Aruba - props to Fernando

Bokeh · Since 07 Feb 2008 104 Posts Vancouver, WA Stoked

Just came back from Aruba - it's always great to destress a bit and have kiting while wifey is enjoying her beach time. This year, instead of just asking for assist while kiting in front of Fishermen's Huts I decided to give Fernando from xtremewinds.com a try. It turned out great. A two hour downwinder from Bercadera Reef South from the airport, all the way to Palm Beach in the North was awesome and definitely worth anyone's time. I only wish I had more time to do more.

Next time you're in Aruba consider giving Fernando's services a try.

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Aruba sounds like wind paradise. But being a kiter, how would you rate the friendliness toward our breed on Aruba. Is there easy access to beaches from the lodging options? Can you walk out your door and launch, or is it highly restricted?

Bokeh · Since 07 Feb 2008 104 Posts Vancouver, WA Stoked

In terms of friendliness - total bliss. Many KB schools in the area catering to our needs, at the airport got stopped at the customs ('what's inside the golf bag'). When I said KB gear the guy simply gave me two thumbs up.
In terms of lodging if you're staying by Palm Beach (Marriot) indeed all you have to do is to walk out, gear up and ride. The caveat is this area has offshore wind. It's good to arrange with one of the schools there to watch you and rescue you if you can't get upwind back to the shore (a $20 service for them).
Other places are good too - especially Boca Grandi, however it is close to the south tip of the island and not in a walking distance to any place where you could stay. I'm sure you can get private lodging in Sint Nicolaas nearby but you still have ~3mi to the beach. Better option is to rent a car or get a school service - like Fernando's - where you're picked up from the hotel, dropped of at the beach and well taken care of.

In either case you won't be disappointed. By the way, a year or two back there were more threads on the forum discussing Aruba, you may check them out too.

caps1 · Since 10 Aug 2010 8 Posts Kook

For those of you fortunate enough to have kited in both Aruba and Turks and Caicos, how would you compare the two? Where would you rather go if you where with a mixed skill-set of kiters? Where would you smile the most? It sounds like a sure thing in either spot. But with limited funds, can't go everywhere. We're from the west coast.