The Kitesurfing
The Kitesurfing
Cabarete is one of the ‘old school’ kitesurfing and windsurfing destinations, frequented by many over the years, and still delivers epic flat water and wave riding conditions. What makes Cabarete so very good is that it offers mixed conditions across five kitesurfing beaches. For those learning, the lighter morning winds are ideal then at 12 pm a healthy 18 to 24 knot wind kicks in.
Boca - a 20 minute drive upwind from Cabarete, Boca is actually a lagoon with a stretch of beach separating it from the sea. After a freestyle session here, it is good to start an epic down winder to Cabarete Bay.
Cabarete Bay – Cabarete Bay is the main resort beach and has dedicated windsurfing and kitesurfing zones. Windsurfers stay upwind while the kitesurfing zone starts roughly half way down the beach. The beach is quite wide here and has small shore break with a great wave spot in the middle of the bay that can get very big in the winter months.
Bozo – Bozo is the downwind end of Cabarete Bay and is really a continuation of the main beach, with the same conditions. Head around the headland towards kite beach but be careful of the gnarly reef.
Kite Beach – a 10 minute taxi ride from Cabarete Bay, Kite Beach (as the name suggests) is the main kite beach and has a steeper shelve than Cabarete Bay, and therefor a bigger shore break . Parts of the beach are very narrow so take care when launching and landing.
Encuentro – this is 25 minutes drive downwind from Cabarete Bay and is an epic wave spot. Encuentro is not really a beach to kitesurf from, but more a small beach to land your kite on at the end of an epic downwinder. The downwinder from Bozo to Kite Beach is for advanced riders only as there is no support and waves range from 2ft to 2 m plus - epic!
 | |
|---|---|
| Beginners | 8/10 |
| Intermediates | 8/10 |
| Advanced | 9/10 |
| Waveriders | 9/10 |
 | |
|---|---|
| Best months: | Jan - Dec |
| Flat water: | Yes |
| Choppy water: | Yes |
| Shallow water: | No |
| Waves: | Yes |
| Tidal: | Some |
Centre, Courses & Kit
The Centre
The kitesurfing centre in Cabarete is found at the beginning of the kitesurfing zone, so only a 5 to 10 minute walk from most of the hotels in the bay. The centre has private storage, safety boat and beach assistants to help you launch and land your kites.
The centre has a team of experienced, English-speaking IKO and VWDS instructors to teach you everything from the absolute fundamentals in the beginner course, to water-starting and power control techniques for the intermediates, not forgetting progression sessions for the advanced riders. The progression sessions are based on private coaching that includes video analysis of your riding.
To discuss which course best suits you,
please call 01273 224 069 or request a quotation.
| Tuition | Price |
|---|---|
| 10 Hour Beginner/Intermediate Group Course
Course for complete beginners. Covers safety, kit set up, kite flying skills, body dragging, culminating in getting up and riding on the board, maximum 4 students per instructor. |
£255 |
| 10 hour Semi Private Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Course
As per the 10 hour beginner course but with a reduced student to instructor ration of 2:1, which will boost your learning curve. |
£375 |
| 6 Hour Intermediate/Advanced Group Course
For those who have completed a basic course or have had a break from being on the water. Covers waterstarts, edging upwind & transitions. Maximum 4 pupils per instructor. |
£165 |
| Rental | Price |
|---|---|
| Kit: North kiteboarding | |
| 7 day Equipment Rental | £205 |
| 14 day Equipment Rental | £335 |
| Storage | Price |
|---|---|
| Includes secure overnight storage and rescue during daylight hours. | |
| 7 day Equipment Storage & Rescue Cover | £45 |
| 14 day Equipment Storage & Rescue Cover | £70 |
NB. The above prices are based on the currency rate applicable at the time of writing and may be subject to fluctuation.
