By Shane Melenko Well it was that time of the year again, too much snow and bad weather, time to pick a warmer location to enjoy a week of kiteboarding. This time around I went to the Caribbean side of Mexico and stayed in Cancun. There are two great areas to stay. First is Cancun itself or you can go a little south and stay in Playa del Carmen. I managed to book 2 months in advance and traveled to an all inclusive resort for around 1200.00 CDN everything included. The hotel chain that I prefer to stay at in Mexico is always the Riu family of hotels. They are always of great quality and have the best staff. But there are lots to choose from and they will all do the job.
The flight from Vancouver is about 6hrs direct flight and you arrive around 3pm local time. The hotels are about an hours drive from the airport for either Cancun or Playa del Carmen and the all inclusive packages usually have transportation waiting for you at the airport.
Kiteboarding In & Around Cancun I hooked up with local instructors from Ikarus Kiteboarding as they have two great locations. The first is just north of Cancun (Isla Blanca) and the second just south in Playa del Carmen, about 45 minutes from Cancun. The drive to Isla Blanca is about an hour from the hotel row in Cancun and is very simple to get to. Simply turn on to Bonampak Ave and head north until the road ends. When you get to the round about at the end of the road you will see a gravel road to your left. Follow the road for 7 KM and a couple turns and you will arrive at their property. You can rent a car in Cancun for $15.00USD a day and do the drive yourself or take a cab. Driving in Cancun can be a bit of an adventure but luckily you will be bypassing most of the congested area and then it is all open road. You should be able to get a cab for around $30.00USD, the cabbies will always start with a much higher price but make sure you negotiate a price before you leave. Taking a cab does make it difficult to get back as there are no cabs hanging around, so make sure you make a time for the cab driver to pick you back up and return you to your hotel. There is a small house and a hut set back on the property and not much else. The location does have a shower and facilities but you will want to make sure you pack a lunch and something to drink. The setup and launch area are very nice with clean sand and very few obstacles to be concerned about. There is lots of room to set up kites and run lines. The water is a sheltered inlet and there are miles and miles of water that is only 4 feet deep. This is a great place to take lessons or just ride and practice your tricks. The water was very clean and free of coral and weeds with soft sand for a base. If anything does go wrong it might be a long walk back to shore but not a difficult one. There is a charge of $5.00 USD a day for use of the area to help pay for upgrades and maintenance. The instructors are very friendly and helpful, they do have a rescue boat if you happen to go out beyond the shallow water and require help. I rode for several hours and found the wind to be very solid. You will need to get out a little from shore to get clean wind depending on the direction. The best winds for this location are from the north.
If you are looking for more of a surf ride you can check out their other school that is in Playa del Carmen. Located on the gulf side of Mexico it has great conditions with the option of surf riding or shallow areas for riders of all experience levels. Lots of nice clean sand to setup kites. The winds here are great from the south and east. There are lots of all inclusive resorts located around this area and is not difficult to find great accommodations within walking distance or a quick cab ride.
The school is fully set up for lessons and rentals so you can travel without your gear if you wish. It is recommended that you make prior arrangements with the school before traveling as they do have a steady stream of people taking lessons and you will want to make sure you are booked for rentals or lessons. I packed everything I needed into my NSI golf bag and had no problems going or coming back at the airports.
Travel Tips
The most important info I can give is one I learned from experience: make sure your checked baggage has a sheet of paper in it that has your flight and contact info. This includes where you are staying when you arrive at your vacation destination, in case it is lost on the way there, as well as your home contact number. When a bag loses its tag they don’t make much of an effort to return it to you if there is no identifying information on or in it. They will usually open the bag to look for anything to identify it. You will stand a much better chance of getting your baggage back if your information is the first thing they see when they open it. When arriving in Mexico you will be swarmed by people once you go through customs, they are either trying to make money by carrying your bag or are trying to sell you a time share. They are very aggressive. Simply avoid the hassle and just say “no” right away. If you are traveling through a travel group like Sunquest or Signature you will see a large sign for them. Your representative will take you to your transportation to your hotel. If you are doing it yourself you can find lots of cab drivers and just remember to negotiate your price first. $60.00-$80.00 cab rides can be negotiated down to about $25.00. They always start high hoping to catch the unsuspecting tourist. You can take American money with you as all the hotels will exchange your currency at good rates. There are several large banks available within Cancun and most businesses and tours will take visa and master card.
I have traveled to the Cancun area several times and have always felt safe, even walking in the wee hours of the morning. Taking tours is always fun and can be a little expensive but well worth the money. I recommend Xel-ha if you like snorkeling and fish. It is located about an hour south of Cancun and very close to Playa Del Carmen. It is an amazing way to spend the day and is very safe and clean. Very close by are the ruins of Tulum and you can do a split day tour of them both. You can also take a day trip to the larger ruins of Chichen Itza, located about 2.5 hours inland from the coast. I swam with the dolphins on the Isla Mujeres which is a short boat trip from Cancun to the north. I chose to do the swim there as they have open water pens for the dolphins instead of a small concrete pool. Almost all the places charge the same amount to swim with the dolphins so you don’t have to worry about paying more at one place than at the other. People who are looking for a different travel story to tell can feed sharks from within a cage at the aquarium in Cancun. Traveling the markets in Cancun is the same as everywhere in Mexico; you get talked to by every shop keeper promising you the best stuff at the best prices. Just remember that every thing is negotiable. I did find a great little mall right across from the Riu Cancun that had a lot of the things found in the markets but at fixed prices that were very good, and you are not bothered by pushy shop keepers. They have a wide variety of merchandise, everything from 5 dollar sunglasses to super upscale shops, all within a two story mall. As far as evening entertainment goes you can do something different every night. If you like big flashy shows the Coco Bongo is a must see. It is part Vegas show and part dance club and is well worth the entrance fee. Almost all the bars in Cancun charge a fee to get in but are open bar. Keep in mind though that the girls walking around with shooters are selling them and they are not covered by the open bar. There is also a lot of other great clubs like Dady O’s, Senor Frogs, Fat Tuesdays, and the super club “The City” that brings in some of the best DJ’s from all over the world. Getting around in Cancun is very easy as public transportation is very good in Cancun as there is a bus every 5 minutes and since it is only 6.50 pesos (0.65 cents) it is a cheap way to get around. Make sure you have exact change or very close to it as they will not always make change. I hope you find this article helpful and if there are any questions please contact me at kiteboarding@shaw.ca
In the beginning it was simply pure enthusiasm and interest in improving performance that inspired a couple of guys in Sri Lanka to design and produce the first prototypes for friends and allies on the waves.
Satisfaction led to demand and it soon became clear that the next step was inevitable. The new label faith-kiteboarding was launched.
Faith-Kiteboarding has been around since 2006 and the quality of design and shape and excellent performance have proven that the kites are very competitive in an ever-expanding market. Within a year distributors have been found for Switzerland,Germany, Dubai and most recently following extensive testing in Tarifa, the traditional Mecca of kite-and windsurfing in Europe, Spain and France.
Faith-kiteboarding is running two lines of kites and various related products
1.The original of the species is the Elements, a kite which impresses above all with reaction speed, incredible lift and depower. A kite for the experienced rider interested in pushing the limits which has already proven itself in the Spanish kitesurfing championships. If you rock the waves, you´re gonna love it!
2.The latest addition to the Faith family is the Essence, a hybrid kite that offers enormous hang time, is very fast and has a big wind range. The Essence is an all-rounder whose comfort and reliability make it ideal for both tricks and instruction.
This is only a fraction of what Faith-Kiteboarding has to offer. Harnesses and bars tailored to suit the kites complete the product range. In addition, the purchase of a Faith kite guarantees its proud owner membership in the Faith community and discounts in the Kiteboarding-, and Wellness Events organized by elements (pvt) ltd in Sri Lanka.
The Elements Kite Events are organized on a regular basis on Sri Lanka´s endless tropical beaches along the Indian Ocean offering great kiteboarding,fine local cuisine, romantic sunsets and relaxation, yoga, various massages and much more!
To convince you how good the kites really are, we would love to have you test them. We can meet up on your local beach and let the kites speak for themselves!
Why the name faith? Because faith is essential for life. The things we can not see are the reason for our being.
source: Marc and Karin Bobbay of faith-kiteboarding.com
Kiteboarding Journalis a free online magazine that focuses on the adventure and travel aspects of kiteboarding. Every issue takes our readers around the world and off the beaten path through a collection of essays, photographs and video that capture not only the soul of the sport, but also the culture and beauty of the places that the sport takes us. No gear reviews or trick tips, just content that we hope inspires you to get out there, wherever there may be. Enjoy the journey
Issue#1content:
Happy Days - video by Nico Kux with music from Shane Van leeuwen
The Endless Lefts of Mancora Peru - by Brent Schippidinni with photos from Matias Polanco
The Odyssey Begins - A world kiteboarding expedition by Gavin McClurg
Respect for Waves - by Zeev Gur with photos from Gabe Brown
The Cindy Mosey Interview - by Brad Trites
Ian Trafford Gallery - photos by Ian Trafford
Paradise Found - Vava'u Tonga! by Frans and Sylvia
Ben Wilson documents his last year in the world of kitesurfing in an epic unprecedented film named The Unknown Road. From remote locations such as Bali to scenes closer to home in West Oz Ben Wilson travels to experience all that the ocean has to offer in strapless kitesurfing. Experience The Unknown Road. COMING September 2007.
This years event will begin on Friday, July 20. There will be a Freeride Session going down where riders will judge each other for the top overall rider. This is not a mandatory event day, however there will be lots of photographers, media and videographers present, so we strongly suggest you try to make it out.
The Main Freestyle event will be on Saturday, July 21 with a first possible start time of 10:00 am. Athlete sign in will be between 8:00-9:00 am. The cost of Registration is $50.00 for mens and women, or $25 for junior and masters. It is payable by check or cash at check in. There will be a mandatory riders meeting at 9:30 am. All pre registered athletes are required to check in Saturday morning. If you do not show up your spot will be given to someone on the waiting list. During the event athletes will receive a complimentory BBQ lunch, compliments of the Organizers.
Saturday Evening following the event there will be a post event dinner in Stevenson and a Party to follow at the at the Walking Man Brewery. Come prepared to stay the night and enjoy the party. Remember, camping is available for all (includes bathrooms & showers) for $10. Friday and Saturday night at the Skamania County Fair Grounds in Stevenson.
Sunday is a potential roll over day in the event the wind shuts off on Saturday. Otherwise there will be a downwinder to Home Valley with a shuttle service (6 miles) open to all. There will be skate ramps on site, so bring your board to ride while waiting for the wind!
Thank You, and see you there!
Renee Hanks
The 7th annual Slingshot Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding Festival is made possible by the generous support of Slingshot Kiteboarding, Walking Man Brewing, DaKine, Guayaki Yerba Mate, City of Stevenson and the Port of Skamania County.
p.s. If you have any additional comments or questions please contact Renee Hanks at info@dabridge.us
12 pro-riders & 16 amateurs Mounu Island Resort, Vava'u, Tonga 13th -20th October 2007
The Cindy Mosey Island Odyssey is all set to take off in Vava'u, Tonga during October 2007. A great new spot has been chosen in the Northern Islands of Tonga to make the most of the great South Pacific trades and the awesome whale watching and marine tourism.
Kiting Events for Amateur riders are:
Downwind event
Freeride Expression Session
Coaching Clinics
Pro Division: (open to all riders wanting to compete)
windfinder.com is a well established, well known webservice that provides wind, waves & weather worldwide and in real time to mainly kitesurfers, windsurfers, surfers via SMS and online.
New for 2007 are live reports for the following Canadian locations:
It's the time of the year again when many of devoted wave pilgrims, pro, semi pro and dedicated kitesurfers around the world, make their annual journey to Lakey Peak in Sumbawa, Indonesia, once considered a world secret surf spot. International surf magazines have had many photos showing off the huge, clean and glassy surfs without a slightest hint as to the exact location. My long time friend Jason Chiang, local Airush distributor and pioneer kitesurfer from Singapore, has been telling me about this picture perfect surf spot for the past few seasons. Finally, curiosity got the better of me and I go along on his annual kitesurfing escapade. It will be a prefect excuse for me to try out my newly acquired 300mm lens.
Barely 50 minutes away from Bali by daily domestic flight, it is hard to believe such paradise does exist where perfect waves blessed with a perfect solid side shore wind from end August to early Nov. Surf breaks are at the designated locations 24 hours a day. Water, beyond and before the breaks, is relatively flat. Watching wave surfers at the "Peak" break directly in front of the hotel restaurant while having breakfast served with strong Java black coffee, littered with lots of coffee powder, is the daily morning wake up call. Soon side shore wind kicks in with Swiss watch precision in the late morning. In no time, all kitesurfers are out in full force. Among several breaks in front of Lakey Peak, the real slashing actions take place at the picture perfect breaks called "Pipe" on the left. Huge, powerful 15 footer with full-on walls often turning in full size barrels, this is not for the faith hearted. The breaks are right at the edge of the shore line with sallow reefs so getting in and out are tricky. Considering the fact that the breaks are short, allowing possibly only one bottom turn and a cut-back at any ride, it is getting crowded. Felix Pivec, Will James, Reo Stevens and Jeff Tobias are all ripping up at here all day. They are on their annual month long R&D trip! Looking at so many world-class pro riders ripping up the waves in one location is the dream comes true for me and my over-worked cameras. Of all the riders, Felix Pivec no nonsense surf style riding surely stands out among the crowd. His setup is sample, 9m2 Reactor on 6' Converse, riding unhooked and performing some awesome bottom turns and off the lips that few can reproduce. It is also interestingly noted amount all the riders and viewers when reviewing the day's photos on computer that Felix is the only one out there with amusingly wide grin on his face while bottom turning on every wave. He seems to be truly enjoying every moment of it and looks like he is part of the waves, instead of fighting and concurring them. This, I think, is what set him apart from his peers.
After a hard day out in the sea, a dinner rounds off with ice cold local "Bintan" beer, amid nonstop Jack Johnson songs, for a little as USD5.00 awaits. This pretty much sum up our daily routine for the week we are here. At this epic centre of all surf heavens, extremely remote and far away, seems crowded with surfers from all corner of the globe. In fact the whole world seems to congregate here. We meet and make many friends from the world over - Brazil, USA, Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Here at Lakey Peak, totally cut off from the rest of the world, what else is there to do but eat, drink, sleep and dream kitesurfing??But personally for me, Sumbawa means the long lasting image of Felix bottom turning with his trade mark grins??
All images and story by Howie Choo, photographer and windsurfer based in Singapore. See more of his work at: www.howiephoto.com
Jaime Herraiz is opening a company focused on advanced training for riders from mostly all levels. The name of the company is Una Vida kiteboarding (One life in English) because one life is all we’ve got and there’s not time too waste.
We will follow similar programs of what we’ve been using to train our international team, with a physical trainer, video analysis and visualization exercises, all to make our customers progression a fun and entertaining road so they can get the best out of their time on the water in any situation.
We will have North gear for all of them to try and we’ll even have prototype equipment lying around so they can throw their 50cnts on our development progress.
We will do our first public event in Elgouna (Egypt) right after the Young Blood event from July 21st to July 25th and from July 27th to July 31st. Please send inquiries to info@unavidakiteboarding.com
We are also building our Heart quarters in Brazil. We will do the official opening next fall. Make sure to check http://www.unavidakiteboarding.com where updated information can be found.
It would be of great help for us to have a note on your publication on your up coming issue. I’d like to thank you on advance for your help on promoting this new adventure I’m getting myself into.
Travel Tips
