Antigua/BVI

Campbell · Since 07 Sep 2008 409 Posts Camas, WA Obsessed

Going on honeymoon for a week in Antigua and a week in BVI at the end of May. The wife to be is a beginner, and we're looking for a good instructor/rental facility in each place for her.

Any advice on spots, conditions, people or other miscellaneous info would be appreciated as well.

Cheers

Chooch · Thu Feb 10, 11 9:38 am

Check out Adam at www.KitesurfAntigua.com He runs a great school and knows the island inside and out.

G-dog · Since 04 Jan 2007 61 Posts Portland

And if you need a place to stay, check out Dutchman's Bay cottages. (www.dutchmansbay.com) They are right near the kite school and kite beach, but you can also kite right from your cottage (more advanced than the kite beach). They are relatively cheap and really nice, clean, and the owner is awesome (i.e. not out to nickel and dime ya). He says the wind is reliable all year except September, so you should be good!

stinkyskate · Since 18 Feb 2009 22 Posts Tri-cities WA

I've kited a bit in the BVI but mostly from boat. Only two shore launches I've done: Virgin Gorda (launch the beach on east side of Eustatia Island) near the Bitter End yacht club, reachable by dingy or maybe kayak (which you could probably rent there.) I've only been there in the late fall/winter when the winds are more NE. I think they switch more SE this time of year which means that site probably wont work but in case you are there and it's working, it's nice spot. Two caveats: the reef is less than a foot under water in spots (can see them on google map/earth) and launch/land can be tricky as the beach is narrow (wind sideshore) and water gets deep fast off beach. I heard that the Bitter End may rent gear and do instruction but saw nothing to substantiate it.
Other shore launch was Anegada. Might be the easiest kiting for beginners in the BVI but it's highly unlikely you'll go there.
It's probably 10-12m pretty reliability but I'd check windalert before you pack.
My experience is dated as it's been quite a few years since I've been there. Good luck.