Margarita is a peachy location for kiteboarding. With lots of kitesurfing spots, some of the most consistent wind stats in the world, fantastic conditions and good value for money, you can’t get much better.
El Yaque is the main spot. The kitesurfing conditions are straightforward: there is usually no shorebreak, the beach is sandy, and the water is chest-deep for 400 metres from the beach. There is a distinct line as the bottom shelves away and the water becomes a deeper blue. The chop starts building up, and even farther out you can get reasonable-sized swell coming down the channel between Margarita and Coche.
Coche Island is the PKRA rider’s favourite. If you like blasting on really flat water, Coche is a dream. The wind blows offshore across the salt flats and beach, creating a perfect speed track that runs along the beach edge. It’s like kiting on silk. There is a safety boat always on the lookout should you start to drift too far offshore or have any problems, so it’s super safe. Coche’s new attraction is the slider park. The world’s biggest fixed park has been the location for the first slider world championship and the filming of many videos. —Eduardo Urdaneta

Getting there: Regular charter flights (with First Choice, Martinair, Condor, and more) fly direct to Porlamar, Margarita, along with all major carriers. Or fly to Caracas on the mainland, where there are hourly linking flights to Porlamar. Regular ferries and boats run from El Yaque, Porlamar and Punta de Piedra to Coche Island.
Conditions: The wind blows 16-25 knots every day. Even during the least windy times, expect kiteable conditions for almost half of your holiday.
Best time of year: The winds generally blow all year, with the windiest time from January to March. The least windy months are August to October.
Local knowledge: Margarita follows the Latin American beats of merengue, salsa and reggae. Porlamar is a sophisticated international city with bars, restaurants and nightclubs to match, all at good value. During the week, different hotels and restaurants run specialty nights.
Internet resources: cochekitesports.com , worldkiteboarding.com , casaviento.com , margaritakitesurf.com , dare2fly.com , caribbeanwinds.com , myskyriders.com

Kitesurfing Dakhla, Morocco

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

I have, for a long time, held the belief that my job as a watersports photographer and writer is one of selling dreams and I have spent much time discussing this matter with various editors, athletes and other photogs. We always came to the same conclusion; the average reader of a magazine is looking to live vicariously through the lives of these athletes and looks at the magazines to dream a little dream about something other than their daily lives. However, after a recent trip to Morocco I changed my mind and realised that people don’t always want to see the unattainable, virgin paradise, soon to be spoiled because a bunch of riders just spilled its secrets to the world, and all the epic waves being ridden by said riders for the very first time. Sometimes peoples’ dreams come closer when they are given a link from their world to that of the crazy, vagabond athletes that fill the pages of these magazines month after month. But, even more importantly, sometimes I travel and go to places so that I can make other peoples lives easier by figuring out where is best to go, when, and how. Read on if you care to find out a little more about Morocco…… and no, you don’t need to be a pro, to go to Moroco!

As with most trips, this one started with a phone call. Daniel LeFebvre from the Big Air kite school in Quebec, Canada was calling me to see if I could join him and his crew on a trip to Morocco. I asked who was going. “Oh some guys from here and there!” “So, no pros?” I asked. “No, no pros, so and so was supposed to come, but they had to go to Brasil!” He replied. I told him I would call him back, but he said I had to let him know in an hour, since we would be leaving in two days. Sheesh, no pros and total last minute trip… I nearly told him no, but since the trip was all paid for, since I have been to and really love, Morocco a lot, and since I really didn’t have many plans for the following weeks I called him back and said why not? Translated to French it is “Pour quoi Pas?” and is always a great reason for a party. But that is something I learned in St Martin and is another story altogether.

I met up with the Big Air crew, a rag tag mix of investors, real estate movers and shakers, store-owners etc., I quickly realized I wouldn’t be getting any kiteloop, or handle pass sequences, and would have to just smile and see what happens. After a pleasant flight across the Atlantic on Royal Air Maroc we landed in Casablanca, a city with a romantic ideal, largely due to the movie of the same name, where the reality could not be further from the real thing. Casablanca is Africa’s second largest city, and you feel this immediately upon trying to penetrate the city’s, densely populated, core. Since none of us were looking to go shopping we headed straight to the coast, hoping for some good wind of waves. However, as soon as I saw the clouds as we left the airport I knew no one would be kiting that day. From my months of experience in Morocco I knew one thing…..if there are clouds in the sky, it usually means a low pressure system coming up from the south and if there is wind it will be onshore and nasty. And this day was no exception.*

We drove from Casablanca to the Atlantic coast town of Oualidia, a town famed for its great waves. But, less well-known is the fact that Oualidia has a very pretty little bay which is ideal for flat water kiting at high tide. Another time and I’m sure we would have enjoyed the bay, but instead we hid away from the rain in a quaint little restaurant and had pizza for lunch.

After lunch we drove a long, bumpy, coast road (note* best to take the highways when travelling between Moroccan cities as they are much better maintained than the smaller, coastal routes, unless of course you enjoy a bouncy, pot-hole filled romp.) until we arrived at our destination, the lovely little town of Essaouira. Essaouira, is dubbed ‘Wind city, Africa,’ and for a good reason as it is almost always at least a little windy, but most often, very windy in Essaouira, except, of course, when we arrived…..The luck of the Irish definitely wasn’t with us. Since it had been over a year since I had been back I took the free time to run around and visit some friends, do some shopping (something that is always fun to do in Essaouira,) and sit back, relax and have a coffee in the main plaza. Something that is great to do after 9 hours flying and almost five hours in a cramped truck. It felt good to be back in Essaouira and I hoped we could stay for a while, but since the wind wasn’t cooperating I had the feeling we would be leaving soon. Sure enough, the following day the guys decided we would head south, but not before checking out the small town of Diabat, famous for the fact that Jimmy Hendrix once stayed there.

In Diabat, we felt our first puff of wind and the excited kiters began tearing apart their luggage to get at the gear they had lugged all the way across the Atlantic. Pretty soon a handful of kites were lighting up the blue Moroccan sky as our rag tag group of Canadians got their first taste of Moroccan water. And sweet chocolate water it was. Since the waves pounding the shores of Morocco were huge the guys decided to kite in the rivermouth, which was shooting out a strong mix of muddy and fresh water leaving for some interestingly coloured waves…to say the least. The wind was only about 12 knots but at least the guys got to get wet. Only one day into the trip and they were already kiting. However, since the winds weren’t supposed to improve for at least a week the democratic decision was made to haul ass all the way to Dakhla. Something that would end up seeming like it took much longer than it did.

To digress a bit and get back to my job as a world wandering watersports vagabond; sometimes, I have come to realise, my job is to help others, who have far less time to run around searching for wind and waves, get to the best places and have the most fun possible. In short, I make mistakes that others can, hopefully, avoid, that is, if they read the right magazines ;). One of which I will pass on to the public at large right now. Do not drive the entire coastline of Morocco, down to Dakhla, unless you are A) in a camper vehicle and can pull over and sleep any which place you wish, or B) you absolutely love long, windy drives through the desert. I say this despite my usual love of driving long distances. If you drive south from Agadir to Dakhla you are in for a long, dull, drive with only a mildly varying scenery. Save the time and fly there, as Dakhla has a fully functioning airport with weekly flights and there are a number of camps and hotels available. Of course, if you need to rent a car, that might be more difficult.

To avoid any bitter tones to the article I will say very little about the drive down to Dakhla, since articles about tempers flaring up like the Saharan sun are never much fun. The roads were windy and rarely crowded, the towns all seemed like the last one and the shaded side of the truck was the most valued seat to grab. Avoid the drive.

After a fabulous three day drive south our weary group of travelers arrived at flat-water kiteboarding’s Shangri-La. As we drove over our last little hill a grand an seemingly endless sandy lagoon spread out into the horizon with, what looked like, a dragon lying off in the distance. It turns out it was just a rocky outcropping appropriately called ‘the sleeping dragon.’ In the distance we also noticed a funny kite flittering about the sky. We could only assume it was connected to a beautiful lady with a sexy board underfoot. Since it was Shangri-La after all. Within minutes we were parked at the spot ‘kilometre 25,’ and quickly unloaded the gear, pumped kites and hit the water. After three full days cramped in our mid-sized 4x4’s everyone was more than happy to wash away the past days with a cruise in the cool lagoon.

The following days we fell into a comfortable pattern. Wake up around 7:30 or 8, have a sweet breakfast or coffee’s, juices, breads and jams, then pack up our gear and head out to kilometer 25 for about 10 or 11. by this time there was usually enough wind for a 12 or 14 metre kite, or less. So, everyone would go out and kite the vast lagoon to their hearts content. Quite often the wind would drop slightly in the afternoon then pick back up again at around 3pm, for whatever reason. Then, the guys would go back out and kite almost until sunset. The wind in Dakhla seemed so regular I felt I could set my watch by it. After a few days of regular, flat water, lagoon blasting a couple of members of the group (both named Dan,) began frothing to hit the ocean side, which just so happened to be a quick 4x4 hop across the road. As the wind picked up one afternoon Dan2 (squared) and I headed over to shipwrecks and got a quick afternoon small wave session. I was dying to get some nice water shots so I strapped on my fins, grabbed my water housing and dived into the cool Atlantic waters. I was immediately grabbed by a 5-6 knot current and headed upwind (the current was against the wind….a bonus for the kiters but not for myself, swimming!) Since I couldn’t beat the current I would dive in, get dragged upwind, snap off two or three shots, then swim to shore and run up the beach, only to do it all over again until we got the shots I wanted, or passed out, whichever came first. Luckily I got the shots and the guys got their first little taste of the wave rich Atalntic coastline of Morocco.

At the end of the day, every member of our group was truly happy and satisfied; I had all the photos I wanted, the flat water crew had been able to ride day in and day out and Dan squared was able to get a bit of wave action in as well. Had the trip ended there we would have all been satisfied, however, we were soon to experience a day that none of us would soon forget, and one that not many people in this world will ever experience. A day at Dune Blanche.
At our hotel in Dakhla we met a curious Bajan ex-pat, who we later found out, had pirates blood running in his veins, and definitely seemed to have an enigmatic air about him. An ex-motorbike racer and lifelong fisherman, with a fleet of charter fishing boats still running in Barbados, Colin had come to Dakhla for a few days and still happened to be there 18 months later. He and his wife Freya had apparently fallen in love with the desert and the wide open spaces, not to mention the abundant fishing grounds found in the lagoon and offshore. Every night when we returned to the hotel we would see Colin and/or his wife Freya and would have little conversations with them that often ended up with them telling us how much we needed to go to Dune Blanche. Finally, tired of all the stories we decided to have Colin guide us out to the Dunes.

On our second last day in Dakhla we headed out to Dune Blanche. As we gunned it through deep sand and followed the barely visible trail markers, so as to avoid driving over any land mines, that had been laid by the Moroccan army years ago, we soon realized why having a guide such as Colin, and his tricked-out land Rover was so necessary. After an beautiful drive through the desert we came out to the edge of the lagoon and saw the majestic crescent enveloping the edges of the lagoon. Arriving about a half hour before high tide with a good 25 knot wind blowing the guys rigged up and ran for the water. While Dune Blanche proved to be one of the most scenic spots I have ever taken kite photos, it was ever more fantastic for the guys kiting and the silky smooth waters in the lee of the crescent were a joy to all.

After a couple of hours of playing in and around the dune the tide began to recede, limiting the amount of useable water to ride on, so everyone returned to shore for a desert style barbecue of camel strips and kefta burgers. As luck would have it the wind came up after we had all been pleasantly stuffed, and a second, blasting, session was enjoyed by all. At the end of the day we drove back to Dakhla as the sun set over the ocean, each one of us smiling a satisfied grin, with the knowledge that we had all shared in a rare and beautiful adventure. I smiled, and thought to myself about the trip. In the end it really hadn’t been any different than if I had been travelling with a group of pros. While none of the guys were doing kiteloops or trying to get barrelled on the biggest waves they were all out to have fun and share an adventure, which Morocco certainly is. In the end, everyone smiled the same satisfied smiles I have seen on the pros after a particularly good trip, wave or session. In the end, traveling is all about satisfying your own personal levels of adventure and Morocco can satisfy any and all levels. Even after three trips and almost a full year of time spent in Morocco I am still looking forward to the next time, knowing that it will definitely be a beautiful, rewarding adventure.

*Endnote
As for me, if I am to fulfill my duties as a kite-journo, then I would have to leave my final recommendations for a great trip to Morocco; First, decide if you want to ride flat-water or waves, or if you want a mix of both. Then, decide how much time you have and how much of Morocco you truly wish to see. If you only want flat water and consistent wind and sun, then book a flight directly to Dakhla and don’t waste time driving. If you want waves, and a bit more culture and amenities then I recommend flying to either Casablanca or Marrakesh and heading out to Essaouira where everything Moroccan is at your fingertips, along with good wind and waves. For the more adventurous and pure wave riders a quick trip up the coast will leave you at Morocco’s best wind and wave spot, Moulay Bouzarqtoune! However, staying here do realize that the usual European amenities do not exist. You will be living a truly rustic experience, but the wind and waves are more than worth it.

Websites:

http://www.kitemorocco.com/

Blast Kiteboarding

http://www.auberge-des-nomades-du-sahara.com/

http://www.kitesurfatlas.com/spots/morocco

Thanks to:
Moroccan Ministry of Tourism
Royal Air Maroc
Regency Fishing Adventures, Dakhla

Cozumel, Mexico Kiteboarding

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Cozumel is quickly gaining steam as one of the world’s top kiting destinations. What stands out when considering Cozumel as a riding destination is the variety of riding venues (flatwater, chop or waves); friendly and helpful locals; great accommodations, restaurants and nightlife; and plenty of sideline activities for non-kiters on no-wind days. If you’re traveling with a mix of kiters and non-kiters, you don’t want to travel to a place with nothing to do but kiteboard. Traveling to Cozumel has the perks of great riding and the bonus of everything else great as well.

The riding in Cozumel covers all aspects of the sport, from butter-flat slicks to open-water touring or freestyle, to side or side-onshore surf conditions, all within a short drive from the same accommodations. The best place for surf conditions is the Wave Ranch on the northeast side of the island. For flatwater, check out the Lagoon, which is accessible from the boat ramp to the north of the country-club neighborhood. The country-club beach is private to those staying in houses located in that neighbourhood and provides friendly open-water conditions, sideshore winds, white sand and cool vibes. There are also several all-inclusive resorts along this same stretch of coastline that provide access to these same conditions with decent launches and great amenities.
The restaurants and nightlife are world-class in Cozumel, with great food, great bars and parties as crazy as you want them to be. If sunrise is your last call, Cozumel will never let you down. —Trip Forman

Getting there: Most major airlines fly to Cozumel either directly or through a major U.S. hub. Don’t fly to Cancun and then take the ferry—this will add a day of travel each way to your trip. Good riding can be found 10 minutes from the airport, so expect to kite right off the plane.
Conditions: Water conditions range from flatwater to rolling swell with chop to breaking waves, depending on the riding spot. Temperatures range from trunks and a boardshirt to shorty or spring suit, depending on passing cold fronts.
Best time of year: December through May. Peak season is December through March. Locals hit the water year-round, only the fall being questionable for breeze.
Local knowledge: Check out all the riding spots, restaurants, bars, nightlife and talk to the locals, who are friendly and helpful. Don’t go to jail. It’s Mexico, remember? You can pay your way out of most infringements right on the spot. It’s far better to pay up front than pay in the behind. Also, don’t go kiting to the horizon while riding at the country club. There is an offshore current that will take you to Cuba if you break down.
Internet resources: http://cozumeltom.com

Key West, Florida

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Imagine each day seeing the island disappear as you enter flat, warm, shallow water that stretches for miles and miles. There are not many places in the world where you can have this much freedom or steady wind while feeling so safe. There is a 15-mile section of flats with wind in any direction and smooth, flat water. Most areas are shallow without obstacles, so you can push yourself to the max. Mainly a flatwater spot, there are also sick waves if you take a trip out to the reef. Key West is a drinking town with a tourist problem, but it’s an easygoing place with about 120 bars and fun to keep you busy. —Paul Menta

Getting there: Miami and Fort Lauderdale have connecting flights to Key West, or make the three-hour drive. The Kitehouse also offers a shuttle service.
Conditions: Flatwater with water temperature about 20°-30°C.
Best time of year: Late October to June.
Local knowledge: Avoid getting so drunk that you can’t enjoy the next day. Use sunscreen. It doesn’t seem so bad, then you burn like crazy. Go to dinner or party at the Kitehouse and have a drink at the Green Parrot.
Internet resources: thekitehouse.com , kste.net

La Ventana

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

La Ventana in Baja, Mexico, is as good as it gets for kiting from early November through the middle of April. Consistent afternoon winds make La Ventana rideable about 90 per cent during these months, and there is a huge sandy beach downwind for the ultimate in safe ocean conditions. The riding is primarily freeride-oriented, but there are numerous reefs where small waves break. On highwind days, a big, well-spaced swell makes for killer backside riding and glassy water in between the swells.
What makes La Ventana unique is that 95 per cent of the people who visit are either kiteboarders or windsurfers, so it isn’t a tourist trap in any way, shape or form. The area consists of two small fishing villages and retains most of its original feel. Riders come from all over the world, but primarily from California, Oregon and British Columbia. The nightlife is low-key, usually a few cervezas, dinner and falling asleep halfway through a movie. But La Paz is only a 30-minute drive away and has a rocking club scene.
La Ventana is excellent for all levels of riders: the wind starts mellow in the morning and builds into the afternoon so everyone gets ideal conditions for their own level on most days. Typical kite size is 12 or 13 metres, but for full coverage you’d want a nine, 13 and 17. —Captain Kirk
Getting there: Fly direct to La Paz from LAX, or to Cabo San Lucas from many other major cities. La Paz is a 30-minute drive; Cabo is a 2.5-hour drive.
Conditions: A little bit of everything, but a typical day the wind peaks in the mid-20s, but starts and ends less strong.
Best time of year: November through March.
Local knowledge: Wait a little when the wind starts to come up in the late morning so you don’t get blown off the water in the first hour of your session. Take a mountain-bike ride to the hot springs in the morning. Do a downwinder from the hot springs. Get up early and go fishing with a local guide.
Internet resources: captainkirks.com , kiteschool.com, bajajoe.com , sheldonkiteboarding.com, ventanabay.com, kurtnmarina.com, dare2fly.com

California Kiteboarding

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Simply put, California has tons of places to go kiteboarding. Whether you’re seeking some of the best waveriding in the States, smooth flatwater, top-shelf instruction, or just looking to get on the water, your riding options are endless. With a limited number of pages, and the desire to keep some spots for ourselves, this article features only 16 of California’s best kiteboarding spots. Each kiteboarding location is categorized in terms of wave, freeride, or beginner, and each is near a major metropolitan area (Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco) or is a well-known waveriding location. There are many other places to ride, some well-known, some sacred. But you won’t find them here.

Weather

California is famous for its weather. People move here because the weather is so good—especially in Southern California. Having just moved to SoCal myself, this seems true; the weather is nice (at least compared to the Northwest, where I came from), with an occasional rainstorm here and there. A good portion of Californians do experience a sunny and pleasantly mild winter.

When people say the weather is amazing here, they generally are not thinking like a kiteboarder. They’re not talking about the huge diversity of places to ride, each of which offers unique and constantly evolving weather conditions. They’re not using phrases like “steady thermals, lofty-clearing winds, double-overhead waves, buttery-smooth flatwater, and amazing place to take a lesson. I went riding in the afternoon and gambling in the evening, fun beach break, or you can surf there in the morning and kiteboard in the afternoon.” But they just might if they were a kiteboarder.

California is not uniformly blessed with epic kiteboarding weather, but when the weather sets up just right, it can make for a sweet day of wind and water. However, like any other sport, the measure of satisfaction is subjective. An epic day can unfold regardless of your ability, what gear you ride, how you perform on the water, or where you ride. As kiters, the wind offers us its wisdom. We need to be dynamic, let go, and adapt to the conditions at hand.

Visiting

If you’re planning a kiteboarding trip to California, you need to prepare for what time of year you visit, where you’ll ride, and your equipment needs. Kite sizes and gear preferences are exceptions, of course.
• Wetsuits: If you’re coast-bound, chances are you’ll need a 4/3 wetsuit. This is true the further north you go. During winter, consider a thicker suit and layer. In the summer, wear a 3/2 shortie or ride in trunks inland and in the southern areas.
• Kites: If you bring a quiver stacked with every size from 7 to 20 m2, you probably won’t miss a day on the water. However, most of us don’t have such a luxury. If you don’t already know, check with one of the local shops for details on what you should bring.
• Boards: If you’ll be chasing swell or playing in beach break, bring a skim or waveboard (wave-specific kiteboard). If you’ll be riding inland, bring a twin-tip. California has a well-deserved reputation for its surf, so bring a surfboard. There are places to snowkite here, such as Tahoe, so you might want to bring your snowboard in the winter.
• Gear on demand: With the evolution of high-performance equipment, many shops and schools offer demos of the latest gear. Check out the school and shop lists for contact details. And keep your eye out for brand-specific demo tours.

Beginner Beaches

If you’re looking to take a lesson in California, your options span throughout the state. Many of the beginner locations featured in this article are more than just beginner places. With the development of fundamental riding skills (through a lesson with a certified instructor) comes the opportunity to practise, explore and progress as a self-sufficient kiter. Most learning grounds transform into freeriding freedom once basic skills are mastered.

Third Avenue and San Mateo

Home of the annual King of the Bay kiteboard contest, Third Avenue has earned a strong reputation for a variety of reasons. This intermediate-to-advanced location offers strong winds, consistent conditions, a mellow community vibe, and a great point to watch kiters tear it up at one of the Bay Area’s most popular spots. Land-based and Jet Ski–assisted lessons are also a prominent feature of Third Avenue.
Best wind direction: NW

Local knowledge
• Launch and land kites in designated areas only (never in the bike path).
• If you happen to get coated with Third Avenue’s notoriously stinky mud (especially on low tide), use the hose behind the windsurf rigging area to wash yourself and your gear off.
• The upper launch area can be slippery when wet. Consider using a launch assistant in addition to an experienced kite launcher.
• Be careful of the questionable winds at the lower launch. Consider the upwind launch for easiest access to the water.
• Don’t ride or jump too close to the point (where the bike path makes a 90-degree turn); the wind direction can be unexpected and possibly put you into the rocks.
• Visit bayareakiteboarding.com for more info.

Local shops:
Advanced Surf Design, (877) 348-8486, asdwindsurfing.com
Helm of Sun Valley, (650) 344-2711, helmsports.com
Aquan Sports, (650) 593-6060, aquansports.com
Kite Wind Surf, (510) 522-9463, kitewindsurf.com
Live2Kite, (415)722.7884, live2kite.com
Berkeley Board Sports, (510) 843-9283, boardsports.com

Schools:
Wind Over Water, (650) 218-6023, wowkite.com or windoverwaterkiteboarding.com
Advanced Surf Design (Coyote Pt.), (877) 348-8486, asdwindsurfing.com
Kite Wind Surf (Alameda), (510) 522-9463, kitewindsurf.com
Boardsports School (Alameda), (415) 385-1224, boardsportsschool.com

Belmont Shores

With its long and wide sandy beach, flat water, tame winds (usually less than 20 knots), favourable wind direction, and numerous schools to learn from, Belmont is a popular place to learn in the L.A. and Long Beach area. And if it’s not blowing, chances are there’s a surf session to be had nearby.
Best wind directions: WSW or W

Local knowledge:
• Watch out for stingrays, particularly in the summer; shuffle your feet when walking near the water’s edge.
• Waveriding is allowed in the winter, but when the lifeguards roll out on June 22, you must stop riding the beach break.
• Don’t jump or ride within 200 feet of the beach; technically, it’s a swimming zone.
• Be careful for shifty winds in the fall and late spring.
• Don’t get in the water for a few days after it rains, especially after a long dry spell. Check surfline.com for water hazard warnings and recommendations.

Local shops:
Kites Etc., (562) 592-5483, kitesetc.com
Kite Surfari, (562) 596-6451, kitesurfari.com
Captain Kirk’s, (310) 833-3397, captainkirks.com
Soul Performance, (310) 370-1428, soulperformance.com

Schools:
Kites Etc., (562) 592-5483, kitesetc.com (the only permitted school)
Adam Koch Kiteboarding School and Coaching, (310) 760-2100, socalkiteboarding@mac.com
Kite Surfari, (562) 596-6451, kitesurfari.com
Soul Performance, (310) 370-1428, soulperformance.com

East Beach, Santa Barbara

Most spots on the coast are not ideal for entry-level riders, but East Beach is one of the few exceptions. With its steady and light winds (about 15 mph), vast expanse of sand, and favourable wind direction (sideshore with a touch of side-on), East Beach is home to Santa Barbara’s only school and is an exceptional place for intermediate riders.
Best wind directions: SSW or SW

Local knowledge:
• For great grub, visit the Shoreline Café. It’s 15 minutes away near Ledbetter (a more advanced place to ride).
• Stay 100-plus yards away from beachgoers.
• If you’re looking for local lodging, bring a hefty wallet or purse; accommodations in Santa Barbara aren’t cheap.
• If the fog doesn’t burn off, start looking elsewhere for a session that day.

Local shops:
The closest shops are in L.A., Long Beach, or in the Bay Area.

Schools:
Salt Air Kiteboarding, (805) 884-4633, saltairkiteboarding.com

Mission Bay, San Diego

Also referred to as Stinkies, Fiesta Island, and Enchanted Cove, Mission Bay is San Diego’s most popular place to learn. With its shallow waters, big beach, confined and remote location, and friendly community vibe, this great learning environment is home to numerous schools. Although the winds tend to be light, Stinkies is great for intermediates.
Best wind direction: WNW

Local knowledge:
• Beginners should launch and stay downwind of more-skilled kiters.
• Protect your feet: wear booties.
• There is a small island known as “Initiation Island” in the downwind section of the cove—do not set foot on it. It is the home of an endangered plant species. You can walk on the shoreline, but not on the mainland.
• Winds tend to be flaky on the shoreline, so get on the water as soon as your kite is up.
• Call (619) 338-2073 for water-quality advisories in the San Diego area.

Local shops:
Cali Kites, (619) 522-9575, calikites.com
Xdream Sportz, (858) 481-9283, xdreamsportz.com
Windsport, (888) 488-7656, windsport.net
Kite Country, (619) 226-4421, kitecountry.com

Schools:
MANTA Wind & Water Sports, (858) 270-7222, kiteboardsandiego.com
West Coast Kiteboarding, (619) 813-2230, westcoastkiteboarding.com
Mission Bay Aquatic Center, (858) 488-1000, missionbayaquaticcenter.com
Cali Kites (teaches at Silver Strand), (619) 522-9575, calikites.com

Sherman Island, Rio Vista

With its steady winds, numerous high-calibre schools, and onsite accommodations, Sherman Island is one of the most ideal places to learn. Jet Ski–assisted lessons are the norm here, which makes for an effective lesson, enhanced enjoyment on the water, and an accelerated learning curve. However, without a Jet Ski ride upwind for a beginner-friendly launch, the main launch area is not suitable for beginners.
Best wind direction: SW

Local knowledge:
• Bring a cooler full of food and drinks; it’s at least 20 minutes to the nearest store.
• If you’re unsure if you’re ready for Sherman’s advanced launch, ask one of the many instructors for advice.
• Bring $10 for camping, $5 for daily parking, and extra cash to tip your instructor after your lesson.
• Stay 200-plus feet away from shore.

Local shop:
Delta Windsurf Company, (916) 777-2299, deltawindsurf.com

Schools:
Ki’topia, (209)480-2067, kitopia.biz
Edge Kiteboarding School, (617) 686-0636, deltawindsurf.com/kitesurfing.html
Sheldon Kiteboarding, (707) 374-3053, sheldonkiteboarding.com
Launch Kiteboarding, (530) 318-5474, launchkiteboarding.com

Freeride Beaches

Many of us return to the water because of freeriding. Each rider may have a different definition of what freeriding is, but chances are it involves the following: jumping, cruising, flipping, spinning, kite-looping, waves or beach break, or being on the water. The following freeride locations offer a diversity of conditions. Chances are, if you session these spots when the conditions are prime, you’ll come to understand why so many Californians have fallen in love with kiteboarding.

Coyote Point, San Francisco

A Bay Area gem, Coyote Point is a terrific place to learn. When the conditions come together, it is exceptional for freeriding and downwinders (to Third Avenue). As the tide goes out and the mucky shallows of Third Avenue are exposed, the secret of Coyote Point reveals itself: a large, sandy beach, allowing comfortable access to relatively uncrowded waters. On average, 12 m2 conditions.
Best wind directions: W, NW

Local knowledge:
• When tide is high, launching here isn’t easy. Consider Third Avenue as an alternative.
• Be respectful of the windsurfers downwind.
• For happy hour, hit up Poplar Creek Restaurant Bar and Grill at the nearby golf course.

Local shops:
ASD Kite & Windsurf Center (at Coyote Pt.), (877) 348-8486, asdwindsurfing.com
Helm of Sun Valley, (650) 344-2711, helmsports.com
Aquan Sports, (650) 593-6060, aquansports.com
Kite Wind Surf, (510) 522-9463, kitewindsurf.com
Live2Kite, 866-373-SURF, live2kite.com
Berkeley Board Sports, (510) 843-9283, boardsports.com
Schools:
ASD Kite & Windsurf Center (at Coyote Pt.), (877) 348-8486, asdwindsurfing.com
Out Of The Office (OOTO), (415) 516-6669, ooto.com

Crissy Field, San Francisco

If you’re looking for a surreal kiting experience of advanced proportions, Crissy Field might be for you. With the Golden Gate Bridge readily at hand, challenging conditions and kiteboarding races every Thursday (St. Francis Yacht Club Kiteboarding Series), Crissy Field is a unique and fun place to ride.
Best wind direction: WNW

Local knowledge:
• For Thursday-night race info, visit the St. Francis Yacht Club’s website, stfyc.com.
• Wind tends to be light and fluky on the inside and strong on the outside. Launching can be unpredictable (especially on a SW wind). Once your kite is in the air get on the water ASAP.
• Launch upwind of the windsurfers.
• The beach can get packed, so be aware of your surroundings and look out for dogs and kids.
• Since you’re right next to downtown San Francisco, cuisine choices are rich and plentiful.
• Watch for boat traffic; it tends to be heavy.
• Full wetsuit year round.
• Be aware of powerful ebb and flood.
• If you’re not a strong swimmer, you’ll have difficulties self-rescuing.
• Visit bayareakiteboarding.com for more info.

Local shops:
Advanced Surf Design, (877) 348-8486, asdwindsurfing.com
Helm of Sun Valley, (650) 344-2711, helmsports.com
Aquan Sports, (650) 593-6060, aquansports.com
Kite Wind Surf, (510) 522-9463, kitewindsurf.com
Live2Kite, 866-373-SURF, live2kite.com
Berkeley Board Sports, (510) 843-9283, boardsports.com

Sherman Island, Rio Vista

Sherman Island is a top-notch place where newbies can take lessons from a variety of schools and learn how community-oriented, fun and migratory kiteboarders can be. Sherman also appeals to advanced riders and pros with its buttery-smooth flatwater and steady winds. That it blows almost every day doesn’t hurt. The camping is also a huge plus. (Warning: without the assistance of a school, this is an expert-only launch).
Best wind directions: SW

Local knowledge:
• If you’ve never ridden here, ask a local how to navigate the straight onshore winds and blackberry bushes, which make this a very advanced launch.
• The launch area is small, so be tidy; move your gear out of the way when it’s not in use.
• Make the 20-minute drive to In & Out for a mean animal-style double-double, fries and shake. If you ask, you can get a four-by-four (four patties plus four slices of cheese).
• Bring $10 for camping, $5 for daily parking.
• Stay 200-plus feet away from shore.

Schools:
Ki’topia, (209)480-2067, kitopia.biz
Edge Kiteboarding School, (617) 686-0636, deltawindsurf.com/kitesurfing.html
Sheldon Kiteboarding, (707) 374-3053, sheldonkiteboarding.com
Launch Kiteboarding, (530) 318-5474, launchkiteboarding.com

Coronado (Silver Strand), San Diego

Whether you want to ride at one of the windiest spots in San Diego or want to progress your surf-riding skills, go to Silver Strand. Also known as Cornonado or The Strand, with its slightly onshore winds and limited number of surfers, don’t expect large and super-clean waves. But they’re great for learning.
Best wind direction: WNW

Local knowledge:
• Ask a local or lifeguard where the designated areas are located.
• Take a Jet Ski–assisted lesson from the school or shop in Coronado.
• Don’t mess with the birds on the backside of the southern dune; they’re endangered or something. Don’t let your kite cast a shadow on them or otherwise disrupt them.
• Looking for a “kite night” event? Join the folks from Cali Kites every Sunday night at 5 p.m.
• Don’t park in the Coronado Cays.

Local shops:
Cali Kites, (619) 522-9575, calikites.com
Xdream Sportz, (858) 481-9283, xdreamsportz.com
Windsport, (888) 488-7656, windsport.net
Kite Country, (619) 226-4421, kitecountry.com

Schools:
Cali Kites, (619) 522-9575, calikites.com

Sunset Beach, near L.A. and Long Beach

Sunset Beach typically fires up shortly after Belmont, but Sunset tends to blow later. If you’re looking to stay on the water as long as possible, and you’re an advanced rider (can stay upwind, launch and land in a tight area, can handle onshore winds, mellow waves, rigid rules), you’ll appreciate the steady winds, friendly environment and maybe even get the chance to ride with a few dolphins.
Best wind directions: WSW, W

Local knowledge:
• There are strict rules here, so check the signs, ask a local, or visit scka.org
• On crowded days, pay attention to where lifeguards mark the designated launch and landing areas. They mark it with flags.
• Do not attempt a near-shore downwinder here, or landing at the downwind beach (Bolsa Chica). Kiters have been banned from setting foot there.
• Don’t ride near swimmers, surfers, or too close to the beach.
• No kites within 100 feet of the beachfront houses.

Local shops:
Kites Etc., (562) 592-5483, kitesetc.com
Kite Surfari, (562) 596-6451, kitesurfari.com
Captain Kirk’s, (310) 833-3397, captainkirks.com

Wave

Whether looking for an intermediate wave or something more advanced, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Wherever you’re riding, the general waveriding rules should be followed: surfers always have the right of way, respect the locals, and if you’re unsure about something, ask. If the wind isn’t blowing at these spots, the waves might be firing and a surfboard could come in handy.

Arroya Laguna, Central Coast

If you’re looking for a change of pace from Pismo Beach (south of Arroya), or looking for a highwind, advanced wave spot where 8 to 10 m2 kites are the norm, Arroya Laguna might be for you. However, this place is for experts only and not for the faint of heart. Typically, there are large amounts of seals here—you know what that means.
Best wind direction: NW, sideshore to side-off

Local knowledge:
• Head to Cambria for lodging, great eats, wineries and cool shops to peruse.
• When on the beach, don’t turn your back to the elephant seals. You never know.
• Check out Hearst Castle in the nearby town of San Simeon.
• Unless you can handle super-nuking and unclean winds, you’ll be off the water by 3 p.m., so arrive early.
• Watch out for the rock points in the water.

County Line

Located on the line between Los Angeles County and Ventura County, County Line is one of Cali’s windy, advanced wave spots. One thing that sets this place apart is its smooth and fun shorebreak, created by the near-shore kelp beds. With its cramped beach (especially at high tide), you can sit in your car and get a close-up of what you’ll need to rig. However, this comes at the cost of having to be careful of the power lines while launching and landing. This is not a beginner-friendly beach.
Best wind direction: W sideshore, with a bit of side-on

Local knowledge:
• The southern end of the beach is usually the least crowded.
• With a plenty of reefs along the way, the downwinder to upper Leo Carillo can be fun. But there is nowhere to pull out once you hit the beachfront housing (it’s all private property).
• Be respectful of surfers; give them lots of space.
• For good grub, hit up the fish-and-chips place across the street.
• Don’t take offense if a local approaches you about the dangerous launch here. They’re trying to preserve access to this spot and make sure you don’t get sizzled.

Local shops:
Xstreamline Sports, (310) 514-9514, xstreamline.com
Kites Etc., (562) 592-5483, kitesetc.com
Kite Surfari, (562) 596-6451, kitesurfari.com
Captain Kirk’s, (310)833-3397 captainkirks.com

Schools:
Malibu Kitesurfing, (310) 430-KITE, malibukitesurfing.net
Monkey Air, (310) 457-6897, monkeyair.com
Captain Kirk’s, (310) 833-3397, captainkirks.com

C-Street, Ventura

With its good wave quality, favourable wind direction (sideshore, with a bit of side-off sometimes), friendly atmosphere, rider capacity, and point break with waves peeling all the way around the corner, C-Street can be a superb place to ride. When conditions ripen, there will be lots of different peaks to ride. Be ready for a fantastic session.
Best wind directions: WSW sideshore, sometimes with a bit of side-off

Local knowledge:
• If there are waves, expect surfers. It’s windy—give them at least 100 yards.
• If it’s blowing and there’s a summertime SW or S swell, you want to be here.
• Bring a couple bucks for beachside parking.
• Keep an eye out for the big winter swell.

Ocean Beach, near San Francisco

Even though the gusty onshore winds, strong rip currents, and near-shore waves can make Ocean Beach a trying place to session, after riding here for awhile you’ll evolve into a skilled waverider (if you weren’t already). Also, this spot has a wide-open beach that is suitable for extended downwinders. Expect to ride 7 to 16 m2 kites.
Best wind directions: S, SW, NW

Local knowledge:
• Don’t ride by yourself.
• On a super-windy northwesterly, it takes effort to stay upwind. Consider a downwinder.
• After it rains, check the water quality before you ride.

Local shops:
Head to the Bay Area.

Tourmaline, San Diego

If you’re looking for expert-only riding in some of San Diego’s most popular waves, you might have to share them with the surfers, beachgoers and swimmers. The waves can get big and semi-clean, so if you can handle it all (and the occasional gusts), then ride here. You’ll have a blast. However, if it’s over your head, please don’t jeopardize this gem. Troumaline was almost shutdown a while back.
Best wind direction: WNW

Local knowledge:
• If you haven’t been here before, chat with a local before hitting the water.
• Be respectful and aware of swimmers, surfers, beachgoers and lifeguards.

Local Shops:
Cali Kites, (619) 522-9575, calikites.com
Xdream Sports, (858) 481-9283, xdreamsportz.com
Windsport, (888) 488-7656, windsport.net
Kite Country, (619) 226-4421, kitecountry.com

Waddell Creek

One of the windiest and most notorious places to waveride in all of California, there is good reason why Waddell has gained such recognition. When it blows here, it tends to blow hard (15 to 25-plus knots) and steady. Couple that with double-overhead surf and a beach that can handle all swell directions, and it becomes obvious why Waddell is so sweet. Although, knowing so requires experiencing it for yourself.
Best wind direction: NW

Local knowledge:
• Mind the locals. Be respectful. Watch out for rocks (no, not from the locals... unless you poach one of their waves).
• Watch out for kelp and the shallows on
low tide.
• Head to Scotts Creek when the swell is big. But if you spend the three minutes driving there, be prepared for a higher calibre of riding.
• If you’re looking for a place to stay minutes from the beach, check out Costanoa
(costanoa.com).
• If you go to Scotts Creek and have never
ridden there before, consider starting on a small day.
• For a wide range of food and culture, visit the nearby city of Santa Cruz, just south of Waddell, and try Upper Crust Pizza.
• The water is cold. You’ll need at least a 4/3 wetsuit in the summer.

Brian Wheeler is a freelance writer who rides for North, Da Kine, Air Time Kite Repair, and most importantly, himself. Wheeler is also a IKO-certified kiteboard instructor and a poet.

Peru Kiteboarding

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Land of 10,000 Kitesurfing Turns
Mancora, Peru

The Toyota Hilux 4WD is being driven on the edge of control, almost hovering above the dusty access road used by the Petrotech oil company. As we had crest the final hill we see that the hour-long car ride is well worth it. Lines taper down the point as the wind sculpts waves into ruler-perfect lefts. My pulse quickens as I see only two surfers in the lineup and a six-wave set pushing down the sand point. These are the kind of setups I drew in my high-school notebook. It is literally flawless. Welcome to Northern Peru; it is every bit as good as it looks. After three-plus weeks of being here you’d think I’d be used to what lies in front of me—but I’m not.

As a surfer and kitesurfer, and a photographer of both, I had found myself on many trips to the far reaches of the globe, watching other people having fun doing the things I love. Most trips I go on are a quick strike; get in and get the shots; get out, come home and write a story. Peru was different. I had been talking about going to Peru for the past six months, and I will admit that this was one trip I was fired up about doing. I am a goofy footer, so I was intrigued by the idea of getting to surf and kite perfect waves frontside.

I had just returned from a surf trip to Bali, Indonesia, when I switched on my cell phone after a lengthy flight. I was greeted by 47 new voice mails—one was a long-distance message from Gary Siskar in Peru. He had been a marketing director for some of the biggest companies in action sports. He had a great job and a house in San Clemente, California, minutes from world-class surf—living the dream, right? He now lives in Northern Peru, where he runs an amazing retreat hotel called Samana Chakra in Mancora. World-class kiteboarding lay a mere 27 metres from his hotel.
“Wolly, I’ve conjured up a crew! They’re heading to Peru in 10 days with or without you, are you in?” The next three messages are from pro surfers Josh Mulcoy, Reo Stevens and a combo message from the two Liquid Force boys: Mauricio Abreu and Davey Blair. They were all calling about the trip to Peru and freaking out about getting tickets. I’m not even through customs and am already leaving the country again. Without effort, the crew was set. Four of the world’s premier waveriders and a wind-and-wave-addicted photographer were en route to Peru, home of some of the world’s longest waves.

During the entire trip, the five of us were so excited we could hardly stop talking. Gary had told me about Peru when I worked with him in Hawaii. I knew it would be good but I didn’t realize I was about to have the best month of my surfing and kitesurfing life.

Mancora is a sleepy fishing village blessed with one of the best climates in the world. This region of Northern Peru has been one of South America’s closest-kept secrets for ages. The beaches are pristine, untouched and caressed with the warm ocean water. Sitting just south of the equator, Mancora is boarded by the currents of the Pacific Ocean, with the Andes to the east, creating a perfect microclimate. This arid terrain, combined with the cool-and-steady ocean breeze creates an average temperature of 26°C—the perfect climate to enjoy what the area has to offer.

The dry coast is made up of a series of sand points and open beach breaks, which are open to wind and swell. There are a few main points that are popular with kiteboarders, such as Lobitos, Mancora and El Gulf; and plenty of spots waiting to be discovered. The downwind potential is beyond words, with the locals doing 20-kilometre downwinders.

It doesn’t take long for Stevens, Abreu, Mulcoy, and Blair to hit the water. It was like watching an endless rotation of 15-turn waves. You could tell when a set was coming by the four kites lined up out on the horizon. The boys all showed respect for the few surfers that stuck around despite the building winds. One particular day, I was out surfing with Mulcoy when he decided to go in and throw up his kite. He thought it would be fun to keep count while he kited and I surfed. He would catch a wave and tack back upwind just in time to carve a turn in front of me and say, “That’s one, bud. How many you got?” This went on until the score was six waves for Mulcoy to my one wave. Of course I headed in, pumped up, and headed back out for a few hundred turns of my own.

There are few places I’ve been in my travels with a friendlier group of local kitesurfers and surfers. I get to meet a lot of people, but it’s very rare that I leave a place and am able to say I have made great friends. Gustavo and Paulo, who run Mancora Kite Club, a kite school located on the tip of the point in Mancora, and Tony (a.k.a. Gringo), an ex-commercial fisherman who now owns a hotel in town, are all so wind-stoked. They live for kiteboarding. It was a pleasure to ride and hang out with these guys, and see how kiteboarding is a life-changing sport. They were more than willing to pile a few of us in their trucks and head south to the surf break known as Lobitos.

The most memorable part of the trip was getting to see the different styles of kitesurfing that separate the crew. Mulcoy had never gone left or backside on a kite before, but you would have never known it. He did three straight-up backside turns and two long floaters on his first wave. It was fun to watch the way Mulcoy surfs and kites. He approached the waves the same way—straight up, with power and style. He rides unstrapped and hooked in.

Many people would never guess that Stevens is a goofy foot. I had always seen photos of him killing rights on Oahu going frontside. He was the only one flying 5th-line C-kites, which suits his aggressive, unhooked, strapped style.

I had never shot with Abreu before this trip. I had seen him killing it wakestyle with power and creativity. I also knew he was a pioneer in the sport, so I was looking forward to watching him ride. I was not aware that Abreu was a pro surfer before he got into kiteboarding. The way he kites is as if he’s not connected to the kite; linking turn after turn, unstrapped and unhooked. After watching him and Mulcoy surf perfect waves together, you can really see why they excel at waveriding with a kite. Mulcoy and Abreu both kite like they surf, doing the same turns, tailslides and airs.

Blair is a regular footer who likes to ride strapped most of the time. He was always riding unhooked and has a good, powerful style. Blair is a true double-threat who is able to ride waves and pull lots of wakestyle tricks. It was great to watch the four of them and put some of their influence into my own kiting.
Peru is perfect for kiters of all skill levels. There are world-class, advanced waveriding spots, perfect flatwater and great beaches for learning. We didn’t even explore the downwinder potential, which I hear is amazing. Northern Peru is going to become a very popular kite destination in the near future.

What the riders said...

"I didn’t know any of these guys until I showed up in Mancora. Everyone was super stoked to surf and kite. It was good to be on a trip with people that did both.
Reo is a good guy who likes to bronze [tan] and go left. He is always looking at his shots and studying his riding to progress. He really knows his equipment and is good at fixing my dings.
Davey always keeps you laughing, and his riding is also very good. He was hacking it up really well on his backside, but unfortunately had to leave before the swell hit.
Morris is knowledgeable about everything—he’s another super-good guy to travel with. He surfs and kites well with super-surf style.
The photographer, Jason Wolcott, had some incredible kiting sessions. He won the award for the longest wave. We decided to have an event named after him, The Wolcott Here to the Pier Classic (there was a pier at the end of the wave, probably a mile away, and he would always end up there).
Gary Siskar took us around. He was another super-cool guy to hang out with, and he took amazing care of us. His place is incredible and he is so stoked on surfing and kiting.

The main jewel I saw was down the coast. It is a super-long left sand point with side-offshore winds, but the water is colder than in Mancora. The waves there are amazing—super smooth and rippable." —Josh Mulcoy

Peru was the best left hand I ever kited. It doesn’t get more fun than Lobitos—five-to-15 turns every wave, so sick. All the main surf locals there are kiteboarders too, and they are the coolest guys ever. I can’t wait to go back. It helps to stay at Samana Shakra because they have the best rooms and food around. —Mauricio Abreu

Need to Know: Mancora, Peru
Best season
From May until December, reliable wind can be expected almost daily. Wind blows from 13 to 30 knots, with an average between 18 to 25 knots. For more detailed weather information visit vivamancora.com.

What to bring
Be sute to bring 7-12 m2 kites. I used a 9 m2 the whole time. Strapped or unstrapped surfboard shapes work best for the wave spots. If you plan to surf, you will want a normal short board for the average days and something for double-overhead days as well. There are also good flatwater spots, so bring a twin tip. The water temperature can vary, so bring trunks as well as a warm fullsuit for road trips to the colder southern beaches. Don’t forget sunblock. It’s an expensive thing to buy in Peru.

Getting there
You can fly to Lima from most international airports. The two nearest airports to Mancora are Tumbes and Piura. There are daily flights between Lima and Tumbes with TANS. From Tumbes airport, the taxi ride to Mancora is around an hour and a half (U.S. $30-35) and from Piura it is two hours and 30 minutes (U.S. $40-50).
I suggest renting a 4WD since the roads are rough and there are spots where you’ll drive on the beach to the launch. There is van transport available to bring you to Mancora, and also several guide services you can use to get to the many spots in the area.

Where to eat
Geko’s is no only kiter-owned but also has good pizza, cold beer, and a friendly atmosphere. Buy the owner Paulo a beer for me. Chan Chan has good Italian food. Samana Chakra is a gourmet place that has some of the best food I have had anywhere in the world.

Nightlife
If you are into nightlife you can find plenty of fun bars and dance clubs in Mancora. Many tourists from Europe and South America flock to its beautiful beach.

Peru Kite Camp
The legendary Skip Schippidinni has moved from Cabarete to Mancora and is running the Peru Kite Camp. His guide service focuses on finding you the best waveriding during your trip. The service is ideal for intermediate, advanced and professional kitesurfers.
perukitecamp.com

Accommodations

Samana Chakra
This was our home base while we were in Northern Peru and it was not only amazing but kiter-owned. It’s an oasis that celebrates the essence of nature while embracing Peruvian culture, fused with eastern healing arts to nurture your senses. This boutique retreat in Mancora is dedicated to providing the visitor with the very best accommodations, services, facilities and cuisine in a setting that is tranquil, private, relaxing and rejuvenating for the body and soul. It’s a great kite spot as well.
samanachakra.com

Las Olas
Las Olas is kiter-owned, conveniently situated on the beach, and has many rooms offering great sea views. The hotel is small with just 11 rooms and has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The hotel has a rustic feel, as it is constructed mainly of wood, has thatched roofs and is set amongst palm trees and a nice garden. The rooms are light, clean and nicely furnished. There is a communal hall with satellite TV, and this hotel even has its own kite club.
lasolasmancora.com

Casa De Playa
Situated on Las Pocitas beach, the Casa de Playa has three floors and 22 rooms, all with a view of the sea. Each room comes equipped with a private bathroom, hot water, a ceiling fan and a terrace or balcony with hammocks. The rooms are all clean, brightly coloured and nicely decorated. There is a good swimming pool with plenty of sunbathing chairs and parasols. There is a bar and a restaurant, and the meals served at the restaurant are reasonably priced and offer good value. This hotel is recommended by Lonely Planet Peru.
hotelcasadeplaya.com

Florianopolis: The Hawaii of Brazil

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0400

A lot is being written these days about Brazil: this mind-blowing country with lovely people, incredible nature, and perfect conditions for kitesurfing. Most articles, however, cover northeast Brazil only, namely the state of Ceará and sometimes a bit further south to the state of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba.

Having visited and kited the spots along the northeast coast for the past three years, I decided to check out some new kite-grounds and head down south to the island of Florianópolis, the capital of the state Santa Catarina. With an area the size of Maine and a population similar to that of Norway, the state of Santa Catarina is a land with distinct esthetics: mountain ranges contrast with the coastline, punctuated with beaches, bays and inlets and dozens of islands. In terms of architecture, cities such as Blumenau and Joinville have retained the same typical building style from the time the first immigrants colonized the state, contrasting with the capital, Florianópolis, a young-and-modern paradise.

Florianópolis, with an estimated population of 360,000, is considered Brazilian’s “best capital for living” as violence and poverty levels are reduced. Blonde children with blue eyes and a strong regional accent make you wonder, Am I really in Brazil? Florianópolis also has 42 beaches around the island each diverse, an international airport, different hotel chains, and plenty of restaurants and bars. Three bridges link the island to mainland Brazil—the locals refer to it as “the continent.” In spite of the modern development, Florianópolis kept its old traditions and habits and fascinates by its variety of nature and entertainment possibilities. Floripa, as the city is known locally, is widely recognized as the surf capital or the “Hawaii of Brazil” and renowned for year-round consistent swell, diversity of breaks and crystal-clear water catering to all surf abilities. Santa Catarina is also host to the annual and only WCT Surfing World Cup stop in Brazil.

The different faces of the island are impressive: northern beach resorts Jurerê, Daniela, Canasvieiras, Brava and Ingleses are touristic and get very busy during the summer. Eastern beaches like Joaquina, Mole and Moçambique, are among the best surfing beaches and popular with young people. Beaches heading south include Campeche, Armação and Morro das Pedras, which are all very beautiful with a rustic charm and awesome waves. Isolated and unspoiled beaches, like Lagoinha do Leste and Naufragados are at the southern end of the island and can only be reached by trail. The Conceição lagoon is a famous natural attraction, and the centrepiece of the island—sports, cuisine and entertainment are first class. Peri lagoon is quieter and great for nature walks.

Cultural highlights are the maritime forts, Santa Cruz de Anhatomirim and São José da Ponta Grossa, archeological sites and Azorean villages, which are windows into the vibrant culture and history of this European island people. The city centre is pleasant and can be explored by foot.

Home of windsurf world champion Kauli Seadi, Florianópolis is the perfect place for any sport involving wind and water. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that kitesurfing is growing at a fast pace with constant winds from all quadrants and water around. The island offers a diversity of conditions from shallow lagoons to waves of all sizes, or you might want to test your endurance by going around the island. A number of kite schools have established themselves around Floripa and you can find everything you need in terms of equipment and instruction on the island.

It’s a year-round kitesurfing destination, however, don’t expect anything like the wind statistics from up north (April-December almost 100 per cent), assume an average of three-to-four days of wind per week. Brazilian spring occurs September-December and is the best time to come, with stronger wind (usually kites 7–12 m2) and more reliable in terms of wind probability. Winter brings big swell often related to strong south wind (perfect for most wave spots), requiring you to fly kites 9-16 m2. In autumn (our winter) the wind is weaker and blowing from the north-northeast, ideal for kites 9-16 m2. The winter (our summer) is Floripa’s weakest wind time of the year, and when you’ll require 12-16 m2 kites. Despite these seasonal guidelines, the predominating wind directions are north-northeast and south-southeast and are moderate-to-strong in nature. Therefore, bring all your kites as climatic conditions are unpredictable and can vary.

Climate and water temperature
Florianópolis has a subtropical climate with rainfall well distributed throughout the year. Summer (our winter) has the highest rainfall and quick showers as well as thunderstorms, all of which are common at the end of hot days.
Cold fronts coming from the southern Atlantic and Antarctica bring rain to the region. These can be followed by days of strong southern winds, which clear the sky and the sea but can cause the temperature to drop. Therefore, bring a rain jacket, long trousers and a warmer jumper.
Contrary to the popular kitesurfing states up north (like Ceará, Paraiba, etc.), the water in the south of Brazil is way cooler and you will need a wetsuit. It’s amazing how fast the temperature can change from one day to the next, depending on swell, wind direction and time of year. Some days you’ll freeze your ass off in a shorty, the next the same shorty will be more than sufficient. So bring all you’ve got plus Lycra and boardshorts for the lagoon.

Getting around Florianópolis
Having a car is of big advantage for getting around the island. Renting a motorbike and having all your gear mounted somehow is another option. There’s also a decent bus network around the island however, there are no bus stops at the best kitesurfing spots. Hitchhiking is safe and a common way of getting around Floripa.

Getting there
Florianópolis is served by Hercílio Luz International Airport for both domestic and international flights. All major Brazilian airlines fly there with São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as the main hubs.
The prices can vary according to the time period and promotions. GOL Airlines operate flights similar to companies like Easy Jet in Europe and Northwest in the U.S., offering cut-price airfares. Other major airlines like TAM and Varig also operate flights to Florianópolis.

Other activities
Favoured by Mother Nature, Florianópolis is considered an outdoor gymnasium for extreme sports. Sand dunes, lagoons, waterfalls, hills—the options of outdoor activities are endless.
The nightlife in Floripa is amazing. You’ll find everything on the island from small bars and kiosks along beaches to vibrant samba clubs while others can choose to sip Caipirinhas at a low-key reggae bar. The main concentration of night clubs, bars and restaurants are in the city centre and Conceição lagoon. During the summer, the northern area offers a wide choice of nightlife venues. Live gigs are big in Floripa with international stars performing year round. During my stay, I had the pleasure of enjoying one of my greatest all-time favourites: Ben Harper, live!
In regards to accommodation, Floripa has it all: camping, bed and breakfasts, mid-range hotels, pure luxury houses and apartments to rent... you’ll find a huge selection around the island.

The Spots:
Lagoa da Conceição
The Lagoa da Conceição, a picturesque lagoon in the middle-easterly side of the island, is the main kitespot of Floripa. With 55 kilometres of clear waters, it’s a perfect kitesurf playground. The lagoon offers decent conditions regardless of the wind direction however, the wind is more consistent when coming from the north rather than the south.
Launching can be tricky as a number of launching spots are restricted due to the landscape and inaccessible private properties. The few spots that kiters are allowed to launch from are tiny and can get crowded, therefore launching from the water is common habit. Once you have your kite in air, you’re allowed to sail anywhere in the lagoon. The lagoon boasts several sandbanks, surrounded by waist-deep waters, perfect for beginners and practising tricks. Due to the difficult launch on land, most schooling is done from boats.

Praia Mole
The “hotshot surf beach” of the island, Praia Mole is the place to be. I’ve never seen as many beautiful, sexy, bodies (girls and boys) on one single beach. The beach itself is stunning with lots of bars, live bands and great waves, which require east or southeast swell.
Kitesurfing is good with wind from the northeast and southeast, which enters side-shore. Unfortunately, due to the crowds on the beach, kiting Praia Mole is only an option when the sky is overcast or in the low tourist season as launching and landing is impossible on busy days.

Wind: northeast or southeast entering side-onshore

Praia da Galheta
You can get to Praia da Galheta by an easy trail close to the rocks on the left side of Praia Mole. The beach is a preserved state beach and even more beautiful than Mole with way less people. The waves are consistent and hollow with both lefts and rights. Don’t be surprise if you see some people naked at Galheta beach, it’s a nudist zone, however an optional one, so don’t worry, you don’t have to take your clothes off to stroll or kite here.

Wind: northeast or southeast entering side-onshore

Praia do Campeche
This is a beach with perfect waves; depending upon swell direction, hollow lefts and rights along a 3.5-kilometre stretch of pure beauty: super-fine white sand with a view of the gorgeous island Ilha do Campeche, approximately two kilometres out. Big swells from the south and southeast enter perfectly, especially during cold fronts with waves reaching up to three metres in height. Ideal beach for down winders with lots of places to launch and land.

Wind: northeast or southeast entering side-onshore

Daniela
Located on the northwest side of Florianópolis, Daniela beach has no waves. However, it offers excellent conditions with winds from the north-northeast and south that enter perfectly.

Wind: north-northeast or south entering side-onshore

Moçambique
The largest beach on the island. This is a 14-kilometre stretch, preserved with no buildings or commodities, provides a quiet, uncrowded place with powerful, tubular waves, both lefts and rights. The motto on Moçambique beach: Choose your spot and kite by yourself. The swell is east and southeast.

Wind: northeast or south entering side-offshore and side-onshore

Jurere / Canasvieras / Cachoeira
Beaches on the north-westerly side of the island. No waves. However, perfect kiting with wind from the northeast.

Wind: north-northeast entering side-onshore

Brava / Santhino / Ingleses
Alternative beaches that are rarely kitesurfed. Northeast and southeast wind enter nicely, allowing for good waves that require swell from the east. The waves are strong as Tom Carrol, a surfing legend and the first surfing millionaire after signing a contract with Quiksilver in 1989, broke a few boards rocking the waves here.

Wind: northeast and southeast winds entering side-onshore

Açores / Pantano do Sul
Fishing communities situated on the south side of the island, Praia Açores and Pantano do Sul are uncrowded and directly hit by cold fronts from the south ensuring strong and constant winds.

Wind: south entering side-onshore

Out of town
There is kitesurfing about 100 kilometres south of Florianópolis in the most beautiful countryside, rich in flora and fauna, with some of the best waves in Brazil. The main spot is Ibiraquera, close to the city of Garopaba, which is perfect for kiting with different conditions: glassy, clean and shallow-watered lagoon to nice shore break waves with side-shore wind. It’s a dream for kiting. The best swell is east and southeast and works best with wind from the northeast. When the waves kick in, there are many surfers in the water, however, the long, sandy beach is safe and offers enough space for everyone. You can get here either by bus from Floripa (they’re in good condition, cheap and secure) or rent a car. Either one it a good option. When coming to Florianópolis, a day or multi-day trip to Ibiraquera should be on your agenda.

Shelter Island, New York Kiteboarding

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0400

As we round the outer tip of the jetty in the Boston Whaler, we leave the chop of the main channel behind. The gut-jarring ride is now forgotten; it feels like we’re sliding across a blanket of silk. The boat is quickly beached, and kites are rigged with great anticipation. We are racing to be the first to slice through the glassy water with perfect nine-metre wind.

Jon Modica is first on the water, and he starts throwing powered Slims, crazy Mobe 5s and his signature S-bend to Blind. Damien LeRoy is not far behind. Jon and Damo are pushing each other to try things I’ve never witnessed before. Damien rides past and tells me to shoot a sequence on his next tack. As I hold the trigger down, he sends a giant Kite Loop Slim Chance and sticks it perfectly. I laugh out loud at how sick that last trick is, and suddenly it all comes into focus: We are in New York, and we are scoring the sickest flatwater session I’ve ever imagined.

View Best Kiteboarding Destinations in a larger map

Long Island, New York, is a kiteboarding paradise the world has yet to stumble upon. For most, New York is a big city that exists as just another part of the northeast. But for Jon, a pro rider, Long Island is the perfect training grounds. I met Jon a few months back during a travel story to Costa Rica. My journey to Long Island began one night sitting in a little restaurant in northern Costa Rica where Jon had indulged in a few cervezas. I took what he said with a grain of salt.

“Seriously, you really need to come up to Shelter Island,” Jon kept saying. “It is the sickest spot and my favourite training grounds.”
I heard this a lot that night, dismissing it with a call to the bartender for another round. A few weeks after I returned from Costa Rica, Jon sent me images and video clips of his spot. He insisted I come out to shoot a travel story with he and Damien.

Pulling up to Jon’s parents’ summerhouse on Shelter Island, I start to realize why Jon wanted us to come out. The island is totally different from the New York I had expected. I learn quickly that sailing is life on Long Island. Everyone sails here. We unload our gear, and Jon explains that his parents are a few hours north at a sailing regatta supporting their eldest son, Charlie, who is on the U.S. sailing team. Charlie and his crew are going for gold in China in a few years. Jon gave up a sailing scholarship at the University of Connecticut to pursue his dream of being a pro kiteboarder.

I once asked Jon how he got into kiting. He told me about seeing the sport for the first time and starting a sailing club where he taught youngsters to sail in order to earn money to buy his first kites. Damo and I settle into the bunkhouse and quickly fall asleep, dreaming of what lies ahead.

Morning light awakes the bunkhouse residents. “Good breeze,” Jon says, as he digs through the fridge. We quickly find ourselves loading up the Boston Whaler and heading for the jetty. The Greenport jetty is one of the best flatwater spots I’ve ever seen. A 15-foot-high rock jetty sticks out a quarter mile into the main channel and creates the most silky-smooth butter you’ve ever seen. We quickly throw everything overboard, and Jon throws up his factory-fresh 12 m2 Switchblade 2 and makes a few tacks.

It’s light and a little gusty, but Jon has a plan. We derig, jump back in the boat and head three miles to Orient Point. The wind has filled in enough to ride, so the boys rig up and head out on a downwinder through the four-foot chop of Sunday madness, boats of all shapes and sizes dodging the pair of kiteboarders. After four miles of chop, they flag me in to pick them up on a little island. They land their kites on the front yard of a giant estate.
I ask Jon if people get upset when someone launches and lands on their property.

He smiles and says, “The people are all pretty friendly, and the worst that might happen is they ask you in for brunch.”
After lunch we head back out to Orient Point to find good 12 m2 wind and smooth flatwater. With a classic New England lighthouse as the backdrop, Damo and Jon quickly fill my four-gigabite compact flashcard with big Kite Loops, Slims, KGBs and every other wakestyle trick in the book. After shooting for three hours, we head back to the house and jump in the car to grab some pizza before passing out.

The next day we set out again in the Boston Whaler to ride at the jetty. The conditions are not right for photography, so I join the boys and ride butter-flat water for my first time. Learning to kite at C Street in Ventura, California, I had no idea how fun riding butter would be. The sound of the water coming off the rail as you slice through at speeds I never thought possible is awesome. After riding for an hour, Jon decides it’s a good day to pull out the slider.

The sun finally comes out, and it’s time to go to work. Damo and Jon throw down high-powered wakestyle stuff when I start yelling at them to one-up each other. Damo hucks the first Kung Fu handlepass I’ve ever seen and sticks it clean. Jon comes back with insane powered Mobes and Slims. It is incredible watching the two push the limits of kiteboarding. We then move on to the slider, which holds Damo’s attention for about 10 minutes.

“It’s time to jump that jetty,” he says, riding past me.

I start laughing because I know I’m about to see the maniac in Damien do something special. After a few tacks in front of the jetty to check out the wind at the takeoff point, Damo sends a huge air and floats over the huge, sketchy structure with ease. Damo is nuts. We ride until dark, friends sharing space on the water. That night, Mrs. Modica cooks us a New York–style steak and chicken dinner with all the trimmings: rice, beans, salad, cornbread, the works. Fed, bloated and tired, we crash once again in the bunkhouse.

The day begins with the lightest wind of the trip, so we get up and go into town for breakfast at Pat & Steve’s restaurant. Pat & Steve’s is an excellent place to relax and soak in the New York atmosphere. After breakfast we take the Whaler out for some wakesurfing behind the boat and have a few laughs as we all get worked over and over again.

We almost lose hope of some breeze when we notice whitecaps building in the channel. We bolt back to the house to trade the surfboards for kite gear. Two of Jon’s friends from Florida extend their stay to hang out with us. T.J. Izzo is one of those comedian types who always makes you laugh. He had flown a trainer kite once, and since the wind is light, Damo grabs him and starts teaching him how to fly a real kite. He gets up and rides his first day. Must be the teacher.

Pat Bordner is one of Jon’s kite buddies from Florida, and it’s a riot watching him take the worst wipeouts trying to learn an S-bend. The guy goes for it full blast and destroys himself. He finally gets it and is sticking them clean, but he’s bruised and beaten by day’s end.

It’s a magical day because someone gets his first taste of the sport we all love, and it’s also a day for new friends to live life to the fullest, even though we do have the occasional carnage. We get off the water and head to Greenport by boat for dinner at a seafood restaurant called Claudio’s with Jon’s dad, uncle and cousins. The atmosphere is incredible and the food outstanding, but we’ve all had one of those days where you’re so tired and hungry you could eat dirt.

The trip would not be complete without a cutthroat croquet tournament. All the boys, plus a few neighbours, jump into a 10-man croquet war exercise. I talk Jon’s brother, Charlie, into watching my back since they’re all gunning for me, knocking the enemy’s balls into the bushes as I make a run for the finish. I get caught with one shot to go, and give up the crown to Pat, the rugby player. I run inside to get some water and return to find Charlie writhing in pain on the ground after being body-slammed by T.J. for his role in my almost-championship croquet week. Everyone’s messing around, but we’re glad to see the U.S. sailing Olympic athlete walk off the lawn without injury.

After a week of unbelievable conditions, it’s time to go home. It’s great living life without a care and creating memories of a place the kiting world knows little of. Long Island is truly a unique resource. The landscape looks nothing like the New York you see on TV; it looks closer to the picture on a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream container: grassy farmland with cows and a red barn. With plenty of summer sun, warm water and great scenery, it can’t be beat for flatwater kiting and “good breeze.”

Local Knowledge

Location: Shelter Island, New York
Closest airport: MacArthur Airport, New York
When to go: June to October
Water temperature: Summertime you can ride in baggies; otherwise, you’d better be a polar bear
Other places to ride: Any beach along southern Long Island
Gear choice: Medium to big kites; mostly flat water
Beer and food: Expensive, but plenty of it. Try Primo Pizza on Shelter Island
Website: shelter-island.org

Cumbuco, Brazil

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Just north of Fortaleza, Cumbuco has evolved into a kitesurfing mecca. Thousands of kiteboarders from around the world have visited the region and are blown away by the consistency of the wind. North, Carved and Best are all doing R and D here, travel agencies offer kite tours, and more and more photo shoots for well-known brands are taking place.

There are several new kite centres, a few more restaurants, and an infrastructure for kiters: pousadas, hotels, shuttle services, kite repairs, shops and Internet cafés. North of Cumbuco, a five-star hotel with a 23-hole golf course is being built, and the local life increasingly revolves around kiters. And there’s no end in sight. Cumbuco, and with it the whole region, is quickly becoming an epicentre of kiteboarding.

Cumbuco

First and foremost: Going kiting in Cumbuco every day is as natural as getting a caipirinha at the bar. The wind consistency of the past years between June and January was almost 100 per cent. The remaining months still hit the statistics at above 60 per cent. And local kite centres run classes every day.
The sand dunes behind Cumbuco are the engine and guarantor of the wind. The sun heats up the dunes and makes for side-onshore thermal wind coming from the right. At night the wind shifts to offshore because the ocean is warmer than the land.
The seemingly endless four-kilometre stretch of sandy beach at Cumbuco is perfect for kiters of all levels, yet it’s far from overcrowded. While the kite action centres around the Eco Paradise Hotel, kiting does take place west and east from there as well.
In comparison to the surrounding spots, Cumbuco only offers smaller waves. At low tide, there is hardly any shorebreak, and at high tide it doesn’t get much bigger than a metre. There is a smaller sandbank farther out at the beginning of the city where you might find decent waves during low tide.
Lots of kiters enjoy not having to drive anywhere. They simply grab their kite and board, walk down the road to the beach, and are on the water within minutes.

Cauipe Lagoon

Only a narrow strip about 100 metres wide separates this freshwater lagoon from the open Atlantic Ocean. This lagoon is the in-spot of the region. In the day, it can actually get crowded, with over 30 kites colouring the sky. Additionally, you have the kites from the schools claiming airspace. The wind comes up very early; from 5:30 a.m. on, you’ll be greeted with good light and a fun breeze. That way you get in your first session with no crowds while your fellow kiters are still snoring. Late afternoon offers similar conditions. When most people head home for Cumbuco or Pecem, the crowd quickly thins out.
Tip: Leeward of the lagoon rest some small barracas (beach huts), the only somewhat dangerous area of this hotspot.

Pecem

Pecem is a wave spot with sideshore winds that is seldom frequented. A handful of kiters are considered a crowd. The wind is gustier than at the surrounding spots because the launch is leeward of the large sea bridge. You’ll be better off using a slightly larger kite than you would at Cauipe lagoon. The launch is directly leeward of the rocks. You will also share the water with the ever-present local surfers. They are relaxed and are happy to see kitesurfers in Pecem. On the water they cheer you on, and when we rigged they were anxious to help out.
You will generally find waves here of up to a metre in size. On a good day with strong winds and a good swell, you may have waves up to three metres high. During low tide and the following two hours the waves are the best. The lower the water, the larger the distance between the waves becomes, and the cleaner they are.

Taiba Lagoon

Taiba lagoon lies 10 kilometres west of Pecem, which means it’s about 30 kilometres from Cumbuco. Approximately 80 metres separate this little lagoon from the Atlantic. Just as in Cauipe, this playground is fed by water from the interior and therefore is a freshwater lagoon. The lake, surrounded by a fantastic dune landscape, is almost in the middle of nowhere.
This lagoon used to be bigger and deeper. Now you can stand everywhere. Usually the barraca is open, and you can buy drinks and snacks and get a break from the sun. The lagoon is regularly used by the Best crew. Alex Shogren, the boss, R and D man Peter Stiebel, and team rider Clinton Bolton test their equipment here. The crew has also put up a kicker and a slider.
While Cauipe lagoon can handle a good 30 kiters, 10 kiters make Taiba crowded.
Tip: Leeward there are some rocks. Some are quite visible, others are submerged.

Paracuru

Paracuru, a good hour west of Cumbuco by car, is heavily frequented by kiters on a good day. The spot is in a lonely location, about eight minutes outside of the village of Paracuru. Around the barraca the crowds are dense, but if you go 200 metres to the left or right, things are more relaxed.
The spot offers choppy conditions and waves that break farther out. On a good day with swell they can reach up to two metres and can be ridden down the line. Inside the reef, the water gets choppier when the tide is high.
The wind is sideshore from the right and still stronger than at the Cumbuco spots. If you’re lucky, you may get to observe turtles outside the reef.
The barraca on the beach is the meeting point of the kiting scene. There you can enjoy fresh fish, cool drinks and a shady place to rest.
Tip: Stay clear of the fish fences (leeward) and pay attention to rocks barely submerged on low tide.

Paracuru Delta

West of Paracuru there is a flatwater basin: the river mouth of the Rio Curu. On one side this spot is bordered by mangroves, and on the ocean side by a sandy beach. For the most part, the water is shallow enough to stand in.

Lagoinha

Lagoinha is at a steep part of the coast and largely in the hands of vacationing Brazilians. As you enter the village you almost have to stop, get out of the car and take in the wonderful views. Here, at the eastern end of the village, the locals enjoy clean, breaking waves. Be aware that the wind gets gusty due to the peninsula.
You can reach the western part of the beach with a normal car, at least during low tide, or go ahead and rent a quad for a few hours. With the kite on your back, you can make it here from Cumbuco in 15 minutes.

Mundau

Mundau is a tiny fishing village, perfect for quiet holidays, far away from most tourists. A must-see, it’s a wide, sandy beach at low tide, dotted with a few boats anchored there. Due to the beach’s flat profile, you first encounter flatwater, then choppy water and, farther out, sometimes chaotic, sometimes clean, running waves. You’ll also find local surfers carving turns in the waves. At high tide, the Rio Mundau delta becomes a kite spot as well. On low tide there are too many sandbanks, but on higher tides this spot turns into a fun but gusty flatwater playground.

Icarai

Icarai is between Cumbuco and Fortaleza and offers nice, clean waves. The lower the tide, the cleaner the waves. Here, too, the wind is sideshore to side-onshore. However, this spot is not frequented for kiting.

Cumbuco, Brazil

Closest airport: FOR (via GIG or GIU)
Best winds: June to January
Average kite size: 10 m2
Cost factor: $$$ -$$

When should I go?
While October and November are most popular, people are becoming increasingly aware that the winds past Christmas and New Year’s are just as reliable, and without a match worldwide. All spots, except the lagoons of Cauipe and Taiba, can handle more kiters than there are now.
Which kite sizes do I need in Cumbuco?
With an almost 100 per cent chance of wind from June to January, you’ll want to bring 8 m2 to 14 m2 kites. In July, August and September the wind is the strongest. That’s when you’ll be using smaller kites around 8 m2. November and December you’ll mostly use 10 m2 to 14 m2 kites. In January be sure to have a 14 m2 with you, and from February to May, you should take kites up to 18 m2 along.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re traveling with a U.S. or Canadian passport, the answer is yes. Ninety-day visas are available and extensions can be arranged once in Brazil.
Kite schools and kite travel specialists
Hi-Life Kitesurf School, kite-surf-brazil.com
Kitecenter Cumbuco, www.kitecentercumbuco.com.br
Kiters Paradise, kitersparadise-cumbuco.com
Kiteboard Cumbuco, www.kiteboardcumbuco.com.br
Kite Brazil, kite-brazil.com
Ozone Travel, ozonetravel.com
Windtown, windtown.nl
Blue Wind, in the centre of Cumbuco

Florida Kiteboarding Guide

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

With over 1,350 miles of shoreline to choose from, Florida provides rich and varied kiteboarding for year-round riding. Everything from great waves, blue-water kiting, epic downwinders and a wide selection of butter to rip through, Florida’s got you covered.
Bounded by the warm, fast-moving waters of the Gulf Stream to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, the state of Florida is almost 450 miles long and 365 miles at its widest, tapering down to roughly 50 miles at its narrowest. If the wind is on, the riding experience can be epic, be it in the swells or ripping across glassy, sheltered waters.

In the Keys you can take your pick of launches that cover 1,500 square miles of warm, shallow water. Head up the Gulf Coast and explore countless sandbars scattered among many thinly populated areas. You could hit stretches of coast that perhaps have never been kited before. Ponce de Leon explored Florida seeking the Fountain of Youth. He was in the right place for it, just about five centuries too soon to rig up and rip. Today, no problem. Just add wind and grab all the windblown gusto the state has to offer.

There are launches rideable in winds from any direction in many parts of the state. Much of the east coast is rideable with winds from the north to east to south, while much of the west coast is rideable with winds from the north to west to soth. Typical “rideable” wind directions are identified in this guide for various launches.

Weather

Some of the stronger wind months, aside from hurricanes, often come with fronts in October through May. Cold fronts sweep across the entire state, bringing winds from one end to the other. Fronts can create rideable winds for hours to a week or more. From May to September thermal winds can set up afternoon riding sessions throughout the state. Thermal winds can be a bit lighter in speed but frequently rideable all the same. Be careful: thermals can sometimes build up to squalls sweeping out from inland, or suddenly shut off and even change to offshore winds around sunset.
Tropical systems can bring rideable conditions during the summer and fall, but they can also frequently bring violent squalls. Just because it’s blowing doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth going, so always check the forecasts, colour radar and real-time winds.
The riding season is year-round thanks in large part to the warm waters of the Florida current and Gulf Stream. Cold fronts can take the air temperature down to 10, 5 and even into the 0°C range. The farther north you are, the lower the temperatures can go in a given frontal cycle. Winter water temperatures can vary from 10°C in the northern part of Florida to 20°C in the south. In the summer the whole state can get pretty warm; guys wear rash guards or just boardshorts. In the colder months, guys in the south may be in 3/2 wetsuits, while riders in the northern parts wear 5/3 or thicker. Booties make sense at many launches to avoid cuts. If in doubt, put them on.
Many riders spend a good deal of time on 12 to 16 m2 kites with the odd 7 to 9 m2 session in powerful winds. For lightwind conditions in the summer and between cold fronts, some kiters bring out gear in the 16 to 20 m2 range. The wider latitude of the new hybrid kites allows riders to cover a lot with 12 to 17 m2 kites, except when the stronger conditions pump through, dictating a smaller kite. Rider weight, board size and actual winds factor into kite size selection.

Access

Where “restrictions apply” signs appear, there are guidelines, rules and/or laws in place governing kiteboarding. Check fksa.org and local sources for more information. Threats to access affect us all, residents and visitors alike. Access to ride is valuable; take care of it wherever you ride. Always research local conditions, precautions and talk to local riders before visiting an area. Use common sense and simple courtesy when you arrive. As a rule of thumb, don’t launch from most guarded beaches. Go beyond 100 yards from shore and stay there until time to come in. This includes buoyed swimming areas. Launch, land and ride ideally at least 100 feet from bystanders. Follow “rules of the road” with other kiters and water users, but if circumstances indicate, yield the right of way. Avoid crowds and complaints from others through courtesy and common sense.

Where to ride

Let’s take a tour of Florida, starting with the less frequented launches in the northwest. Only a few of the launches in each area are presented here. You’ll find additional sites on fksa.org.

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Florida Panhandle

The Panhandle has a variety of launches on the Gulf of Mexico to the south, with waves and chop and calmer conditions on sheltered water inside the barrier islands. The area is famous for vast white-sand beaches. The beaches can be lightly populated at times and crowded at others. It can be hot in the summer and freezing in the winter with strong cold fronts.
Okaloosa Area, Gulf Islands National Seashore
Rideable sandy shallows from most wind directions with some waves. Leave the park when closed and before the ranger is forced to ask you. Avoid bystanders and consider launching and landing from the shallows if the shore is crowded.
Panama City (Schooners Beach)
Rideable with west to southeast winds. Good downwinder launch or landing spot. Can be crowded on shore in the summer. Waves can range from one to 20 feet. Stay clear of other water users and bystanders on the beach. Bathroom and showers. Schooners is a good stop for food and drinks.

Shops and schools:
Emerald Coast Kiteboarding, Panama City Beach, emeraldcoastkiteboarding.com , 1-866-939-KITE
Sea & Sky, Fort Walton Beach, xlkites.com , 1-866-XLKITES
Liquid Surf and Sail, liquidsurfandsail.com, 1-888-818-9283

Tampa Bay Area

The Tampa Bay area has a variety of launches on the Gulf of Mexico with waves and quite a bit of butter inside some of the barrier islands. Crowding at launches will vary from light to heavy throughout the year. Tampa Bay is about a 2.5-hour drive southwest from Orlando.
Fort DeSoto (East Beach)
Rideable with northeast to west to southwest winds. Limited, crowded setup area on shore at times. Fairly calm water area with some shallows. Becomes very shallow at low tide. Campsites are available within the park.
Big Beach
Rideable with northwest to west to southwest winds. Stay at least 300 feet from the pier. There can also be strong currents in the area. Bathroom and showers.
North Beach
Rideable with north to west to southwest winds. Calm to choppy water conditions with some shallows. Must be able to stay upwind to the north of the buoyed swim area, where no riding is allowed. Bathroom and showers.
Shops and schools:
Watersports West, Largo, watersportswest.com , 1-888-401-5080
Tampa Bay Kiteboarding, tampabaykiteboarding.com , (727) 798-2484

Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida has a variety of launches on the Gulf of Mexico with waves and chop, and flatwater inside some of the barrier islands. The beaches can be narrow and crowded, particularly during tourist season. Avoid crowds.
Sanibel Island Lighthouse
Rideable with winds from northwest to north to east to south to southwest. Beach is narrow and can be crowded at times. A $6 toll to get onto Sanibel Island in addition to parking fees. Beginner to advanced depending on crowding. Bathroom and showers. Check out the Island Cow on Sanibel for food and drinks.
Naples
Rideable with north to west to south winds. Beaches can be congested, particularly in tourist season. Beach may be narrow and setup area limited. Avoid crowds and stay well offshore after launch. Beginner to advanced depending on crowding. Think about Doc’s Beach House in northern Naples for food and drinks.
Marco Island
Rideable with north-northwest to west to south-southeast winds. Open-water riding area in Gulf, plus limited space within sheltered, shallow, calm water area. Do not ride in the first lagoon or the bird sanctuary. Long walk to riding area. Can be crowded with kiters in strong north to northwest frontal winds. Restrictions apply. Intermediate to advanced. Try out the Snook Inn for food and drinks after your session.
Shops and schools:
Ace Performer, Fort Myers, aceperformer.com , (239) 489-3513
Wind Stalkers Kiteboarding, Naples/Marco Island, swfloridakiteboarding.com , (239) 601-2700

Florida Keys

The Keys have hundreds of square miles of sheltered riding areas but very few beaches. What beaches exist are on private property, restricted and/or tight, technical launch areas. Alternate assisted launching and landing techniques in the shallows and boating to sandbars makes sense. Be careful of tidal currents and being drawn into or blown out of cuts by current. Kites going into bridges on the water can create hazardous conditions. In recent years, the Keys have the most consistent winds for the entire state. The air and water temperatures also lead the state, although wetsuits can be welcome in colder months.
Islamorada (Whale Harbor)
Rideable with east-northeast to east to south-southwest winds. Calm, shallow riding area. Some hard bottom and sandbars. Designated, regulated launch area. Restrictions apply. Should be able to ride upwind given proximity of channel. Intermediate to advanced.
Key West (Smathers Beach)
Rideable with east to south to west-southwest winds. Rare sand beach, sticky peat bottom near shore, some areas of hard bottom offshore. Can be crowded in season; watch out for the roadway and powerlines. Designated, regulated launch area. Restrictions apply. Sometimes a slider and kicker are put out. Beginner to advanced depending on crowding. Bathroom and showers. Checkout B.O.’s Fish Wagon for light fare, or for a special meal right on Duval Street hit the Grand Cafe, served up in style by chez Paul Menta of the Kitehouse.
Key West Flats
Rideable with winds from all directions. Must be reached by boats. Abundant shallow, calm water to butter conditions. Be careful when navigating among shallow sandbanks and grass beds. It is a bird sanctuary, so don’t annoy the birds or rangers. Beginner to advanced.
Shops and schools:
The Kitehouse, Key West, thekitehouse.com , (305) 294-8679
Seven Sports, Islamorada, sevensports.com , 1-877-YES-2-FLY
Otherside Boardsports , Islamorada, othersideboardsports.com , (305) 853-9728

Southeast Florida

Miami Area

Miami is the most populated area of the state, topping 2.25 million people. It is also a popular travel destination from Europe, Central and South America, and beyond. With so many people in a limited number of beaches, along with what may be the highest number of kiteboarders in the Southeast U.S., congestion and access issues arise. It is hoped that the Flats of Miami and the emergence of kiting sea taxis to these incredible riding grounds away from land will relieve the shoreside stress and introduce riders to a whole new world near this major metropolitan area
Crandon Park
Rideable with north-northeast to east to south winds. Calm, shallow riding area with exposed sandbars at low tide. Breakers develop along the reef line about 300 yards offshore. Designated, regulated launch area. Riders must have IKO/PASA Level III certification, helmet, etc. Restrictions apply. A $6.50 tolls and entrance fee. Intermediate to advanced. Bathroom and showers. Sundays on the Bay is good for light fare as you head off the island.
Matheson Hammock
Rideable with northeast to east to southwest winds with calm water. Launch and land in shallows away from shore. Posted sign lists launch rules. Jumping beyond white buoys. Sand and soft bottom in areas. A $4 parking fee. Restrictions apply. Intermediate to advanced. Bathroom and showers.
Flats of Miami
Rideable with winds from all directions. Must be reached by boat. Be careful navigating shallows and of damaging grass beds within this federal monument. Abundant shallow, calm water to butter conditions over about 100 square miles situated to the south of Miami, primarily over grass beds. Beginner to advanced.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is also a popular tourist destination and populated area. There are access issues here as well. There are no sheltered riding areas to speak of, with all the riding happening in the ocean off narrow, often crowded beaches. Still, it is a happening spot with one of the oldest designated launches in the U.S.
South Fort Lauderdale (Beach Launch)
Rideable with north-northeast to east to south winds. Moderate waves. Use launch corridor and stay beyond 100 yards (outside swim area buoys) until time to come in. Sand bottom. Stay out of guarded beach areas. Designated, regulated launch area. Restrictions apply. Intermediate to advanced. Parking is $6. Bathroom and showers. Kiters sometimes hit the Treasure Trove near the beach.
Pompano Beach (NE 15 Street)
Rideable with north-northeast to east to south winds, chop inside sandbar, waves farther out. Scenic launch south of lighthouse. Use launch corridor and stay beyond 100 yards (outside swim area buoys) until time to come in. Sand bottom aside from reef offshore, which can be shallow at low tide. Watch out for inlet traffic. Sign is posted with launch rules. Designated, regulated launch area. Restrictions apply. Intermediate to advanced. Limited metered street parking. Bathroom and showers. Check out Aruba Beach Cafe on the beach for post-session fare.
Delray Beach (South Beach Launch)
Rideable with north-northeast to east to south winds. Launch, land and ride to at least 400 feet south of guarded beach area. Stay at least 100 yards offshore from guarded areas. Nice waveriding with stronger winds. Popular riding spot with sand bottom and near-shore bars. Also popular with surfers. Stay downwind or give adequate leeway. Restrictions apply. Beginner to advanced. Limited metered street parking. Bathroom and showers. Boston’s on the Beach is a nearby spot for drinks and food.

Jupiter/Juno

Jupiter Kiteboarding, the organizer of the annual Jupiter Kiteboarding Invasion, is based here. Beaches can become crowded, particularly during tourist season. Areas of exposed rock exist along the coast. Good spots for food and drinks are located on the south bank of Jupiter Inlet.
Juno Kitebeach
Rideable with north-northwest to east to south-southeast winds. Stay at least 100 yards north of fishing pier. Good waveriding in stronger winds. Sand bottom in area of launch. Tides can set up a strong current. Beginner to advanced. Limited street parking.
Fort Pierce (South Inlet Launch)
Rideable with north-northwest to east to south-southeast winds. Sheltered, calmer water south of south jetty in north to northeast winds and north of north jetty in southeast winds. Excellent waveriding in several breaker lines, particularly in strong north to northeast winds. Stay away from fishermen on jetties to avoid being hooked. Sand bottom. Beginner to advanced. Limited street parking. Riders can hit Archie’s Seabreeze Restaurant right next to the local kiteshop.

Shops and schools:
Miami Kiteboarding, miamikiteboarding.com , (305) 345-9974
Liquid Surf and Sail, liquidsurfandsail.com, 1-888-818-9283
Sky Banditz, skybanditz.com , (786) 290-4585
Water-Play, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, water-play.com , 1-866-860-6888/1-800-841-1225
Tiki Beach Kiteboarding, Fort Lauderdale (formerly kitesurfusa.com ), (954) 647-7228
Jupiter Kiteboarding, Jupiter, jupiterkiteboarding.com , 1-877-Fly-Surf
Treasure Coast Kiteboarding, tckiteboard.com , (772) 201-5351

Northeast Florida

Northeast Florida has wide areas of the Intracoastal Waterway, miles across, particularly around Cocoa Beach. This serves up excellent sheltered water with butter-flat conditions. Another great thing about this part of Florida is in the ocean. Waves start off the coast of Africa and wander clear across the Atlantic. The Bahamian plateau protects southeast Florida from these waves, but they make it all the way into shore here. It’s a waveriding paradise. You can drive along the shoreline in St. Augustine and you would swear you are in the Outer Banks of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina: rolling white-sand dunes, stands of sea oats, beach shacks, and not a lot of people. Northeast Florida can also get some of the stronger frontal winds.

Sebastian Inlet State Park
Rideable with north-northwest to west to south to southeast winds. In sheltered Intracoastal Waterway with minimal waves. Stay away from bystanders and cars. Consider doing assisted launches and landings from the shallows. Sand and rock bottom. A $5 entrance fee. Intermediate to advanced. Bathroom and showers. Grant’s Pub in Grant, Florida, is recommended for food and drinks.
Cocoa/Melbourne Beach Area
Ocean rideable with north-northeast to east to south-southeast winds. Primarily sand bottom with some rocky areas. Can develop nice swells here. Avoid guarded beaches, crowds, and stay at least 300 feet off the beach when riding. Area is about one hour to the east of Orlando. Inexpensive trolley is available for trips back upwind during downwinders in Cocoa Beach. Do not kite within five miles of Patrick Air Force Base, as it has been banned. Beginner to advanced. Bathroom and showers. Da Kine Diego’s is a good stop for food and drinks in Melbourne.
Melbourne (SR 192 Causeway)
Rideable with north to northwest winds for riders who can stay upwind. Offers smooth and glassy conditions from the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway. Intermediate to advanced. Sand and grass bed bottoms.
St. Augustine, Matanzas State Park
Rideable with winds from north-northwest to north to east to southeast. Free parking and beach vehicle access is available; watch out for high tide and soft sand if driving. Sand bottom with butter conditions near low tide in flats around inlet and good waves beyond in strong winds. Watch out for adverse tidal currents near inlet; avoid inlet a couple of hours after high tide until about an hour after low tide. Peak tidal currents are strong. Beginner to advanced. Check out Barnacle Bill’s Beachside for food and drinks.
Jacksonville (Huguenot Memorial Park)
Rideable with winds from north to east to south on the ocean, which can have excellent surf. In the sheltered “Pond,” wind is usable from all directions. Little room for launching on land at high tide around Pond. Becomes shallow with sticky clay bottom at low tide. Camping is available in the park. Sand bottom with butter conditions near low tide in flats around inlet and good waves beyond in strong winds. Watch out for adverse tidal currents near inlet. Also popular surfing spot: pass surfers downwind, or give them good leeway to windward. Beginner to advanced. Check out Captain’s Cay for chow.

Shops and schools:
Extreme Kites, St. Augustine, oceanextremesports.com , 1-866-790-SURF
Progressive Sports, Daytona, progressivesports.com , (386) 756-7564
Kitetricity Kiteboarding, Melbourne, kitetricity.com , (321) 795-7626

Cape Hatteras Kiteboarding

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Best Winds: March to November, Locals ride year round
Closest Airport: Norfolk International Airport is located 1 1/2 hours from Kitty Hawk
Kite Size: Winds are primarily frontal so 8 to 16 meter kites is the norm
Cost Factor: $-$$ Renting a house with friends makes Hatteras very inexpensive
Local Shops and Schools: See full list at end of article

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, is known around the world as the land of kiteboarding downwinders. Seventy miles of unlimited access to the water, both soundside and oceanside, allow riders to pick and choose their perfect-length run. The island bends over its length to create sideshore conditions in almost any wind direction. Combine the fact that it is far off the mainland, and you have the perfect recipe for steady, consistent winds for riding downwinders of any distance. We asked Hatteras icon Trip Foreman to share the goods on the locals’ favourite downwinders.

Downwinders are great for riders of any ability. Beginners benefit from riding downwind as it allows them to concentrate on basic kite and board skills without the worry—or fatigue—of constantly walking back upwind. Intermediates build confidence, steadily increasing their board speed and turns. Intermediates will also find their best jumping sessions happen when riding downwind. The secret to learning the waves, both jumping and waveriding? Downwind riding. Advanced riders really turn up the heat during downwinders with mind-altering speed, trenching turns and limitless jumping and waveriding.
No matter how you look at it, riding downwind is more fun and progresses your ability more quickly. Still not convinced? How many skiers or snowboarders do you see staying uphill?
The following is just a sampling of the downwind runs available in Cape Hatteras. These runs have been organized by location (soundside or oceanside) and ability level (green, blue or black—similar to mountain trails). Use these runs or make up your own. Just remember that all of those cars traveling upwind on Highway 12 are really just summertime chairlifts.

Cape Hatteras Kiteboarding Wind and Surf Forecast

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GREEN RUNS: Your First Downwinders

Green downwinders are a great way to improve your ability level through extended riding and turning. Green runs allow the rider to see the beginning and end of the run from the starting point. Green runs have easy water access, no obstacles to navigate around on land (power lines) or water (piers), and have shallow water for easy self-rescue. Green runs have uncrowded launch and landing areas.

GREEN RUNS SOUNDSIDE

Vermont Hole to Park Street:
Vermont Hole is the sandy-road beach access just to the north of Canadian Hole (Haulover Day Use Area). This run works in south or southwest wind or you can reverse the path in north or northwest winds. Avoids crowded windsurf area at Canadian Hole. Nice shallow water the entire way. If you can’t make the finish line, you could walk the entire run.

1st Turnout to 2nd or 3rd Turnout:
This run is located north of Avon on the three soundside access roads. 1st Turnout is the first dirt road north of Avon. You can downwind to 2nd or 3rd Turnout depending on length of run desired. 2nd Turnout can also be used as an early get-out if needed. All three roads have front-wheel drive plus an easy walk, or four-wheel-drive access to the water. All three have easy walkouts to the highway if you break down or need to stop early. This run can be done in southwest winds, or can be reversed in north or northwest winds. South winds and northeast winds are blocked by land and can create unstable launches and landings. Proceed to the water immediately after launch for more consistent winds. Nice shallow water, with the exception of a narrow, rarely used navigation channel paralleling the beach 100 to 150 feet offshore. The rest is waist-to-chest-deep as long as you stay within 500 yards of shore.

D-Spot to Buxton Slick:
This is a nice run for north or northeast winds. Shallow water full length of the run with clean wind. Killer flatwater riding in the Buxton Slick behind low-lying grass islands. Keeps riders clear of Kite Point during busy northeast “pool parties.”

BLUE RUNS: Turn your speed and riding level up

Blue runs are longer, may have deeper water, or obstacles to navigate around. Due to their length, blue runs have early get-outs in case of fatigue or equipment failure. Longer runs allow the rider to turn up the volume on his or her riding, increasing board speed, turns and jumps. Blue runs also include riding in the ocean on the north and south side of the island. Blue ocean runs should be reserved for small-wave days to maximize your fun and success.

BLUE RUNS SOUNDSIDE

Kite Point to 1st Turnout:
This is the original Cape Hatteras downwinder, first completed in April 1998. Optimal conditions are southwest winds; can be run in reverse in north or northwest winds. Southwest winds normally increase over stretch of this run (windier at the finish), so rig accordingly. Early get-outs include Vermont Hole, Park Street and Avon Village. Obstacles include windsurfers at Canadian Hole, Park Street, Avon Village and Island Creek. Keep it close to shore, and you’re always close to an early get-out. This is a classic southwest Cape Hatteras downwinder for those ready for the length of ride. Be part of history by taking part in the original.

SDA (Salvo Day Use Area) to The Slick:
This run put Cape Hatteras on the worldwide flatwater map. Works best in southwest winds; can be reversed in north or northwest winds. Tons of points, islands, and coves to duck behind for ultimate glass. The grand finale is the honey hole of them all: The Slick is a boomerang-shaped island in front of REAL Kiteboarding and home to the REAL Slider Park. All of the good riding during this run is within 200 yards offshore, so keep this run close to the beach—no whale watches. Early get-outs include Hatteras Watersports and Wind Over Waves. Obstacles include jetskis and flags at Hatteras Watersports. Unstable wind at SDA; launch and leave immediately for best wind. You can finish your run farther downwind at Hatteras Island Sail Shop or KOA Campgrounds.

Kite Point to Frisco Woods:
This run works well in northeast or east (not southeast) winds. Can be reversed in west or west-northwest winds. Several chop-sheltering points along the way to exploit the butter. Early get-outs include Pilot House and The Sandbar restaurants (rocky shoreline and land; pack up before coming close), residential beaches along Buxton and Frisco, and Brigands Bay Point. Water obstacles include fishing nets, isolated buoys and pilings in the water.

Frisco Woods to Hatteras Turnout:
This is an untapped stretch of water you’ll likely have to yourselves. Beautiful scenery, waist-deep water and consistent winds. This run is optimal in northeast or east winds but can be reversed in a west or northwest wind. Early get-outs include Frisco residential beaches and Frisco Pier. Be aware of power lines near Hatteras Turnout; they are at a safe distance but need to be respected.

BLUE RUNS OCEANSIDE

Ferry Docks to Hatteras Turnout:
This is great summertime downwinder with warm water, winds and fun waves. The first day of a good southwest wind makes for easy waves in the waist-high range. As the wind persists, waves can grow to be well overhead. Works in southwest winds; can also be reversed in east winds. Straight west winds are a touch offshore and blocked by larger homes along the shoreline. Early get-outs include residential walkways over the dunes; you’ll see one every 200 yards. Proceed with caution around swimmers and surfers along this stretch; they have the right of way. You can recognize Hatteras Turnout from the ocean as you pass the last stretch of houses in Hatteras Village and exit back into the National Park land. There is a stretch of dune-building fences and the Turnout is at the east end of where these fences stop.

Ramp 30 to Ramp 34:
An epic ocean downwinder for north and northeast winds. This is a deserted stretch of coastline rarely used by fishermen, surfers, or swimmers, allowing riders to really cut loose. First few days of north or northeast winds can provide small to medium surf. This swell direction builds quickly, so get on it the first day of the blow if you want it small. The only obstacle to worry about is the random fisherman in the middle of nowhere looking for solitude. Can be reversed in a south wind (not southwest, as this will be offshore).

BLACK RUNS: LAND OF THE LOST MEETS

GRAVEYARD OF THE ATLANTIC

Black runs are for advanced to expert riders only. Black runs often lack early get-outs, require skilled navigation around obstacles and cover extended distances downwind. Make sure you are dialed on your green and blue runs before attempting black runs.

BLACK RUNS SOUNDSIDE

Planet of the Apes to The Slick:
This downwind run was featured in ACL’s Ten4 DVD. Southwest winds work best, although some have back-doored the entire run on north or northwest winds. Planet of the Apes easily takes the position of best flatwater run in the world. Features two key flatwater riding locations: Planet of the Apes and The Slick. Planet got its name due to the remote location and lack of easy egress if you break down or if the wind dies. Cutting back to the road from Planet is not recommended and has only been completed by one rider. If you break down at Planet, you need to walk the coastline back to the Planet launch or the SDA. The Planet launch can be crowded on windy weekends, so make sure to be courteous and fast off the beach. Double-check the wind direction and your lines before launching, as space is pretty tight. Like the shorter SDA-Slick run, all of the good riding is along the shoreline, so cancel the whale watches. Land at Hatteras Island Sail Shop, KOA or farther, if you dare.

Chimichanga House to Planet Launch:
This is a run that only a handful of riders have experienced, but one that is worth checking out. Works great in south, southwest, north or northwest winds. Be careful as the northwest may die over the course of this run. Grass bottom cuts the surface chop to a minimum even without land to block the waves. You’ll experience total solitude on this run, with no other riders, boaters, windsurfers, anything other than the friends you bring along with you. There are several additional turnout roads along the length of the run for an early get-out. Water obstacles include a few fishing nets, crab traps, buoys, etc.

The Black Zone:
This is the last frontier of undiscovered flatwater riding. Hundreds of slicks exist between The Slick and New Inlet. Due to length of run and lack of get-outs, this run requires boat or PWC backup, or a seriously solid level of riding. Get in the water anywhere in Rodanthe, Waves or Salvo. Get out at the New Inlet.

BLACK RUNS OCEANSIDE

Ramp 34 to Buxton hotels:
A popular run with locals and visitors when the wind shouts from the north or northeast. Waves can range from waist-high on the smaller days to triple-overhead bombs during strong northeast blows or hurricane groundswells. Most popular during northeast winds can be back-doored during straight south winds (not southwest). Obstacles include Avon Fishing Pier, beach fishermen, surfers and swimmers. Give all an
extra-wide berth to avoid tangling in fishing lines, leashes, etc. Get out of the water and land your kite to the north of hotels to avoid strong updraft. Do not park in hotel parking lots.

Ranger Station to Ramp 23:
This run is popular for northern crews basing out of Rodanthe, Waves or Salvo when the winds are north or northeast. Can be reversed in south or southeast winds. Early get-outs include S-Turns (advanced blue run due to shorter length) and Rodanthe Pier. Obstacles include beach fishermen, surfers, Rodanthe Pier, and swimmers. Give all plenty of extra space when passing. This stretch of coastline has a more northern exposure and receives powerful swell, both on the outside bars and also in the shorebreak.

Ferry Docks to Frisco Pier:
This legendary run takes riders along a cherished stretch known as the Southside. Works great in southwest, west-southwest, east or east-southeast. Waves tend to grow with strength and duration of the wind. Wave heights can range from knee-high to triple-overhead depending on wind strength, offshore storms, etc. Obstacles include beach fisherman, Frisco Pier, swimmers and surfers. Please give all plenty of space. Land just prior to Frisco Pier.

Frisco Airport to The Cove:
This secret nugget holds the goods in west, west-northwest or east, east-southeast, and southeast winds. When the wind is too offshore for the Ferry Dock downwinders, sliding down the coast bends the wind to more of a sideshore angle. The end of this run (either direction) finds wind more onshore, so make sure not to pin yourself on the beach near the end and miss the finish line. No early get-outs; make it to your four-wheel-drive truck or walk the rest of the run. Obstacles include beach fishermen, surfers, swimmers and strong currents near The Cove.

Local Knowledge

Shops and Schools
Hatteras Island Sail Shop (252) 987-2292
Kiteboarding Hatteras (252) 995-5000
Kitty Hawk Kites 1-877-FLY-THIS
REAL Kiteboarding 1-866-REAL-KITE
Fox Watersports (252) 995-4372
Ride Hatteras (252) 995-6755
Sail World (252) 995-5441

Where to Stay
Outer Beaches Realty 1-800-731-6808, outerbeaches.com
Midgett Realty 1-800-527-2903, midgettrealty.com
Hatteras Realty 1-800-428-8372, hatterasrealty.com
Surf or Sound Realty 1-800-237-1138, surforsound.com

Trip Forman is co-founder of REAL Kiteboarding in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. He has been kiteboarding in Cape Hatteras since 1998. For more information about Cape Hatteras, ride REAL’s website at realkiteboarding.com .