Kiteworld Magazine - 2016 Travel Guide by Kiteworld Magazine

2016

TRAVEL GUIDE FEATURING OVER 40 INCREDIBLE KITESURFING HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

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016 / CONTENTS

CONTENTS 2016 018 – INTRO 020 – TRAVEL ESSENTIALS 026 – AFRICA 028 – LANGEBAAN, SOUTH AFRICA 032 – MUIZENBERG, SOUTH AFRICA 034 – CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA 044 – DIANI, KENYA 046 – ZANZIBAR 048 – LE MORNE, MAURITIUS 050 – BEL OMBRE, MAURITIUS 052 – BELLE MARE, MAURITIUS 054 – DAKHLA, MOROCCO 058 – ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO 060 – EL GOUNA, EGYPT 062 – SOMA BAY, EGYPT 064 – MARSA ALAM, EGYPT 066 – THE AMERICAS 068 – CAPE HATTERAS, USA 076 – CRYSTAL COAST, USA 080 – CORPUS CHRISTI, USA 082 – SOUTH PADRE, USA 084 – MAUI, HAWAII 086 – LOS BARRILES, MEXICO 088 – MANCORA, PERU 090 – TAIBA, BRAZIL 092 – ICARAIZINHO, BRAZIL 094 – PREA, BRAZIL 096 – JERICOACOARA, BRAZIL 100 – BARRA GRANDE, BRAZIL 102 – THE CARIBBEAN 104 – TURKS AND CAICOS 106 – CABARETE 108 – UNION ISLAND, THE GRENADINES 112 – COCHE, MARGARITA AND LOS ROQUES, VENEZUELA 114 – EUROPE 116 – ESPOSENDE, PORTUGAL 118 – THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL 120 – TARIFA, SPAIN 124 – SANT PERE PESCADOR, SPAIN 128 – FLAG BEACH, FUERTEVENTURA, CANARY ISLANDS 130 – SOTAVENTO, FUERTEVENTURA, CANARY ISLANDS 132 – LAKE GARDA, ITALY 134 – CALABRIA, ITALY 136 – LIMNOS, GREECE 138 – AUSTRALASIA 140 – KALPITIYA, SRI LANKA 144 – PENGHU ISLAND, TAIWAN 146 – NOOSA, AUSTRALIA 148 – COCOS ISLANDS, AUSTRALIA 150 - KITEBOARDING CRUISES 152 – KITE B’N’B 154 – HAPPY TRAVELS

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TRAVEL AGENCIES KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0)20 36 085 777 +49 (0)40 20 93 45 090 ION CLUB www.ion-club.net +49 (0)881 925 4960 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0)1273 921 001

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Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

WIND CHART INFO COURTESY: www.windguru.com www.windfinder.com

1 = WAVES 2 = FLAT WATER 3 = BEGINNER 4 = WARM WATER 5 = ON SPOT FACILITIES 6 = OTHER ACTIVITIES

CHOICE RATING SCORES: 1 = None existent 5 = World class

Cover: Mitu Monteiro, One Eye, Mauritius Photo: Gilles Calvet / F-One Kiteboarding Contents: Craig Cunningham in Los Roques heaven, Venezuela Photo: Toby Bromwich / North Kiteboarding

I 01 8 / EDITORIA L / IN T RODUCT I O N I THE KITEWORLD TRAVEL GUIDE 2016

INTRO #10 A DECADE IN THE SUN

Brandon Scheid, revelling in kitesurfing nirvana in Brazil Photo: Vincent Bergeron / Liquid Force

eave your worries behind and allow yourself to fully focus on improving your kiteboarding skills in some of the best conditions imaginable. There really is nothing like kiting for successive days to learn some solid skills. Indeed, the warm weather and water help compared to what you might be used to, but it’s reliable and consistent conditions more than anything that really help you to progress. We’re not all nineteen and happy crashing in a tent anymore (but some of us are, and we’ve got you guys covered, too!) You may be picking up this guide eagerly hoping to find somewhere that will suit the whole family, but still offers you ample opportunity to slip away for incredible kite sessions. Whether you’re going alone, with a pack of friends or your closest family – kiting holidays lead to special memories and moments that last forever, and we have over 40 destination run-downs for you to scour your way through. We’ve now been producing this guide for ten years. One of kiteboarding’s great appeals has always remained true – the equipment is light and packs down neatly, making it ideal to travel with. Over the last decade intrepid kitesurf travellers have paved their way to some mind blowing locations where the wind is consistent, there’s acres of space and beautiful waters. Many of those people now run travel businesses as passionate experts in their field. Some have opened up hotels / hostels in remote locations and will welcome you to the destination of your dreams. This guide isn’t just for those looking for the ultimate in off-the-beaten track adventure, though. We have stacks of recommendations to combine luxury with daily kiting. No matter where you live in the world, you’ll find holiday

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recommendations close to you, from Europe to Africa, the Americas and Caribbean to Australia and Asia. Our web of spies and local contacts have helped us provide you with up-to-date information for each place to help you decide where will be best for you, however far you’re willing to travel. Handy wind charts and useful stats will let you get an overview at-a-glance for vital information, such as wave quality, flat water availability, suitability for learning, warm water, on the spot facilities and other activities. As kitesurfers it’s in our nature to travel and hunt out the next perfect spot. As in previous years, this isn’t exactly a Lonely Planet guide, it’s more a flame to ignite your desire to get out there and improve your riding in some of the best spots in the world. Wherever you choose, if this will be your first kiteboarding holiday, get ready to get hooked and make huge improvements that will help you squeeze the most into your available sessions when you return home. Your mates will be impressed! Now that you’ve opened this guide, it’s going to be hard to resist treating yourself to experiencing the incredible riding that each spot offers. Happy travels!

THE KITEWORLD TEAM ALSO! Kiteworldmag.com has a huge focus on travel, including a special search engine that we’ve designed to help you find the spot of your dreams, according to your riding level, preferred conditions, location or season.

WWW.KITEWORLDMAG.COM

07/03/2016 12:38

Windguru

For Sailing, Kiteboarding & Windsurfing clubs ¬ Live wind & forecast. All in one. ¬ Truly live weather icon at your web page. ¬ Windguru Live comes with the Windguru wind station. stations.windguru.cz

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TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

TECHNOLOGICAL AND GENERALLY USEFUL AIDS TO ADD TO YOUR HOLIDAY ENJOYMENT

2. 5.

1. AQUAPAC WATERPROOF CASES

Looking for a good way to store essential kit when you’re out on the water? Aquapac have a range of products to help you carry essential items on the water that must be kept dry. Highlighted here are their new waist pack (3 litre capacity) and their iPhone 6 Plus case which also works for other phones of equivalent size. Essential tools for downwind safety!

WWW.AQUAPAC.NET

2. THE KITE AND WINDSURFING GUIDES

The Kite and Windsurﬁng Guides are packed with ﬁrst hand information, featuring over 4,000 spots worldwide and illustrated with incredible photos and detailed maps of every region. There’s also in-depth analysis of wind and weather conditions throughout the year and authentic travel tips on what to expect in each region, plus handy hints for a successful trip.

WWW.STOKED-PUBLICATIONS.COM

3. PROGRESSION WAVE RIDING INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS Download the free Progression Player App and load up the videos ready to watch ofﬂine when you’re travelling to

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remote destinations. Learn how to ride with control, gybe and take on waves with style.

WWW.PROGRESSION.ME

4. LIP TYPHOON EYE PROTECTION

Featuring hydrophobic PC polarized lenses by ZEISS, a patented vortex vent system to prevent fogging, unlimited peripheral vision and a bomb-proof strap system, the Typhoon is the most advanced and hottest looking watershade on the market. LiP also offer a collection of high quality urban style sunglasses.

WWW.LIP-SUNGLASSES.COM

5. PROLIMIT TRAVEL LIGHT KITE BAG

Weighing in at just 3.1 kilos when fully assembled, the Travel Lite Kite Bag is padded on the bottom and edges while the remaining part of the bag is made of heavy duty 600D polyester with small, compact and removable wheels. Loading from the top, it’s easy to use, ﬁts a quiver of up to three kites and board and stows away neatly thanks to the Prolimit easy storage loop

WWW.PROLIMIT.COM

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8. 7.

10.

9. 6. RRD FLIGHT TROLLEY

Making the best use of space is vital when travelling, so check out RRD’s new ﬂight trolley that will help you carry all your useful carry-on items conveniently and with great protection. Many more baggage options in the range.

WWW.ROBERTORICCIDESIGNS.COM

7. SUN PROTECTION

There’s nothing cool or clever about getting fried to a crisp on the ﬁrst day of a kite trip and premature aging really isn’t a great look. So make sure you wear adequate protection, especially in places where the sun’s rays are particularly punishing! Product featured here is the ProSport SPF35 waterproof sunscreen, available from 2XS.

WWW.2XS.CO.UK

8. PATAGONIA CAPILENE RANGE

Patagonia’s new Daily Capilene range is ideal for the wandering kiter living out of a board bag. The T-shirts are comfy and odour resistant and the new capilene thermal zip neck hoodie is perfect as a warm but light and easily packable layer for cooler evenings wherever

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you are in the world. You can also pack them around your surfboard’s rails for a bit of extra protection from merciless baggage handlers!

WWW.PATAGONIA.COM

9. WINDGURU WEATHER FORECASTING

Relentlessly checking local forecasts is an obsession that intensiﬁes on a kite trip. Thankfully, Windguru’s new site is modern and mobile friendly while maintaining all your favourite features. There are new forecast maps (the GFS based one is now free for all users) and the live data from Windguru stations is also now part of the main site.

BETA.WINDGURU.CZ

10. WEATHERFLOW WINDMETER

The WeatherFlow Windmeter is a pocket-sized anemometer that captures highly accurate wind measurements. Connect your iOS or Android device with the free ‘WINDmeter’ app to archive or share critical weather information.

WWW.WEATHERFLOW.COM

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Do it all Sizes: 5/6/7/8/ 9 / 10 / 12 / 14 / 16

The new Best TS is your choice to push your limits and do it all! Controllable power meets extreme performance to match the highest expectations of freestyle, wakestyle, freeride and wave riders:

That’s new for the latest TS V.5:

×× 4-line open C kite for freestyle and freeride ×× Fastest turning speed for kiteloops and boosting big ×× Great pop and solid line slack for unhooked tricks ×× Grunty pull combined with great depower to cover huge wind range

++ Refined LE segmentation for cleaner profile ++ 3D Foam Bridle Deflectors ++ Leading edge circum ference seam protection ++ Added sizes for precision quiver building ++ Dual strut head reinforcements

BLUE / RED

BLUE / YELLOW

BLUE / MINT

026 / AFRICA

AFRICA

FEATURING:

SOUTH AFRICA KENYA ZANZIBAR MAURITIUS MOROCCO EGYPT Diani Beach, Kenya Photo: Kenyaways

Cape Town, South Africa Photo: Kiteworld

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Karolina Winkowska, Soma Bay, Egypt Photo: Toby Bromwich

Dakhla, Morocco Photo: Dakhla Attitude

I 028 / AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA / LANGEBAAN I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

LANGEBAAN SOUTH AFRICA J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

4 Main Beach cruising Photo: RRD

“An endless playground of butterflat waters, with a little hike through Ostrich country to get to Shark Bay. It feels like you’re on a mini safari!” SUSI MAI, TONA TEAM RIDER

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: R18 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R100 per person / ACCOMMODATION: R1000 double room down to R170 p.p.p.n

AIRPORT Cape Town international airport (CPT) is 90 minutes away. Check with your accommodation provider about transfers, although it’s recommended you hire a car to make the most of the area.

CURRENCY South African Rand (ZAR) - £1 = ZAR23 / $1 = ZAR16 / €1 = ZAR18

ON THE WATER The ‘jewel of the west coast’, Langebaan village is situated on a beautiful lagoon, offering a huge, natural playground for sporting and nature lovers. White-sand beaches and constant cross-shore winds in the summer make this one of South Africa’s top kite spots for those looking for ﬂat water fun instead of the often challenging Atlantic waves of Cape Town, 90 minutes south. The two main spots in Langebaan are Kleine Oostewal (Shark Bay) and Main Beach. (There is another spot downwind of Main Beach, but the wind is offshore and therefore for advanced kiters only.) Shark Bay is 300 metres south of Langebaan village and ideal for beginners with huge expanses of shallow, warm water and predominantly cross-onshore winds. (Don’t worry, the

‘Shark Bay’ Photo: Kiteworld

name only came from sharks of the small, harmless variety.) Main Beach is at the end of the village high street and suits intermediate and advanced riders with cross-shore winds, bumpier conditions in the middle of the channel but lovely ﬂat sections behind the island opposite. Both spots are tidal. Low tide at Shark Bay exposes lots of beach; high tide has the reverse effect, offering just a little beach for setting up. At the right time and tide it’s an incredible spot to improve your tricks in warmer water than Cape Town. In the prevailing southeast winds, look for an incoming tide here for the magic to begin.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Good learning conditions can be found between October and March with the main months being November – February and the best during December and January. Calmer conditions

Main Beach action Photo: Kiteworld

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Caption: Main Beach Photo: Windchasers

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SCHOOLS WINDCHASERS teach all levels from September to April. They stock a full retail shop, rent Cabrinha gear, have wireless internet, equipment storage and hot outdoor showers. The Windchasers hostel on Main Road is beautifully equipped with character and facilities and is open all year. Languages spoken by instructors: English, German, Dutch and Spanish Accredited by: IKO www.windchaserssa.com info@windchaserssa.com +27 (0)82 079 0500

ACCOMMODATION FRIDAY ISLAND Beachfront chill with waterfront rooms and restaurant / bar. www.fridayisland.co.za kathy@intekom.co.za +27 22 7722 506

Looking down to Main Beach Photo: Kiteworld

come in the morning and then winds build, sometimes up to 40 knots in the afternoon. Temperatures average 25°C / 77°F in the summer and drop in the evening when a sweater can be needed. Main Beach water temperature is around 17°C / 63°F in the summer, while Shark Bay can get to 24°C / 75°F; much warmer than elsewhere on this coast. You’ll usually need a wetsuit for Main Beach, although you can often kite in a shortie at Shark Bay.

OFF THE WATER Depending on where you stay you may be able to walk to Main Beach, although a hire car is highly recommended to see areas outside of Langebaan. There’s little public transport. Plenty of accommodation on offer from hostels and studio apartments or luxury family homes. Windtown has

Friday Island

been running a few seasons and is a luxury resort for kitesurfers right in the centre of town and just a stroll from Main Beach. Friday Island is another spot to note, featuring bright rooms right on the waterfront with a restaurant serving delicious food and drinks. There are a few hostels / school / combo operations like Windchasers, which is superbly well-equipped for those looking for more of a luxury hostel-type set-up with a warm, friendly crowd. Langebaan has two supermarkets as well as plenty of bars and restaurants just off Main Beach, serving all types of food, but specialising in fresh seafood. There is one nightclub a five minute drive back up the road and there’s a bar with live music on certain nights. Don’t miss the Strandloper fish restaurant for a very unique (and long) eating experience. The sights of Cape Town are just an hour or so back down the road. Stay around Langebaan and you can do horse riding, fishing, sight-seeing, wine-land visits, game viewing, cycling, kayaking, pilates and yoga lessons as well as hack your way round a Gary Player signature golf course.

High street to Main Beach Photo: Windtown

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I 032 / AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA / MUIZENBERG I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

MUIZENBERG SOUTH AFRICA

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: R20 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R75-150 / ACCOMMODATION: R300 - R1000

Muizenberg seafront is host to a huge stretch of uncrowded beach that is several kilometres long and swept by consistent, cross-onshore winds. Spiritual home of the Cape Town surf scene, when the wind doesn’t blow, the beach break waves and shallow water of Muizenberg make it an ideal spot for all levels of paddlers; standup paddlers, surfers and bodyboarders, with small to medium size waves breaking close to shore and in deeper water. Kitesurfers and stand-up paddle boarders head to Sunrise Beach. Wind strengths are consistent through the day and a typical kitesurﬁng summers day sees about 15-18 knots of wind in the morning, picking up progressively to 25-30 knots in the afternoon. Due to a unique thermal effect, and because of its proximity to the Cape of Good Hope, a moderate onshore wind blows into Muizenberg on afternoons when no wind is forecast. There are less kitesurfers here and also much more riding space than some of the kite spots to the north of the city in the Blouberg area. The wind is much more onshore though, but the ﬂat sections between the waves are beautiful.

AIRPORT Cape Town International airport (CPT) is about 30 minutes away. Check with your accommodation providers or with Surfstore Africa for transfers or to arrange a car hire ready for you at the airport when you arrive.

CURRENCY South Africa Rand (ZAR) - £1 = ZAR23 / US$1 = ZAR16 / €1 = ZAR18 There are lots of ATMs and credits cards widely accepted.

Kiteworld tester Chris Bull using the kickers to good effect Photos: Kiteworld

SCHOOLS SURFSTORE AFRICA teach a full range of comprehensive kitesurfing courses in safe spots, away from the crowds and in nice, shallow and flat, fresh water at Zeekoevlei. Using Ozone kites, Surfstore Africa offer kitesurfing courses for all budgets, run a full retail store and provide advice on conditions and spots. Surfing, SUPing and kite buggying are also options. www.surfstore.co.za info@surfstore.co.za +27 21 788 5055

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Air temperatures average 25 – 30°C / 77 - 86°F during the summer months. The Cape Doctor wind can blow ﬁve to seven days a week, gradually picking up through the day and often remains very strong in the evenings. Water temperatures average around 16°C / 60°F, so you’ll need a spring suit.

OFF THE WATER Lots of accommodation options, with everything from budget surf hostels to

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Everyone heads to the beach on new year’s day! Kitesurfers ride in all the space a little further down

boutique bed and breakfasts as well as hotels and big houses perched on the hillside with amazing views. Muizenberg offers more unique, hipster nightlife vibes as a surfer / artsy town than Blouberg. Kalk Bay is roughly a ten minute walk away where you’ll find wild parties with restaurants and bars, like Polana and Brass Bell. Both are cool places to meet local and international watersport enthusiasts while keeping a very African vibe. You’ll find all the conveniences too, including supermarkets and a fresh fish market in the harbour. Muizenberg was one of the original centres for surfing in South Africa and its surf breaks are some of the best you’ll come across for learning. Apart from being the only surf spot with (relatively) warm water in Cape Town, Muizenberg also offers beach breaks suitable for all levels. There’s nearly always something to get out on. Shallow water and small waves near the beach are ideal for learning on, while the medium sized waves on the outside offer good progression for intermediates and beyond. If the wind is light, you can still get your kite fix by going kite buggying and the constant onshore wind that sweeps the long uncrowded stretch of beach between Muizenberg and Strandfontein allows you to cruise for many kilometres in light winds on a kite buggy. In strong wind conditions, the spot allows for racing on the hard sand at low tide. Alternatively, there are a lot of boat trips running from Muizenberg and Hout Bay to see the whales, seals and dolphins. The city of Cape Town and its surrounding areas and wine farms are breathtaking and can make up an entire holiday themselves.

07/03/2016 15:29

SUBSCRIBE TO KITEWORLD MAGAZINE, THE ORIGINAL KITESURFING JOURNAL SINCE 2002 IN PRINT, DIGITAL, OR BOTH!

WWW.KITEWORLDMAG.COM

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05/03/2016 19:49

I 034 / AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA / CAPE TOWN I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

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Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

Kite Beach All photos: Kiteworld

ON THE WATER

Oswald Smith

Consistently the spot of choice for some of the world’s best riders from October to March, this area is also the home of the Red Bull King of the Air extreme big air contest. If you want to jump high, the wind is unbeatable and the area boasts 30+ kite spots, offering a huge variety of riding, from flat water to five or six metre waves. Also, unlike most good kite spots, one of the world’s most vibrant cities is a short drive away offering endless entertainment, from the stunning wine lands and the culture of the city, to the parks and wildlife centre visits with the kids. If you’re a pro and your job requires wind, you’ll be banging in the overtime around here. Most kiting is in the northern part of the Cape Peninsula

“From perfect little kickers to juicy monster waves, Cape Town offers some of the best kitesurfing downwinders in the world. You can’t go wrong between October and March.” JO WILSON, WWW.JOWILSONCOACHING.COM

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090

Views over Camps Bay, behind Lion’s Head Photo: Bianca Asher

Pro Rider – Joshua Emanual | Kite – Core Impact 9m | Board – Bucca Full Carbon | Photographer – Max Kamolz

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10/02/2016 12:55

I 036 / AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA / CAPE TOWN I

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: R15 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R75-150 / ACCOMMODATION: R300 - R1000

AIRPORT Cape Town international airport (CPT) is 40 minutes from Table View.

CURRENCY South African Rand (ZAR) - £1 = ZAR23, $1 = ZAR16 / €1 = ZAR18

Muizenberg

Red Bull King of the Air at Big Bay

Wave competitor at the popular South African Kitesurfing Association events

and, depending on the day, you can find everything from flat waters, to bump and jump kickers or big waves. Driving north from the city, Sunset Beach is the first spot to benefit from the consistent southeaster Cape Doctor wind system

when it kicks in. The wind is slightly cross-offshore there and can be a little fickle on the inside, but it’s the first place you look for wind. Waves feature here and at all the next spots... A little further around the bay you come to Dolphin Beach (Table View), popularly known as Kite Beach, featuring cross-shore winds in the southeaster. Many kiters stay in Table View and this is the area’s main beach with special views across the bay to its namesake mountain. This is a long open stretch of beach covering several kilometres and downwinders from Sunset Beach, along here to Doodles restaurant at the far end of Table View are very popular – this stretch is where the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada broke the world record for the biggest parade of kitesurfers, totalling 415 in February 2016. Many riders often carry their downwinder on round a section of rocks to Big Bay. ‘Big Bay’ (Red Bull King of the Air spot) comes next with a pleasant grassy area next to the beach with bars, restaurants

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05/03/2016 16:58

I 038 / AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA / CAPE TOWN I SCHOOLS There are a lot of shops and schools in the area. BEST KITEBOARDING AFRICA are located on the beach front in table view, next to the popular coffee shop, Carlucci’s. Teaching all levels, seven days a week, they also have lots of demo gear on offer and a shop stacked with Best and Dakine gear. Surf, SUP rentals and demo days also run. Languages spoken by instructors: English and Afrikaans. www.bestkiteboardingafrica.com info@bestkiteboardingafrica.com +27 (0) 21 556 2765 CABRINHA ZA Based in Big Bay at the Eden on the Bay shopping centre on the beachfront. Lessons run all year for all levels, beginners to high wind ripping. As importers of Cabrinha and RRD expect the full range of new 2016 and second hand gear, including a massive range to demo too across their three stores. Accessories, spares and repairs always onhand and a big team in the shop. GoPros, headphones, clothes JP, RRD and Corban SUP, basically whatever you can think of, including bike rentals. www.cabrinha.co.za donovan@cabrinha.co.za +27 (0) 21 554 1729

Kite Beach / Table View

and shops. A lot of luxury residential development can now be found here too, and this is a hugely popular kite spot as there are more facilities here to keep the family amused while you kite. This spot is also busy with windsurfers in ‘Big Bay’ (which is actually quite a small bay within two sets of rocks, and most kiters now ride 150 yards or so down the beach and beyond the downwind rocks at ‘Kamers’ which can feature a nice clean wave and another long beach. The wind is cross/cross-onshore from the left. Drive north a few clicks (or downwind from Kamers) and Haakgat is a small beach holding a big, advanced rider’s wave. Melkbosstrand (Melkbos) requires a little further drive to get to along the coast, but works when other spots to the south are getting blown out. As a rule; when the sou’easter is cranking, head north in search of less

wind. The beach at Melkbos is huge with more cross-shore winds and beach-break conditions. Flat water can be found, most notably at Langebaan 90 minutes up the road with warmer water, too! South of the city down the west side of the Cape are some world class wave spots, such as Misty Cliffs, Scarborough and Cape Point, but some serious experience is required to ride here. Head southeast of Cape Town city and you’ll reach Muizenberg where the wind comes cross-on from the right and is where Airush have their headquarters. Head east from there along the Garden Route and the Indian Ocean is much warmer. Far too many spots along there too to begin mentioning those!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

Dolphin Beach

The southeaster (known as the ‘Cape Doctor’ as it clears any pollution from the city) comes in cross- and crossoffshore from the left on the northern beaches and is generally reliable and strong during the summer, from October to March (December and January being peak wind season). Moderate in the morning, it frequently builds to 30+ knots by mid-afternoon.

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I 040 / AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA / CAPE TOWN I HIGH FIVE operate with the Endless Summer and Mystic Houses and teach all levels, as well as running frequent pro clinics with famous riders. They also rent out complete sets of kitesurfing equipment as well as SUP, surf lessons/ rentals and outdoor adventure tours. www.high-five.co.za info@high-five.co.za +27 (0) 72 902 7899 / +27 (0) 84 554 3262 KITEKAHUNAS run wave camps from October – March, specialising in taking you on downwinders away from the crowded areas and finding the best wind

Simon’s Town

OFF THE WATER

Nick Jacobsen, Kite Beach

and wave spots while taking the hassle out of organising your own downwinders. The advanced instructors will push your wave riding skills to the next level and you can also view their free wave kitesurfing video tutorials on their website. They also offer two week crash courses for beginners, taking you from zero to hero as well as freeride downwind camps for the less experienced that want some hand holding and supervision. They have a new central location in the Boardhouse where they sell Slingshot in Table View opposite Kite Beach. Languages spoken by instructors: English and German www.kitekahunas.com info@kitekahunas.com +27 (0) 83 463 2652

Simon’s Town

Get up early or drive further north for less wind. 25 – 35°C / 77 - 95°F are typical day air temperatures during the summer, dipping to around 20°C / 68°F at night. Contrasting with the hot air, the Atlantic Ocean is relatively cold, averaging 14°C / 57°F. Head southeast of the city to the False Bay / Indian Ocean side where it jumps up to 19°C / 66°F. Wear a spring / winter suit at most spots.

As you’d expect from an area close to a big city, there’s plenty of choice in accommodation, from guest houses, hostels and luxury self catering homes and apartments in Table View, Sunset Beach and Big Bay. Head to the city and you’ll find everything from budget options to the most extravagant and luxurious hotels in the city. Almost anything is available (although for hotels, you’re really looking at the city, apart from the Dophin Beach Hotel in Table View). Check out the Endless Summer Beach house / Mystic houses in Table View and in Big Bay if you want to be in the thick of the action. Busy and bustling, if you’re keeping the budget tight and the fun high on the agenda www.themystichouse. com www.endlesssummerbeachouse. co.za. Cape Town Guru are also very useful for searching out the right house / apartment for you, as well as lots of other needs you might have: www. capetownguru.com Also check out the Surf Shack: www.thesurfshack.co.za KiteWorldWide have a stylish ten bedroom mansion just 100 metres from Sunset Beach. Kite Kahunas also run a luxury guest house in Sunset Beach as well as having a shopfront in the centre of Blouberg on the seafront selling Slingshot gear in the Boardhouse Bar. Liquid Force offer accommodation in their Sandyshores guest house with three private selfcatering apartments, a double room with ensuite, backpackers rooms, communal pool and barbeque area. This year Vanhunks opened an impressive new store on the seafront next door to Primi’s restaurant. (See the ‘Schools’ section for further details on these businesses).

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05/03/2016 15:24

I 042 / AFRICA / SOUTH AFRICA / CAPE TOWN I KITEWORLDWIDE have a stylish ten bedroom mansion just 100 metres from Sunset Beach with huge living room, kitchen, braai and rooftop pool with views to the spot and Table Mountain. Kitesurfing courses, guidance, pro clinics with the likes of Best riders Youri Zoon, Lewis Crathern, Hannah Whiteley and more as well as full service travel packages. www.kiteworldwide.com info@kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 2036 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 City backdrop in Table View

LIQUID FORCE ZA are based at Sandyshores just a five minute walk from Bloubergstrand beach. They run lessons for all levels everyday throughout the season at a max 3:1, they have gear to rent or buy and they offer accommodation packages. www.liquidforcect.co.za / www. sandyshores.co.za jarrod@liquidforce.co.za / info@ sandyshores.co.za +27 (0) 21 556 8172 +27 (0) 21 557 3348 WATERSPORTS WAREHOUSE Based at Sunset Beach in Ocean Square. Importers of F-One and Mystic, dealers of Airush they stock complete ranges of 2016 gear, offer second hand sales, lessons and demos on all gear. Massive range carried and also specialise in Naish SUP, tournament waterskiing, wakeboarding and importers of Bern helmets. www.watersportswarehouse.co.za sales@watersportswarehouse.co.za +27 (0) 21 802 3934 VANHUNKS produce their own range of kiteboards, surfboards, SUPs and skateboards and have large brand new store next door to Primi Piatti right opposite Kite Beach. Also dealers of WOO, Core, Slingshot, Peter Lynn, Mystic, Xcel, GoPro and Thule, they run lessons for all levels (normally one to one), rent out lots of gear and also have two apartments that they rent out to kitesurfers. Advice and more at: www.vanhunksboarding.com info@vanhunksboarding.com +27 21 556 4398

The daily set

Vanhunks - a local board brand

When it comes to après-kitesurfing refreshments and refuelling, Cape Town comes near the top of many a travel writer’s list of recommended destinations and is renowned for great food and wine with excellent restaurants found in and out of the city. Table View has the relaxed beach-life vibe, or head to the city for more upmarket and / or authentic cultural experiences. The dining experience is fantastic for a fraction of the cost that the equivalent meal would be back home. Well developed, there are shopping centres and supermarkets in Table View and Big Bay.

The wind in Cape Town can be pretty relentless but, if it isn’t, you can easily fill every day around the beautiful Cape with endless attractions, including: Robben Island, Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point as well as sizzling night life, wine farms in Franschoek, Stellenbosch and Durbanville, wildlife watching on safari (we went to Aquila Game Reserve – www.aquilasafari.com a couple of hours from town), there’s Boulders Beach near Muizenberg to see the penguins and of course world-class surf, cable parks, sky diving and much more. Getting around the area is easy and, while a hire car is certainly advised to make the most of all the spots, the MyCiti bus network will take you in and around the city. We use Acker Rentals www.ackercarrentals.co.za when the Kiteworld team visit, who offer classic Mercedes Benz and specialise in wind sport customer rentals.

I 04 4 / AFRICA / KENYA / DI ANI B E A C H / G A L U B E A C H I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

DIANI BEACH/GALU BEACH KENYA

Totally tropical conditions! Photo: Kenyaways

ON THE WATER

Kenya Shilling (KES) - US$ / Euro accepted. £1- KES147 / $1- KES102 / €1 - KES114

Thirty four kilometres outside Mombasa, and about three degrees south of the equator, Diani Beach features a big, sandy lagoon with loads of space and few kiteboarders on the water. You’ll enjoy acres of open space and find shallow, flat waters at low tide, contrasting with deeper, choppier conditions and a fun beach break at high tide. Roughly a kilometre offshore some decent waves break over the reef, offering wave riding between June and October when you can surf at any time of day. The water is always warm so throughout the year a rash vest if sufficient. The reliable, seasonal winds on this southern coast of Kenya make this spot a solid bet for some decent riding in a location that looks and feels very different to what you may have experienced before.

SCHOOLS

WIND, WATER AND WEATHER

H20 EXTREME is a professional IKO kitesurfing centre for guests of Kenyaways Kite Village. All levels are catered for with one instructor per two students and gear is available for rent. A safety boat will help you in an emergency and board and kite repair is carried out on site. Downwinders and ‘surfaris’ to nearby islands are all available. www.thekenyaway.com info@thekenyaway.com (+254) (0) 72 612 6204 / (0) 72 888 6821

The trade winds at Diani Beach are seasonal with the Kusi blowing from June to September and the Kaskazi from December to March. Blowing from December to March, the summer winds average 20 knots on many days, so make sure to pack your nine or ten metre. From March to June the autumnal winds aren’t so reliable (although not an impossibility) and the weather will either be very hot and humid or windy and cool, often requiring a 13 metre kite or bigger to get you going. June to October sees very good wind stats averaging 25 knots with good swell and big waves along with cooler temperatures. October to December is usually very ﬂat and rarely windy with a glassy, clear ocean and excellent SUP and surﬁng conditions.

AVERAGE COSTS BEER - KES200 / RESTAURANT MEAL (no alcohol) - KES1000 / ACCOMMODATION US$100 on the beach. US$40 off the beach.

AIRPORT Moi International in Mombasa is just a few kilometres away.

CURRENCY

TRAVEL AGENT PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

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The weather is always warm and humid but more so between February and April. The water is always ‘warm’, although if you really feel the cold bring a thicker rash vest during the cooler months.

OFF THE WATER The local supermarket is three kilometres away, but there are lots of restaurants and small shops close to Diani Beach. The hotel restaurants in the nearby town serve delicious local seafood as well as more western fare. Diani Beach and the area around Mombasa is one of the safer areas of the country. Common sense is recommended though as there are the occasional crimes reported. However, don’t be alarmed by the local ‘beach boys’ who can be quite invasive, but aren’t aggressive, and will eventually stop approaching you if you ignore them. Accommodation is varied and affordable with self-catering cottages and beach villas as well as some large hotels to choose from. Getting around is easy and most restaurants, bars and conveniences are within walking distance. Located right on the beach, the ten room Kenyaways guesthouse is a very popular option with kiters. Most people travel via ‘tuk-tuk’ which is cheap and frequent but at night it’s best to take a taxi which are relatively cheap. There are lots of other activity options, from SUPing, kayaking, snorkeling and sailing to taking trips to nearby islands and conservation / wildlife centres. Forest walks and bike tours are popular and, if you have time, book a safari trip, too. Further aﬁeld Mount Kenya is a magical experience during which you’ll hike around lakes and glaciers and the Masai Mara has an incredible abundance of wildlife.

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05/03/2016 20:16

I 046 / AFRICA / TANZANIA / ZANZIBAR, PA JE I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

PAJE

ZANZIBAR J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

Beachfront, Paje Photo: Airborne

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: TZS4,000 RESTAURANT MEAL: TZS15,000 – 35,000 ACCOMMODATION: TZS80,000+ p.p.p.n.

With endless downwinders, beautiful ten to 14 metre kite weather, super fun waves out on the reef and various flat water conditions to be found on the lagoons closer to shore, this authentic little village on the southeast corner of Zanzibar retains a magic vibe for kitesurfers. An ideal destination for most riders with huge downwinder potential around the remote islands, Zanzibar is just 90 miles long and 40 miles wide. Paje is the main kitesurfing spot on the south coast where an offshore reef creates flat conditions on the huge lagoons at low tide with growing chop as the tide rises and the water spills over the reef. At high tide you’ll find nice kickers closer to shore and during a neap tide there’s flat water all day. For six days every month the inner lagoon doesn’t even empty. Close your day out with a downwinder to a restaurant 20 kilometres along the coast and join a kite cruise or book a ‘live-aboard’ experience for a different experience altogether.

AIRPORT Zanzibar international airport (ZNZ Kisuani) is an hour from Paje in Stone Town. Alternatively, fly to Dar es Salaam (DAR) on the mainland and get the 20 – 30 minute ferry to Zanzibar.

CURRENCY Tanzania Shilling (TZS): £1 = TZS2,700 / €1 = TZS2,000 / $1 = TZS1,800 Lots of ATM’s in Stone Town, but none in Paje.

SCHOOLS AIRBORNE teach all levels up to instructor level on Paje beach with a viewing deck, free wifi, beach-view swimming pool, storage, rescue boat, air compressor, showers, onsite restaurant, dive centre and kite/surf/SUP/landboard rentals. www.airbornekitecentre.com info@airbornekitecentre.com +255 776 687 357 KITE CENTRE ZANZIBAR www.kitecentrezanzibar.com info@kitecentrezanzibar.com +255 776 531 535

TRAVEL AGENTS

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Zanzibar is best January to February and June to August, but it’s generally good from mid-December to March and from June to September. Winds blow left to right in the winter season and switch during the summer season. Expect cross-on conditions around

KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 / +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

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Jambiani Photo: Kiteworldwide

12 - 20 knots between December and March and 14 – 25 knots crosson from the north between June and September. Average air temperatures are around 30°C / 86°F while the water averages 27°C / 80°F. On long days and downwinders wear a shorty.

OFF THE WATER Paje is a small village with hotels and guest houses ranging from three to five star and all accommodation is pretty much right on the spot. Eight kilometres south of Paje you’ll find the KiteWorldWide Pro Centre and accommodation in Jambiani, right in front of a spot that features a huge lagoon thanks to a two kilometre sandbank. If the wind doesn’t blow there’s no reason to fret! Zanzibar is a spice island rich in history and heritage and has a constantly improving tourist infrastructure. Take a cultural / historical tour and visit the colourful markets of Stone Town, or if you’re looking for something more adventurous then swim with dolphins or go diving, SUPing, surfing, fishing or take a boat safari. Nightlife isn’t too raucous in Paje but there are lovely restaurants as well as local set ups with beach boys cooking your food over a beach fire. You can survive on as little as $15 a day at local restaurants. Hotel restaurants are more expensive though. Getting around is easy as taxis are cheap and plentiful but a scooter is good for a day’s sight seeing. The main town of Stone Town is an hour from Paje and, although crime is low, use common sense. This is a Muslim country so discretion is advised and you should be sure to cover your shoulders and legs respectfully when in town.

08/03/2016 13:24

• KITE • SURF • SUP • LESSONS • RENTALS • TRIPS • LUXURY CAMP & VILLAS!

Email: info@airbornekitecentre.com Web: airbornekitecentre.com Tel: +255 776 687 357 +255 715 548 464

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07/03/2016 15:32

I 048 / AFRICA / MAURITIUS / LE MORNE I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

LE MORNE MAURITIUS

All sizes of wave tastes catered for! Photos: ION Club

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: MUR50 / LUNCH: MUR50 / RESTAURANT MEAL: MUR400 / ACCOMMODATION: From MUR480 – 8000 p.p.p.n.

ION CLUB is open all year, with tuition offered in several languages and with safety boat support. They have two centres in Le Morne (one ‘Prestige centre’ in the St Regis resort) and another at Anse le Raie. www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.net +49 (0) 881 925 4960

Incredible southeast trade winds kick in from May to October, making the north, east and south coasts a playground ﬁlled with incredible conditions. Le Morne, in the southwest corner of the island, offers something for all levels. The trades blow from the left over acres of ﬂat water inside the protective reef that’s 600 yards offshore. ‘Small reef’ is a fun little wave that lies in front of the Indian Ocean Resort, breaking over a sandy bottom. Best at high tide ‘Manawa’ is a kilometre off the beach in front of the Indian Resort and is for advanced riders. If there are small swells elsewhere, this spot still offers bigger waves. A nice left breaking wave, it’s still not as fast and tubey as the cross-offshore ‘One Eye’ opposite the St Regis Resort - which is the main attraction of Le Morne for experienced riders. It’s strictly experts only though. Le Morne is the most popular spot on the island thanks to its diverse riding offerings straight out front of a single launch spot.

CONCIERGE SERVICES

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

As well as taking care of your transfers, Solis Indian Ocean can provide some fantastic days out, too. www.solis-io.com +230 212 6918

Southeast trade winds blow from April to November at 15 to 25 knots, maxing in July and August. Learning is good throughout the main season as the lagoons stay ﬂat but serious wave riders should be looking at July / August, though there can be waves from May through October. Occasionally at very low tides it’s not possible to ride St. Regis Resort, right at the main launch point inside the lagoons.

AIRPORT Plaisance (MRU) is the only airport and is located in Mahebourg in the southeast, one hour from Le Morne

CURRENCY Mauritian Rupee (MUR): £1 = MUR50 / 1€ = MUR40 / $1 = MUR30. Foreign exchanges, banks and ATMs available. Euros are accepted but check the rate.

SCHOOLS

TRAVEL AGENTS ION CLUB www.ion-club.net +49 (0)881 925 4960 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

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Air temperatures average 20°C – 22°C / 68 - 72°F in the heart of the austral winter (July, August), 30 – 35°C / 86 - 95°F in the heart of summer (January, February) and at night drops by 5°C. Bring some warmer clothing for evenings in the windy winter. Water temperatures sit at 20°C / 68°F in July (winter) and 28°C / 82°F in January.

OFF THE WATER Choose from affordable all inclusive options to more lavish hotels like the St Regis Mauritius Resort, located right next to the main kite spot in Le Morne. You can also find self-catered accommodation in La Gaulette. Many hotels have excellent restaurants, (the food at the St. Regis being nothing short of spectacular – trust us!) but you’ll also find bars and some locally owned restaurants in neighbouring villages like La Gaulette. Getting around is easy enough as taxis aren’t expensive (agree on a price first) and you can also rent a car. Nothing is too far away as the island only measures 45 x 65 kilometres. The tropical scenery and the mix of cultures make this a fascinating place to visit. SUP, skydiving, swimming with dolphins and guided trekking up the Brabant Le Morne mountain are all popular activities.

08/03/2016 13:28

I 050 / AFRICA / MAURITIUS / BEL OMBRE I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

BEL OMBRE MAURITIUS

Bel Ombre isn’t as busy as Le Morne and has lots to offer Photos: Kite Globing

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

OFF THE WATER

Various all-inclusive options available in all hotels

Twenty minutes or so east of Le Morne, Bel Ombre is situated on the edge of the same ‘lagoon’ and directly upwind. Also protected by a large coral reef 300 metres offshore, there is a size-able area of flat, shallow water (two square kilometres) on the inside that’s great for learning or freestyle right out front of the Kite Globing centre. As with the rest of this coastline, you can find waves on the outside (especially a little further downwind) – the Kite Globing guys can guide you to some incredible breaks that are much quieter than Le Morne. Ranging from one to four metres, you’ll find some smaller waves suitable for entry level wave riders and a bigger, serious wave that can be found further downwind. You can enjoy beautiful downwinders to Le Morne either in the waves or inside the reef on the flat waters of the lagoon. The wind can be a little gusty close to shore and wetsuit boots are advisable if you’re learning as there are a few areas of coral close in. The coral areas are marked by buoys and only a problem at low tide when a little walk of 80 metres will get you to deep enough water.

The Outrigger Hotel is very popular and has a range of different room options and suites for couples and families right on the water front with outstanding facilities. There are cheaper but still very well appointed restaurants and hotels on the same stretch of beach as well though. All the kitesurfers launch at the C-Beach Club where Kite Globing is – which is a 15 minute stroll along the beach from the Outrigger, or a two minute drive. If the wind doesn’t show there’s all manner of things to do, including wakeboarding, SUPing, surﬁng, ﬁshing trips and whale / dolphin watching excursions through the hotel. The Outrigger resort is very much geared towards luxury and you may prefer to spend your free time relaxing and just soaking in the atmosphere, or in the exclusive Navasana spa. There are eight 18-hole Championship golf courses dotted around the island and just a short trip inland will take you to the Black River Gorges Natural Park with its incredible rainforests and wildlife. You won’t necessarily need a car in Bel Ombre, however, should you wish to explore more, hiring a car even just for a few days is very straightforward. There’s lots to do.

AIRPORT SSR International Airport (MRU) is closest and approximately a 45 minute taxi ride away.

CURRENCY Mauritian Rupee (MUR) - £1 = MUR50 / $1 = MUR36/ €1 = MUR39.5 Hotels accept both cash and credit / debit cards.

SCHOOLS KITE GLOBING operate out of the superbly well-set-up C Beach Club (like a day-hotel, with swimming pool, restaurant, volleyball, sunloungers, kids club and more). All levels taught all year with IKO or VDWS certified instructors who speak English, German, French and Creol. Rental and gear purchases available and two rescue boats on-hand. www.kiteglobing.com info@kiteglobing.com +230 605 5334 / (Mobile) + 230 5717 5348

CONCIERGE SERVICES Solis Indian Ocean blend style, experience and passion. As well as taking care of your transfers, they can provide you with some fantastic day’s out, to zoos, on cultural tours and more. www.solis-io.com +230 212 6918

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER It’s windy most of the year but most reliable from July to October. January and February bring some pretty heavy rain in cyclone season. Waves may be a little smaller in the Mauritian summertime but they’re still good! Average water temperatures 22 - 28°C / 71 – 82°F so it’s lovely and warm. In May to October (Mauritian ‘winter’ – but still beautiful weather) take a shorty or possibly even a spring suit for long sessions.

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08/03/2016 13:35

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04/03/2016 22:08

I 052 / AFRICA / MAURITIUS / BELLE MARE I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

BELLE MARE MAURITIUS

Maritim Crystal Beach, Belle Mare Photo: Kite Globing

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

Various all-inclusive options available in all hotels

While the southwest of Mauritius is where most kiters head to there’s still a solid scene on the east coast in Belle Mare. The prevailing wind is also from the east, but on this coast means it comes cross-on from the right. There are fantastic lagoons with less ferocious conditions and you can expect to ride a bigger kite than at Le Morne – more like a 9 – 12 metre. If you stay at the Maritim Crystal Beach hotel in Belle Mare you can ride straight out front at their own beach on Palmar Beach where the Kite Globing centre is located – so this is literally a bed-to-board location. Booties recommended again if learning due to the coral heads, but experienced riders at mid to higher tide can safely avoid them. You’re only a 90 minute drive from spots to the south like Le Morne and even closer (45 mins) from the jaw dropping Anse le Raie which has outstanding waveriding but without the same ‘high stakes’ you’ll experience at spots like One Eye or Manawa. (You’ll ﬁnd an Ion Club there, too.) It’s a beautiful spot but, as with most waves on Mauritius, you need to know what you’re doing and avoid the reef at all costs! So it’s very important to get advice ﬁrst.

It’s windy throughout most of the year but most reliable from July to October. You can still experience decent conditions from October through until May, but January and February bring some pretty heavy rain in cyclone season. Waves may be a little smaller in the Mauritian summertime but they’re still world class on the right day and average water temperatures range from 22 to 28°C / 71 – 82°F so it’s lovely and warm. In May to October take a shorty or possibly even a full spring suit (especially if you’re going to push your luck on some of the more serious waves and want some extra protection).

AIRPORT SSR International Airport is only a 45 minute taxi ride / transfer away.

CURRENCY Mauritian Rupee (MUR) - £1 = MUR50 / $1 = MUR36/ €1 = MUR39.5 Hotels accept both cash and credit/ debit cards.

SCHOOLS Kite Globing run the centre all year in the middle of Palmar Beach right outside the Maritim Crystal Beach hotel. North gear is available for rent to experienced kitesurfers, plus downwinders, boat excursions, surfing, SUP, wakeboarding and gear storage are also offered. Rescue boats on hand at all times. www.kiteglobing.com info@kiteglobing.com +230 605 5334 / (Mobile) + 230 5717 5348 ION CLUB have a centre at the beautiful Anse La Raie, offering kitesurfing, windsurfing, sup rental and lessons. They have three centres on the island in total – the other two being in Le Morne. www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.net +49 (0) 881 925 4960

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 ION CLUB www.ion-club.net +49 (0)881 925 4960

Anse La Raie Photo: ION Club

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OFF THE WATER The Maritim Crystal Beach hotel in Palmar is very convenient with kiting right out front, which reﬂects the positive way that the Maritim looks at kitesurﬁng and activities in general. It’s an excellent four star establishment in terms of amenities, setup, food and service with a laid back feel. There are restaurants and bars in the Maritim and at all the hotels in Belle Mare, many of which are outstanding, with a variety of different types of cuisine on offer. If the wind doesn’t blow then there are lots of facilities in the hotels. Alternatively there are popular tourist attractions all over the island, such as the seven sands of Chamarelle, the giant lilly ponds in the northwest or the Casela national park where you can walk with lions. (Contact Solis Indian Ocean for all transport / guided trips, they’re excellent: www. solis-io.com ) Car hire is advised, at least for a day or two, if you want to ride all of the spots around Mauritius and don’t want to miss out on seeing some of the incredible beauty of the island.

07/03/2016 13:37

I 054 / AFRICA / MOROCCO / DAKHLA I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“Great wind stats most of the year, an incredible lagoon for freestyle with sand bars exposing some of the best butter you’ll ever ride and nice wave spots within 20 minutes. One morning I woke up to see dolphins playing in the lagoon in front of me!” CHRIS BULL, CBK-HAYLING ISLAND AND KITEWORLD CHIEF TESTER

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €3 - MAD35 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €5 – 40 - MAD56 - 450 / ACCOMMODATION: €40 – 80 - MAD440 - 900 p.p.p.n

FLY TO Fly into Dakhla (VIL), although there are no direct flights from outside Morocco so you’ll connect through Casablanca or Agadir. Be prepared to spend a night in Casablanca for your connecting flight on your way home (though if booking with KiteWorldWide they will organise a nice hotel).

DAKHLA MOROCCO ON THE WATER Situated on the edge of the Western Sahara desert, the Dakhla peninsula shelters a huge 45 kilometre long flat water lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean, so whatever your level and riding preference, you’re likely to be covered. The lagoon is immense, so it’s always easy to find some space. The most popular areas are around the kite camps, but a few kilometers south from the north tip of the Dakhla lagoon you’ll find the famous ‘speed spot’, which works perfectly at low tide, offering phenomenal flat water and you can check in with centres for safety boat cover. The lagoon can be ridden at both high and low tide, though high tide provides the best opportunity for beginners as the water is waist-deep and, for advanced riders, the flat water at low tide doesn’t get any better.

Wave action at a handful of spots off the beaten track Photo: Dakhla Attitude

Adding to the kiteboarding pleasure there are a variety of wave spots between a five and 20 minute drive with incredible conditions, particularly during the winter months. Schools organise regular transfers to the wave spots of Foum Lobouir and Pointe D’Or. The first is close to town and can be accessed in a normal car, and features side-shore wind from the north offering up some spectacular conditions. Pointe D’Or needs 4x4 access. There is generally less wind at the wave spots and a 4/3 or 3/2 wetsuit on the coast is a good idea. Take a kitesurfari on the Atlantic coast and don’t miss out on an excellent downwinder from Dakhla to Duna Blanca or Dakhla town, which is a brilliant way of discovering the full beauty of the lagoon. Watch out for the sharp shells in the sand though and be careful not to step on them or drag your kite over them. Lagoon-side chill Photo: Dakhla Attitude

CURRENCY Moroccan Dirham (MAD): £1 = MAD14 / €1 = MAD11 / US$1 = MAD9 Facilities in the camp will accept Euros too and there are ATMS in Dakhla.

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090

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SCHOOLS ION CLUB Dakhla is part of the Ocean Vagabond, including a beach bar and lessons in kitesurfing, windsurfing, SUP and surfing. Shop, showers, storage, chill out corner, lots of gear to rent and excursions to wave spots. Ocean Vagabond also provides excellent accommodation. www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.net +49 (0) 881 925 4960 DAKHLA ATTITUDE just in front of Dragon Island at the northeast end of the lagoon has an expanded camp with fully featured kite centre plus spa, restaurant, bar with DJs, surf shop, activities, 2.0 cable park, pump track, excursions and free wifi. Daily downwinders to the White Dune or flat water speed spot and wave spot transfers available. www.dakhla-attitude.ma booking@dakhla-attitude.ma +212 661 835 010 EXPLORA in the Dakhla Alize camp is a family run kite, wind and surf centre, open all year with beautiful bungalows a few steps from the water. North and Best 2016 gear for rent and specialist clinics run throughout the year. Safety boat cover, gear storage and full package holidays also offered. www.exploramorocco.com adventure@exploramorocco.com +44 (0) 773 856 3883 +212 611 475 188 KITEWORLDWIDE are at Villa Camp Dakhla in the northwest corner of the lagoon with six boutique mini-villas that have stunning views as well as open air bathroom and bathtub. Kite equipment is available, plus daily downwinders, wave spot trips and rescue boat cover. KiteWorldWide also operate as a full service travel agent. www.kiteworldwide.com info@kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090

The immense lagoon Photo: ION Club

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Dakhla genuinely offers conditions all year. The wind generally blows from the NE 19 - 25 knots in winter, increasing to 30 knots in the summer months of July and August. It’s usually lighter in the morning and the wind increases at lunch time until it drops off again at sunset, so it’s possible to kite all day, until around 7pm. Waves are best in November to February and in summer you’ll use your seven and nine metre a lot. In winter a 12 will see more action. Annual temperatures range from 20 – 30°C / 68 – 86°F during the day to 12 – 15°C / 54 – 60°F at night. Boardshorts and bikinis in mid-summer will be fine and a shorty will suffice for the rest of the year but bring a warm sweatshirt and jeans for the evenings. 19 – 24°C / 66 - 75°F water temps all year but strong winds make it feel colder, so pack a longer wetsuit. January and February are the coldest months.

OFF THE WATER Perhaps it’s not the ideal holiday option for those looking for lots of non-kiting activity options, but if you’re hungry for fantastic wind conditions, flat water, waves, beautiful sunsets and relaxed evenings with good food and like-minded people who really love kitesurfing, then Dakhla should be on your list of future holiday destinations. If you are staying at one of the camps no rental car is necessary. Transfers to town and back can be €10 per person or free depending on your package but be aware that there aren’t many taxis. Make sure you buy a rescue voucher for the lagoon if you’re not staying at one of the camps and if you stay in

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town consider renting a car to get to the kite spot or daily 4x4 transfers can be arranged with schools to a variety of spots. Unless you only want to kite at the town’s main wave spot, the best option is to book accommodation at the lagoon where all tastes and budgets are catered for and most places are allinclusive meaning you can just kite, relax and enjoy good food and drink without having to worry about anything much more than that. All the camps and hotels provide excellent fresh food and drinks at sunset and if you want to get out of camp for a while then you can enjoy the experience of the small souks, local foods and spice markets in Dakhla town. Traditional tea in a cafe is a mustdo, and lunch at the oyster farm is also highly recommended. Between the camps and town there’s also a semihidden fish restaurant on the water’s edge and there’s pizza options in town as well as a more upmarket dinner at Villa Dakhla. The Dakhla Attitude Hotel now has a 2.0 system cable park in a 140 x 45 metre pool with two kickers, rooftop and box that runs everyday and for two night sessions with BBQ and beach party each week. Coastal beauty Photo: KiteWorldWide

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I 058 / AFRICA / MOROCCO / ESSAOUIRA I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

ESSAOUIRA MOROCCO

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: MAD34 / RESTAURANT MEAL: MAD170 / ACCOMMODATION: MAD650 per room

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, situated at the top of Africa, Essaouira feels like an escape that should be much further away from Europe. There’s a bustling old medina by the harbour and this busy fishing village also happens to be known as ‘the windy city’ with a vast, sandy beach stretching for three miles. The curved shape of the huge sandy bay and cross-on winds make it safe and kite schools offer safety boat assistance. Protected by the Mogador Islands and harbour, cross-shore winds from the right offer ideal conditions for beginner to expert. Find flat water up close to the medina (where the wind is a little gustier), open water in the middle of the bay and waves and clean winds in the downwind corner. In the summer this is a great spot for getting into waves. There are also some other fantastic spots close-by. Advanced wave riders head to Moulay Bouzarktoune and Sidi Kaoki just out of town. For flat water in the summer there’s a super spot just south of the river where lessons sometimes run.

FLY TO Marrakesh (RAK) airport is a two hour drive / taxi. (AGA) is a little further.

CURRENCY Moroccan Dirham (MAD): £1 = MAD13 / €1 = MAD11 / US$1 = MAD8 ATMs and card payments outside the medina.

SCHOOLS ION CLUB ESSAOUIRA www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.net +49 (0) 881 925 4960 EXPLORA www.exploramorocco.com adventure@exploramorocco.com +44 (0) 773 856 3883 / +212 611 475 188 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com info@kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 ION CLUB www.ion-club.net +49 (0) 881 925 4960 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The huge temperature differences in land and sea accelerate the consistent summer northeasterly trade wind in the afternoon from April until September from the north / northeast at 15 - 25 knots. July and August in particular can see the wind increase considerably up to 40 knots. Air temperatures are very warm when the wind drops while water temperatures stay at around 17 – 20°C / 63 – 68°F, but with the strong wind it’s recommended to wear a wetsuit all year.

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There are often small, playful waves, increasing in size the further round the bay you go Photo: ION Club

Local lifestyles and cultures Photo: KiteWorldWide

Bigger waves can be found in winter with the wind coming from the south and, although wind conditions aren’t guaranteed at that time, it’s still good around 60% of the time.

OFF THE WATER There’s a good range of choices from guest houses and apartments outside of the medina, to hotels and riads inside the medina, some of which can feel completely hidden away and yet are like miniature palaces. A wonderful experience in themselves, some are even provided with your own chef! On the opposite side of the bay there is an area with bars and restaurants close to the main kite spot, making it a great place to hang out all day. Eating out is quite cheap and there’s a wide selection of restaurants serving international cuisine. Morocco is a Muslim country, but Essaouira has adapted to tourism (though it’s very authentic and not ‘touristy’) and you can ﬁnd some good bars and restaurants serving alcohol, but it’s more about great days and good food than all-night parties, although there are a couple of clubs. Activity-wise there’s mountain biking, horse riding, quad biking and much more to keep you busy.

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I 060 / AFRICA / EGYPT / EL GOUNA I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

EL GOUNA EGYPT

All photos: Kiteboarding Club El Gouna - www.elgouna.kiteboarding-club.com

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: EGP25 RESTAURANT MEAL: EGP180 - 400 ACCOMMODATION: EGP700 - 1,500 p.p.p.n.

There are two main kitesurfing areas in El Gouna. The wind is predominantly from the north, making it cross / cross-on from the left at Mangroovy beach, which runs north from El Gouna town. The second spot at the Moevenpick hotel is five minutes south. From town, all the spots are just a very short tuk-tuk ride away. They’re also very tide dependent, more so in summer than winter. At high tide you can ride everywhere. At low tide you have to be careful as it does get shallow, so you’ll be riding at different times of the day depending on when you book your holiday. We found that there is more water at low tide at the northern end of Mangroovy up by Kiteboarding Club. There is some good flat water on offer in El Gouna in general, and only a couple of hours where you’ll have to chill by the pool rather than ride because of the low tide. The gently shelving beach means that there is an enourmous amount of shallow water for beginners as well as deeper water on the outside. There are three centres spread out along Mangroovy beach, Kiteboarding Club El Gouna being the furthest north and most upwind, after which a huge area opens up the further upwind you go. The Moevenpick hotel launch is smaller and downwind of the city harbours. You can pay a day rate to kite there if you’re not staying at the hotel and it tends not to be so busy as it’s within the hotel grounds. It is much smaller though with a swimming area downwind. At low tide (or for beginners all the time) booties are ‘recommended’ although plenty of good riders go barefoot. As with most kitesurfing

AIRPORT Hurghada (HRG) is roughly a 30 minute transfer north of Hurghada. Taxis are fairly cheap.

CURRENCY EGP (Egyptian Pound) - £1 = EGP11.5 / US$1= EGP8 / €1- EGP9

SCHOOLS There are three schools operating on Mangroovy Beach and one school in the Moevenpick Hotel. KITEWORLDWIDE run an all-inclusive Kite Club and accommodation operation in Seahorse Bay which is between Hurghada and El Gouna. www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 / +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090

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spots in Egypt, all the centres have compressors and helpers on the beach.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER El Gouna is a year-round kiting destination, but summer months are most consistent when you can expect to be on your seven to 12 metre kites on an almost daily basis. Midday mid-summer temperatures can reach up to 40°C / 104°F! The water is incredibly warm. You’ll start to need a spring suit around October, but the water never really drops below 20°C and winter is still good for your holiday as it’s quieter but still with respectable air temperatures.

OFF THE WATER The town / resort as a whole is one of the best equipped when it comes to kitesurfing venues in Egypt. Everything is within no more than a ten minute ride on the little buses - for which you can buy a weekly ticket for about EGP13. You can also just catch a tuc-tuc to get about with your kiting gear. More information at: www.elgounamap.com El Gouna has many fantastic hotels, ranging from the intimate and friendly three star, to luxury four or five star resorts. Restaurant choices cater for every palate and pocket, and though more sedate than Hurghada, there are plenty of bars, too. El Gouna as a self-sufficient town, designed from scratch by a single developer, is super clean, friendly and very well set-up for all you could need. If it’s not windy you can take a boat ride around the lagoons on which the town itself is built. Alternatively go golfing, sailing, diving, karting, paintballing, head to the cable park, SUP down the lagoons or take a sunset cruise.

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I 062 / AFRICA / EGYP T / SOMA BAY I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

SOMA BAY

EGYPT J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“Soma Bay is close to perfect for improving kitesurfers. Off the water there is complete beach support, a stunning hotel and great food. A hassle free holiday I am yet to beat.” JO WILSON WWW.JOWILSONCOACHING.COM

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: 0.5 litre local beer: EGP38 RESTAURANT MEAL: Lunch EGP65 / Dinner EGP100

AIRPORT Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is about 45 km / 50 minutes from Soma Bay.

CURRENCY Egyptian Pound (EGP) - £1 = EGP11.5 / US$1 = EGP8 / €1 = EGP9

SCHOOLS 7BFT KITEHOUSE The Breakers operate a full-service school and centre with instructors teaching in German, English, Italian and Arabic. All levels are catered for with safety boat cover at all times in a totally private teaching area and groups never exceed four students per instructor. www.kitehouse-somabay.com 7bft@somabay.com +20 – 100 – 844 85 34 THE BREAKERS DIVING & SURFING LODGE www.thebreakers-somabay.com

TRAVEL PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

Two-time World Champion Karolina Winkowska at Soma Bay Photo: Toby Bromwich

ON THE WATER Soma Bay is known for incredible conditions both on and below the water’s surface, with incredible diving, sailing and kitesurfing. The peninsula is host to an awesome kite centre providing a safe, professional service in a spot that’s far less crowded than many other destinations. The wind is famous for blowing steadily cross-shore over the flat, warm water. The spot also boasts the 7BFT KiteHouse with all its amenities and there are a variety of hotel options close by. There are two riding spots in Soma Bay. The main one is directly in front of the 7BFT KiteHouse, with relatively flat water, even in stronger winds. Cross / cross-offshore conditions in the morning switch offshore in the late afternoons. This spot is also patrolled by two safety boats and is split into two areas; one for kite school (the main one being 7BFT) and the other for riding – both of which are exclusive to guests of the local hotels. The other spot on Tobia Island is only accessible by boat and has been voted one of the best flat-water spots in the world. Both spots are kite-able on any tide with just under two kilometres of rock-free sandy beach. All this and you can expect over 300 days of ride-able wind per year.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Alongside the reliable and often strong (up to 35 knot) winds, the sunshine is also pretty much guaranteed. Between March and December the wind regularly kicks in at 8am and lasts through to around 3 or 4 pm. The wind is also consistant in the winter, but can be a bit lighter a couple of days per week. The nearby Red Sea Mountains add a few

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Wonderful worlds, above and below Photo: Breakers

more knots to the average wind speed due to the cooling of the air around them, causing the wind to accelerate over the desert towards the sea.

OFF THE WATER There are five hotels in Soma Bay, a popular choice for kiters being The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge. All of the hotels in Soma are either four or five star, so you can be confident that you’re in for a comfortable stay. Nightlife is limited in Soma Bay but each hotel has its own restaurant as does the Soma Bay marina. Purchasing a ‘Dine Around Voucher’ in the hotels allows you to eat in any of them during your stay for around EGP100. There’s plenty to do in Soma Bay on the rare occasion that the wind fails to blow, with SUP rental and wakeboarding / wakesurfing on offer at the 7BFT KiteHouse alongside a host of other activities. Snorkelling and diving at an incredible reef is available through the ORCA Dive Centre and a unique open air cinema plays films twice a week. Getting around is easy and there are free shuttle buses operating around Soma Bay. The service runs every 30 minutes between the main hotels and the 7BFT KiteHouse, taking about ten minutes door to door.

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... just do, whatever you feel like doing. Be active or relax â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THE BREAKERS offers you all the possibilities there are for the perfect getaway: easy-going atmosphere, superb cuisine, a sensational kite spot,and a beautiful reef right at the doorstep. And all of it within a stylish and familiar ambience, turning THE BREAKERS into more, than just a hotel: A SECOND HOME.

www.thebreakers-somabay.com

Diving & Surfing Lodge

I 064 / A FRICA / EGY P T / EL NA A B A / MA RSA A LA M I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

MARSA ALAM EGYPT

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: EGP17 / RESTAURANT MEAL: EGP87 / ACCOMMODATION: EGP305 p.p.p.n.

220 kilometres south of Hurghada, El Naaba in Marsa Alam feels far away from mass tourism on the edge of the desert. A playground paradise for watersports lovers of all levels, it suits those who are looking for a simple, peaceful and relaxing holiday. A round, potato-shaped reef a hundred metres offshore protects the beach from shorebreak and focuses the waves out on the reef, separating two bays: Beach Bay and Surfers Bay. Kitesurfing and windsurfing take place in Surfers Bay and there’s even an additional kite lagoon with no windsurfers or swimmers. No matter your level you’ll find great conditions for learning, flying and jumping and even some wave riding directly out front of the kite centre at Surfers Bay. Advanced freestylers can also enjoy the flat water, even in strong winds, as the turquoise blue waters are protected by the reef. The first 50 metres are shallow and easy to launch from and with the first real waves breaking 200 metres out, the inside area is very safe and encouraging for beginners and intermediates. The waves run cross-onshore with the wind and outside the bay they can get bigger on the really good days – up to two or three metres. Surfers Bay is suitable for riders at waterstart levels who are riding upwind. Windsurfers also share this lagoon, but there’s enough space for everyone. At a kilometre long, the kite lagoon is a superb alternative for both beginners and advanced riders with its glassy waters. You can kite there safely, even in strong winds as there are no restrictions on landing your kite anywhere around the lagoon and then

AIRPORT El Naaba is just 30 kilometres south of the airport in Marsa Alam (RMF) and Hurghada airport is 220 kilometres away. Tour operators, as well as the Pro Center, offer transfers from both airports or there are taxis available.

CURRENCY Egyptian Pound (EGP) - £1 = EGP11.5 / US$1 = EGP8 / €1 = EGP9EGP

SCHOOLS THE TOMMY FRIEDL PRO CENTER teach all levels in windsurfing and kitesurfing all year at a max ratio 4:1. Cabrinha, Core, NP sails and JP boards are available for rent, there is a repair service on site and they also provide safety boat cover. Languages spoken by staff: English, German, Russian and Arabic. www.tommy-friedl.com info@tommy-friedl.com +20 100 66 72 811

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Lap the lagoon all-day long! Photos: Tommy Friedl

walking back to your starting point. The only thing to be aware of are a few sharp stones, so it’s recommended to wear booties if you’re less advanced. The Tommy Friedl Pro Center run a shuttle service twice a day between the hotel and lagoon with a transfer time of ten minutes. Otherwise pay for a private transfer or walk back, which takes 30 minutes.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Cross onshore winds blow through the peak season from March through to October. The air temperature averages 20 - 30°C / 68 - 86°F and you’ll need a spring suit in winter, a shorty from March until May and just boardies / bikinis / rash vests from May to September. Winter water temperatures average 20°C / 68°F in the spring, in autumn 25° / 77°F and in summer around 28° / 82°F.

OFF THE WATER The Three Corners Equinox Beach Resort is the closest accommodation to the spot with professional service and excellent Belgian cuisine. Freshly renovated, the hotel’s extensive beach area leads you directly to the Pro Center where you’ll kite from. 65 kilometres away, Port Ghalib is a well developed, modern, luxury tourist area with a marina, evening entertainment and a range of dining options. The town of Marsa Alam is more like Hurghada 15 years ago and isn’t as developed but the locals are very welcoming. The resort site however has a very relaxed atmosphere with natural experiences being the main focus of your stay here. You can dine at the hotel or at the marina and there are also some small shops and a supermarket.

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South Padre, Texas Photo: Prokite South Padre

Mancora, Peru Photo: Wild K

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Los Barriles, Mexico Alex Neto, Brazil Photo: Seth Warren Photo: RRD

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FEATURING:

USA HAWAII MEXICO PERU BRAZIL 07/03/2016 21:24

I 0 6 8 / T H E A M E R I C A S / U S A / NORTH CAROLINA / OUTER BANKS / CAPE HATTERAS I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

THE OUTER BANKS AND CAPE HATTERAS USA

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

Kitty Hawk Waves Village Photo: Kitty Hawk

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: $2 - 5 / RESTAURANT: $7 – 30 / ACCOMMODATION: $30 – 100 p.p.p.n.

If you were able to custom design a kiteboarding location from scratch, you couldn’t come up with a much better setup. Hatteras Island, 40 miles off the US mainland (accessible by road bridges), has heaps of locations for flat water and surf kiting. The unique bend in Hatteras island, combined with consistent, clean winds and open access to the water make this place difficult to beat. Imagine shallow water all the way to the horizon in every direction on the sound side (west side of the island) – the Pamlico Sound with flat water riding areas that are waist-deep seven miles out and up to 60 miles north and south. Drop your kite and stand up, or just take a rest – the thousands of newly qualified riders prove that this is without doubt one of the best places to learn. Want waves? Simply hop over the island strip to the east coast. The whole area is home to some of the finest downwinders you could hope for.

AIRPORT Norfolk, VA (ORF / KORF) is roughly 90 minutes drive from the Outer Banks and the Nags Head area. Add another 30 minutes to make it further south to Hatteras. Other options slightly further away are Newport News, Virginia (PHF) or Raleigh, NC (RDU).

CURRENCY US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.5 / €1 = $1.2

Real slick set-up Photo: Ryan Osmond

The Outer Banks has above-average wind conditions in the US and blows pretty much all year long at various strengths and consistencies. Mix in the choice of kiting terrain and this is one of the most ideal and progressive kiting environments in the world. Suitable from rank beginner to pro level flat water and surf kiteboarding, with well over 140 miles of coastline and nearly unlimited access to the water, there are hundreds of quality kiteboarding spots to check out. You won’t be hampered by currents in the flat water and the wave kiting is world class with a variety of wave heights, a sandy bottom and there’s also a massive swell window that accepts waves from any direction, except due west. Surrounding both the Waves Village Watersports Resort and Real’s Waterman’s Retreat are miles and miles of shallow water, that not only heats up quickly, but has a hard sandy bottom with few shells. Even before beginners can stand up on their board they can

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I 070 / T H E A M E R I C A S / U S A / NORTH CAROLINA / OUTER BANKS / CAPE HATTERAS I SCHOOLS KITTY HAWK KITES KITEBOARDING SCHOOL teach all levels April to November, usually at a ratio 3:1 and students are followed on boat or jet-ski. They have an enormous demo centre with virtually everything they sell in the shop or tech centre for you to try. Offsite rentals also available. Accommodations and shop open year round. www.wavesvillage.com sales@wavesvillage.com Lessons: +1 252 987 2297 Accommodation: +1 252 305 2629 REAL KITEBOARDING have 25 full time coaches teaching twice a day, seven days per week, beginner through to pro level. Max ratio is 2:1 and all lessons run with jet-ski support. The latest gear from Axon, Best, BWS, Liquid Force, Naish and Slingshot is available for rent. Also offered is accommodation at Waterman’s Retreat, camps, air compressors, hot showers, changing rooms, lockers, live music and more. Languages spoken by staff: English, Spanish, French, German and Italian. www.realwatersports.com realpro@realwatersports.com +1 866 REAL 548 / +1 252 987 6000

ACCOMMODATION AGENTS OUTER BEACHES REALTY www.outerbeaches.com / www.kiteobr.com info@outerbeaches.com +1 866-625-9023 RESORT REALTY www.resortrealty.com info@resortrealty.com +1 (252) 441-5000 SUN REALTY www.sunrealtync.com avon@sunrealtync.com +1 (888) 853-7768

Brandon Scheid in the Triple-S Invitational Photo: Lance Koudele

stand in the water and usually sit down on the bottom with their head above water while they slip into their foot straps. Over 70 consecutive miles of oceanside coastline and dozens of miles of clean sound side launching / landing areas create an almost incalculable number of routes for downwinders, which are the fastest way to progress. Often you’ll see students being coached from close quarters by an instructor following them on a jet-ski. The progress levels here are incredible. Marsh areas and small islands in the sound provide a natural obstacle course for more experienced kiters but they are mostly loved because they also create ‘slick’ water conditions on their leeside that are completely flat and wave free. You’ll never have to fight off a crowd here due to the massive amount of open space to play with. Due to the bend in the island, no matter what direction the wind is from you can find side-shore conditions, both in the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound. Cape Hatteras also sits well away from the mainland, so all wind directions provide steady, stable wind flow with consistent wind speeds. Some of the most sought-after spots to look out for include Canadian Hole north of Buxton on Hatteras Island, Pea Island (from just north of Waves Village to New Inlet), Planet of the Apes, Nags Head at Windmill Point and Jockey’s Ridge State Park. On the oceanside check out S-curves just north of Rodanthe as well as oceanside around the Buxton and the Cape Hatteras lighthouse area. S-curves and Rodanthe in particular provide some of the best waves on the east coast. The whole area makes for classic

downwinders, but make sure you pick up a downwinder guide from one of the kiteboarding shops - there are some areas that you don’t want to find yourself coming in at as there’s dense bush between the water and road. Get a map, plan your route, bring your buddies or join a group and you’ll wonder why you would ever want to kite backwards and forwards at one spot ever again!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The winds here are remarkable. Thanks to the orientation of the Outer Banks / Hatteras Island running almost straight north to south and the wind mostly blowing from the southwest (during summer months) and northeast (during winter months), kiteboarders are able to ride on nearly any day, oceanside or sound side. It’s very possible to ride all directions at a spot somewhere. The best time of year for all round riding is the spring and fall / autumn, although the winter and summer can also provide excellent conditions. Although you’ll need to be brave in the winter, wind stats show that you can kite here on average 20 days a month, 12 months a year, with June and July being the most consistent and warmest with an average of 29 ridable days per month! Learning can be done all year, however summer is usually more popular when a wetsuit isn’t necessary. June to September are the classic months. March to May and October to December you might need anything from boardshorts to a 4/3, in winter you’ll need a 5/3 full suit with boots and gloves, but there will be days when a thinner suit will be fine. Bring your entire quiver of kites. In the same week

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I 072 / T H E A M E R I C A S / U S A / NORTH CAROLINA / OUTER BANKS / CAPE HATTERAS I

Buxton – Notice how close the sound side is to the wave side in some places! Photo: Kiteworld

you could use all of them, but you’ll get most use out of your eight or nine. Fall / autumn and spring are typically the best times for waves. Cape Hatteras is only 25 miles from the Gulf stream current with water temperatures roughly 18°C / 65°F in the spring, 29°C / 85°F in the summer, 18°C / 65°F in the fall and 10°C / 50°F in the winter. This warm water tempers the winter months and keeps the area very mild compared to locations just to the north or the south. Air temperatures are tropical in the summer, reaching the low to mid 90s (35ºC) in July and August with wider swings in the fall, winter and spring. It’s a good idea to bring layers and a wind shell to have the temperature swings covered.

OFF THE WATER Great surf sessions near the Hatteras lighthouse Photo: Kiteworld

Cape Hatteras has 70 miles of accommodation options to choose from, including campgrounds and simple beach motels to luxury waterfront condos and 12 bed beach mansions. Each area’s community is very laid back and friendly and things only get more relaxed the further south you head towards Cape Hatteras. Geographically, where you stay should be based on where you want to ride and who you want to hang out with. Check with Real and Kitty Hawk Kites at Waves Village Watersports Resort to get the full low down and pick up a riding map when you get there as you don’t want to miss out! Waves Village Watersports Resort has 1,600 square foot luxury condos (3-bedroom, 3-bathroom units) with onsite restaurants, shopping, rental centre, gear lockers and free activities during

the summer. Condos include private balconies with an unobstructed view of the water and breathtaking sunsets, private hot tub, community pool, cable and HD, free wi-fi, hot water outdoor showers, changing rooms and much more. The launch site at Waves Village is open to the public at no cost (a signed waiver is required). Compressed air for kite inflation and hot showers for kiters to use after their session is also free of charge. Weekly demo days in the summer provide you with the opportunity to test drive the latest gear before you buy. Weekly summer Kids Days are also a highlight for families. Real’s Watermen’s Retreat features 14 luxury waterfront condominiums located right at ‘The Slick’ with private launch, air compressors, live outdoor music, gear storage, pro shop, rental shop and bar / restaurant all right onsite. Watermen’s Retreat shares this site with Real Watersports who are hosts of the annual Triple-S Invitational – one of the sport’s biggest international and most high profile events of the year. The Triple-S will be having its eleventh anniversary celebrations this year. Ranging from sound front to ocean front, from small to large, Outer Beaches Realty, Resort Realty and Sun Realty have ideal vacation rentals for every kiteboarder. Their homes provide athletes’ favorite amenities, including direct launch access to surf the swells of the Atlantic and slice the glassy waters of Pamlico Sound, plus tons of perks like relaxing hot tubs and great local food to cap off stellar days on the water in this world kiting hotspot. Take advantage of their LayAway Vacation Program, E-Z Pay Payment Plans and all-inclusive

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I 074 / T H E A M E R I C A S / U S A / NORTH CAROLINA / OUTER BANKS / CAPE HATTERAS I

Stacks of wave action Photo: Kiteworld

Rent a mansion by the beach for you and your mates! Photo: Kiteworld

Waves Village pano Photo: Kitty Hawk

pricing to make any Outer Beaches stay the perfect fit for any style and budget. There are grocery stores and restaurants littered along the whole area. Almost any accommodation you choose will be very well set up for your selfcatering cooking / entertaining needs, and you’ll find many of the houses / condos hard to leave! Kiting here is about hanging with friends and relaxing when you’re not kiting your ass off, and the rentals here are well geared up for that.

you’re in the centre of the ‘tri-village’ area of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo. Nags Head is 30 minutes north and Avon is about 20 minutes south by car. It’s best to rent a car so you have mobility up and down the island to find the perfect combination of wind angle, surf, etc. The island is about 70 miles long, all one highway, and you could be sessionning the entire area during one trip. You can rent a 4WD - get an off-road driving permit and find private

You’ll find a big Food Lion supermarket in Avon, or plenty more back up the road in Nags Head. There are a lot of options to eat out in Waves, Avon and Buxton. You won’t find a massively international flair in the cuisine, but you can be sure of big servings of fresh seafood, steaks, pizza, the odd Mexican, some sushi and American classics, all washed down with plenty of domestic and international beers on tap. Eating in or out isn’t super cheap - this is an island - but you won’t go hungry! Be aware, however, that things really quieten down after 9pm and there are no nightclubs. You make your own party. For a more lively evening experience head back up to Nags Head. If you’re staying in Waves Village

sessions every day. In as little as 5mph of wind you can go hang gliding with Kitty Hawk Kites at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head (just minutes from where the Wright brothers chose for their first flight). There’s also jet-skiing, SUP, kayak tours and sailing. Cape Hatteras lighthouse and Pea Island Wildlife Refuge provide some fun afternoons out... if you can pull yourself away from the beach. For the kids there are camps and more – it’s an incredible place to get away from video games. There’s also fishing, excellent surfing, go-karting, movie theatres, heaps of shopping opportunities and spas. If you’re a kid, big or small, this place rocks for activities and the outdoors!

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I 0 7 6 / T H E A M E R I C A S / U S A / N O R T H C A R O L I N A / C R Y S TA L C O A S T I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

CRYSTAL COAST NORTH CAROLINA, USA

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: $5/ RESTAURANT MEAL: $10 - $50 / ACCOMMODATION: (HOTEL) $80

Lying further south in the state to Cape Hatteras on the mainland side, variety is one of the key attractions of the Crystal Coast with a multitude of incredible spots offering a wide range of experiences. The Bogue Banks is a 21 mile southfacing barrier on which the Atlantic side is easily accessible to the public. Coast Guard Point at the western end offers epic conditions for all levels and styles. There’s nice swell on the outer bar with flat water in the tide pool on the inner bar (depending on tides). Both set-ups offer awesome downwinder terrain. The ocean side of ‘The Point’ has two large sandbars. In strong southwest winds the surf will start shaping up over the outer bar, offering clean hits as you run down-the-line. At low tide the inner bar will start to show, blocking the surf and serving up a beautiful butter-flat area. At high tide the surf will start to roll

AIRPORT Raleigh - Durham international airport (RDU) is a two-and-a-half hour drive away. New Bern regional airport (EWN) is just 40 minutes.

CURRENCY US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.5 / €1 = $1.2

SCHOOLS BLOWN KITEBOARDING teach all levels from April through December with safety boat support, including foil boarding and surf style tuition. Student to instructor ratio is no more than 3:1 and private lessons are also available. For an extra fee you can hire a boat to follow you through the shallow water of the Bogue Sound. Helmet radios provide excellent communication between instructors and students. The latest gear from Cabrinha, Ocean Rodeo, Best and more is updated every year. www.blownkiteboarding.com info@blownkiteboarding.com +1 252 269 9843

over that inner bar, often with nice shape to it. If you still want flat water, just walk over the sand to the tide pool and you’ll find perfection! Moving east from ‘The Point’ there’s 21 miles of surf terrain to play with. On the opposite side of the island Bogue Sound has many flat water locations featuring lots of little islands. Most spots are only accessible by boat, but you can easily access them for a $25 fee and it’s consistently shallow for miles, so is perfect for learning and improving. The Carrot Island / Sand Dollar Shoal area has some of the best flat water riding on all of the Crystal Coast. Beautiful too - it’s not uncommon to see 20 wild horses running through the marsh grass while you’re kiting. A shoal sits about one metre above the water’s surface, blocking the wind and keeping things butter flat. There’s also the Cape Lookout National Seashore which is the crowning

If you’re looking for flat and coastal wave action this is the place. But just check out the flat water! Photos: Blown Kiteboarding

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jewel. The island is 56 miles long, completely uninhabited and beautiful. Ride flat water conditions in ‘The Hook’ or any of the many shallow, smoothwater areas. Take a short walk across the island and find some of the best surf the Crystal Coast has to offer. This area is where nature’s diversity meets a kitesurfer’s dream and turns it into reality.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The season runs from March through November. In early and late season something like a 4mm wetsuit will be needed, but from May to September it’s lovely and warm. The best learning conditions start in mid-April and run right through the summer, deep into September when the water is warm and the wind is steady southwest. This is also the best time for waves, too. Some of the locals kite year round, but most travellers find January and February unfavourable. December and March are wildcard months, depending on the quality of the season. The wind strength peaks in the spring and autumn / fall, which could be anywhere from 15 to 35 knots, depending on the front. Summer winds are thermal and slightly more reliable, usually around 15 knots-plus, so expect to be shredding regularly on your nine to 12 metre kites.

Air temperatures vary throughout the year but rarely dip below 13°C / 55°F and reach around 27°C / 80°F in the high season. Water temperatures are similar, dipping to 16°C 60°F in March. In September the water temperatures peak at around 27°C / 80°F.

OFF THE WATER There are supermarkets within short distances of any towns in the area. Find diverse cuisine choices, from burgers and fries to the freshest seafood thanks to the local Carteret Catch sustainable seafood programme. Public transportation is very convenient if you decide to check out the nightlife. Expect to see live music and buzzing crowds, especially in July and August. There are many family friendly activities available from state parks and nature reserves to aquariums and baseball stadiums, plus scuba diving, SUP, kayaking, surfing and some serious sport fishing as well. Public transport is adequate for many trips you’ll need to

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take, but it’s worth considering a rental car to access the multitude of spots and things to do in the area. There is accommodation to suit any budget, with everything from guest houses to luxurious hotels and selfcatering beachfront houses and apartments. As this is a popular holiday destination for both Americans and those from abroad, it’s very easy to find and book accommodation. For lots of information on where to stay, where to eat and things to do, visit: www.bookthecoast.com

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Travel Guide

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Client: Crystal Coast TDA 04/03/2016

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I 080 / THE AMERICAS / USA / TEXAS, CORPUS CHRISTI I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“Consistent wind, no need for a wetsuit, waves and incredible flat water riding, big beaches and friendly people. A great spot to guarantee riding.” DAMIEN LEROY, CABRINHA PRO RIDER

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: $3 / RESTAURANT MEAL: $10 - 15 / ACCOMMODATION: $50 - 200 PPPN

FLY TO Corpus Christi International airport (CRP) is centrally located and just a short drive to the nearest kite launch and various accommodation options.

CURRENCY US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.5 / €1 = $1.2 Credit and debit cards accepted with ATMs in plentiful supply.

SCHOOLS 361KITE operate all year, providing safe and professional lessons for all levels in the Corpus Christi and surrounding South Texas area. Instructors are PASA certified and teach in calm, shallow waters at a student’s own pace. Private or group lessons, jetski support and rescue are all available. www.361KITE.com info@361KITE.com +1 (361) 742-7966

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CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS, USA

A vast coastline and the crowds are almost non-existent All photos: 361 Kite

ON THE WATER Corpus Christi boasts arguably the largest amount of kite-able days year round in the continental United States. Featuring a wide variety of conditions, from the pristine shallow ﬂat waters of the Laguna Madre to the windy overhead surf on the Texas Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi and South Texas have something for everyone. Centrally located and a few hour’s drive from the major metropolitan areas of San Antonio, Austin or Houston, South Padre and from the Mexican/US border, Corpus Christi is known for consistent winds, moderate temperatures and shallow waters. A vast coastline is accessible by vehicle and the crowds are almost nonexistent. Corpus Christi Bay has almost 200 square miles of area to explore and the locals run a Friday Night Bay Crossing (7 mile round trip) from Wildcat Park to North Beach and back. The barrier island of North Padre down Highway 361 also offers the ﬂat and shallow waters of the Upper Laguna Madre with secluded breaks and downwinder start points further down the beach. Corpus Christi Bay in Portland is a great spot when the wind blows SE and ESE during the spring and summer months and Grassy Point by the marina on the Laguna Madre is also popular and the water is only about thigh to waist deep depending on tides with miles of open water. North Packery and South Packery are the main public access beaches and gathering spots for kiters in Corpus Christi on North Padre Island. North and South are divided by the Packery Channel with corresponding jetties on either side and the best waves can be

found at North Packery in the sping/ summer E and SE winds. As frontal winds come in from the N and NE in the winter, South Packery becomes the choice location.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Prime season is March - August with consistent thermal S and SE winds coming in the early afternoon and increasing into the evening. ‘March Madness’ produces 20+ mph for days on end! Outside of that winds average 19mph. Cold fronts sweep through South Texas from September - March/ April bringing cool air and several days of 20 - 40mph winds from the north, allowing access to some fantastic kiting launches that are not ideal in the spring/ summer winds. Average air temperatures are 58°F / 14°C low to an average high of 85°F / 29°C during the summer while water temperatures peak around 82 - 86°F / 28 - 30°C around August/September, dipping to 61 - 70°F / 16 - 21°C in January/February.

OFF THE WATER From beachside resort condos to budget motels and RV parks, Corpus Christi has lodgings to ﬁt every budget from $50 - $200 per night. The guys at 361 Kite also operate a private water front location with all services (bar & grill, marina, lodge, restrooms, showers and parking) which is the ﬁrst & only waterfront kiteboarding instruction service complex on the Texas coast. If a dreaded lull occurs then there are aquariams, museums, waterparks and just about every other form of watersport imaginable.

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04/03/2016 18:42

I 082 / THE AMERICAS / USA / TEXAS / SOUTH PADRE ISLAND I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND TEXAS, USA J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

3 Photo: Brian Goldesberry / Starkites

“Steady wind and a good ol’ southern vibe. A great place to go and kite your brains out and there’s some fun surf too!” SKY SOLBACH, NORTH KITEBOARDING SHAPER

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: $3 / RESTAURANT MEAL: $10 / ACCOMMODATION: $30 per night

AIRPORT Brownsville airport (BRO) is 30 minutes inland, Harlington airport (HRL) is 45 minutes away and McAllen (MFE) is 90.

CURRENCY US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.5 / €1 = $1.2

SCHOOLS PROKITE SOUTH PADRE teach all levels all year using Headzone waterproof radio helmet teaching aids and also have a jet-ski support on every lesson. They also offer supervised sessions, gear rental, gear sales, guided tours and photo / video services. They also have an operation in Hood River. Accredited by: IKO / PASA www.prokitesouthpadre.com info@prokitesouthpadre.com +1 541 490 6872

ON THE WATER The island runs almost straight north to south and is less than a mile wide. Choose from sheltered butter-flats on the Laguna Madre Bay side, to head-high, pitching waves in the Gulf of Mexico. Laguna Madre Bay on the west side has over a million acres of flat, shallow waters. Wherever you put your kite down you’ll be able to touch the bottom. The main launches on this side are just north of town, starting with the south flats. A sandy bottom and shallow blue water make this a premier kite spot in northeast to northwest winds. Up the road the north flats work in 360 degrees of wind but costs $15 per month or $25 per year for access. Passes and local advice are available at the kite shops. The wind is generally stronger towards the middle of the eight mile bay - join the local shop’s guided downwinders as they’ll take you straight to the wind. For surf, the Gulf of Mexico provides 15 miles of coastline with side-shore winds. Intermediate to advanced riders can shred chest to headhigh, steep, fast and smack-able waves. Pitching more on the inside and remaining mellower beyond the first couple of sand bars, you can really choose your desired gradient. Do a downwinder, hop in a cab and do it all again!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The winds average 17 knots all year! The busiest kite seasons are spring (March to June with ridiculously consistent thermals mid-summer) and fall / autumn (September to November) when the weather and water temperatures are still warm. August through early October is tropical hurricane season and can be unpredictable. As cold fronts approach from northern states between September and November,

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the south winds are sucked in from the Caribbean, often blowing 20 knots for several days. As the north front reaches Texas, the direction switches 180 degrees and it nukes from the north at 35+ knots. Bring all your kites – you’ll use ‘em! April to November is ﬁne for boardshorts or a light wetsuit. Summer temps can reach 32°C / 90°F. The year-round average water temperature is around 25°C / 77°F.

OFF THE WATER A destination resort set-up for tourism there is everything from budget motels to houses for the family. Driving down Padre Blvd you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants. There are three supermarkets for self catering and you’ll find the nightlife at the south end of the island with plenty of bars. The best views of the technicolour sunsets can be found at Laguna Bob’s (along with tasty cocktails), Tequila Sunset or Palm St. Pier. More options 30-minutes drive inland to Brownsville. Non-wind activities are plentiful with the best surf in the Gulf of Mexico, scuba diving, snorkelling, SUPing, jetskiing, dune buggies, fishing, sailing, sky diving and dolphin watching. A hire car is worth considering if you want to explore further afield but a $3 cab will take you to any place or activity on the island. The Mexican border is just 15 miles south...

07/03/2016 17:07

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08/03/2016 11:52

I 084 / THE AMERICAS / USA / HAWAII / MAUI I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

MAUI HAWAII J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“There are only a few places in the world that have the wind, waves and first class lifestyle that Maui provides.” PATRI MCLAUGHLIN, NORTH PRO RIDER

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: $4 average / RESTAURANT MEAL: $10 – 24 and up / ACCOMMODATION: $100 – 150 on average per room, but varies greatly

AIRPORT Kahului (OGG) is five minutes from the main kite spots.

CURRENCY US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.45 / €1 = $1.1

SCHOOLS Aqua Sports Maui teach all levels, all year and specialise in custom, private instruction with certified, friendly professional instructors. They also offer instructor training, kite repair and discounts on surf and SUP lessons as well as gear purchase. www.mauikiteboardinglessons.com aquasportskite@gmail.com +1 (808) 242 8015

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

Spiritual home of wind sports Photo: Core Kiteboarding

ON THE WATER Welcome to Hawaii! Although the main kite beaches are in an industrial section of Kahului on Amala Place, the water and beaches are beautiful and lined by trees on the shoreline. The first parking lot is Teach Beach (AKA: Kimo’s) with an uninterrupted area downwind. Between Teach Beach and The Keyhole (lower end of Old Man’s) is the world-famous ‘Pro Beach’, marked as Ka’a Point on the map. Sheltered with butter flat waters, it’s only for advanced riders as the launch area is tiny and in a wind shadow. Over a small bridge to the next parking lot is the excellent beginner / intermediate area of Kite Beach called Kanaha, with a small camping area, showers and restrooms. Aqua Sports Maui meet their students at the upper part of this beach where there’s a wide, sandy launch. Further offshore large north and west swells pound the reef September to May (winter). Closer to shore they re-form and set up a fun zone to ride waves or pop off the ramps. Thirty minutes away are Ho’okipa and Lanes. No kitesurfing at Ho’okipa, but advanced riders looking for a challenge with up-to-date insurance may want to check out Lanes. Launch and land by crossing a very tricky reef - it’s serious. In the right winds Kihei on the south side can be good for intermediates and above. Riding on the west side of the island is limited, so speak to a local before trying to ride there.

small surf (June to August). Winter has better waves but can be wetter with less reliable winds. Occasional westerly and Kona winds (south / southeast) blow from November to April. Expect to use your nine metre the most. Boardshorts in the summer, thin neoprene top in the winter. Average year round water temperatures: 24°C / mid-70s°F.

OFF THE WATER There are luxury world-class resorts in Wailea through to budget vacation rentals and back-packer hostels. On the North Shore stay in the heart of the surf scene in Paia, Kuau or Sprecklesville, which aren’t as touristy or developed as other areas. The main kite spots are on the edge of Kahului town. Paia is packed with restaurants. Nightlife usually shuts down between 10pm and midnight. Distances between places is usually around 30-40 minutes, so hiring a car is advisable to get the most out of the island. If the wind isn’t blowing then there’s literally any other water or extreme sport you can think of, plus insane golf courses, whale watching, waterfalls, the Haleakela Crater, a ferry to Lanai or Molokai, farmer’s markets, botanical gardens, art galleries, upcountry wine tasting tours or simply sun bathing and taking in the natural beauty of the island.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Warm weather, water and year-long side to side-onshore trade winds blow from the northeast. Summertime winds are stronger (sometimes over 30 knots) with

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Kevin Langeree Photo: Quincy Dein / Naish

07/03/2016 19:56

FIND THE LATEST NEWS, VIDEOS, FEATURES FROM THE MAG AS WELL AS SPECIALLY TAILORED TECHNIQUE, GEAR AND TRAVEL SEARCH FUNCTIONS THAT LEAD YOU TO STACKS MORE GREAT CONTENT AND INFO!

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08/03/2016 17:32

I 086 / THE AMERICAS / MEXICO / BAJA / LOS BARRILES I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

LOS BARRILES BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: 25 pesos / RESTAURANT MEAL: 100300 pesos / ACCOMMODATION: 1800 pesos

Nestled in the Bay of Palms on the beautiful Sea of Cortez, what was once a quaint little ﬁshing village is now a mecca for kiteboarders from all over the world thanks to miles of wide open, white sand beaches that provide easy access to the water. The spots never get too crowded as there is so much space to ride and one of the biggest draws to Los Barriles is the wind generated swell offering up awesome beach breaks along the expansive coastline. There are however also some super ﬂat, protected waters due to how sheltered the area is from the open ocean. This also makes it ideal for freestylers and anyone travelling to the area to learn.

AIRPORT San Jose del Cabo (SJD) is 45 minutes away from Los Barriles. There are airport shuttles and plenty of car rental firms located there.

CURRENCY Mexican Peso (MXN) - £1 = MXN25.5 / US$1 = MXN18.29 / €1 = MXN20.15

SCHOOLS EXOTIKITE KITEBOARDING teach all levels from beginner to advanced in either 1:1 or small group sessions from November through until April every year. Equipment from North, Cabrinha and Slingshot is available for rent and they also operate diving, paddleboarding and snorkeling excursions. Instructors speak both English and Spanish with full jet-ski rescue cover on hand if needed. www.exotikite.com info@exotikite.com +52 1 624 145 0064

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Los Barriles is windy from November until April. In May and June many people head across the peninsula to the Paciﬁc to make the best of the epic wave riding conditions (wave camps are run by ExotiKite Kiteboarding during that time). The wind typically picks up around 10am and blows until ﬁve-ish with the strongest wind in the afternoons. The wind is generally around 18 – 22 knots but can reach the high 20s and low 30s. Windier days will bring in a rideable, rolling swell so you might be out on

The play Photo: Seth Warren

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The set-up Photo: Lori Makabe

anything from a seven to 12 metre kite depending on the conditions. The air temperature is between 21 - 27°C / 70 - 80°F but in the winter months of December, January and February it can get cold at night and drop down to around 16°C / 60°F. Take long trousers and a light jacket or hoodie for the evenings. The water temperature stays at around 25°C / 75°F throughout the year so you won’t need much more than a shortie / spring suit.

OFF THE WATER There are numerous guest houses and hotels to suit all budgets. Self-catering accommodation options are available in the area, although there are very few cheap options with the average cost per night around $100 in most places. There are also two large supermarkets, plenty of delis and markets full of local organic produce as well as fine-dining restaurants (at low prices) to small local stands selling tacos and burritos or excellent local seafood. The local nightlife isn’t crazy but there are a few bars and beach bonfires are a common theme. Although Baja (and Los Barriles in particular) is safer than many areas of Mexico, you should still exercise caution and avoid traveling with unnecessarily expensive belongings or getting too wild in the wrong bars. Should the wind fail to show then snorkeling and diving, hiking and mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, whale watching and quad biking are all on offer in and around Los Barriles. Car hire isn’t essential as most places in Los Barriles are walkable but, for day trips to the cities or to local snorkeling and diving hot spots, a car is recommended.

08/03/2016 13:43

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05/03/2016 20:21

I 088 / THE AMERICAS / PERU / MANCORA I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

MANCORA PERU

Beautiful, regular wave conditions, as well as spots with more mellow waves and flatter waters for all Photos: Wild K Peru

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

OFF THE WATER

BEER: PEN6 / RESTAURANT MEAL: PEN10 - 70 / ACCOMMODATION: PEN30 (hostel) – 450 (hotel) p.p.p.n.

Situated on the north coast of Peru, Mancora has potential for inﬁnite downwinders and eight world-class wave spots. A solidly favoured destination for intrepid wave seekers thanks to the safe conditions with sandy banks, reasonably warm waters, an absence of sharks and waves that rarely exceed overhead in size – but are still incredibly consistent - also make it suitable for inexperienced wave riders at some spots. The nearby town of Organos is close by and will satisfy the freeriders and beginners who want to kitesurf in front of their hotel, but it’s not an ideal place for hardcore freestylers. Although there are some really ﬂat spots, they rely heavily on the correct wind conditions and tide level.

There are three towns close-by. Lobitos is a small, quiet hippy town with cross-off wave riding conditions out front. Organos is also quiet with a long empty beach and constant side-on winds, perfect for beginners and freeriders. Mancora itself offers the possibility to surf, kitesurf, try out new restaurants, relax, have a drink and even go party. There are several ATMs, a market and shops where you can get food or anything you may need. There’s also lots of accommodation on offer. Las Pocitas is very relaxed with a beautiful beach ($80 – 350 per night). You’ll ﬁnd much more modest lodgings in the village (from $8 to $130!). Did you know that Peru won the World’s Leading Culinary Destination Award for the last three years? The local food is delicious, so prepare your palate! Peru is very safe but you should follow basic safety rules like anywhere in South America. Don’t walk in dark empty places at night, avoid being drunk in the local bars and don’t use cheap bus companies. It’s not worth saving the few dollars. Hiring a car is expensive (as is fuel) and the area is hard to navigate. Instead, go with a guide like Wild K Club who have lots of experience in guiding kitesurfers. If you really want to rent a car, do it in Piura, two-and-a-half hours from Mancora.

AIRPORT LIMA - Jorge Chávez International Airport. From there fly to Piura. A taxi or bus will then take you the rest of the way (two-anda-half hours). Luxury bus companies also run transfers. It takes 16 hours from Lima and costs around USD$45 each way.

CURRENCY El Nuevo Sol (PEN) - £1 = PEN5 / $1= PEN3.5 / €1 = PEN4 Expensive items such as your hotel bills can be paid in USD. You can change dollars and euros in Mancora, but avoid changing too much in Lima’s airport if you can.

SCHOOLS Wild K Peru teach all levels in private or semi-private lessons. Cabrinha gear is available for hire or sale and they also offer video wave coaching and SUP tours. Tuition is available in Spanish, French or English and they’re open all year, apart from March and April. www.wild-kitesurf-peru.com wildkteam@gmail.com +51 941 324 784

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The season runs May to December but April and January can be good, too. From April to June the wind is lighter (15 – 20 knots), sometimes making it necessary to leave Mancora and drive 30 minutes to ﬁnd wind. From July the wind stays consistent (18 – 28 knots) until the end of the season in late December. Prevailing winds are from the south and southwest and the waves are good all year - December is the least reliable month. The swells come from the north or south, kicking up tidy left handers throughout the season The air temperature is dry and hot during the windy season, at 25ºC / 77ºF during the day and cold enough to sleep well without a fan during the nights. The water temperature is around 20 - 22ºC / 68 – 71º in Mancora but gets colder in the southern spots in the middle of winter (August to mid-October) dropping to 18°C / 65°F.

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07/03/2016 16:23

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05/03/2016 13:33

I 090 / THE AMERICAS / BRAZIL / TAIBA I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

TAIBA BRAZIL

“I’ve been going to Taiba for the past eight years because it has some of the best conditions in the world and I’ve not yet been let down by the wind. It’s literally windy all day, everyday!” SAM MEDYSKY, BEST KITEBOARDING TEAM RIDER

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: R$4 / MEAL IN POSADA: R$40-50 / ACCOMMODATION: R$260 (inc. breakfast)

AIRPORT Pinto Martins, Fortaleza (FOR) is 65 kilometres from Taiba / around 90 minutes by taxi. Organise airport pick-ups through your posada.

CURRENCY Brazilian Reais (R$) - £1= R$6 / $1= R$4 / €1 = R$4.4

SCHOOLS Open from September to December, Amarela Kite Resort operate a VDWS licensed school teaching all levels on wave and freestyle camps. Instruction is 1:1 or in small groups (max 4:1) and a full range of North and Wainman kites are available for experienced riders to hire or purchase second hand. Downwinder pick-up / spot transfer service also offered. Languages spoken by instructors: German, English, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese. www.taibakitesurfing.com info@taibakitesurfing.com +55 8587 4702 31

ON THE WATER A firm favourite among pro riders who head there to ride the butter flat lagoon located between Pecem and Paracuru, Taiba is a prime kitesurfing location on one of the world’s most renowned stretches of kiting coastlines. There’s something for any kiter with consistent, clean winds, a protected flat water lagoon offering freestylers and beginners (when it’s quiet) a perfect spot for easy progression and there’s cross-on wave riding to be found on the coastal side of the beach. The waves pick up in size and power when the tide is on the push, reaching up to 3 metres on bigger days. Low tide also brings flat water at a number of spots outside the lagoon, giving beginners an opportunity to progress into the open ocean without having to worry about the shore break. It’s worth remembering that the lagoon in Taiba can get quite busy with pros and space is limited, so get there early to be guaranteed a session.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The northeasterly cross-onshore wind blows consistently from July December. Daily doses of 15 - 30 knots, it’s literally non-stop in the windy season. August to November are strongest.

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Flat water and waves are separated by a very short hop over the sand! Photos: Amarela

Average kite sizes vary from six or seven metres for wave riding, up to 12 metres for twin-tip riding. Picking up in the morning around ten, the wind drops a little in the afternoon but will then often increase again in the evening. Air temperatures vary from 25 – 32°C / 77 – 89°F, while the water temperature is pretty similar at 25 – 27°C / 77 – 80°F, so no neoprene is necessary, but we’d recommend a rashie for sun protection. Pack a jumper for the evenings.

OFF THE WATER There are a number of posadas and selfcatering villas in Taiba. Posada Amarela is popular and exclusive to kitesurfers, with quality food, well appointed rooms (single, double and luxury), internet and its own bar. Many of the posadas serve meals throughout the day and there are just a handful of local bars and restaurants. Head 20 minutes down the road to Paracuru if you want to ﬁnd a few more places to eat and drink. Rent beach buggies or 4x4s to get around, or use the private taxi services offered by some of the posadas who can also arrange your car hire with a trusted local ﬁrm, though make sure you get advice on where to drive as not all roads are suitable for normal cars. Taxis are also available. If, bizarrely, the wind doesn’t show at any point, there’s surfboard rental and lessons, horse riding, trips to Fortaleza and tours in the nearby jungle all on offer. Crime is an issue in Brazil sadly and, while Taiba is small, it isn’t without risk, so be sensible and try to avoid traveling with, or displaying, expensive items and only visit areas you know to be safe.

07/03/2016 16:09

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05/03/2016 13:39

092 / AMERICAS / BRAZIL / ICARAIZINHO

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

ICARAIZINHO BRAZIL

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: R$6 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R$50 / ACCOMMODATION: R$350 (VillaMango)

Icaraizinho offers a beautiful, half-crescent bay with a range of conditions, from perfect flat water slalom on the southeast end, bump and jump in the middle and one to two metre waves jacking up at the north end of the bay. The beach itself is unspoiled with nice, soft sand, no shells, no pebbles and plenty of space to launch and land your kites. There are two fantastic classic downwinders that aren’t too demanding but offer different conditions. Caetanos to Icaraizinho is approximately 15 kilometres with good waves along the way. Icaraizinho to Patos is slightly shorter at 14 kilometres and features small waves with a superb flat water section along the route when the tide is high. Mango Kite Club organise downwinders and guidance for these two great routes that suit both experienced riders as well as those on their first downwinders.

AIRPORT Fortaleza Pinto Martins airport (FOR) is approximately 200 kilometres away / 2.5 hours transfer.

CURRENCY Brazilian Reais (R$) - £1= R$6 / $1= R$4 / €1 = R$4.4

SCHOOLS MANGO KITE CLUB operates out of a fantastic location on the VillaMango grounds, offering perfect kitesurfing conditions ten steps from the centre. IKO instructors offer lessons with radio assistance for all levels, beginner to advanced. Ozone equipment is available for rent, there are also air compressors, lockers, a large lawn for rigging and cleaning gear, a sea front gazebo and bar service. Downwinder trips are available to nearby lagoons and flat water spots. www.villamango.com.br herkk@terra.com.br +55 85 3636 3089

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Sunny and warm, the air temperature is hot at 35°C / 95°F in the main season, and the water is around 30°C / 86°F, however it stays incredibly warm all year and the only protection you’ll ever need is sun cream. July to January are the windiest months and thankfully feel a little cooler than the actual air temperature, averaging 20 - 25 knots from the east, peaking August to November when it ramps up to 25 to 40 knots. The rainy season (February to June) has less wind.

OFF THE WATER Icaraizinho is a small, simple ﬁshing village with some basic, but limited amenities. There are no ATMs (get cash at the

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Just moments from the action Photos: Villa Mango

airport or before you travel) and there is no hospital; just a small clinic that offers a limited service and a small pharmacy. The nearest hospital is in Itapipoca, 80 kilometres away. You don’t need a hire car for Icaraizinho, (unless you want to go and stay at other kite spots along the coast while on your trip). VillaMango can organise an airport transfer for you (as well as trips to other beaches) and also run free transfers to the centre of the village if you don’t have a car. VillaMango is a charming hotel one kilometre from the village centre / 15 minutes walk along the beach. The hotel operates as sustainably as it can with efficient appliances, ecological drains and renewable power. Built from certified wood and eucalyptus trees from a reforestation programme, the bungalows are set on stilts, are private and extremely comfortable, providing a wonderful sense of freedom and tranquility. Perfectly suited for solo riders or those with a family, there’s a swimming pool and rest area just in front of the kite spot with bar service. You’ll find some small local restaurants in the village and a very simple nightlife. VillaMango offers a restaurant with a menu signed by their excellent chef, LiLi Hollanda. On windless days, and within a short walk, you’ll find white sand dunes, lagoons, natural pools at low tide and the Aracatiassu river with its oysters that are served fresh every day. For sports lovers VillaMango has a squash court and swimming pool and there’s always the six kilometre coastline that is excellent for cycling, walking or running at low tide. Alternatively, simply enjoy the large gazebo on the seafront with magnificent views, pool with Jacuzzi and bar service.

07/03/2016 15:37

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07/03/2016 21:03

I 094 / THE AMERICAS / BRAZIL / PREA I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

PREA BRAZIL J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

AVERAGE COSTS

BEER: R$7,50 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R$60 / ACCOMMODATION: R$730 +taxes per night

AIRPORT

Fortaleza (FOR) is approximately four hours by car. Rancho do Peixe offers a private transfer service from either Fortaleza or Jericoacoara by 4x4.

CURRENCY

Brazilian Reais (R$). £1= R$5,85 / €1= R$4,45 / US$ = R$4,10. No ATM in the village so bring cash with you. Most hotels and restaurants accept credit and debit cards.

SCHOOLS

RANCHO DO KITE is one of the biggest kite schools in Brazil, with IKO qualified instructors using helmet radios and teaching all levels. Set within the grounds of the Rancho do Peixe hotel with all the latest Cabrinha equipment. Lessons / downwind guides speak English, French, German, Italian or Spanish. www.ranchodokite.com.br. info@ranchodokite.com.br +55 88 3669-2080 / + 55 88 98112-1403 SURFIN SEM FIM Offering you all-inclusive downwinder adventures, from fun trips with famous pros up to a full bore six day ‘Ironman’ journey covering 600 kilometres! www.surfinsemfim.com.br surfinsemfim@egroup.net.br +55 11 5561 1016 / +55 88 99684 2843

TRAVEL AGENTS KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090

PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

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ON THE WATER A three to four hour drive from Fortaleza, Preá beach is considered one of the best kitesurﬁng spots in Brazil. Ideal for beginners as well as riders of any level, reliable conditions and cross onshore winds blow across 14 kilometres of golden sands. Rancho do Kite is the epicenter of kiting in Preá. The beach is huge and there are lots of kiteboarders who get a daily transfer from Jeri to kite here thanks to the accessible and fun cross-onshore conditions. Stay at the Rancho do Peixe and you have luxury and convenience, including help from beach boys who will set all your gear up for you.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The wind in Preá is considerably stronger than the spots to the south, blowing on average at least 25 knots from the east or northeast from July to January; strongest in August, September, October and November. Air temperatures average 27 - 30°C / 82 - 86°F during the whole season. It´s a good idea to have some light, warm clothing to protect you from the wind at times, though. The water temperature is 25 – 28°C / 77 - 82°F throughout the year.

OFF THE WATER Preá is a small, quiet ﬁshermen’s village located just inside the beautiful Jericoacoara National Park in the northeast of Ceará state. Maintaining its humble local community, Preá has a rare charm. Although only a small village, there are some good accommodation options. Rancho do Peixe has great luxury, with twenty-

two charming bungalows that are beautifully integrated into their natural surroundings. The hotel also has a fantastic restaurant, large pool, chillout area, snack bar and a brilliant kite school. There are a few other good accommodation options in Prea, from guest houses to posadas, as well as a handful of lovely local-style restaurants. You can easily walk around Preá and there are free transfers provided between Rancho do Peixe and Vila Kalango in Jericoacoara (12 kilometres away). Rent your own beach buggy or 4x4, plus there are plenty of taxis buzzing around. For any major practical conveniences, the closest towns of Cruz and Jijoca de Jericoacoara are over 30 minutes back up the bumpy track and down the highway. You can ﬁnd most things you’ll need in Preá itself, though. Preá is also small, so the crime that can occur in bigger towns and cities in Brazil isn’t such an issue. If the wind doesn’t come through there’s loads to do from buggy tours around the region which will take you to 30 metre high dunes, picturesque lagoons and other charming local villages, to spa treatment, horse riding, SUPing, kayaking and sailing. Luxury amidst the dunes Photos: Rancho do Peixe

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05/03/2016 19:16

I 096 / THE AMERICAS / BRAZIL / JERICOACOARA I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“At the changing of the low and high tides you’ll find the best and flattest conditions are at Guriu river mouth, which is a thrilling downwinder over several kilometres, setting off from Jericoacoara itself.” KITEWORLD MAGAZINE

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: Local: R$5 Import: R$7 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R$20 – 100 / ACCOMMODATION: R$150– 800 per room.

AIRPORT Pinto Martins, Fortaleza (FOR) is 330 kilometres from Jeri. You can get a bus or a driver (R$500 each way). Kitestrophik and Vila Kalango organise transfers. If you’re renting your own car and it’s not 4x4 you’ll have to leave it just outside of town.

JERICOACOARA BRAZIL

Cracking out turns on long downwinders Photo: Kitestrophik

ON THE WATER Jericoacoara is a very special fishing village on the northeast coast of Brazil in Ceara, 330 kilometres northwest of Fortaleza. Close to the equator it was once hailed as having one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world by the Washington Post. Surrounded by dunes, fresh water lagoons and set in a national park, there are no proper roads, sand everywhere and wind almost every day. Boasting over 25 kilometres of beaches and solid wind right from June all the way through February, there are fantastic conditions (as long as you like strong winds) - ﬂat water lagoons, river mouths and ocean waves - you’ll find it all in Jeri. There are four tides a day: two high and two low, with the best swell from October until November. At full and new moons the best waves are at Prea, Malhada or Por-do-so beach. Guriu river has the best conditions at low tide

Lagoon discovery Photo: Kitestrophik

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Dune buggies heading to Tatajuba Photo: KiteWorldWide

– head there on a thrilling downwinder over several kilometres, setting off from Jericoacoara itself. Take a buggy across the national park, 12 kilometres upwind to the cross-shore winds of Prea, doing a downwinder back to town from there (just get some local knowledge to avoid the wind shadow). Due to such a variety of conditions Jeri can provide stacks of kiting for all levels and it’s super solid for seven months a year!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Winds are cross or cross-onshore, predominantly from the northeast. Right in front of Jeri town it’s cross-off, but most of the kiteboarding takes place along the huge beach disappearing into the distance downwind, becoming more cross shore. Trade winds combine with a late morning thermal directly off the sea and a typical day of wind begins at 7am, with mild trade winds of 15 – 22 knots from the east. Around noon the heat generated thermal winds from the north combine with the trades to form a strong 20 – 30 knot northeaster. The main wind season is known as the Temporada do Vento and begins in early July, typically blowing through until February - March, when the rainy season begins. The windiest months are August – November, with formidable stats of 95% and often

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05/03/2016 16:29

I 098 / THE AMERICAS / BRAZIL / JERICOACOARA I CURRENCY Brazilian Reais (R$) - £1= R$6 / $1= R$4 / €1 = R$4.4 There is no cash machine in Jeri, the nearest bank is Jijoca, 35 kilometres away. You can pay by card in restaurants though, and there are foreign exchanges.

SCHOOLS KITESTROPHIK Kite Surf Club have been based in Jericoacoara on the main beach seafront and on Rua Sao Francisco @ Ice Cream Surfer shop, for eight years. They teach all levels on the best equipment from North, Ion, Mystic, Fanatic. They offer kite, surf, SUP lessons, rentals, sales, storage, snack bar as well as transfers to the main kite sites by buggy, 4x4, horse and cart or horseback. Languages spoken by instructors: English, Portguese, Spanish, French and Italian www.kitestrophik.com kitestrophik@gmail.com +55 88 999 299 339 SURFIN SEM FIM Offering you all-inclusive downwinder adventures, from fun trips with famous pros up to a full bore six day ‘Ironman’ journey covering 600 kilometres! www.surfinsemfim.com.br surfinsemfim@egroup.net.br +55 11 5561 1016 / +55 88 99684 2843 KITEWORLDWIDE The KiteWorldWide Pousada in Tatajuba is located very close to the kite spot with a large garden surrounded by palm trees. There are three different types of rooms spread over several bungalows. Several lounges in the Pousada allow you to relax in a hammock or on a comfortable sofa or, alternatively, in the big pool. In Tatajuba, KiteWorldWide runs its own kite school in Tatajuba with a wide range of 2016 kite gear to rent and test. www.kiteworldwide.com info@kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777

Vila Kalango Photo: KiteWorldWide

over 30 knots in the afternoon. The best time to visit for all levels is between the end of May and the end of February. Water temperatures average 20 – 25ºC / 68 - 78°F, so no wetsuit is needed, just a rashie and strong sunscreen (factor 40 – 50). It’s cooler in the evenings, so bring a light jumper.

OFF THE WATER Jeri is a fantastic place to visit, whether you want to get around on foot, in a buggy or on horseback! There are many hotels and pousadas covering a wide range of styles, from simple to luxurious. We stayed at the very unique Villa Kalango pousada kite village, complete with a range of comfortable room styles, including palafitas built into the trees, superb food in their bar and restaurant, plus it’s the closest hotel to the water by the Sunset Dune. www. vilakalango.com.br

The Hurricane Jeri hotel offers a unique experience on the ocean front of the spectacular Malhada Beach, a few minutes from Jeri centre. Lots of space and comfort with a rustic-chic style, there’s an amazing lagoon-shaped pool, full bar, complete restaurant service, wifi and more. www.hurricanejeri.com Walking around Jericoacoara is a really unique experience. The whole town is sandy with buzzing restaurants and bars and it’s easy to see why it’s the most popular destination on this coast. There are supermarkets, kitesurf shops and a great many restaurants, offering great locally caught fresh seafood and many types of international cuisine. Daily dune buggy excursions are a popular no wind day option or you can take an eco walk to ‘Pedra Furada’ – the symbol of Jericoacoara – a large rock on the seashore with a large hole in the middle.

TRAVEL AGENTS KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

Keahi de Aboitiz on a Surfin Sem Fim downwinder Photo: Surfin Sem Fim

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05/03/2016 20:32

I 100 / THE AMERICAS / BRAZIL / PIAUI / BARRA GRANDE I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

BARRA GRANDE, PIAUI BRAZIL

Pousada BGK, right on the spot Photo: Daniel Ibiapina

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: R$5 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R$25 - 70 / ACCOMMODATION: R$170 - 600 p.p.p.n.

Situated close to the Delta de Parnaiba (one of the largest open sea deltas in the world), Barra Grande’s main spot is off the main beach with flat, warm, clear waters and a huge amount of space. As the tide gets higher the water can get choppier, but offers brilliant kickers for massive take-offs in the strong winds. It’s best at low tide as it remains free of rocks, but with nice flat water. Two kilometres downwind you’ll find La Boca, an immense lagoon in the mangroves with a huge open area just beyond the sand dune at the end of Barra Grande beach. As the wind blows over the dune, the flat water on the other side is absolutely sublime. Downwind from this lagoon is Macapa, where the river meets the ocean, forming incredible lagoons that are ideal for freestyle. Once the tide passes low and starts rising again, the conditions get better and better as the water fills in. There’s also a restaurant and bar at this spot. For the wave lover Arrombado beach is 20 miles away. Adventurous kiters could downwind there.

AIRPORT Teresina (THE) is five hours by car, Fortaleza (FOR) is six hours and there are now domestic flights to Parnaiba (PHB) which is just an hour from Barra Grande. Transfers can be arranged and buses also travel to Barra Grande from major cities.

CURRENCY Brazilian Reais (R$) - £1= R$6 / €1= R$4.5 / US$ = R$4

SCHOOLS POUSADA BGK operate a school with lessons for all levels of rider thoughout the season provided by fully qualified instructors. Instruction is available in French, Spanish or English with up to date equipment from North also available for hire to more experienced riders. www.bgk.com.br contato@bgk.com.br +55 86 3369 8019 POUSADA TITAS www.pousadatitas.com.br reservas@pousadatitas.com.br +55 86 3369 8023 VILAREJO BARRA GRANDE www.vilarejobarragrande.com vilarejobarragrande@gmail.com

Beachfront action with Ariosto Ibiapina Photo: André Hanni

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER In general all the kite spots are safe with the slightly cross-onshore wind blowing you back to shore. The locals call this place ‘Piawaii’ (Piaui / Hawaii) as, from July through the end of January, the wind blows strongly here every day, building strength from the morning. Between September and December the wind increases a lot, easily topping 30 knots each day. Outside of this time you’ll be on your eights to tens. July to February the air temperature is

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35°C / 95°F, dropping at night to a pleasant 24°C / 75°F. As the waters are shallow and exposed to sun every day, the water temperate is warm at around 28°C / 83°F.

OFF THE WATER Barra Grande’s pousadas are all a rustic, hippy-chic style. The village features a mix of bungalows in small hotels, rarely more than 600 feet from the beach. Pousada BGK is right on the beach and has a popular restaurant bar directly overlooking the main spot, but there are lots of other cosy, friendly places to stay, such as Pousada Titas and Vilarejo, who the Kiteworld team stayed with while there (contact details in sidebar). Mini markets have all your basics, fruit, breakfasts etc. but most people eat out every night in Barra Grande as the handful of local restaurants are excellent. You’ll find everything from meats, pastas and pizzas to very fresh seafood. There isn’t much nightlife - as most people are so tired from kiting all day every day and then grabbing some cold beers straight after. The Delta de Parnaiba is stunning. Take ecological SUP / kayak tours in the mangroves to find sea horses (local fishermen created an association that runs trips to see seahorses). Everywhere in Barra Grande itself can be reached by foot and transfer services are available from the airport. If you hire a car it will have to be for the whole period of your trip as there are no rental companies close by. There are also no beach buggies hooning around Barra Grande, so hire a horse and cart instead! Seriously, you can! All the basics are covered in Barra Grande with mini markets, convenience stores, a pharmacy, medic, bakery and if you need more, Parnaiba is 40 miles away.

07/03/2016 20:14

fInd us: www.bgk.com.br

PHOTO: GUILLY BRANDĂ&#x192;O

Bar Beach restaurant Kitesurf school SUP Equipment lockers Massage areas Incredible sunsets!

/ contato@bgk.com.br

Barra Grande is a kitesurfing paradise tucked away in the northeast of Brazil - where the nature is abundant and the wind always blows. BGK pioneered kitesurfing in the area and continues to provide excellent waterfront service for guests. The World Tour is coming here because they know! Barra Grandeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warm waters and super-consistent, strong, side-onshore winds make ideal conditions for professionals and beginners alike!

More information on the BGKite School: bgkiteschool@gmail.com TG2016-BGK Ad.indd 2

05/03/2016 16:12

102 / THE CARIBBEAN

THE CARIBBEAN FEATURING:

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS CABARETE THE GRENADINES VENEZUELA

Cabarete Photo: Sea Lane

Union Island, The Grenadines Photo: Vincent Bergeron

I 103 I

Evan Netsch, Turks and Caicos Islands Photo: Islay Petrie

Colleen Carroll, Venezuela Photo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Toby Bromwich / North

I 104 / THE CARIBBEAN / PROVIDENCIALES / TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

2-5

“The Turks and Caicos is the single most beautiful place I have been to! Crystal clear waters and untouched beaches... and what better way to explore such a place than to kite through the islands with Big Blue?” SAM LIGHT, SLINGSHOT PRO RIDER

AVERAGE COSTS

BEER: $5 - 6 / RESTAURANT MEAL: $20 – 50 / ACCOMMODATION: Very seasonal: $125 – 300 per night in winter / $90+ summer

AIRPORT

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (PLS) is the international airport. Grand Turk (GDT) is connected via inter-island air services (25 mins). Grace Bay is then 20 minutes away.

CURRENCY

US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.5 / €1 = $1.2 Credit Cards are widely accepted on Providenciales, but cash only on less inhabited islands

SCHOOLS

BIG BLUE UNLIMITED is a Vela centre with several IKO instructors teaching all levels all year at 2:1 ratio on the latest Cabrinha gear. Downwinders, outer island trips and surfaris with rescue boat cover are available, plus SUP, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving and private boat charters. Languages spoken by staff: English, French, German, Spanish, Polish and Swedish. www.bigblueunlimited.com info@bigblueunlimited.com +1 649 946 5034

TRAVEL AGENTS

PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

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TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS PROVIDENCIALES

Evan Netsch, Half Moon Bay Photo: Islay Petrie

ON THE WATER A kiteboarding paradise with uncrowded, pristine, powder soft beaches, warm turquoise seas and perfect freeriding terrain. The main island of Providenciales boasts perfect beaches for learning. Freeriders can ride numerous bays and other islands to their heart’s content. Most beaches are easy for launching and landing and if the waves and wind line up there’s occasionally some sensational down-theline wave riding. On the east end of Provo, Long Bay is waist-deep for miles with a sandy bottom and loads of space which is why it’s so perfect for learning. The easterly trade winds are strongest here and crosson 90% of the time. Grace Bay is on the western side with two to four foot waves on the reef and sand bars, though the reef is exposed at low tide and the wave riding is offshore. The current there can be strong with the tide and it’s busy with boat trafﬁc, so access is getting more difﬁcult. A downwinder with Big Blue however is the gateway to some secret spots and unforgettable kite safaris! Blue Hills in the northwest is the mirror opposite of Long Bay; cross-on conditions and miles of open lagoon and beach all to yourself. Five Cays on Provo is an excellent spot if you want to get away from the busier Long Bay, and there’s a great spot for lunch and a cold beer after a good session. In short, the options are pretty endless and there are no real access rules yet BUT where guidelines are posted, please adhere to them with respect. Some of the neighbouring islands also have great spots. Trips can be organised with Big Blue. The islands are a watersports paradise and taking a drive around Provo is worthwhile and

takes a day. You can visit the islands of North, Middle and South Caicos for kiteboarding, or for simple non-kiting adventure. Big Blue have been exploring these spots for almost two decades so they know the score!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Northeast winter trades and eastsoutheasters in summer average 10 - 25 knots with great learning conditions yearround. The best winds are in January, February, March and April. July and August can be amazing. August to October are unreliable months (hurricane season) but can throw up amazing swell and wind, however the best wave riding is usually in February and March. Average kite sizes are 10 – 12 metres. Air temperatures always average 24 – 30ºC / 75 - 86ºF while the water is 25 – 29ºC / 77 - 84ºF. Sun cream and long sleeve rash guards are vital.

OFF THE WATER All-inclusive resorts are just minutes from the action in Grace Bay and self-catered house rentals are also popular - check VRBO or AirBnB. There are few ‘lower end’ options available, but you can ﬁnd the likes of Comfort Suites on offer, while Wind Chaser and Villa Escencia are both steps from Long Bay beach and fully set up for kiters. Hire a car as taxis can be expensive and there’s little public transport. Don’t leave any valuables in your car and (as daft as it sounds), leave your car open / windows down to prevent any annoying break-ins in search of valuables. Take caution in remote areas after dark. There are loads of dining options with every type of cuisine covered. There’s even an Irish pub.

07/03/2016 17:14

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05/03/2016 13:44

I 106 / THE CARIBBEAN / DOMINICAN REPUBLIC / CABARETE I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

CABARETE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: DOP47 / RESTAURANT MEAL: DOP500 / ACCOMMODATION: DOP2,800 – 5,300 per night.

Cabarete offers several classic spots. Cabarete beach can get busy near to shore with advanced riders and beginners, but up or downwind you’ll have waves and open water to yourself and there are many other options besides. Take a trip directly east or upwind of Kite Beach and you’ll find Cabarete Bay. La Policia is just upwind of the windsurfing zone on the main beach and is the perfect playground for advanced riders. Bozo Beach, downwind in Cabarete’s main bay, has cross-onshore winds and flat to choppy water conditions, suitable for all levels while the more advanced can venture 800 metres out to the reef to find a lovely breaking wave.

AIRPORT Puerto Plata airport (POP) is a 25 minute drive from Cabarete and the transfer costs around US$30 in a cab. Santo Domingo (SDQ) is a four hour drive and can cost US$100 by cab.

CURRENCY Dominican Peso (DOP) - £1 = DOP68 / €1 = DOP50 / $1 = DOP45

SCHOOLS STARKITES www.starkites.com sales@starkites.com +1 809 571 9745 ION CLUB Cabarete www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.net +49 (0)881 925 4960

ACCOMMODATION SEA LANE APARTMENTS www.oceandreamcabarete.com

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 ION CLUB www.ion-club.net +49 (0)881 925 4960

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WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Cross-onshore 20 knot winds from the right are the norm here. It’s stronger in summer, but Cabarete is a year-round destination, although most reliable

Photos: Starkites

between April and September when the temperatures reach just over 30°C / 86°F and the waters are nice and flat. Better waves kick in through winter, but overall there are well over 200 days kiting a year. Kite Beach’s wind is solar driven, so often best after 4pm, leaving time to catch a morning surf at Encuentro or sleep off a night’s partying. These same trade winds push water on to a well-defined outer reef with chest- to head-high waves and flat water on the inside. Water temperatures sit in the mid-20s all year / roughly 75°F.

OFF THE WATER Go budget or go large; you’ve got all the options around here. From beautiful beachside hotels or apartments to more basic options, there’s something for everyone in Cabarete. For luxury apartments right on the beach, check out: www.oceandreamcabarete.com. Cabarete isn’t as big as most people seem to imagine and everything is in walking distance or a short motoconcho ride. Directly east or upwind of Kite Beach is Cabarete Bay with a great quality and quantity of food options to replenish your energy after a long day on the water. This beach is packed with great restaurants, offering every type of food and drink and there’s always a party going on in with lively bars on the beach where you can party until six in the morning With so many activities on offer, Cabarete is the perfect destination for non-kiting partners and family. Choose from other watersports such as surﬁng, SUPing and wakeboarding or excursions into the tropical countryside, as well as mountain biking, romantic horse rides or the full moon boat trip down the Yasica river.

07/03/2016 17:21

SUBSCRIBE TO KITEWORLD MAGAZINE, THE ORIGINAL KITESURFING JOURNAL SINCE 2002 IN PRINT, DIGITAL, OR BOTH!

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08/03/2016 17:34

I 108 / THE CARIBBEAN / ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES / UNION ISLAND I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Jeremie Tronet, hot footing it on Union Photo: JT Pro Center

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“Days just aren’t long enough to do all the fun things there are to do here. Whether it’s kiting, surfing or partying... the conditions are always good! It’s an island of endless summer where the people always smile.” SUSI MAI, PRO RIDER AND CABARETE RESIDENT

UNION ISLAND ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES ON THE WATER Union Island is renowned for some of the bluest ﬂat water you’ve ever seen as well as its’ consistent, steady, cross shore winds. Perhaps you also remember seeing images that we ran of that particularly well known bar on Happy Island that you can kite up to and have a beer at (or a particularly dangerous rum punch) with your kite still ﬂying (decent kite-handling skills required!)?

The season runs from mid-December to late June; the windiest time being from Christmas until April. The easiest accessible spot on the island is the beach at The Anchorage Yacht Club where the JT Pro Center, one of the three kite schools on Union Island, is located. The lagoon is surrounded by reef that creates a very good ﬂat water spot. To ride here, you need to be able to go upwind as there is a popular anchorage for sailboats downwind, but as mentioned there are plenty of instructors to help you get up to speed / brush up on your skills. Frigate is one of the best alternative spots where the wind blows offshore over the walkway of an abandoned marina project, creating perfectly ﬂat water. A rescue boat is needed, but the schools organise downwinders and trips. Several other awesome spots are only reachable by boat. Again, the kite schools and local boat operators offer trips and downwinders to the surrounding islands and reefs.

WIND WEATHER AND WATER

Happy Island bar. Yes, one handed kite steering skills are a must! Photo: Ben Findlay

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The best months for kiting are when the trade winds blow between December and June when it’s windy 90% of the time, averaging 15 to 22 knots. The average wind speed drops to 12 to 18 knots from July to August and it’s slightly less consistent with wind on 50 to 60% of days. From then until Christmas the wind gets lighter and less frequent, before building up again up towards the start of the high season in January. Water temperatures: 27 - 28°C/ 80 - 82°F throughout the year. Air temperatures: 30 - 32°C/ 86 - 90°F so no neoprene is required.

08/03/2016 13:45

THE ONLY WAY TO KITE IN PARADISE IS TO EXPLORE THE GRENADINES

EST. 1975

Anchorage Yacht Club Resort, Marina and Kite School. Fifteen beachfront cottages, constant winds, right on your doorstep.

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Union Island â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Grenadines www.aycunionisland.com stay@aycunionisland.com +1-784-458-8221

05/03/2016 13:46

I 110 / THE CARIBBEAN / ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES / UNION ISLAND I AVERAGE COSTS BEER: EC$5 - $8 / RESTAURANT MEAL: ECD$60 (food only) / sandwich ECD$25 / ACCOMMODATION: ECD$290

AIRPORT Union Island international airport (UNI) connects to most places within 100 miles or so and is well linked to Barbados, Grenada, St.Lucia, St.Vincent and all the little Grenadines islands.

CURRENCY Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD) - £1 = ECD3.8 / $1 = ECD2.7 (fixed rate) / €1 = ECD3 Many businesses will accept Euro or US currency. There is one ATM on the island but it’s usually empty on Saturdays and Sundays, so remember to take cash out on a Thursday for the weekend.

Remember to eat before getting on the rum! This place is fun! Photo: Anchorage Yacht Club

SCHOOLS HAPPYKITE SURF SHOP run daily trips, downwinders and lessons that start from their dock behind their shop which is in the centre of Clifton. Experienced and passionate instructors offer lessons for all levels and kite camps and various accommodation / tour packages are also offered. Stop by for a friendly chat and to discover all the secrets of the Grenadines. www.happykitegrenadines.com happykitegrenadines@gmail.com +1 (784) 430 86 04 +1 (784) 458 87 34 JT PRO CENTER is open from the beginning of December until late July and is affiliated with Anchorage Yacht Club. www.kitesurfgrenadines.com info@kitesurfgrenadines.com +1 784 434 0764

ACCOMMODATION ANCHORAGE YACHT CLUB www.aycunionisland.com stay@aycunionisland.com +1 784 458 8221

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

Cheers and beers! Photo: Zoe S-J

OFF THE WATER Union Island is pretty small at around four square miles, but there are a few accommodation options for a range of budgets. Anchorage Yacht Club is a popular choice on Union Island, with 15 amazing beachfront rooms and cottages, four of which are directly on Kite Beach where the resident JT Pro Center operates. The Yacht Club is the largest piece of privately owned beach front land on the island. Buzzing with atmosphere, there’s also a bar, restaurant, marina and yacht services. They even have a lobster pond and an excursion service to the Tobago Cays. Clifton is the biggest town and just a three minute walk from the yacht club, with bank, pharmacy and local fruit stands as well as a supermarket and some local bars and restaurants. The

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island is small so you don’t need to worry too much about transport, but you can rent a bike if walking isn’t your thing and the local buses charge about $2 to go between towns and villages. If the wind is light go hiking around the island, explore the Tobago Cays, swim with turtles, go fishing, rent bikes or just chill on the beach, eating seafood and checking out the spa treatments available at the yacht club!

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07/03/2016 21:02

I 112 / THE CARIBBEAN / VENEZUELA / MARGARITA, COCHE AND LOS ROQUES I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

Los Roques Photo: Toby Bromwich / North Kiteboarding Team

ON THE WATER

Photo: Coche Kite Sports

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: VEF10 RESTAURANT MEAL: VEF20 – 60 / ACCOMMODATION: VEF100 – 400 p.p.p.n.

AIRPORT COCHE - Caracas (CCS) Simon Bolivar international airport. Then get to Coche by ferry from Punta de Piedras or by slow boat from La Isleta. LOS ROQUES - Los Roques airport (LRV) ISLA DE MARGARITA - Santiago Mariño Caribbean international airport (PMV)

CURRENCY Venezuela Bolivar (VEF) - £1 = VEF10 / €1 = VEF8 / $1 = VEF6

SCHOOLS COCHE KITE SPORTS www.cochekitesports.com kitesurfchris@hotmail.com cochekitesports@hotmail.com +58 414 794 2133 or +58 414 542 8296 VENTURI KITE CENTER info@venturikite.com www.venturikite.com PLAY LOS ROQUES info@playlosroques.com www.playlosroques.com YACHT CHARTER LOS ROQUES PARADISE info@losroquesparadise.com www.losroquesparadise.com

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Situated off the northern coast of Venezuela, the idyllic islands of Coche, Margarita and Los Roques offer reliable conditions, crystal clear flat water, waves and different wind directions depending on your preference. El Yaque, on the Isla de Margarita, has designated beach zones separating kitesurfers, windsurfers and swimmers. Launch from soft sand and a gently shelving beach with mainly shallow waters and cross-shore winds. El Yaque is very well equipped with lots of schools and shops to take lessons or rent gear from. Just eight miles south of Margarita lies Isla de Coche with super-flat waters and consistent offshore winds that create absolutely insane freestyle conditions with rescue cover that’s always on hand from Coche Kite Sports. The third Venezuelan kite location is Los Roques, a collection of islands set in the Archipelago Los Roques National Park, which get a little less wind than Margarita, but has everything from flat water cruising to wave sailing on offer. You can kitesurf between the various islands with the majority of kiting taking place on Francisky Abajo.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Steady trade winds blow in Coche and Isla de Margarita from November to June. Strongest from February to April, expect to ride a nine metre kite mostly. Wave season starts in November with steady swells through to March / April. The best months to visit Los Roques are December through May with average winds of 17 to 25 knots. Air temperatures average around 27°C

MARGARITA, COCHE AND LOS ROQUES VENEZUELA / 81°F all year, peaking in September at 31°C / 88°F. Water temperatures average 27°C / 80°F. You deﬁnitely won’t need a wetsuit but it’s worth bringing a rashie to protect yourself from the relentless tropical sunshine!

OFF THE WATER Accommodation options are varied and quite plentiful on Coche with three main all-inclusive hotels between a 30 second and five minute stroll from the kite spot as well as apartments at Playa Punta and several cheaper posadas in the capital, San Pedro. Surfing, wakeboarding, hiking, cycling, kayaking, SUP, snorkelling, diving, shopping, casinos and historical sites are all on offer. The nearby El Yaque is a better option for singles or lively couples, although kids are also welcome at happy hour. If the wind doesn’t play ball, you can also do powered watersports as well as local style fishing or deep sea angling on chartered boats. There are some lovely restaurants and bars in the hotels on Coche as well as some lively but low-key local options in San Pedro. The hotel bars usually have a bit of a scene reverberating around them in the evenings and are a great option for families wanting to relax. Los Roques is much quieter than the other two islands and accommodation varies from small hotels to guest houses and posadas. Nightlife is limited but there are some small restaurants and the island maintains a very authentic feel. Crime isn’t too much of a consideration but it’s not obsolete in El Yaque or on Isla de Coche, so common sense is recommended.

08/03/2016 13:49

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WWW.TWITTER.COM/KITEWORLDMAG

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08/03/2016 17:35

114 / EUROPE

Limnos, Greece Photo: Surf Club Keros

EUROPE

Sotavento, Fuerteventura Photo: Tom Brendt

FEATURING:

PORTUGAL SPAIN THE CANARY ISLANDS ITALY GREECE Tarifa Photo: Hurricane Hotel

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Calabria, Italy Photo: Kiteworld

I 116 / EUROPE / PORTUGAL / ESPOSENDE I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

ESPOSENDE PORTUGAL

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: €1 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €9 / ACCOMMODATION: €50 – 120 (4 star) p.p.p.n

Lying just 30 minutes from Porto (a highly popular city for an eclectic group of travellers) lies Esposende, a peaceful town in the far north of Portugal where the Cavado river meets the Atlantic Ocean. Here you’ll find a flat water spot protected by the dunes in the river mouth that’s perfect for beginners and freestylers. Peek over the dunes and you’ll find waves jacking up with the Atlantic swells. The flat water spot is only accessible by boat which the local school called Kook Proof provides. They also run a rescue boat cover service for their guests and students. All levels and styles of kiteboarding are catered for here in an awesome location that benefits from some very reliable conditions and great weather as well!

AIRPORT Porto - Francisco Sá-Carneiro (OPO) is the closest airport (40 km from Esposende). Kook Proof provide the transfer service for people staying in the kite camp (which is included in the price of the kite camp). You can also fly to Lisbon and get a bus straight to Esposende (costing roughly €20 and taking four hours – the vehicles are very comfortable with wifi and electricity), or get the train to Porto and Kook Proof will collect you.

CURRENCY EURO (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8

SCHOOLS KOOK PROOF is open from early April to late October. Operating with a maximum of two students per instructor, they have a full range of equipment available for lessons, rental and to purchase, including Ozone, RRD, Bush, Blankforce and Mystic. Lessons are delivered with full safety boat cover and a taxi boat to get you to the spot. Instructors teach in English, Portuguese, Swedish, Dutch, Norwegian, French, Spanish, German and Polish. Accredited by the IKO www.kookproof.com info@kookproof.com +351 939 990 070

Go wild on the coast Photos: Kook Proof

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER There’s wind all year round in Esposende, but the most consistent time is from early April to late October when the daily 15 to 30 knot winds can be ramped up by the reliable local thermal effects (which doesn’t always come across when looking at forecasts or statistics). The standard wind direction is northwest, usually picking up at midday. If you’re into waves then steady swells provide good summertime conditions from April to September. Water temperatures range from 15 – 22°C / 59 - 71°F depending on the season, so a light wetsuit is required most of the year. Air temperatures range from 11 – 19°C / 51 - 66°F in early and late season to around 30°C / 86°F in the peak months of July and August. The weather is

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Rip the flats!

generally balmy by Northern European standards, but a sweater and a pair of jeans will come in handy after sunset.

OFF THE WATER Esposende is a fairly quiet town but has everything you could need during your vacation, including supermarkets, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, banks and a hospital. The restaurants are pretty affordable so most people eat out. Expect predominantly Portuguese meat and ﬁsh recipes with excellent locally caught seafood. Vegetarians are also well catered for, as are wine drinkers with a wide selection from various Portuguese regions. Nightlife is busy during the summer months with a couple of big nightclubs, but outside of those clubbing hours, the area in general has a very relaxed vibe with plenty of bars and restaurants to wile away the non-kiting hours. Hotels and private accommodation options are available within the town but most kiters stay at Kook Proof’s kite camp which is open throughout the season, offering basic rooms and superior suites that overlook the main kite spot. Windless activities are in plentiful supply. Kook Proof can provide surfboards, SUPs, mountain bike hire and wakeboarding, while horseback riding, golf, day trips to Porto or simply exploring the local expansive and beautiful protected nature reserve are also popular options. Most things in the area are within walking distance but you can also rent bikes or hire a car. Taxis are reasonably cheap (costing about €5 to get to the nightclubs).

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05/03/2016 13:52

118 / EUROPE / PORTUGAL / THE ALGARVE

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

THE ALGARVE PORTUGAL

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: €3 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €10 - 20 / ACCOMMODATION: €60-80

Just a short flight from anywhere in Europe, the Algarve’s coastline extends over 200 kilometres, more than 70% of which is natural reservation. Find long dunes and lagoons on the east coast, sheltered beaches and picturesque rock faces on the central coast and sharp cliffs and big waves in the west where the coastline opens up to the power of the Atlantic. The Algarve is hugely popular with bathers and beachgoers in the high season, however, Portugal’s south and southwest areas offer many more kiting options and less crowded beaches. All levels of rider will find something here, whether it’s big winter wave riding at spots like Carrapateria (which is nice and mellow in summer), or flat water cruising on the lagoons at Alvor. Alternatively there’s the hidden delights of Ria Formosa, only a short boat ride away where you’re free to explore the island chains that are littered with sandbanks, lagoons and alleyways that head to the open ocean. Local knowledge is key here to get the most out of the spots as they change a lot with the tides. Check with Extreme Algarve who have all the info.

AIRPORT Faro (FAO) is in the Algarve, 20 minutes from the beach. Lisbon (LIS) is 230 kilometres from the Algarve. Sevilla (SVQ) is 180 kilometres away.

CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8

SCHOOL EXTREME ALGARVE are now an official Airush operator and are open all year for accommodation, rentals, guided excursions and other activities. They also run guided trips, surf lessons and SUP tours with small groups and a safety boat on-hand. Wave and advanced technique also offered as well as spot advice and local wisdom! www.extremealgarve.com bookings@extremealgarve.com +351 918 674 079

TRAVEL PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 Powered up ripping Photo: Extreme Algarve

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER March to September offers the best wind on the south coast while November to March is best on the west coast. Expect regular 12 - 20 knot breezes that can ramp up to 35 knots in the afternoons, still blowing as late as 7pm. The key is to be ﬂexible as there are plenty of spots that work in the different winds, including the famous Levante wind that comes from Tarifa. West or southwest sea breezes are kiteable on most beaches

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Beautiful lagoon riding Photo: South Adventures

on the ocean side, but pay attention to forbidden kiting signs as the beaches can be packed. Summer temperatures range from 24 - 31°C / 75 - 88°F and in winter 15 – 20°C / 60 - 68°F. Water temperatures: 21 - 24°C / 70 - 75°F in the summer, 15 - 19°C / 59 - 66°F in the winter. Sun lovers will be right at home here with the highest sun exposure rates in Europe (over 300 days a year) and hardly a drop of rain.

OFF THE WATER The Algarve is 180 kilometres from Sevilla and 230 kilometres from Lisbon. Excellent transportation by car, bus, train or plane, so kiting day trips and scenic exploration are easy to organise and hassle free. Car hire is recommended to take advantage of everything. Taxis are easily available, but expensive. Excellent restaurants dot the coast offering traditional Portuguese fare to fresh seafood and more. At night you’ll be spoilt for choice in the Algarve during peak season (June, July and August). Head to Sagres, Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira, Vilamoura, Faro, Tavira or Monte Gordo for more life in the off-season. Places like Lagos are unspoilt gems, retaining small town charisma yet teeming with action at night and satisfying the hungriest of outdoor enthusiasts by day. There’s also a newly opened cable park in Lagos, too. The Algarve’s cities are stunning and you can easily spend days getting lost in them, discovering hidden restaurants, museums and shops. With mountain biking, rock climbing, scuba diving and surﬁng, the Algarve is an action sports playground. Oh... and the scenery is spectacular, too!

07/03/2016 17:46

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119-TG#10-EXTREME+KW.indd 3 Play for The Kite Show and download and watch for free Search the AppStore and Google

08/03/2016 17:37

I 1 2 0 / EU ROPE / SPA IN / TA RI FA I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

TARIFA SPAIN

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: €2 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €10 - 20 / ACCOMMODATION: €10 - 50 p.p.p.n.

Just 14 kilometres across the water from Africa, this vibrant venue in Andalucia lies at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas. Strong, reliable, yearround winds and the beaches, such as Los Lances (just outside of town) are wide, open (ten kilometres long), obstacle free and made of soft sand. There are more than 15 official schools and over 40 kitesurfing related business in town as well as many top PKRA riders (including men’s and women’s Champions, such as Liam Whaley, Alex Pastor and Gisela Pulido who also live in Tarifa, so the standard of riding is very high, but there’s very little attitude. July and August can see a thousand kiters on the water in the several kilometres of beach around Tarifa, so it’s important to observe the rules and respect each rider. If the wind gets too strong or offshore, then head elsewhere as there’s everything from ﬂat water to bump ‘n’ jump to occasionally classic cross-off down-the-line wave conditions to onshore waveriding options. Head an hour north to Canos de Meca for a better chance at quality wave conditions, or when the Levante wind is too strong in Tarifa. Another option is to head east to Palmones. There are plenty of spots. Get the full low down from a shop when you arrive.

AIRPORT Malaga (AGP) is a 90 minute drive from Tarifa with many cheap flight options. Jerez (XRY) is a smaller airport but only about a 60 minute drive from Tarifa. Gibraltar (GIB) is the closest airport to Tarifa, just 30 minutes away - make sure you collect your car from the Spanish side of the border to avoid queues when returning.

CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1=1.3 / $1= 0.9

SCHOOLS ION CLUB teach all levels, all year at a maximum ratio of 4:1, based at their centre in Valdevaqueros. A massive range of North gear is available for rent and they provide safety boat cover, equipment storage, windsurfing, SUP and surf lessons. www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.net +34 619 340913 / +49 (0) 881 925 4960

Valdevaqueros, August Photo: Kiteworld

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Two wind patterns operate in the area. The Poniente wind comes from the west and is cross-onshore. It’s super-consistent, rarely gets too strong and brings good weather. The Levante wind comes from the east and is cross-off on the main beach at Los Lances, gusty and sometimes very, very strong, however, in season rescue

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Ruben Lenten looping off the old town Photo: KiteWorldWide

boats do operate for some school clients and you can buy rescue tokens if you are already a kiter. Valdevaqueros is more cross-shore in the Levante and the bay curves round to catch you should you drift downwind. Poniente is more frequent in autumn and winter and is great when combined with strong Atlantic swells. The Levante blows day and night for longer periods and is frequent in summer (and isn’t always too strong - as its reputation might have you believe). The stats don’t paint a true picture of summer and there’s usually enough to at least get out on a 12 with the local effects. If the wind gets too strong or offshore then check out another beach as, in general, there isn’t much of a tide to worry about apart from during big spring tides or in winter when a lagoon forms in the dunes of the main beach, which occasionally you’re allowed to ride. Take all your kites due to the large variation in wind strengths. Air temperatures are pleasant all year, but can dip to 14°C / 57°F in January and reach highs of 38°C / 100°F in July / August. Averaging 15 to 20°C / 59 68°F November to April and 25 to 30°C / 77 - 86°F in spring and autumn, this really is an excellent venue for most of the year. The water gets warm in the summer so you’ll need only boardies or a shortie wetsuit but it feels much cooler in the winter when you’ll need a spring suit. The average is 15 - 18°C / 59 64°F throughout the year.

OFF THE WATER There’s ample accommodation on offer, from boutique hotels in town to beach hotels, mid-range and budget hostels, campsites and a broad range of self-catering villas, apartments and

07/03/2016 17:55

HURRICANE HOTEL JERI JERICOACOARA, BRAZIL

WWW.HOTEL-HURRICANE-JERICOACOARA.COM +55 88 9766 5968

HOTEL HURRICANE, TARIFA, SPAIN WWW.HOTELHURRICANE.COM +34 956 684 919

PUNTA SUR, TARIFA, SPAIN

WWW.HOTELPUNTASUR.COM +34 956 684 326

TUMBAO, VALDEVAQUEROS BEACH

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I 1 2 2 / EU ROPE / SPA IN / TA R I FA I ACCOMMODATION HURRICANE HOTEL is situated directly on Los Lances beach. Built in a Moorish style and set in sub-tropical gardens, it has spectacular views as well as a superb restaurant, pool, sauna and gym. www.hotelhurricane.com / info@ hotelhurricane.com +34 956 684 919 HOTEL PUNTA SUR www.hotelpuntasur.com info@hotelpuntasur.com +34 956 68 43 26 KITEWORLDWIDE have a large townhouse with an atrium in the middle of it with a beautiful open courtyard. Each studio within the house has a bathroom and kitchenette. www.kiteworldwide.com / info@ kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 ROOM TARIFA hotel is based right in the middle of the beautiful old town, perfectly positioned for long, lazy evenings in a cool environment. www.roomtarifa.com reservas@roomtarifa.com (+34) 956 68 22 29

TRAVEL AGENTS ION CLUB www.ion-club.net +49 (0)881 925 4960 PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777

Mojito sunset party, Valdevaqueros Photo: Kiteworld

Hurricane Hotel

houses. Some schools operate an overall to get to the kite spots (traffic can be package, too. bad in the summer). Tarifa really comes to life at night There’s plenty to do besides kiting and food wise there’s everything from with fantastic mountain biking, horse incredible authentic tapas to high class riding, climbing and incredible views cuisine or pizzas. As well as being a across to Africa and the Atlas Mountains. superb venue for young kiters to unwind You can also play golf, go paragliding, and party, the Spanish way of life also fishing, surfing or SUPing and more sees children happily playing and besides and there’s even a cable park socialising with the rest of the family late in nearby Marbella. This is an actioninto the night outside restaurants, too. packed hotspot for all! Head to Vaca Loca for steak (although it’s only small and very popular) or our own favourite tapas restaurant, Lolas. For nightlife, choose from rammed dance clubs to laid back bars. There are also a few options on the way to the beaches if you don’t BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN THE CENTER OF want to venture into TARIFA CITY {KITESURF PARADISE} town and ION Club at Valdevaqueros KITE LESSONS, KITE RENTAL, DIVING, MOUNTAIN is a great place to BIKING, MOROCCO AND ANDALUSIAN EXCURSIONS, hang out after a kite HORSES, FISHING TRIPS, WHALE WATCHING AND GOLF. session. There are various supermarkets with similar produce to the rest of Europe and the traditional Spanish meats, cheeses and fresh seafood in the supermarkets are excellent. Everything in town is within Tel: (+34) 956 68 22 29 ~ (+34) 629 27 56 49 ~ (+34) 605 09 38 28 walking distance but reservas@roomtarifa.com www.roomtarifa.com you’ll need a hire car

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07/03/2016 17:55

GET OUT MORE...

THE KITE AND WINDSURFING GUIDES & NAVIGATOR+

www.stoked-publications.com

I 124 / EUROPE / SPAIN / COSTA BRAVA / GIRONA / SANT PERE PESCADOR I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

SANT PERE PESCADOR GIRONA, SPAIN

The huge sandy beach at La Ballena Alegra

great atmosphere. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll get a session with friendly chesthigh waves, too. The afternoon sea breezes of high summer months offer virtually guaranteed 15 knot onshore kiting in the bay, meaning it’s very popular, so think about booking in late spring / early summer or late summer / early autumn. There’s still a good chance of sea breezes and the southern winds (side-on, from the right) are still kicking in, as well as the occasional 25 knot alldayer. The best spots are at the northern part of the bay near Sant Pere town where you’ll ﬁnd a safe place to park and set up your gear as well as kite shops, cafés and the most constant winds. Punting off a kicker Photo: ION Club

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER: €2 (75cl) / RESTAURANT MEAL: €14 - 18 / ACCOMMODATION: €20 (bungalow camping) €30 (apartment / rural country house) €80 – 200 (hotel) p.p.p.n.

Sant Pere has a long, sandy seven kilometre beach. No tides and no currents, conditions are lakeside safe with bump ‘n’ jump chop a bit further off the shore. It’s a freeride paradise for intermediates and anyone who just enjoys getting on the water, hence the

AIRPORT Girona Costa Brava (GNA) is 60 kilometres / 50 minutes by car (known to Ryan Air as Barcelona-Girona). Barcelona (BCN) is 155 kilometres / 90 minutes to two hours away.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Sea breezes peak at 14 to 18 knots on a hot July afternoon for about three or four hours. So relax or do something else until after lunch. For semi-deserted beaches and an assortment of sea breezes and southerly force ﬁves and sixes visit in April, May or September through October. Bring your 12 through eight metre kites (include your 14 and you will

CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8 VISA, Mastercard, etc. accepted. ATMs charge varying amounts - check with your bank. Tipping is optional but it’s recommended to leave a polite amount.

Stunning coastline Photo: Kite Experience

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08/03/2016 14:36

KITER’S FAMILY HOLIDAY PARADISE C O S TA B R AVA , S PAI N

Many years ago, since the beginning of the kite sport, lots of our actual clients found in the Bay of Roses a wonderful sandy beach right in front of Camping La Ballena Alegre, Sant Pere Pescador, where thermal winds blow daily during the summer months between 8 and 18 knots onshore and from time to time the strong Garbi and Tramuntana winds blowing side-on. Over the years we became a camping of higher category recommended and awarded for several times by ADAC as “camping of the year”.

With exclusively designed bungalows and pitches for caravans and motor-homes right next to the beach, we are ideally located for families practicing water sports. Here the kiters practice their favorite sport in safe conditions, meanwhile the rest of the family enjoys a wonderful holiday using our facilities: beach, swimming pools, restaurants, kids-animation, entertainment, sight-seeing and a lot more. We closely work together with ION CLUB Golf de Roses centre wich is directly located in our Camping & Bungalowpark.

La Ballena Alegre Costa Brava 17470 Sant Pere Pescador Tel. +34 972 520 302 (Girona) Spain Camping & Bungalow Park www.ballena-alegre.com La Ballena Ad-1.indd 1

Tel. +34 687 455 182 www.ionclubgolfderoses.com

05/03/2016 16:51

I 126 / EUROPE / SPAIN / COSTA BRAVA / GIRONA / SANT PERE PESCADOR I SCHOOLS KITE EXPERIENCE teach all levels from April to October at a maxium ratio of 4:1 (booking recommended). The latest North and Best gear is available for lessons, rentals or to buy. Safety boat cover is provided and in the height of season lessons are often run from the boats in the bay in masses of space. SUP, SUP-yoga, all-girl kite camps, hydrofoil experience, bike rental, accommodation and gear repair also offered. www.kiteexperience.com info@kiteexperience.com School: +34 637 37 42 75 Shop: +34 656 36 57 95 ION CLUB Golf de Roses offer their usual high level of service, quality instruction for all levels as well as North / Ion rental gear for kitesurfing, windsurfing and SUP. www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.net +49 (0) 881 925 4960

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 ION CLUB www.ion-club.net +49 (0)881 925 4960

Kiteworld’s editor at an Airush product launch Photo: Kiteworld

kite every day). Spring suits are needed in the low season for wind chill. Summer temperatures get up to 30 - 35°C / 86 - 95°F. Spring and autumn highs are usually in the twenties with an average of 15°C / 60°F. You may need a hoody / jacket at night in the spring and autumn. The water temperatures are around 20°C / 68°F for most of the summer.

OFF THE WATER It’s a popular tourist destination so there’s everything from luxury hotels to family hotels, rental apartments and houses ranging through to excellent rural digs, from downright classy to rather more modest. Most kiters opt for local campsites like the very well equipped La Ballena Alegre, offering comfort, peace and quiet, a 100 yard (max) walk to the beach and a wide range of facilities, such as swimming pools, buffet dining, watersports, bike hire and more. Culinary levels are high, quality is excellent and portions are generous without being Texan. This area has two famous Michelin star restaurants and their influence shows in town and more rurally. The local wines are fantastic.

Campsite restaurants are usually of a pretty decent standard, too. For lunch most restaurants offer a three-course special including a glass of wine for €9. The ‘gourmet’ version will run up to €25. The local campsites have supermarkets as do nearby towns. There’s beautiful countryside within 20 minutes of town with the Pyrenees just 50 kilometres away and the rugged bays and hills of Cap de Creus are far more verdant that most people’s idea of Spain. Other alternatives: vineyard wine tasting, watersports, a waterpark, horse riding or visit the wind tunnel at nearby Empuriabrava, the biggest skydiving centre in Europe. The nearby cities of Figueres and Girona are within 45 minutes drive and there’s open air music in the summer, beach parties and a handful of nightclubs in town.

Photo: Kite Experience

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08/03/2016 14:36

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05/03/2016 19:09

I 1 2 8 / EU ROPE / CA N A RY ISL A ND S / F U ERT EV ENT U RA (NO RT H ) / F LA G B EAC H I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“Fuerteventura is a very special place with everything from pumping waves to kicker freestyle at Flag Beach and flat lagoons if you know where to look. Deciding which toys to put in your car is the hardest part. Fuerte will rarely disappoint.” TOM COURT, NORTH PRO RIDER

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €3 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €15 / ACCOMMODATION: From €20 p.p.p.n.

AIRPORT Fuerteventura Puerto del Rosario (FUE) airport. Flag Beach / Corralejo is a 30 minute drive and taxis, buses and hire cars are available from the airport.

CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8 All the cash facilities you’d expect in Europe.

SCHOOLS FLAG BEACH is open 365 days a year. The latest North gear is available for hire and a rescue boat is at hand for all lessons (also available for €30 for unlimited use by private kiters, too). Windsurfing, SUP and surfing lessons as well as rentals are also available. Languages spoken by instructors: English, Spanish, German, French, Polish and Italian Accredited by: VDWS (also with IKO certified instructors) www.flagbeach.com info@flagbeach.com +34 9288 66389

TRAVEL AGENT PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

FLAG BEACH FUERTEVENTURA ON THE WATER Flag Beach is just outside the bustling tourist town of Corralejo and is the most open, golden-sand, beach in the north. The north of the island features a multitude of beaches with many smaller beaches than the south as well as pretty coves that offer a variety of conditions with lovely ﬂat turquoise waters and steady cross-shore winds in the summer. Flag Beach is a long beach with reefs at both ends that go roughly 50 metres out to sea. The beach is separated with kiters riding more upwind and windsurfers downwind in front of the Flag Beach centre. El Cotillo on the west coast has more rocky outcrops every hundred metres or so. It’s a great spot in the summer but has a bit more of a current than Flag Beach. In the winter it’s a prime wave spot, attracting some of Europe’s best wave kiters. Glass Beach (Playa del Burro) is in a nature reserve about ﬁve kilometres from Corralejo and is perfect for wave riding. All spots are tidal and work on a mid-to high-tide.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The NE winds blow from the left at Flag Beach and summer is the best time for wind. The trades can start to blow as early as March and remain solid through to September. Nines and 12s are the most common kites. Winter brings changeable conditions; lots of onshore winds but also waves (bigger in the north of the island than the south and the east coast can throw up some good waves even in summer). Bring bigger kites to kite regularly at this time, but there can also be epic wind and wave days. On average there are three to four days a

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Flag Beach drone Photo: Gunnar Biniasch / Core

week of wind. Air temperatures go from 28°C / 82°F in summer to 22°C / 70°F in winter. The water temperature is around 22°C / 72°F in the summer and 18°C / 64°F in the winter.

OFF THE WATER Accommodation options in Corralejo are mainly self-catered apartments from €20 p.p.p.n. Hostels are also available in the town, as well as a few four star hotels, a luxury five-star and plenty of villas. There isn’t as much accommodation in Cotillo, but there are some quiet villages like Lajares in between Cotillo and Corralejo that have plenty of self-catering bungalows and are worth checking out as they are popular with kiters thanks to the rustic, relaxed vibe. Corralejo is a busy tourist town and has everything you will need, including a couple of large supermarkets in the Spanish part of the town. Find cheaper stores with more variety off the main streets. Lajares, halfway between Corralejo and Cotillo, is an up and coming village within the surf community with funky restaurants and bars with regular live music. Snorkeling, scuba diving, mountain biking and deep sea fishing are popular and surfing and SUP are especially good in the winter months. Quad bike excursions are also available and Corralejo has a water park and more. Alternatively, catch a ferry over to Lobos island or take a day trip to Lanzarote. It only takes two hours to drive the length of the island, so it’s worth hiring a car, especially to get to the most tuckedaway surf spots. Taxis will drop you off at the beach, but you may have a walk to find one when you’re trying to get back.

08/03/2016 13:51

WALLPAPERS TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR DAY AT:

WWW.KITEWORLDMAG.COM

Photo: Pierre Bouras / Liquideye

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08/03/2016 21:11

I 1 3 0 / E U R O P E / F U E R T E V E N T U R A / C A N A R Y I S L A N D S / P L AYA S O TAV E N T O I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“You think to yourself, ‘Am I really in Europe?’ The water is so clear and the colours are insane. Fuerteventura is also the only Canary Island with beautiful, white sand beaches.” ALBERTO RONDINHA, CABRINHA PRO RIDER

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €0.50 - €2 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €8+ / ACCOMMODATION: €45 – 75 pppn.

AIRPORT Puerto del Rosario airport is about 75 kilometres / one hour north. A taxi from the airport to Sotavento costs around €65, or you can rent a car from the airport.

CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8

SCHOOLS RENE EGLI FUERTEVENTURA exclusively offer courses for all levels, all year, on the sea or the tidal lagoon. Reserve your lessons before your journey to guarantee availability and get a pre-payment price reduction. Maximum teaching ratio is 3:1 and the whole spot is supervised by lifeguards in watchtowers. Safety cover and teaching provided on jet-skis. Rent Cabrinha gear if you have IKO level 3 (or you can have your level assessed). Gear storage available. Accredited by: IKO www.rene-egli.com with live webcam info@rene-egli.com +34 928 54 74 83

RENE EGLI TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001

PLAYA SOTAVENTO

FUERTEVENTURA, CANARY ISLANDS ON THE WATER A funnel-effect ramps the wind up in Sotavento all year and a huge expanse of sand over a four kilometre long beach makes for an incredible kiting back drop. The kiting area in front of the recently renovated Rene Egli kite centre is a ﬂat water and bump ‘n’ jump spot, expanded by a tidal, waist-deep lagoon. For your convenience there are air compressors, fresh-water showers, lifeguards supervising the spot from watchtowers and jet-ski rescue craft at the centre. Flat water is the name of the game here but for waves just head an hour to the north of the island where you’ll ﬁnd waves in winter.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER 80% of the winds at Playa Sotavento are cross-offshore and strongest from May September. The thermals in mid-summer can get strong and in July and August the wind speed can occasionally peak at 40 knots! For learning, the best period is from September – June when the most popular kite sizes are eight to 14 metres. In the summer months expect to ride six to ten metre kite sizes most often. Average monthly air temperatures range from 19°C / 66°F in January, to 28°C / 82°F in August. In winter evenings you may need a sweater and long trousers when temperatures can drop to 12°C / 54°F. The water temperature difference all year is just 5°C, rising from 18°C / 64°F in February to 23°C / 74°F in September.

star Meliã Gorriones hotel is the only accommodation actually on Sotavento beach with spacious rooms, whether you’re staying half-board or all inclusive, mostly with sea views. It’s just a short walk to the kite centre situated in a palm oasis at the foot of the hotel. There are several supermarkets for provisions while the Fuerte Action Café-Bistro-bar is popular for snacks during the day or for hanging out with a cocktail in the evening. For a more hectic nightlife head an hour north to Corralejo. Various restaurants in the area offer all kinds of food from traditional to international cuisine. All René Egli clients can use SUP boards free of charge and further afield there’s biking, diving, hiking, quad-tours, enduro tours, catamaran sailing or excellent surfing on the north shore. The Oasis Park zoo is also close by. In terms of getting around you have options. Expect to pay from €100 per week for a hire car if you book it from the airport, or €35 per day from your destination. Rene Egli clients have a shuttle service included for free to the kite centre from Costa Calma, Esquinzo and Jandia and public buses will transport you the five minute journey from Costa Calma to Sotavento for roughly €2. A taxi will be more like €5.

OFF THE WATER Costa Calma village has a range of accommodation options, from private apartments to four star hotels. The four

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Warm, windy conditions on the Sotavento lagoon All photos: Tom Brendt

07/03/2016 18:17

Kiteboarding Holidays 2016 by

OPEN

365 days

Lagoon accesses (tidal)

Kite-Zone Classes & Rental

Gorriones-Lagoon-Shuttle

~ 1,5 km

Swimming-Zone

Classes & Rental Exclusive licence for the lagoon

~ 750 m

Windsurf-Zone Classes & Rental ~ 1,5 km

Official windsurfing & kitesurfing school

WindsurfCenter

Kite-Center

Material 2016 650 kites

Federación Canaria de Vela

250 kiteboards 1000 sails 450 boards

Top Spot

Top Material

Top Classes

Top Hotel

Pleasant temperatures all year long and consistently prevailing winds at our Kite Center, situated directly at the World Cup Spot.

The latest 2016 equipment of Cabrinha 650 kites and 250 boards, completely exchanged every 6-12 months. Furthermore the use of SUPBoards is included free of charge.

With only a maximum of 3 students per instructor either in the lagoon or on the sea with jet-ski assistance, you obtain fast learning progress for all levels.

Hotel Meliã Gorriones****+ is an inviting oasis on the south-eastern coast of Fuerteventura with a pristine oceanfront location.

On our homepage you find more information, our rotating live-webcam & comfortable booking system E-Mail: info@rene-egli.com

rene-egli.com

Tel: +34 928 54 74 83

All replaced every 6-12 months

I 1 3 2 / E U R O P E / I TA LY / L A K E G A R D A I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

LAKE GARDA ITALY J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“Lake Garda is such a unique place to ride; huge mountains on all sides and wind every day, plus amazing people and good food.” YOURI ZOON, SLINGSHOT AND BRUNOTTI PRO RIDER, 2011 & 2012 PKRA WORLD CHAMPION

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €3.50 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €12 - 40 / ACCOMMODATION: €10 – 200 p.p.p.n.

AIRPORT Milan / Bergamo (BGY) is an hour and 40 minutes drive. Hire cars from Sixt or Hertz for around €20 per day. Verona / Brescia (VBS) is a little closer. Getting to Limone by bus will take twice the time.

CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8 A 10% tip isn’t compulsory, but is expected at restaurants.

SCHOOLS WIND RIDERS teach all levels from April to October using Headzone helmets and video coaching for advanced clinics. Max ratio 3:1 but private lessons are available. Using North equipment, all lessons are run from boats. New rental gear includes foilboards, raceboards, skimboards and wake-skates. Languages spoken by staff: English, German, Italian, Dutch and French. www.windriders.eu info@windriders.eu +39 348 897 5467

Lake Garda is a treat for your eyes, mind, belly and kitesurfing muscles! All photos: Wind Riders

ON THE WATER Located in nothern Italy, Lake Garda is the largest lake in the country, measuring 51 kilometres at its longest point, and almost 17 kilometres at its widest. The spot at Limone has stable thermal wind from two directions and loads of space. Situated at the north end of the lake it’s the best spot for ﬂat water in the morning and stronger winds in the afternoon. You can only access it by boat so the spot stays quiet, even in high season. Even if the lake is ﬂat calm in the afternoon you can get a steady breeze here. An important factor to note is that all watersports participants are required to wear a life jacket on Lake Garda. If you take a boat ride from one of the schools in Limone (who conduct most of their lessons from a boat) then gear rental is usually included free of charge, so there’s no need to bring your own, giving you the opportunity to try something new.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The north (Peler) wind blows all year, strongest in April, May, September and October, often up to 25 or 30 knots, but also blows on 75% of days for the remaining months. Strongest in the morning, most kiters will use seven or nine metre kites before switching to bigger sizes in the afternoon as the wind switches more southerly (Ora wind). Ora wind is strongest May to September, but usually blows enough for a good session for 70% of days each month. A day with no wind at all is rare and in 2014 there have been years in which there weren’t two days in

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a row recorded without wind. Bring a long wetsuit for March, April and October, a shorty through summer and then just boardies in July and August. April and October temperatures can vary from 15 – 25ºC / 59 – 77ºF and in the summer they max at around 38ºC / 100ºF, although there’s occasionally a chill in the evening. Water temperatures range from 12ºC / 50ºF degrees in March to 22ºC / 78ºF in summer.

OFF THE WATER From luxury lake-side hotels to B&Bs and serene campsites next to the kite spots, there’s a lot to choose from. The kite hotel Villa Romantica has a sauna with lake view for a perfect ‘after kite’ chill out (especially in the colder months) and in the summer the beach bar makes the best Italian aperitifs. Hire a car or use the ferry or bus to visit bigger towns. North of Limone you’ll ﬁnd all the sporty young people (watersports riders, hikers, climbers and mountainbikers) and to the south is a much quieter vibe. There are lots of towns worth visiting around the lake, while Milan, Verona and Venice are also within reach (2.5 hours). There’s also catamaran and dinghy sailing or SUP (even at night with special SUP lights). Limone isn’t a party town, but it has lively beach beach bars and is very social, so don’t worry about travelling alone. The closest ‘large’ town is Riva, ten kilometres north. Explore the mountains by hiking or biking, see the operas in Verona 90 minutes away or try anything from wakeboarding, mountain biking, hiking, paragliding, beach volleyball and theme parks, or go shopping, visit castles and check out modern art museums.

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Beach Lounge Lake Garda, Italy

www.WindRiders.eu

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I 1 3 4 / E U R O P E / I T A LY / G I Z Z E R I A / C A L A B R I A I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“We’ve never seen anywhere quite like Hangloose Beach. Super regular and steady 12 metre weather in the afternoons, and if you want to learn to foil it’s insane... and then the parties on the beach! It’s seemingly always packed with fun party people and DJs!” JIM GAUNT, KITEWORLD EDITOR

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €2.50 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €10 - 20 / ACCOMMODATION: €25 p.p.p.n.

AIRPORT Lamezia Terme international (SUF) is just three kilometres from Gizzeria with lots of low costs airlines flying in from all across Europe. The best option is to rent a car but Hang Loose Beach can organise your transfers.

CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8

SCHOOLS HANG LOOSE BEACH teach all levels from April – September with a max student / instructor ratio of 2:1. The centre provides a rescue boat, hot showers, a lawn to wash equipment, equipment rental, surf shop, restaurant and bar... and incredible parties on the beach! Languages spoken by staff: English and Italian. www.hangloosebeach.com lucahlb@gmail.com +39 338 951 1693

CALABRIA ITALY

Beautiful summertime conditions most afternoons! Photos: Kiteworld

ON THE WATER

OFF THE WATER

Gizzeria is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea and has fantastic learning conditions. Miles of obstacle-free beach and no danger of being lost at sea as Gizzeria lies within the Gulf of Lamezia Terme. Within a 30 minute drive there are other good beginner spots on the Ionian Sea at Steccato di Cutro. Although ideal for beginners, Gizzeria attracts a lot of pro riders too thanks to the regular conditions. Each year Hang Loose Beach host an international riding competition called the ‘Aloha Surf and Beach Party’ in July, featuring concerts and all night parties as well as an international competition. It has also become host of world class racing events and on top of that there’s also a good wave spot a kilometre upwind called Caposuvero that you could score.

Even close to the kite spot there are many options, from hotels and apartments to farm buildings along the coast. All budgets and tastes are catered for. The food is typical Calabrese cuisine and, as you’d expect in Italy, there are some delicious options with many restaurants and bars in the area. We had some incredible pasta ourselves, thanks to Luca’s chef at Hang Loose Beach when we were there (in fact we’re still dreaming about it!) You’ll need to hire a car to get around. The airport is just a ﬁve minute drive from the spot and, although there is a restaurant at Hang Loose Beach, most of the accommodation is at least a kilometre away. Hang Loose Beach also offers other watersports to help you enjoy the beautiful Calabrian Sea and you can visit other seaside towns, such as Tropea, Capo Vaticano or Lace, all within an hour’s drive and populated with ancient architecture and scenes. Within a four hour boat ride you can check out the beautiful Aeolian Islands, or take a trip to the unspoilt mountains just a few kilometres away. Many routes around Calabria hold a lot of cultural and historical value with some breathtaking scenery.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER The best conditions are from April to September in the prevailing northwest cross-onshore wind with ﬂat waters. April, May, June and September can also experience the Scirocco wind from the southeast which blows cross-off and stronger from 25 – 35 knots and super ﬂat water. The winds can be strong in the winter but are more frontal than thermal, so not as regular but there can be good wave conditions. In the summer the most popular kites are 12 or nine metres and the weather is very pleasant. There’s a little rain in the spring, but it’s full on sunshine in the summer. Spring temperatures vary between 15 – 22ºC / 59 – 72ºF and, in summer, from 22 33ºC / 72 – 91ºF. The water temperature through the main season ranges from 18 - 23ºC / 64 – 73ºF.

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Coastal scenes within short drives

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I 136 / EUROPE / GREECE / KEROS / LIMNOS I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“I seriously love Limnos (enough to go back twice in one summer)! When the Meltemi kicks in, Keros Bay has it all, from super flat water to the kickers downwind.” POLLY CRATHORNE, CABRINHA UK RIDER

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €2 – 3 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €10 - 15 / ACCOMMODATION: €15 – 30 p.p.p.n in the surf camp

AIRPORT Limnos International Airport (LXS) is ten minutes from Keros and regularly served by direct charter flights. Otherwise, fly budget airlines into Athens (ATH), Thessaloniki (SKG), Rhodes (RHO) or Lesvos (MJT) and catch a domestic connection to Limnos, via Aegean Airlines or Sky Express.

CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8 Most places do not accept credit or debit cards, so cash is essential. Surf Club Keros can accept PayPal and online credit/debit payments.

SCHOOLS SURF CLUB KEROS LODGE AND SPA teach all levels from May to October at 2:1 max ratio. Offering brand new 2016 Cabrinha gear, they also do rentals and gear sales. Rescue cover is provided to clients, plus there are daily refresher clinics and regular downwinders. Windsurfing, SUP and mountainbiking also offered. Languages spoken by staff: English, Greek, Bulgarian, German, French and sometimes more. ACCREDITED BY: IKO www.surfclubkeros.com bookings@surfclubkeros.gr +30 694 415 6679

LIMNOS GREECE ON THE WATER Keros is a safe, sandy three kilometre kitesurfing bay with a variety of conditions, suitable for all levels. Experience Greece as it was before mass-tourism, with friendly people, good food and tradition. Combine this with the famous Meltemi wind and turquoise waters and it’s kitesurfing paradise. Keros beach offers three different spots in one bay: a super flat section at the north end where you can ride just feet from the shore, a bump ‘n’ jump section in the middle and a small (two to four foot) wave spot at the south end. No matter what happens you’ll end up back on the beach further round the bay. Sandy and shallow, you can stand up safely in most places up to 80 metres from the beach. In southerly winds the conditions reverse; with the flat section in the south of the bay and waves in the north. Red Rock beach also has small waves with side-shore winds. In spring and autumn Gomati can produce the best waves in a strong northeaster. The Meltemi blows all season, most consistently in summer, but spring and autumn are also good fun with mixed conditions and waves. The wind usually kicks in early, picking up between 9 and 10am, peaking somewhere between 11 and 4pm, before gradually dropping and switching slightly offshore.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER In June, July and August the Meltemi comes from the north/northeast and from other directions in spring and autumn with bigger waves. Nines are

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Polly Crathorne Photos: Surf Club Keros

the most popular kite size. There are 280 days of sun a year and mid-summer water temperatures are: 23 – 24°C / 73 – 75°F. Bring boardies in July and August, a shorty for May, June and September and a 3/2mm in April and October.

OFF THE WATER There’s eco-friendly accommodation at Surf Camp Keros with luxury safari tents as well as clean but basic mini safari tents (both options allow you to check the conditions from bed!). Apartments are also available in Kalliopi village with more accommodation options within a ﬁve to ten minute drive away. Kontopouli village is close by, Kalliopi is three kilometres away and Kontopouli is a little further with ATMs, supermarkets, tavernas and bars. The distance from the Surf Camp to the beach is about an 800 metre walk. Most people hire mountain bikes or scooters, but it’s worth hiring a car for at least a few days to take a trip around the island. People usually eat at the restaurant within the Surf Club camping grounds, which serves traditional Mediterranean cuisine, buffet or a la carte. There’s also a Tiki bar at SCK. Elsewhere there are other options for lovely local food if you want to get out of camp. Loads of activities are available at Surf Club Keros, from spas and yoga to mountain biking, kayak excursions and snorkelling. Book the weekly ‘All Sports’ programme for two guided activities per day; do exercise and get to know the island at the same time. Safe, fun and open conditions in the bay, offering variety at each end

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138 / AUSTRALASIA

Penghu Island, Taiwan Photo: Marina Chen

AUSTRALASIA FEATURING:

SRI LANKA TAIWAN AUSTRALIA

Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka Photo: De Silva

I 139 I Cocos Islands, Australia Photo: Zephyr

Noosa, Australia Photo: Adventure Sports

I 140 / ASIA / SRI LANKA / KALPITIYA I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

KALPITIYA SRI LANKA J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

3 Fantastic lagoons Photo: De Silva

“The ‘Secret Spot’ (Vela Island) is the best place I’ve ever ridden by a long way! A boat ride mission through the bay or downwind with your crew and experience blow-dryer smooth wind and kilometre-upon-kilometre of butter-flat water!” CRAIG CUNNINGHAM, NORTH KITEBOARDING PRO RIDER

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: LKR450 RESTAURANT MEAL: LKR700 - 1000 ACCOMMODATION: LKR5,400 – 23,000

AIRPORT Colombo (CMB) - Kalpitiya is a two-and-ahalf hour drive from there. Transfers can be organised by your school or tour operator at around 55 euros for the vehicle.

ON THE WATER Just north of the Equator and located off the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka isn’t the first country on many kiters’ lips when it comes to reeling off top kitesurfing destinations, but the Kalpitiya region in the secluded northwest of the country is changing that! Now rapidly up and coming, those who have visited the area often return home hailing Kalpitiya as one of the best kiteboarding destinations in the world. Featuring consistent winds throughout the year, a multitude of flat water spots, a point that can kick up onshore swell depending on the season, and around 100 kilometres of liquid playground to be covered on downwinders, it’s easy to see why it’s becoming so popular! The main spot is Kalpitiya Lagoon, otherwise known as ‘Big Lagoon’ which is just outside town and the

Photo: Kitesurfing Lanka

most frequently kited lagoon in the area. Working best between June and September when the trade winds come from the northeast, conditions are flat, spacious and shallow, so very popular with both learners and more advanced riders. The other main spot is Kappaladay Lagoon, which is smaller but still an awesome spot that works best in the summer months when the trade winds blow from the southwest. Both of these spots have rescue boats that you’re also entitled to use if you’re involved with a local school or centre, but there really isn’t too much that can go badly wrong as the wind blows from the sea into the protected lagoons which are separated from the open ocean by a sandbar. You’ll find more spots further north that can be accessed by 4x4. A downwinder can also be arranged from the secluded Vela Island, taking you through some of the most remote and deserted lagoons you’re likely to experience!

WIND, WEATHER, WATER Chillin’ at the lodge Photo: KiteWorldWide

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Kalpitiya is very reliable for wind, blowing all year due to the same seasonal trade winds that service other classic Indian Ocean destinations, such as Kenya

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I 142 / ASIA / SRI LANKA / KALPITIYA I CURRENCY Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) - £1 = LKR207 / $1 = LKR145 / €1 - LKR157

SCHOOLS DE SILVA is a very popular and long established watersports centre in Sri Lanka with instruction available for all levels of rider in English, German and Singhalese. All instructors are VDWS qualified and there is a large selection of kit for sale or rent from Ozone, Slingshot, Gaastra or Zian. Kite storage is on offer and there’s a comfortable rooftop chill out area with 4G wifi as well. They also offer guided tours to the local islands. www.surfschool-srilanka.com office@surfschool-srilanka.com +94 777 047 817 +94 324 934 076 KITEWORLDWIDE lodge is on the beach with comfortable rooms, fitted to a European standard. A full service agent, they offer modern bungalows that are integrated into the surrounding landscape, each with four comfortable rooms. All rooms have a terrace or balcony with views over the lagoon. As well as a restaurant and sun loungers there’s a volleyball court and of course the kite centre with storage space. A daily shuttle takes you to the spot and back while your gear is transported in the KiteWorldWide pick-up. www.kiteworldwide.com info@kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 KITESURFING LANKA is another outstanding and popular specialist kitesurfing resort. All-inclusive packages offer you a hassle-free holiday, including airport transfers, holiday planning in Sri Lanka, equipment rental, lessons and kite repairs to the finer things, such as customised meal plans, activities for non-kiters, yoga and massage. www.kitesurfinglanka.com info@kitesurfinglanka.com +94 773 686 235

Spreading the kiteboarding thrills Photo: De Silva

or Mauritius. There are two seasons in Kalpitiya: the summer season runs from May until late September / early October with stronger onshore breezes of 25+ knots for five or six days a week. The winter season begins in mid-December and ends in early April. The wind is just as frequent but a bit lighter, so you’ll need a bigger kite at that time of year. It’s unlikely that you’ll be feeling a chill during your stay with average air temperatures of 30°C / 86°F and water temperatures of 26°C / 79°F!

OFF THE WATER Accommodation options are varied and many visiting kiters choose to stay in the kite camps that are close to the main kite spots where you can rent a small cabin or palm frond covered canvas tent (it’s better than it sounds, trust us) for around 30 euros a night which also includes your meals throughout the day. A number of operators, like De Silva, Kitesurfing Lanka and KiteWorldWide also offer

very comfortable accommodation with optional instructional packages. It is possible to rent a house in the area, but there aren’t many available. In terms of nightlife and restaurants, options are pretty limited but there are often parties and BBQs at the various camps – in fact the social scene in Kalpitiya revolves around these. You won’t find any nightclubs to tear it up in, but the only people who really travel here are kiters, so you know you’ll find some fun, like-minded people. Given the consistency of the wind in Kalpitiya during the season, you might feel the need to just chill out and relax by the lagoon if the wind doesn’t blow, but for those with a more adventurous spirit there are other things to enjoy. Most of the centres offer SUP rental, or for something completely different take a visit to the Willpattu National Park to see elephants in their natural habitat. The UNESCO heritage site, the lost city of Anuradhapura is also quite close.

Donkey Point kite loop Photo: KiteWorldWide

TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090

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08/03/2016 13:55

SRI LANKA’S EPIC KITING COMPANY

KITESURFING + SRI LANKA = KITESURFING LANKA!

• Amazing conditions • Luxury chalets to backpacker tents • Affordable rates • Sri Lankan & Western Cuisine • Chill-out Bar • Friendly and helpful staff • Great vibes for the lone, group or family travellers • Kite school open from May to October and December to March We also do Yoga, Massage, Kite Repair, Diving, Kayak, SUP, Whale & Dolphin Watching & Excursions

Dilsiri +94 773 686 235 Leo in France +33 783 300 803 Info@kitesurfinglanka.com

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Facebook - Kitesurfing Lanka

www.kitesurfinglanka.com 08/03/2016 10:19

I 144 / ASIA / TAIWAN / PENGHU ISLAND I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

PENGHU ISLAND TAIWAN J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

3 Plenty of wind and flat water at Baikeng All photos: www.lip-sports.com

AVERAGE COSTS

ON THE WATER

BEER - €3 / RESTAURANT – €3-6 / ACCOMMODATION - €30-40

Attention high wind fanatics! Fancy going off the beaten track to kite in powerful winds at uncrowded spots in a clean environment while still enjoying a high level of comfort, convenience and safety? Penghu is the place for you. The main spot is Longmen and gets the majority of consistent winds. Waves can reach a decent size, but the conditions are generally safe after low tide with cross-onshore winds blowing into the bay onto a sandy beach. However, due to the powerful wind and waves the shorebreak can sometimes be quite meaty. Baikeng is another option. A protected bay, it’s a great flat water spot that gets less wind than Longmen but is a lot more beginnerfriendly. Like Longmen, you need to hit it on a mid- to high-tide.

AIRPORT Magong Airport (MZG) is a 40 minute flight out of Taipei. There are more than 20 flights per day and it’s then just a 15 minute drive from Magong airport to the kite spots.

CURRENCY NTD (New Taiwan Dollar): £1- NTD48 / $1NTD33.5 / €1 – NTD36.57 Exchange USD/EUR at the airport or at local banks, which are also equipped with international ATM machines.

SCHOOLS There are no schools on Penghu Island so don’t plan on coming here and easily being able to organise lessons. Island hop for sheltered beach action

Longmen – real high wind and huge action potential off the kickers!

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Predominantly powered by seasonal winds from the northeast, the windy season starts in October and lasts until early April. October, November and December are the best months with hot / warm weather and plenty of sun, while January, February and March can be pretty chilly - but the winds are great throughout most of the period. When it’s really windy there are always waves. Winds vary from 20 to 40+ knots, usually averaging around 30 knots! Surprisingly, given the strength of the wind in-season, there is actually very little wind during the rest of the year. Water temperatures hover at around 20°C / 68°F, while air temperatures vary between 20°C / 68°F and 30°C / 86°F from October to December, dropping to between 15°C / 59°F and 22°C / 71°F

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from January to March. When the wind gets up it blows 24 hours a day, so it’s worth bringing a sweater / windbreaker for the evenings when it cools down.

OFF THE WATER Located on the other side of the island about a 20 minute drive away is the capital city, Magong. Eating out is very affordable and the island also has well stocked supermarkets and an abundance of 24 hour convenience stores. Local cuisine is of course most common, but some western-style restaurants can be found in the city. There are a number of hotels on the island, but unlike most places in the world you can camp on any beach you like (there are no actual designated campsites, but there are public amenities in most areas). Liquid Sports B&B offers good accommodation and is the closest to the kite spots, so staying there will mean you won’t need a car to get on the water. Otherwise scooter rental is just €10 per day, including little trailers to tow your gear. Rental cars are around €40 per day. Penghu is one of a group of 64 islands with various historical sights and geological attractions throughout. Plenty of beaches are sheltered from the wind, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and SUP. Diving and spearfishing are also on offer. Taiwan is also very safe, so serious crime isn’t really a concern here. We’d like to thank Martin Hehenberger from LiP Sports, who regularly kites on Penghu Island, for giving us the low down on where to go! Protect your eyes on and off the water in style: www.lip-sports.com

07/03/2016 19:05

LiP Team Rider: Sam Medysky

www.lip-sports.com

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27/01/2016 12:34

I 146 / AUSTRALIA / SUNSHINE COAST / NOOSA I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“Noosa was a great place to grow up for me. Home to some awesome spots when it all comes together, from amazing flat water and super fun, varied wave spots that are also perfect for downwinders! KEAHI DE ABOITIZ, CABRINHA PRO RIDER

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: $6 / RESTAURANT MEAL: $18 - $35 / ACCOMMODATION: $29 - $135

AIRPORT Most international flights come in via Brisbane. Shuttle buses offer cost effective transport to Noosa or car hire can be arranged from the airport.

CURRENCY AUD$ - £1 = AUD2 / $1 = AUD1.4 / €1 = AUD1.5

SCHOOLS ADVENTURE SPORTS is the only certified IKO school offering lessons every windy day of the year in shallow water or with a rescue boat in the river. Specialising in private one-on-one lessons, small groups are also catered for with a maximum of four students per instructor. The latest and safest equipment includes North, F-One Ozone, Nobile and Slingshot with supervised rental available, subject to conditions. Bike hire, SUP and kayaks also available. www.kitesurfaustralia.com.au info@kitesurfaustralia.com +61 7 545 566 77 Peregian beach

NOOSA AUSTRALIA ON THE WATER Home to back-to-back World Kitesurfing Wave Champion Keahi De Aboitiz, Noosa is one of Australia’s premier kitesurfing locations, furnished with sun and moderate winds for nine to ten months of the year. Lake Weyba is ideal for beginner to intermediate riders with acres of shallow, flat, warm water and no crowds (this is where the local school, Adventure Sports, operates) while Noosa river mouth works in a northeasterly wind with an outgoing tide. The effect of water and wind turn the water to a smooth, glassy surface, offering excellent conditions for intermediate to advanced riders looking for perfect flat water and consistent winds. This area isn’t quite so suitable for beginners due to strong tidal flows and restricted launching areas. That beach is a bathing reserve so kiting in the river mouth is subject to a local ‘code of conduct’. There are also over 15 kilometres of pristine uncrowded beaches and a local bus service allows you to truly enjoy virtually endless downwinder sessions. In the summer northeast wind the surf is small and clean, making it quite manageable for experienced kiters of all levels. The winter southeasterly wind season has bigger, more powerful surf and is definitely the domain of more advanced wave riders.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Noosa has moderate wind virtually the year round but, like any location, there are no guarantees. The most reliable northeast wind season is from September to January with southeast

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All about life in, on and around water Photos: Adventure Sports

wind from February to August and with the bigger waves generally found between February and April. The seasons can shift, but southeast winds tend to be stronger and gustier, while the northeast season has a consistent sea breeze that builds during the day. Close to Noosa, the conditions are perfect for learning nearly all year around. The average summer temperature during the kiting season is low 20°Cs to mid 30s (70°F - 95°F) with moderate to warm nights. May to mid June offers less consistent winds but fabulous surfing conditions with day temperatures in the low 20s. The nights are cooler and require a jumper. Winter water temperatures are around 19°C / 66°F, while summer gets up around 26 – 28°C / 82°F.

OFF THE WATER There are a variety of accommodation options in Noosa from backpacker hostels at around $29 per night to luxury five star hotels. A room in a basic motel / hotel is around $135 per night and a deluxe apartment costs roughly $400 $500 a night. Noosa is surrounded by a world renowned Biosphere Reserve that encompasses the Noosa River Everglade Region and National Parks. Bike hire, SUP or kayak hire, boat and jet-ski hire are all great ways to explore the area on your own and can all be arranged through Adventure Sports. Noosa is also full of big label shops, great food and live entertainment; all just 90 minutes north of Brisbane. There is a decent local bus network but a hire car is highly recommended.

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I 148 / AUSTRALIA / INDIAN OCEAN / COCOS KEELING ISLANDS I 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 J

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots

“This place is just amazing, perfectly blue waters and ideal winds for 9 – 12 metre freestyle. The crew is great and there are lots of little turtles to ride with. I really appreciate time spent there!” TOM HEBERT, NORTH KITEBOARDING PRO RIDER

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: AUD$5 / RESTAURANT MEAL: AUD$25 – 30 / ACCOMMODATION: Motel: $120, Unit: $150, Villa: $200, 3 bed house: $250 per night.

AIRPORT Flights to CKI are from Perth international (PER) airport and provided by Virgin Australia twice weekly via Christmas Island. There are strict baggage restrictions, so make sure you stick to the weight allowance or you might not travel with your gear.

CURRENCY AUD$ - £1 = AUD$2.04 / $1 = AUD$1.43 / EUR1 = AUD$1.54 Most places accept Visa and MasterCard.

SCHOOLS ZEPHYR KITE TOURS offer all-inclusive seven and 11 night Cocos packages with lessons, coaching and kite adventures plus accommodation, beach transfers and most meals. The school has experienced IKO instructors running a max 3:1 instructor ratio for all levels. All the latest North gear is available for lessons, hire or demo and a support boat is on hand for all lessons, downwinders and lagoon crossings. Zephyr operates from July to September each year. www.zephyrkitetours.com info@zephyrkitetours.com +61 (0) 400 800 838

COCOS KEELING ISLANDS AUSTRALIA

Safe, spacious conditions quite unlike anywhere else! Photo: Zephyr

ON THE WATER One of the most remote atolls in the world located right on the Indian Ocean trade wind route, this magical and unique group of islands offers unreal flat water freeriding, fantastic learning conditions and some very adventurous kitesurfing. Kite Beach is located at the southern tip of West Island where the wind is cross onshore and blows cleanly between West and South Islands. The water at Kite Beach is waist deep with a sandy bottom and a little bit of coral. Mostly flat conditions with some wind chop, it’s perfect for beginners, intermediates and advanced riders but can only be kited at high to mid tide. There’s also boat support on hand thanks to Zephyr Kite Tours. Other spots like Long Beach and Sweet Spot are accessible via downwinders or by car and Levis is also good for experienced riders. The launch can be tricky at high tide as there’s a lot of hard rock-coral, but it’s incredible and gives great access to the outer Islands along the reef. Enjoy the surf or jump the re-formed waves coming across the reef. It’s worth noting that this is the only wave riding you’ll find here as other spots are offshore and break onto sharp reefs.

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER Trade winds blow from June to November / December. The best months are July to September with around 90% of days over 15 knots. It can be hit and miss either side of those months with the ‘Doldrums’ hitting from January to March. The consistent trade conditions mean that the winds are reliable all day, every day and you can be out on anything from eight to 14 metre kites.

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Average air temperature is around 28°C / 82°F year-round while the water hovers at around 21°C/ 69.8°F, so neoprene isn’t necessary (although a rash vest is a very good idea).

OFF THE WATER Accommodation on the island is limited but you can choose from a basic motelstyle or simple but quaint beachside properties, all the way up to deluxe Bali-Style bungalows or big ‘Aussie’ homes. There are only a few that can accommodate groups and most sell out fast in the windy season. Price ranges from $160 - $385 per night. Being so remote food on the Cocos can be expensive as it’s all flown in. A local supermarket has the essentials of fruit and veggies but there are also regular food nights hosted by locals. Tourists are always welcome and the Cocos Malay food is amazing, but spicy. Zephyr Kite Tours ship in healthy and nutritious food for the daily meals for all kiters on tour, but if you’re staying for a long time it might be worth bringing your own food from Perth. You’ll need a car to get to the various spots and Kite beach is six kilometres from the settlement, so transport is essential. Guests of Zephyr get complimentary beach transfers. In the unlikely event of no-wind there’s lots to do on the Cocos. Take a ferry to Home Island for a traditional CocosMalay meal and play scroungers golf on a Thursday with the locals. Head to the Zephyr shack on kite beach for SUP hire and then paddle downwind to see the green turtles and reef sharks or go fishing, surfing or explore the neighbouring islands instead

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As the boat moves to the best spots for each time of year, the chances of wind are great!

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KITEBOARDING CRUISES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND CARIBBEAN Caribbean dreaming Photos: Kiteboarding Cruise

HOW IT WORKS AVERAGE COSTS: BEER: €2.5 - 3.5 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €7 - 15 / ACCOMMODATION: €50 – 200

AIRPORTS Croatia - Split (SPU); Greece - Athens (ATH); Caribbean - Martinique (FDF) or St. Vincent & The Grenadines (SVG). Airports transfers are available in Croatia, an airport bus will take you straight to the marina in Greece and taxi transfers are available in the Caribbean.

SCHOOLS KITEBOARDING CRUISE have onboard kite instructors and can also organise lessons at local kite schools. Typical ratios are 2:1 or 1:1. They have Slingshot gear to rent and twin-tips are free. Safety boat always on-hand and other services include chef, skipper, kite guide and airport transfers. English is the main language spoken on the boat. www.kiteboarding-cruise.com info@kiteboarding-cruise.com

Board a catamaran and experience Croatia, Greece and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines from the water with all the essential luxuries as you’re escorted to some incredible private kite sessions. The boat cruises the Caribbean from December to April and from June to September it’s in the Mediterranean. There are options to join the boat in other months in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands. Try new, otherwise inaccessible spots, every day. Take it easy in the mornings as the onboard chef prepares your breakfast before heading onto land for some sightseeing in the historical towns of the Dalmatian and the Cyclades islands, or simply relax in secluded bays before an afternoon of kiteboarding action.

CROATIA The Mediterranean as it once was; this stunning nautical and party destination is hip and beautiful. Attracting travellers from around the world, Brac, Hvar, Vis and Korcula are the largest islands on your route, offering numerous virgin kite spots and pristine secluded bays.

ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES This chain of less-travelled islands is one of the most popular destinations in the world for sailors, divers, snorkelers and kitesurfers! With 98% wind probability from December to April, these islands host countless kite beaches and the list of kite spots you’ll visit includes Martinique (Pointe Faula), St. Vincent and The Grenadines (Union Island, Canouan, Mayreau, Tobago Cays) and you’ll be riding everything from perfect flat water to waves.

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Coasting in Croatia

GREECE An all-time classic and an ideal place for a surreal escape to the endless blue. Small distances between ports and an abundance of deserted beaches that cannot be reached by land mean your hit rate for new spots is high! Experience the unique charm of white-washed villages and Greek cuisine on Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Kofunissia, Lefkas, Rhodes and Kos.

ONBOARD THE BOAT Staying in luxury cabins, you have all at your fingertips and beck and call, including a private chef. First class food and a range of delicious dishes are served onboard to suit your tastes after kiting and sailing all day. Then party on trendy Hvar or in the beach bars on Pakleni islands, browse the clubs on Mykonos or simply chill on the cat. Sailing aboard a luxurious catamaran in paradise is an amazing experience and also great for all the family. SUP, snorkel, scuba, wakeboard or simply chill out. Croatia and Greece provide cultural experiences and wine routes, while in the Caribbean there’s a host of rum distilleries to sample. There is no better place to lime than St. Vincent and the Grenadines (the art of doing nothing).

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UPSCALE SOFA SURFING

WE’RE USED TO INNOVATIONS IN OUR KITESURFING EQUIPMENT RATHER THAN THE WAY WE TAKE OUR HOLIDAYS. HOWEVER, HERE WE MEET PASCAL KUEHNHENRICH, FOUNDER OF KITEBNB - A GLOBAL HOME SHARING PLATFORM FOR TRAVELLING KITESURFERS

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Tarifa

Tell us a little about your history in kitesurfing. It took me a long time to discover my love for kitesurfing. I was originally a windsurfer but while holidaying with my family on the Dutch coast trying to windsurf in light wind I saw kitesurfers were already having fun and doing huge jumps. The next day my son and I took lessons and that was it - I sold my windsurfing gear, immediately bought my first kite and have never looked back. What were you doing before KiteBnB? I’m 51 and have spent most of my life in Dusseldorf, Germany, a city I love; it´s open-minded, creative and close to the Dutch coastline. Before Kite BnB I made a career in healthcare communication, then worked at an advertising agency, later focussing on digital communication. Where did the idea come from? The idea really arose because of ice cream. It was a lovely spring afternoon in early April when I was sat in front of Roberto’s ice-cream shop enjoying a strawberry ice cream. The sun was shining and I was thinking about the kitesurfing season that was due to begin and where I would go. Then I thought to myself “Have you never thought about home sharing for kitesurfers?”. I searched the web for anything similar but found nothing. I called my partner Jörg, a great kitesurfer, genius engineer and an even better website designer and told him about the idea. The next day we started building KiteBnB! Why do you think it works? Firstly, because of the community spirit within kitesurfing.

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Pascal and his son

Kitesurfers are open-minded, ready to help, like digital and love to share their stories. KiteBnB is the first global home sharing platform for kitesurfers that offers dedicated accommodations and technology. In June 2015 we started a pre-launch campaign announcing KiteBnB with a simple landing page consisting of a registration form and a referral function. Within the first 24 hours we had more than 1,000 registrations! At the end of the campaign over 4,500 people from all over the world registered. In late September 2015 we launched KiteBnB and we now have more than 350 properties registered! What were some of the challenges with setting up the operation? The main challenge was to find software that met our needs. There are a lot of market place tools but none that are dedicated to the needs of kitesurfers. Then we had to integrate Windfinder and Windyty so that users could see how the wind will be at their destination via our website (thankfully my partners Jörg and Christian are brilliant developers). We’re always looking at new ideas and trying to anticipate the needs of the community. How does it work? Talk us through the process someone would go through when booking / researching. Using KiteBnB is very easy. If you are looking for accommodation just use the search bar in the centre of the page and you´ll find a perfect place in no time. If you want to share your place then just use the ‘List Your Space’ button at the top of the page and you’ll become a host within a few clicks. Anyone can use KiteBnB and signing up is free. Hosts and guests are charged with service fees when a booking is completed, not before. KW

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KiteBnB Stay where kiters live

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NEW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Global home sharing for kitesurfers! KiteBnB brings home sharing to the kitesurfing community. Find the perfect accommodation or share your space in just a few clicks. Make new friends and earn some extra money. Stay where kiters live! Promo-code! Free hosting and 50% discount on booking fees: kiteworld16

Check out our website!

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KiteBnB Stay where kiters live

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Willow-River Tonkin, a very cool Mauritian local who knows how to roll when he travels Photo: Core

DON’T BE ‘THAT GUY’

IT’S IMPORTANT TO CREATE THE RIGHT IMPRESSION WHEN TURNING UP TO A BEACH FOR THE FIRST TIME. YOU NEED TO MAKE FRIENDS TO FIND THE BEST PARTIES, BUT NOT ONLY THAT, YOU’RE NOW AN INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADOR FOR THE GOOD PEOPLE OF KITESURFING. HERE’S OUR QUICK ‘DO’S AND DON’TS’ GUIDE FOR HOW TO GET ALONG IN THE SPORT AND GET A FIST BUMP RATHER THAN A KNUCKLE SANDWICH AT THE END OF THE DAY WORDS: MATT PEARCE

DON’T GET SUNBURNT ON YOUR FIRST DAY

DO LEARN KITER HANDSHAKES

Take precautions for the good of your health and to ensure maximum kite-time during your trip.

Knowing the correct handshake at any spot is the ultimate icebreaker. Spend some time observing the greeting habits of local riders before you introduce yourself and you can be assured of a place at the brodown to end all bro-downs!

DO PACE YOURSELF Shredding for eight hours on the ﬁrst day is great but, if as a result your arms and legs are so stiff that you end up walking around like a cross between John Wayne and a tyrannosaurus, then you’ll struggle to get back out and shred properly for the days that follow. Stretch off before you ride if you haven’t for some time.

DON’T SELF LAUNCH JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU CAN WHEN THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP It doesn’t matter how good you are, things can still go wrong when self-launching. It’s also no secret that most serious accidents in kiteboarding happen on the beach. Finally, it’s bad for your kites, so avoid it whenever possible!

DO LEARN YOUR RIGHTS OF WAY It’s never fun to have someone come straight off the beach and charge right into you, drop in on your wave or land a trick upwind of you before cutting you up. No one likes those guys, so avoid being one of them!

DO LOOK BEHIND YOU BEFORE YOU TURN

DON’T ‘PARTY TOO HEARTY’ AND MOUTH OFF IN LOCAL BARS Kiteboarders are generally very accepting of visiting kiters (far more so than our surﬁng cousins) but nobody likes an interloper getting hammered and making a scene at their local beach bar. It’s not exactly encouraged in a bar full of kiters, but could lead to genuine trouble in a rougher bar or nightclub wherever you are in the world, so be courteous, don’t draw attention to yourself and go easy on the tequilas.

DO USE THE RIGHT GEAR AND CHECK THAT IT WORKS We all have to use the gear we can afford, but try to avoid using old kit that isn’t serviceable and always check your safety systems are working before you head out (even on new equipment).

DON’T HEAD OUT WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF THE SPOT, THE CONDITIONS OR THE FORECAST

It’s an easy mistake to make, particularly when avoiding an oncoming wave, but taking a second to look over your shoulder. It’s simple.

People often get into trouble at new spots, so before you set off ask a local rider or drop into a kite shop to ﬁnd out which conditions are correct for the spot and if there are any hazards to watch out for.

DON’T AVOID HELPING PEOPLE LAUNCH OR LAND THEIR KITES

DO DISPLAY A GOOD ATTITUDE AND ‘RESPECT THE LOCALS’

Don’t pretend you haven’t seen them. They may attempt a potentially dangerous self-launch or landing, or they may also be your next best kite buddy, or hosting the hottest party in town!

Yes it’s a cliché but we’re all ambassadors for our own countries and for our sport. As a result, be polite, spread good vibes and you’ll be more likely to engage with the locals and get a lot more out of your trip!

DON’T DO MASSIVE JUMPS WHEN SURROUNDED BY OTHER KITES

DON’T FORGET TO SHRED HARD!

It’s irresponsible, disrespectful and dangerous to go big around other kiters at a busy spot (especially if there are inexperienced riders around). Instead, head upwind or downwind to a less crowded area.

And post lots of epic pictures on Facebook for all your friends who are stuck back home at work!

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