Isla Blanca, Mexico

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

Any one kited here in Dec? From what I've read, I'll need a 7 and a 12. Don't have a 12, but love my 10 Vegas. We would like to rent a small house on the north side of Cancun. Anyone gone that route?

Nak · Thu Sep 27, 12 10:17 am

Do a search for Isla Blanca and my username. I've done a couple of write-ups on it...

Consider renting a 4 wheel drive. The access that was doable with 2 wheel drives has been closed. You drive up the road till it ends. A couple of hundred yards before that there's a place to park on the right, $5. (US) Or, with a 4WD you drive to the end of the road, drive past the abandoned restaurant, hang a left. If you need it, I'll put up something from Google Earth to help.

9, 12, 14, 17 kites to be safe. if only 3 kites, 10-12, 14, 17. if two: 10-12, 14. Check the Windfinder forecast just before you go for a final decision on kite sizes. It's usually a bit optimistic though...

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

The other thing to consider if you don't have the appropriate gear is renting from Ikarus kiteboarding. They rent Airush gear for a reasonable price if you have a PASA certification. If not, it's a little more and you have to pay for a lesson, but he will reduce it down to about $100 bucks if you know how to kite and he doesn't have to chase you in the jetski.

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

Where did you guys stay? Do you need a 4x4 to get to Ikarus kite camp? I'm taking the family and we're all going to kite. The 10 year old wants to take lessons.

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

We stayed in the hotel zone and I took a cab down there. You have to have a clear idea of where it's at before you head out because our cab driver had no idea what we were talking about and we had to give him directions. Once there, the vibe is really cool and it was a pretty legit outfit. I'm sure you can email prior to arrival and set everything up.

Nak · Thu Sep 27, 12 6:14 pm

There's two spots at Isla Blanca. Ikarus, and another spot further North. You do not need a 4WD to get to Ikarus. You do need it to get to the other spot. If you don't have a 4WD it's a 20 - 25 minute walk across the Mexican sand to get up to the spot. Sometimes, the wind is such that you can't kite at Ikarus, but the North spot is good. Do talk to the guys at Ikarus bfeore you kite the North spot. There are some hazards you need to be aware of.

I've stayed at Hotel Row, and at Excellence Playa Mujeras. Excellence is ridiculously expensive, but extremely cool. The food and service is incredible. Take your wife there for a second honeymoon. Also, the water conditions are better at Excellence--compared to the hotel zone-- due to an offshore reef, so you can have a great session right at the hotel. Excellence is like 5-10 minutes from Ikarus, the South hotel zone 30-40 minutes.

Wind is very fickle on the Yucatan. Wind can be great, or not so good. My last trip there I was the only person in Cancun getting a session in, at least I never saw anybody else, because I was lucky enough to have a Slingshot Turbine with me.

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

When I went it was 10m wind every day for a week and I didn't bring my stuff because I always heard cancun wind sucked.

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

Ya Babiee, I'll risk it "bringing my 10m Vegas" I looked at the Kite Camp on google, is there a sign on the driveway? could easily drive right by. Nak was the turbine the 17m you spoke of. Thanks for the feed back. " Stay away from the jumping seals! and salt water crocs?"

Nak · Fri Sep 28, 12 2:41 pm

Yep, a Turbine would be a great choice! The Yucatan can be fickle, A tirbine could be the difference between getting some sessions in and sitting on the beach all week.

Yeah, keep an eye out for the sign for Ikarus. Street View in google maps actually goes all the way to the end of that road. Check it out in advance so you know what you're looking for. The 4WD only section starts where Street View ends.