Kitesurfing in the Dominican Republic
Kitesurfers of all levels of experience congregate in Cabarete. There are
several kite schools, so beginners can get their feet wet for the first time in
the calmer, earlier part of the day. Later in the afternoon is when the pros get
their chance to show off their skills.
The thrilling sport of kiteboarding is an easier sport to master than windsurfing or surfing. Nevertheless, it is also regarded as an extreme sport with its share of danger. The best of instruction should be chosen as kiteboarding can result in bodily injury such as colliding into a building or tree.
Most beginners manage to stand on the board on the water after just two or three sessions with an instructor, and many manage their first jump during the first week of practice. A really experienced kiteboarder will be capable of jumping 10 meters or more.
A typical beginners’ lesson starts off on dry land, and will consist of some theoretical information about the wind and weather, safety awareness and technical details about the equipment, how it works, how to put it all together and put it on. Then the instructor will teach you how to control the kite while standing on the shore. After this, it’s time to hit the water and learn how to stand on the board and start to move in the water. Once this is under control, the learner can finally start to negotiate the wind and waves.
There are also advanced lessons on offer. Some focus on developing existing skills, others on specific technical areas of expertise, as well as courses for kiteboarders who wish to become IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) qualified instructors themselves.
Some kiteboarders will bring their own gear, but schools will also provide the equipment if necessary.
Cabarete itself offers all the aprčs-surf action a kitesurfer could wish for: a lively local and international scene with a variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs to suit all tastes. Accommodation ranges from the small-scale, self-catering to larger hotels and resorts.
There is also a great deal to do and see in the surrounding area; that is if the die-hard kitesurfers can be torn away from their kites and boards.
There is kitesurfing in other parts of the Dominican Republic, such as the Bay of Salinas, near Bani in the southwest, and at the numerous hotel and resort areas around the country like Punta Cana, Bavaro, Bayahibe, La Romana, Juan Dolio, Boca Chica and Samana. Cabarete itself is easily accessible from the Puerto Plata/Sosua area on the north coast. Check with your tour operator for precise details of the activities offered at your hotel or in the nearby area.
The thrilling sport of kiteboarding is an easier sport to master than windsurfing or surfing. Nevertheless, it is also regarded as an extreme sport with its share of danger. The best of instruction should be chosen as kiteboarding can result in bodily injury such as colliding into a building or tree.
Most beginners manage to stand on the board on the water after just two or three sessions with an instructor, and many manage their first jump during the first week of practice. A really experienced kiteboarder will be capable of jumping 10 meters or more.
A typical beginners’ lesson starts off on dry land, and will consist of some theoretical information about the wind and weather, safety awareness and technical details about the equipment, how it works, how to put it all together and put it on. Then the instructor will teach you how to control the kite while standing on the shore. After this, it’s time to hit the water and learn how to stand on the board and start to move in the water. Once this is under control, the learner can finally start to negotiate the wind and waves.
There are also advanced lessons on offer. Some focus on developing existing skills, others on specific technical areas of expertise, as well as courses for kiteboarders who wish to become IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) qualified instructors themselves.
Some kiteboarders will bring their own gear, but schools will also provide the equipment if necessary.
Cabarete itself offers all the aprčs-surf action a kitesurfer could wish for: a lively local and international scene with a variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs to suit all tastes. Accommodation ranges from the small-scale, self-catering to larger hotels and resorts.
There is also a great deal to do and see in the surrounding area; that is if the die-hard kitesurfers can be torn away from their kites and boards.
There is kitesurfing in other parts of the Dominican Republic, such as the Bay of Salinas, near Bani in the southwest, and at the numerous hotel and resort areas around the country like Punta Cana, Bavaro, Bayahibe, La Romana, Juan Dolio, Boca Chica and Samana. Cabarete itself is easily accessible from the Puerto Plata/Sosua area on the north coast. Check with your tour operator for precise details of the activities offered at your hotel or in the nearby area.
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