Quick dedicated kite vacation

scartch · Since 10 Feb 2008 29 Posts

I have decided that i need a vacation dedicated strictly to kiteboarding. I have been a beginner kiter for 5 years now because i don't get out enough to get over that last hump. with that in mind, i have listed the specific requirements for my vacation below.

1 Warm, i would like to go soon and so tropical is a must
2 Instuctors or school. I attened a progressive class at KHK and loved it.
3 travel time. not looking to drop a huge amount but i have more money than time, meaning I'll pay more for a better chance of wind and less time getting there and back. 7 to 10 days for the whole thing

4 chill factor...would love some chill people and atmosphere.

let's have some suggestions and please first hand knowledge...i can read reviews in mags and forums.

thanks everyone

Talbot1 · Since 22 Apr 2011 27 Posts USA

Scartch,
Check out Costa Rica! The KiteHouse at Playa Copal is a great choice. A friend and I went down there last year and had a great time.

The wind is non stop, its always sunny, with nice warm water.

The instructors there are excellent. At only $50 per hour
its a steal! They are mostly expats, so english is their first language.

The KiteHouse also provides transportation to and from. The accommodations are great. Filled with many fun and stoked kiters.

Check them out at www.thekitehouse.com/costa_rica.htm.

Have fun where ever you end up! Also, when they say they create "kiteboarders" at the kitehouse they mean it. Just intense pure lessons, no filler to make money!

DownStream · Since 18 Apr 2007 381 Posts Obsessed

S P I

(unless your planning on mid march, probably wont find a place to stay around then, at least not cheep, we are over-run with 1/2 naked chicks and free beer)

scartch · Since 10 Feb 2008 29 Posts

check out the kite house. looks like everything i was looking for. thank you.

ericvs · Since 05 Jul 2008 133 Posts Stoked

Yea, you will like it. There is a sweet island in the middle of Bahia Salinas that you can go to and have your own private beach (unless someone else is there)

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 599 Posts Addicted

Costa Rica does look sweet. I think this time of year, the easiest and fastest place to get to with good wind has got to be Maui. Non stop flight from Portland, kite beach right by airport. I like it there a lot, some of my friends say its too touristy. I think you get whatever experience there you want. Im not saying its better than other places, I personally like it better than a lot of places i've been, but it is the most convenient. I have a little OG, so that and american hospitals make it even more attractive to me.

My crew and I will be there and of march if you wanna roll out with some NW/Gorge dewds

Wanna-Go · Since 14 Sep 2009 95 Posts Central, Wa

Where are good places to stay on Maui that are close to kiting spots beginner/intermediate?

forrest · Mon Feb 06, 12 10:51 pm

Spreckelsville, Paia, Haiku, Kihei

bambam · Since 15 Mar 2005 760 Posts Hood River Photographer

It's Maui... Driving around the island to have coffee across from your hotel is close...

JayDelViento · Since 20 Jun 2010 36 Posts White Salmon

I've been to all 3 in the past year. I'm going back to Bahia Salinas in Costa Rica this month so you can guess which was the best overall experience for me.

But... the wind in Bahia Salinas is fierce! I would not want to be a rank beginner there. (I am still learning, so it is not impossible for a relative newbie). It's a longer flight and getting from the airport to the beach is a bit more complex than the other two. There is nice smooth water in one spot near the reef, but things happen quick in 30+ mph winds with big swell and recovery can be challenging. I got dragged over tho the next beach more than once. Bob Selfridge "Cometa Copal" rents the nicest places there and has a great crew to hang out with. Contact Bob if you're heading there -- you'll be glad you did.

Maui is warm, close and sweet, but relatively more crowded than SPI. Also lacks smooth buttery water for learning. We had a great time in the waves for the first time, though. And it's HAWAII after all! Todd Davis at Kailolo.com was a great find for lessons, board rentals, and lodging.

Personally I think SPI is the best place to learn or keep learning. We took lessons two trips from Brett Newcomb (he's fantastic!) at Air Padre. The lagoon at SPI is a zillion acres of smooth water. They will take you out on a boat and you have no challenges with crowds, bad launches, etc. Most of the area is waist-to-chest deep. The water's warm. The downside is a higher chance of getting skunked than the other places as I think they have a few more windless days a month. I'd recommend Air padre to anybody who wants to learn to kiteboard!

My table of the relative ranking of each in winter (1=best IMHO)

..........................Maui........Costa Rica......SPI
Warm water........1?................3............... 2
Warm air.............2..................1................3
Great instruction..2.................3................1
Easy to get to......2.................3................1
Reliable wind........2................1.................3
Exotic location......2................1.................3
inexpensive..........3................2.................1

Just my opinion based on relatively little experience; I am sure folks will disagree with some of it. You can't go wrong with any of them.

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Are you going upwind yet? If not Cape hatteras sound is 70 miles wide by 100 miles long and 3.5 feet deep. Always flat water and ocean is 300 yards away at Kite point. I got 12 of 13 days last spring, temps 60-70s fall is not as consistent but warmer.

Its warm windy and laid back, and most peope progress super fast there! You can rent a house with a hot tub and 3 BRS for $600 or a McMansion with 5-6 BRS, for $900 per week. SPI as mentioned, is also good. Here is the house we rented[img]

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

"Reliable wind........2................1.................3 "

Depends on lots of factors, but here is my own experience in one trip to each of those locations for kiting.

A 9 day trip to Maui in May- 0/9 days wnd. Not one whitecap for the whole stretch. The locals said it never happens...

A 7 day trip to Costa Rica in February- 0/7 days wind. Had a great time surfing though.

A 12 day trip to SPI in May- 10/12 days. Enough said.

Bottom line is traveling for wind is dicey. Better always have some good backup plans. Personally, I like to try different places. Then if I get skunked at least I can check out a new spot and play tourist.

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

Bettyboarder · Tue Feb 07, 12 11:06 pm

We have been to most of the places suggested

Maui - always fun, easy to get lessons. Certain months are better then others for wind, direct flight
SPI - I would go there if I was a beginner, shallow, warm flat water. Overnight flight kiting by the next....go in April or Nov
Cozumel - awesome one of my fav places but you can go a week without wind
Costa Rica - super windy small kites great people amazing food but I wouldn't send a beginner there.

Were headed to LV soon - heard thats a great place might be worth looking

scartch · Since 10 Feb 2008 29 Posts

thank you everyone for all the info. def something you can't get from mags or websites. was thinking costa but now i'm not sure. took a two day lesson at the old khk launch and loved that. just looking for new places. i'll let ya know what i decide on.

MasViento · Since 03 Mar 2009 235 Posts 97031 Stoked

Always something to do on Maui, if it doesn't blow. I'm here now.

Check it:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2951376577045.138365.1040307908&type=3&l=2ffc498cdd

uride2 · Since 18 Aug 2010 31 Posts

Is that a rental house? Would be interested in finding out how to rent to it. Thanks.