PREPARING FOR A “BOARD MEETING”

- CABARETE STYLE!

Baseball may be the national pastime of the Dominican Republic but in Cabarete, water sports rule. There are so many different ways to ride the ocean waves, it’s hard to choose! In Cabarete, we give a whole new meaning to attending a “Board Meeting.”

So many board sports, not enough time? Having a “Board Meeting” checklist will reduce overwhelm and maximize fun!

Choosing a board sport can seem like an impossible task when there’s so much to do and so little time! Before you hold your board meeting, ask yourself these six critical questions!

SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO PHOTO

1. What is the purpose of the meeting? 2. How do I choose my board members? 3. Who is attending? 4. What are my travel plans? 5. What materials do I need? 6. How long will it take to get through the agenda?

What’s the purpose of the meeting?

Before you choose a sport, consider what your goals are. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced, Cabarete is the ideal spot for ocean sport lovers of all ages and levels. From getting a great workout, to enjoying some peace and serenity out on the water to seeking a thrill, there’s something here for everyone.

Choosing your board members

What are all of the board sports Cabarete has to offer?

• Surfing • Windsurfing • Kitesurfing and Kiteboarding (Yes, there’s a difference!) • Wing Surfing • Stand Up Paddle (SUP) • Hydrofoiling

Honorable Mentions:

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

AMY S. MARTIN PHOTO

FRAN AFONSO PHOTO

If this is your first water sports rodeo, surfing may be where you find your groove. Board rentals and lessons are easy to come by and most determined people will catch at least one wave in their first session. How’s that for instant gratification?

SUP (stand up paddling) is fun and feasible for all ages and stages either in the ocean or exploring the wetlands in the smooth, flat lagoon.

If you have a basic understanding of wind patterns or love to sail, windsurfing might just be your jam.

If you’re ready to take on the wind, Cabarete is the perfect place to learn. Consistent onshore breezes, warm water and a bay that’s protected by reef create ideal conditions and one of the safest places to learn to windsurf or kiteboard.

If you’re an adventurous thrill seeker and willing to invest a bit of time in developing a new skill, you’re in the perfect place to take your first kiteboarding lesson!

If you’ve never heard of foiling, you’re not quite there yet. Once you’ve mastered one of the board sports, then you’re ready to take “flight” on a foil!

So what exactly is Foiling? If you know a lot about water sports, you may have heard the term “foiling” or “hydrofoiling” and wondered what people are talking about! A hydrofoil looks almost like a blade attached to the bottom of a board. The foil allows the rider to “fly” or hover just above the water and hydroplane through it to enjoy a super smooth and speedy ride through the waves. It’s the latest craze in the water sports world and has completely taken “flight” in Cabarete!

Foiling is for more advanced riders, so if you have been thinking about stepping up your board sport game, you’re in the right place to take a “flight!”

Common foil sports in Cabarete include:

• Surf Foiling • SUP Foiling • Wing Foiling • E-Foiling • Kite Foiling • Windfoiling

Who are your board meeting attendees?

Are you riding solo or is this a family affair? If you’re by yourself, you have all of the options! If you’re looking for a group activity, surfing or SUP may be your best choice. No lessons are needed for SUP and it’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

Surfing is also a great activity for a group of friends or the whole family. Even small children can ride in the surf wash with an experienced instructor. For wind sports, private lessons are usually the way to go. Whatever sport you choose, it’s always best to find a professionally trained instructor that’s affiliated with a reputable shop to guide you through the process. This ensures the safest equipment and safest experience when learning something new.

What are the travel plans?

Location and timing is everything when planning your board meeting. Different watersports happen at different times and in different spots in Cabarete.

Surfing is for the early risers. The sun rises at 6am in the summer and 7am in the winter and the early risers are catching the waves. Encuentro beach is located a few minutes’ drive from downtown Cabarete and the simple, consistent swell at this beloved surf and SUP spot has perfect conditions for beginners and advanced riders alike.

At Encuentro beach the waves are smaller during the summer months, making the experience perfect for beginners. For more advanced riders, October through April is when you will find the best swell of the year.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, hire a taxi at the stand in town or many of the surf schools are happy to work with you to arrange transportation.

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

Wind sports are an afternoon delight. At mid-day, the wind arrives and the kiteboarders, windsurfers and wingers come out to play.

The wind picks up right after lunchtime and wind sport enthusiasts head out into Cabarete Bay and Kite Beach to catch some big air. Consistent onshore winds make conditions in Cabarete ideal for both beginners and advanced riders alike. The wind blows year round, often totaling well over 250 worthy days.

If you’re staying in downtown Cabarete or on Kite Beach, no need to worry about transportation, you’re right in the middle of all the action!

PHOTOS FRAN AFONSO

Hydrofoiling

Hydrofoils up the efficiency of conventional equipment and allow for enjoying the conditions when there are much lighter winds. The foil lifts you, gives you speed, and the exhilarating feeling of taking flight!

Cabarete Bay and Bozo beach are the best places to join in on the foiling craze. Use extreme caution when foiling at Kite Beach or Encuentro as the reefs are sharp. The foiling craze is real in Cabarete and it’s important to stay safe by enjoying your flight in the deeper waters. Be mindful of locals (i.e. sea turtles and manatee), other riders and swimmers when zipping around out there.

What materials do I need?

Having the right gear is essential. Don’t have your own equipment? No worries! There are TONS of places to rent top of the line gear with plenty of knowledgeable staff to help make sure everything is a perfect fit. Always wear a helmet and an impact vest, especially if you’re a beginner.

As far as clothing goes, investing in a few key pieces like a rash guard and board shorts will help keep you comfortable in the water. If you’re planning to really get into it, purchasing your own helmet and life vest may also be a good idea. If you’re new to wing surfing, knee pads and tights are strongly advised.

When deciding which sport to pursue, it’s critical to evaluate how much time you have to commit to the process.

Only have a few days? If you’re new to the world of watersports and only have a few days, surfing and SUP are your best bets. Most determined, generally athletic people will be up and riding their first time.

Here for a week? Depending on how much time you want to spend learning a new skill, consider taking some kite, wing or windsurf lessons. On average it takes about 8-12 hours of instruction for proper safety and equipment training before the real fun begins. The learning curve is steep so focus on enjoying the journey and lean into the falls, struggles and failures. When you finally get that first good rip, the feeling is indescribable.

If you’re already a seasoned board member, adding a foil to your sport of choice is a super fun way to amp up your experience.

On the extended stay plan? If you’re here for a few weeks or have officially become a part-time resident, mastering a new water sport is completely achievable. With an hour or two a day of consistent instruction for two weeks or longer, it’s likely your skills may be solid enough to venture out without supervision.

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS

From end to end, the beaches of Cabarete are dotted with schools to help you live out your greatest water sport dreams. Here are some of our favorites:

SURF SCHOOLS

• Chino Surf School • 321 Take Off • Buena Onda Surf School • Pauhana Surf School • Ocean Academy

SUP

• 321 Take Off • ION Club Cabarete formally Happy Surf • Kayak River Adventures • Vela

KITE RENTAL & LESSONS

(Minimum of 8 hours to get started)

• AGK • Big Air Kite • Cabarete Kite Point • ION Club Cabarete formally Happy Surf • Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding (LEK) • Vela

Pro-tips

When you’re surrounded by water, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. Take breaks to drink plenty of water and maybe enjoy some tropical fruit.

Sun protection is a must. Use reef safe sunscreen to protect the environment while you’re out enjoying the ocean.

WING BOARDING OR WING FOILING

(Minimum 8 hours to get started)

• ION Club Cabarete formally Happy Surf • Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding (LEK) • Liquid Blue • Vela

WINDSURF

(Minimum 3-5 hours)