HIGH FLYER

SAINT BARTH KITE’S ENGUERRAND ESPINASSOU

Enguerrand Espinassou’s name is the first that comes to mind when the sport of kiteboarding is even mumbled, let alone mentioned on St. Barths. Having set up shop on the lagoon of Grand Cul de Sac 17 years ago, Frenchman Enguerrand offers private stand-up paddleboarding and kiteboarding lessons ranging from 90 minutes to three hours per day. Fortunately for beginners, he is incredibly kind and patient despite his evident prowess—in 2001 he successfully completed a kite crossing from St. Barths to St. Martin—a 30km distance—in just over an hour. We caught up with the high-flying daredevil on land to ask him a few questions about his current operation and what’s next for the new decade.

Where and when did you first learn to kite? I started to kiteboard in September of 1996 in France.

What’s special about kiting on St. Barths? St. Barths is a nice place for kiteboarding because we have different types of water in which to learn and hone your skills. We have flat water on our beautiful lagoon, which is ideal for freestyling. We have some of the best waves in the world at La Tortue. And last, if you like free riding and kite crossing, heading out of St. Jean Bay is perfect. All these spots are why I love teaching and riding here.

What is it about kiteboarding that makes you keep coming back for more? When you start kiting, your rate of improvement is so high, and that feels great. There’s so much to learn. There’s also so many ways to do it, from using twin tips to a surfboard and ultimately, the hydrofoil.

What is the best time of year to visit to kiteboard every day? The best time in the year to kite will be from Thanksgiving to Easter, though summer is not that bad, either.

How many lessons do you need to give before someone can do it on their own? I need to give five hours of private kite classes on five different days; then it’s up to the student to work on their own. The secret is to practice! It’s a lot like learning to drive a car—you can get your license very fast, but you’ll be much better if you practice.

What’s new this season at St. Barth Kite? We just launched the Wing SUP and wing foil activity. It has had a slow start, but flying a wing is fun and easy, and now I can merge my passions of kite and foil.

What is your favorite activity on island when you’re not kiteboarding? I love to do stand-up paddle when there’s no wind or take a boat to Colombier and snorkel with the sea turtles together with my family.

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