Cabarete?

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

Thinking of going to Cabarete and did a little search here on NWkite. The two things that gave me pause were: The locals are all in your face and the "look at me" zone is treacherous to get through to land on the beach. I remember that from Baja Joes. They were great to watch - but maneuvering in to land when you are somewhat kooky while the kite looping lunatics are there is intimidating. I want to kite, but I don't want to deal with aggressive attitudes and competitive crowds. This is suppose to be fun. I was thinking of staying at kite beach hotel. Still might, but before I lay out my credit card and make a commitment, I thought I'd post this for feedback.

Thanks.

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

We're in Cabarete right now- haven't seen any in your face attitude from anyone. We don't stay at kite beach though, and we don't kite there either- way too many kites, especially when most of the bay is empty and the great waves are everywhere.

Try www.cabaretebeachhouses.com/ for a cool condo within walking distance to town or kite beach. If you want a hotel, the kite beach area is cool, but too many kites for my liking. We've been really lucky with wind- sounds like La Nina hasn't been super windy here this year.

CT

tonyb · Wed Mar 02, 11 6:53 pm

Carol and I have been two times before and stayed at the Augalina which was very nice. This time of year is fine and as long as you don't like to ride right near shore you'll be fine. It's definately not a beach where you want to stand around with your kite straight up in the air. Treat it like Maui where you launch and hit the water to get away from everyone.

Main thing I was disappointed with was the body dragging lessons happening right down the beach. Stay away from the lessons and everything is fine.

Have fun!

Tony

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

Thanks. That helps a lot. So, there are other kite beaches there? Glad to hear the attitude is good. And I always stay away from lessons if I can. Thinking of bringing my SUP for mornings. Going for two weeks. At $25 an hour rental, I think it'll be worth bringing. Or not - What would you recommend? Also scouting for real estate....Thinking of buying there and having a motorhome in the states. Kiiting has really changed my life plan. I'm so over having a lot of stuff. Anyone interested in buying my house in Park City? Right in town. walk to the town lift. I have one in Bingen also. Pretty Cute. Used to be Chris Wyman's house.

see you in The Gorge..

Mel

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

Hmmm. Don't wanna go all the way there and get skunked. Glad you have been lucky. What's the wind speed? I looked on ikitesurf, but the sensor is down.

tonyb · Thu Mar 03, 11 9:05 pm

sent you a pm Mel.

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

check out Magic seaweed, Encuentro area- been light the past couple of days, looks grim for the remaining few- but the afternoon thermals kick in for an hour or so of big kite flying.

http://magicseaweed.com/Encuentro-Surf-Report/478/

carolb · Fri Mar 04, 11 4:54 pm **cab**

Don't leave anything on the beach or it could be gone. Agualina didn't let locals in and you kept your kites behind the wall where they watch them for you. It's safe to walk around, just a lot of very poor kids who don't go to school and make their money off launching and landing kites working for tips. You don't really want to be on the beach at all because of the dangerous lessons and crashing kites. There are a few US locals there who are awesome tho and a nice wave break.

alleycat · Since 29 Jun 2006 176 Posts Portland Stoked

I am in Cabarete now...thie weather is great, the beer is cheap and on those long wind-less days there is Enquentro...perfect place to learn to surf. The prices for property have fell to long time lows your timing is perfect.

The Residencia Dominica is a cheap place to stay, it is a walk to the beach. just rent a locker at one of the kite schools and have a nice walk to the office every day.

brass · Since 15 Jul 2006 152 Posts Stoked

Been there 5 times (all in early May) and never had an "in your face problem" unless people around us were bringing it upon themselves. Every time I have rented either a apartment or a house on the beach in a neighborhood called Bahia de Arena with security that is right at the end of "Bozo Beach" which is just up-wind from Kite Beach. Way more mellow, the same access to the reef where the waves are just not as good flatter water in close to the beach which what creates the "look at me zone." Walk 20 yrds out to the beach and launch right there. Kite there, go down wind to Kite Beach, or do a downwinder to Encuentro and get a moto back for a few bucks; or take a moto down to Encuentro and kite the waves there. Had wind 75% of the time.

cabarettevillas.com- talk to Gundela although if you can rent directly from the owners you may get a better rate (hard to do though unless you go there once and get their contact info).

I see someone else has already suggested this place too.

forrest · Sat Mar 05, 11 7:38 am

Is there a like button?