TESTED: COLD WATER WETSUITS, FOILS AND THREE STRUT SUPER-KITES
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FOIL BASICS SAFE SELF-LAUNCHING GETTING YOUR TAIL TO SLIDE MAXIMISE YOUR BOOST POTENTIAL
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ISSUE#78 > DEC’15–JAN’16 UK £4.90
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Roberto Ricci, southern cape, Cape Town Photo: Dave White / RRD
LOCATE THE ESCAPE HATCH I N T R O – W h e t h e r it ’ s a s h ort h a u l q u i c k - h it e s c a p e f ro m p oor w e a t h e r , or a l on g - d i s t a n c e tri p o f a l i f e ti m e , w e ’ v e c o m p i l e d t h i s l itt l e l i s t o f c l a s s i c a n d m u s t - v i s it k it e s u r f h ot s p ot s t h a t a r e ri p e f or y o u r ri p p in g in t h e n e x t s e v e r a l m ont h s
S O U T HE R N HEM I SPHE R E SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE TOWN Many pro riders and kiteboarding seasonaires head to Cape Town for the African summer season and the annual return of the strong ‘Cape Doctor’ winds as well as regular pumping swells. A vast array of beaches take any swell direction, there are plenty of spots to choose from and, while Cape Town is well known for its waves, Langebaan lagoon offers a vast area of flat water riding and is 90 minutes north. If you’d like some wave coaching, then schools such as KiteKahunas run courses that specialise in that discipline and will escort you on downwinders. The cost of living is affordable with accommodation and dining options ranging from shared guest house style accommodation to more luxurious apartments and houses and there’s every type of restaurant you could wish for. Cape Town is a lively, cosmopolitan city with a superb nightlife as well as plenty on offer for families too, although there are some areas on the outskirts of the city where as a first-time or inexperienced tourist you may feel more uncomfortable. For the most part, it’s just beautiful.
RECOMMENDED CONTACTS: KiteWorldWide: www.kiteworldwide.com Planet Kitesurf Holidays: www.planetkitesurfholidays.com Vanhunks: www.vanhunksboarding.com KiteKahunas: www.kitekahunas.com High-Five: www.high-five.co.za Cape Town Guru: www.capetownguru.com Acker Car Rental: www.ackercarrentals.co.za
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Maui has earned its place in kiteboarding and watersports folklore as much of the early kitesurfing development took place there. You will have no doubt seen serious footage and images of heavy looking waves but, while Maui is just about as good a windy wave kiting destination you could hope to find, it’s not just full of pro riders and territorial locals who are going to stare you out when you show up at the beach. Riders of all levels head to Hawaii as it has a range of conditions, from monster waves to very beginner friendly spots around the infamous Kite Beach and, as a place not known for its heavy party scene, it’s also a great option for families with accommodation options that vary from five star resorts that are frequented by celebrities, to cheap and cheerful self-catered apartments that kite-rats will feel more comfortable in. April to October has the strongest summer wind, but the waves are bigger in winter.
RECOMMENDED CONTACT: Planet Kitesurf Holidays: www.planetkitesurfholidays.com Kevin Langeree, Maui Photo: Quincy Dein / Naish
THE GRENADINES - UNION ISLAND
Freeriding in Puerto Rico Photos: Good Winds Puerto Rico
CARIBBEAN – PUERTO RICO Puerto Rico has reliable wind much of the year, particularly between November and August and, while the main season is during the summer months, there are steady conditions throughout the winter and bigger waves. Winds are steady, ranging from 15-25 knots with world class wave riding on the outer reefs and beginner and freestyle fanatic friendly flat waters in the protected waters closer to shore. Travelling there is easy, particularly for US citizens and there is a huge selection of hotels and self-catering accommodation to choose from with lots for all the family to do besides kitsurfing.
Another Caribbean destination. Union Island has some of the bluest, flat water and consistent, steady, cross-shore winds. It’s also the place with ‘that bar’ that you can kite up to and have a beer at with your kite at 12 o’clock! The season runs from mid-December until mid-June and the main spot on the island is a massive lagoon. If you’re not quite getting upwind yet, you might struggle with the spot, so make sure you’re confident before heading out – but there are two schools there. You’ll also find a few more great spots, one of the best being Frigate with butter-flat offshore conditions (although you’ll need a safety boat to ride there) and you can get some decent waves on the right day outside the lagoon. The nightlife is quiet but there are some great restaurants and accommodation varies from a small hotel and beach front apartments on Union Island, such as the Anchorage Yacht Club (bar and hotel) to some serious luxury options on the nearby Palm Island, too.
RECOMMENDED CONTACT: Anchorage Yacht Club: www.aycunionisland.com
RECOMMENDED CONTACT: Dorado Beach / Goodwinds: www.doradobeach.com / www.kitegoodwinds.com
Dre, Antigua Photo: Jake Kelsick
Jeremie Tronet, Union Island Photo: JT Pro Center
CARIBBEAN – ANTIGUA Home to Andre Phillip, Antigua is one of the bigger Caribbean islands. A laid back option for a winter getaway with reliable trade winds that blow from November to March at an average strength of 15-20 knots over the warm tropical waters. Antigua has a large international airport that many large airlines fly directly to and the cost of living is cheaper than some of the other Caribbean islands. Antigua is known for some of its larger hotels and package options are pretty easy to come by, but there are also smaller, more boutique style hotels and holiday villas and apartments.
RECOMMENDED CONTACT: Planet Kitesurf Holidays: www.planetkitesurfholidays.com
WESTERN AUSTRALIA - PERTH
Perth’s surrounding area is another go-to winter destination for kiters seeking warmth and heaps of riding. There are a multitude of flatwater spots that will appeal to advanced riders and beginners alike. Augusta is pure class and the locals tell us that it’s fast becoming ‘the place’ to freestyle kiteboard. A three hour drive south of Perth and 20 minutes from the best surf spots of Margaret River (where there are also world class wineries!). The Blackwood river is butter smooth and there are several places to stay - most stay right on the river at Turners Caravan Park. The infamous ‘Pond’ is 20 minutes south of Perth, although it’s not as big as Woodman’s Point and it can get busy in summer with lots of pros. Accommodation in general varies from self-catered apartments and shared guest houses to hotels at all levels of luxury depending on what you’re after. There’s great nightlife in Perth and plenty of options for eating out, but it’s worth remembering that the Australian Dollar is very strong so the cost of living is pretty high for visitors.
RECOMMENDED CONTACT: Explore the coast on a two week downwinder / camping adventure in the outback: www.Robertskitesafari.nl
Florian Dubous, Augusta, WA Photo: Paul Smyth
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BRAZIL
Cabarete Photo: Starkites
CARIBBEAN – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC The Dominican Republic is one of the northern-most islands of the Caribbean and a cult favourite of kitesurfers the world over. Originally a windsurf resort, kiteboarding has fully taken hold of Cabarete with multiple schools, a host of kite hotels, a raucous party scene and reliable conditions during the summer months. The trade winds are most frequent in summer from the end of May to late September from around midday to sunset on anything from nine to 12 metre kites, however there’s good wind all year and better waves in winter. The main bay has regular bump and jump conditions and there can be awesome wave riding out on the reef and at Encuentro, two miles downwind of Kite Beach. La Boca is a famous flat water spot a few miles up the road, but is small. Accommodation options are varied from super plush hotels to more budget-friendly shared apartments and guest houses. Cabarete town is awesome if you’re looking for après-kiting shenanigans with plentiful places to eat and even more places to find ‘refreshments’. Watch out for the cuba-libres though…
During the autumn and into January you can’t go far wrong with Brazil. The conditions are warm and the winds are some of the most reliable in the world (and usually pretty strong) for about seven months of the year. Stronger winds in the year, especially around Jericoacoara, there are more flat water spots than you shake a stick at as well as respectable shoulder – head high wave riding that can all be accessed on some of the longest downwinders known to man (definitely check out www.surfinsemfim.com.br and www.kiteworldwide.com). The main kite spots are around Cumbuco, Jeri, Fortaleza and Taiba but the entire coastline in northeastern Brazil is jam packed. On top of this, you can do your trip really affordably if you want with various cabanas, pousadas and kite hotels available as well as great food and lethally strong (and cheap) evening refreshments in the form of caipirinhas. Some areas, such as Cumbuco have been quite developed by Europeans, so restaurants are a bit more expensive there. There is also good kiting to the south, especially around Santa Catarina and if you fancy the ultimate city – kiting break – head to Rio, but hit up a local contact first. We recommend www.riomanagement.com
RECOMMENDED CONTACTS: Surfin Sem Fim: www.surfinsemfim.com.br E-Group Hotels: www.egroup.net.br KiteWorldWide: www.kiteworldwide.com Planet Kitesurf Holidays: www.planetkitesurfholidays.com Kitestrophik: www.kitestrophik.com
CHILE - MATANZAS
RECOMMENDED CONTACTS: Starkites: www.starkites.com SeaLane Luxury Apartments: www.oceandreamcabarete.com Ion Club Cabarete: www.ion-club.net Planet Kitesurf Holidays: www.planetkitesurfholidays.com
Jericoacoara Photo: Kitestrophik
Matanzas, Chile Photo: Alba Hotel
Chile isn’t a widely visited winter destination, but Matanzas in rural Northern Chile is a location that offers an altogether different holiday experience. The wind blows very reliably between October and April, particularly in November and December, with a variety of beaches, (some of which are directly outside the hotels) that range from protected spots ideal for beginners and freeriders to challenging wave spots, such as Roca Cuadrada which is just a mile drive from the centre of Matanzas. The partying isn’t rampant, but the atmosphere is pleasant and tranquil with good local cuisine and accommodation options from campsites to reasonably priced hotels and self-catering. Pack some neoprene though as the water temperatures peak at around 18°C even in the high season.
CARIBBEAN – TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS These islands are a kiteboarding paradise with uncrowded, pristine, powder soft beaches, warm turqoise seas and perfect freeriding terrain. Only 90 minutes from Miami with direct flights from New York, Dallas, Toronto, Atlanta, Charlotte and London (via Nassau) to name a few, Turks and Caicos is fast establishing itself as an excellent kiteboarding destination. The main island of Providenciales is where you’ll find the action with long beaches for launching and landing. Some local knowledge required, so hit up Big Blue. Northeast winter trades and east-southeasters in summer average 10 - 25 knots, but great learning conditions year-round. Best winds January, February, March and April. Session at sunrise and sunset for excellent wind and perfect temperatures. Year-round: 24 – 30ºC / 75 - 86ºF. Water: 25 – 29ºC / 77 – 84ºF.
RECOMMENDED CONTACTS: Sam Medysky, Turks and Caicos Photo: Quincy Dein / Best Kiteboarding
Big Blue Unlimited: www.bigblueunlimited.com Planet Kitesurf Holidays: www.planetkitesurfholidays.com
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NORTHERN HEMISPHERE Alex Lewis-Hughes, Soma Bay, Egypt Photo: Kuba Winkowska
CANARIES – TENERIFE – EL MEDANO El Medano is a laidback surf town where island vibes and the Spanish way of life blend effortlessly alongside consistent, strong winds and occasional big swells. Anyone can ride here as there are different conditions found around the bay. Beginners tend to head to the beach closer to town while more experienced wave riders can test their mettle at Cabezo, a reef break which eventually hits the harbour wall. Like Tarifa, El Medano is mainly known as a summer destination but it’s windy throughout most of the year and remains nice and warm with excellent winds into December and beyond. The party scene isn’t as big as Tarifa, but there’s plenty going on and there are lots of affordable restaurants. There are large hotels but many kiters tend to rent apartments which can be relatively cheap and there’s stacks for non-kiters to do who you’ve dragged along. Mountain biking is huge here.
EGYPT Egypt has long been popular as a winter (or summer) destination thanks to reliable, year round winds and close proximity to Europe. Soma Bay, Dahab and Sharm El Sheik are primarily known for their expansive flat water lagoons for beginners or freestylers and Dahab also has something for wave riders with a spot called Assahla that can throw up three metre waves on its day. Hurghada offers up a similar experience with a kilometre-long, wide beach to launch from with chest deep, flat water all the way out to the sandbar 300 metres offshore. Soma Bay is developing into one of the most popular kite hubs with convenient facilities and superb conditions. El Gouna is unique – essentially it’s a privately developed town with schools and shops and, if the excellent flat water conditions aren’t working for you during your stay, you can even ride at their very own cable park! Accommodation varies in all resorts, from all-inclusives to smaller scale guesthouses full of kiters. Windiest from June through August, November and December have their share of windy days too and make a trip very worthwhile and temperatures remain respectable into the new year. Take a small kite if you have one, especially in summer!
RECOMMENDED CONTACTS: The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge: www.thebreakers-somabay.com Planet Kitesurf Holidays: www.planetkitesurfholidays.com KiteWorldWide: www.kiteworldwide.com Tommy Friedl: www.tommy-friedl.de
SPAIN - TARIFA Known as the wind capital of Europe, Tarifa is a bustling and vibrant destination in the summer. However, between September and early December when the calm and steady Poniente (cross onshore wind from the right) is at its most reliable, the autumn swells also regularly produce good waves. Conditions vary but there is something for everyone here with a large contingent of resident pro riders riding alongside beginner and intermediate visitors. Out of season, Tarifa is still a party town (although much less raucous) and you’ll certainly find plenty of kite life outside of the peak months. The old town is packed with really good restaurants, bars and clubs and accommodation ranges from the numerous campsites lining the coast from Tarifa to boutique hotels, guesthouses and self catered villas and apartments. Many people call late autumn and early spring their favourite times of year with good temperatures, conditions and less crowds.
RECOMMENDED CONTACTS: Ion Club Tarifa: www.ion-club.net KiteWorldWide: www.kiteworldwide.com Planet Kitesurf Holidays: www.planetkitesurfholidays.com
El Medano, Tenerife Photo: Shinn
Tarifa, Spain Photo: Kiteworld
P R O U D LY D I ST I L L E D TO B R I N G YO U T HE
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CANARIES – FUERTEVENTURA As well as Sotavento to the south for summer, Flag Beach in the northeast corner of the island usually comes to mind when thinking of Fuerteventura, however, the lesser known El Cotillo in the northwest is a gem with fantastic conditions and diverse spots, ranging from flat water lagoons to huge breaks (particularly in the winter months) all set against the sleepy backdrop of Cotillo itself. Fuerte gets its best wind between March and August. In the run up to winter the wind gets a little bit less consistent, but the bigger swells roll in from the North Atlantic. Cotillo has a lot to offer a beginner too with a number of kite schools that teach in butter flat lagoons. The town itself is quiet but friendly with a number of restaurants, bars and shops as well as an increasing amount of recently built accommodation to choose from. On no wind days hire bikes, SUP or surf until it fills back in.
RECOMMENDED CONTACTS: Rene Egli Pro Center: www.rene-egli.com Flag Beach: www.flagbeach.com Ion Club Fuerteventura: www.ion-club.net Planet Kitesurf Holidays: www.planetkitesurfholidays.com
The Algarve, Portugal Photo: South Adventures
PORTUGAL – THE ALGARVE Easy to reach from anywhere in Europe, although mainly known for its summer season, the Algarve still has steady winds and some frequent swells until December and is still much warmer than most of Europe. Choose from flat water lagoons near Lagos in the Alvor Estuary or beaches on the west coast of the Algarve that pick up the strong Atlantic swells and are a must for wave fanatics. Most kiters choose to stay in hotels or guest houses, though short let villas and apartments are also easy to track down. Cotillo, Fuerteventura Photo: Flag Beach Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Centre
MOROCCO Morocco might only be a short flight from Europe, but culturally it’s worlds apart, which makes it a truly different kiteboarding holiday. The two main kiting destinations are Essaouira and Dakhla. Essauoira boasts a three mile long beach with a good beginner’s area as well as some top notch wave spots further down that really light up in the cross-shore northeasterly winds. For flat water, Dakhla has a 40 kilometre, 13 kilometre wide lagoon with shallow, flat water for beginners and Atlantic waves for more experienced riders just five minutes away over the peninsula. Trips to both Dakhla and Essaouira can be arranged through the main operators as well as with the various camps around the lagoon themselves. Accommodation will often include lessons or gear rental and the range of luxury varies. April to September have the most reliable conditions in Morocco, but the wind sticks well into the autumn and early winter months and you can be riding in either resort right up until Christmas in lighter, but still pretty reliable, winds.
RECOMMENDED CONTACT: Planet Kitesurf Holidays: www.planetkitesurfholidays.com
Not enough for ya? The 10th annual Kiteworld Travel Guide supplement will come free with issue #80 in March, packed with 150 pages and deeper, practical run downs on over 40 of the world’s best kitesurfing holiday destinations. Subscribe to Kiteworld to make sure you don’t miss it! www.kiteworldmag.com KW
RECOMMENDED CONTACTS: KiteWorldWide: www.kiteworldwide.com Planet Kitesurf Holidays: www.planetkitesurfholidays.com Ion Club Dakhla / Essaouira: www.ion-club.net Dakhla Attitude: www.dakhla-attitude.ma Dakhla Spirit: www.dakhlaspirit.com
Dakhla lagoon, Morocco Photo: Enfondo
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