Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing schools offer multiday courses for those who want to learn - just to go out by yourself
you'll need at least three to four days of instruction (two to three hours' instruction per
day). Lessons generally don't begin until after 1pm when winds pick up, though if the
wind is too strong, say about 20 knots, they may be canceled. The learning curve for the
sport is quite steep - you'll need several weeks to get good enough to really enjoy your-
self.
Expect to pay US$200 to US$280 for four hours of beginner lessons, or anywhere from
US$300 to US$500 for a three- to four-day course (around eight hours total). Small
groups are charged less per person; however, because newbies pick things up at different
speeds, this can be frustrating for some. Schools and instructors vary considerably, so
spend time finding one where you'll feel comfortable. Kitesurfing is a potentially danger-
ous sport, and it is extremely important that you feel free to ask questions and voice fears
or concerns, and that you receive patient, ego-free answers in return. The
International Kite-
boarding Organization
(
www.ikointl.com
)
has a feature listing student ratings for schools and
instructors.
About half of the schools are located on Kite Beach. You can check conditions on
www.windalert.com
or
www.windguru.com
.
Most shops rent complete gear if you already
know the ropes (around US$40 per hour or US$75 per day in low season).
Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding
MAP
KITESURFING
GOOGLE MAP
( 809-571-0564;
www.laureleastman.com
; Cabarete)
Run by one of the world's top kite-
boarders, this is a friendly, safety-conscious operation located on the beach at the high-end
Millennium Resort. High-quality equipment and lessons offered in five languages. Nifty-
looking bags made by local tailors from old, donated kites are sold in the shop - profits go
to Kiters 4 Communities (
www.kiters4communities.org
)
, an organization building a
school in a nearby Haitian community.
Kite Club
( 809-571-9748;
www.kiteclubcabarete.com
; Kite Beach)
This well-run club is at the top of Kite
Beach, and has a fantastic atmosphere for hanging out and relaxing between sessions. The
tiny kitchen delivers delicious fresh ahi tuna salads and sandwiches.
KITESURFING
Kitexcite
KITESURFING
