KITEBOARDING IN TURKS AND CAICOS. 3 REASONS WHY ITS THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD TO LEARN KITESURFING

Over the last 20 years of Kiteboarding we’ve travelled, taught, and lived in some of the best kitesurfing locations on the planet.

In the most recent years, we’ve have been very lucky to be coaching more advanced kitesurfing students who have happily told us about all the places in the world that they have kited that we haven’t, yet.

However, if you are thinking of learning to kiteboard then without question (in our professional opinion) Kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos is (drum roll please) THE best place on the planet to learn. 

So with all that in mind, I think its fair to say that we have a good idea as to what spots rock and what spots do not.

And we can safely say that Kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos is, for sure world class and one of the best kiting locations on earth.

Now that’s a bold statement so here’s 3 of many reasons why …

1. Shallow water

Turks and Caicos is also known as Provo or TCI. The Turks and Caicos islands have one of the largest barrier reefs in the world which along with many mangrove forests, creates an 80 square kilometre, waist deep, crystal clear, warm, swimming pool in the sea.

We’re going to repeat that as that’s so important…

Turks and Caicos has an 80 square kilometre area of obstruction free, waist deep, warm, crystal clear water.

Learning to kite in shallow water takes out all the stress of your lessons because no matter what happens, your feet will touch the sandy bottom and you will be able to stand up at any moment.

This is a huge benefit for so many reasons. Safety is of course number one!

Closely followed by your speed of progression and of course it’s so much more FUN when you are progressing at a decent pace.

Most places where you can learn kitesurfing around the world do not have an abundance of shallow water (if any) and if they do then generally they become busy locations especially if they have regular wind.

Now we’re not saying that you cant have a great lesson from a professional instructor in a busy, deep water location, it just takes more time and more effort.

For example – When you fall off in deep water you have to relaunch your kite and while this is pretty easy, you are being blown downwind and away from where you started meaning you will be doing a lot of walking back upwind.

The chances are that you will fall off your board. This means that in deep water, you will be some distance away from your board which you will have to rescue, and this means even more distance travelled downwind and an even longer walk back.

This loss of time and energy distrups your flow of learning as well as takes up a large part of your lesson time.

With shallow water, when you crash (and you will crash!) you simply stand up, relaunch your kite in a matter of seconds, walk a few meters to get your board and then immediately try again, all with your instructor standing only a few meters away from you, encouraging you, calmly offering you tips with no shouting or even having to wear lots of restrictive safety equipment.

It’s all extremely civilised, safe and most importantly it really is even more fun learning in a vast area of shallow water.

2. Empty beaches

Busy locations can also be stressful and cost you valuable time and energy when you are learning to Kitesurf.

This is mainly because of the unpredictability of other people who are learning. Collisions happen reguarly at busy beaches and while most of the time its just tangled kite lines it’s still time consuming.

Also it’s fair to say that most learner kitesurfers are quite rightly apprehensive and do not want to crash their kite into anyone else.

This is where Kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos really shines as there is enough space for literally thousands of kitesurfers.

But the greatest irony is that there will probably never be too many kiteboarders in Turks and Caicos.

Why? Several reasons but mainly because Turks and Caicos is not cheap.

Ok so it is possible to come kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos and not break the bank to badly but it is definitely more pricey than other locations which keeps the crowds well away.

On top of that there are only a few direct flights for people coming to learn kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos so it’s not the easiest place in the world to get to.

Now who ever though that expensive and not easily accessible  would ever be a good thing!?

When it comes to having plenty of space to learn, kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos is as good as it gets.

It’s hard to believe that when you arrive and stand on the famous Long bay beach looking out over the endless turquoise blue water that you could walk to the horizon and another 4 kilometres further on.

3. Reliable wind

There is nothing worse than booking up a kitesurfing holiday only to be let down by the wind.

Ok so nowhere on the planet is 100% reliable and even Kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos is not guaranteed on every single day of your trip but the consistency of the trade winds give you an incredibly high wind probability.

The windy season in Turks and Caicos is almost year round running from December all the way through to September. A 10 month season!

On top of great wind stats, the quality of the wind is also super important. Gusty, inconsistent wind is frustraighting. Strong wind can also be stressful.

So when learning kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos, the chances are that you will be blessed by some of the most consistent trade winds on the planet. Most wind days are between 12 and 20kts which is simply perfect for learning.

Ok lets assume the absolute worst case scenario that you are really unlucky and you don’t get at least 70-80% wind days on your trip. Sad face 🙁

Fear not, as there are so many other world class activities to do on the islands.

Firstly (if you hadn’t quite got the message yet) there are endless empty, picture perfect beaches with water so clear and so blue it’s hard to believe.

The pristine and unpopulated natural ecosystems are teaming with wildlife such as Turtles, dolphins and even Whales.

Activities on a no wind day that won’t break the bank include supping through the mangrove forests, world class snorkelling even amazing Kayaking too.

Add to that an arguably perfect climate and all of a sudden a rare no wind day is actually a welcome break and opportunity to take a gazillion photos that are guaranteed to make all your friends jealous.

So to conclude, if you are serious about learning to kiteboard, overlook the price and the extra effort it takes to come kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos because in this case you really do get what you pay for. 

Learn the sport of kite surfing with the TCI’s best, fully accredited kiteboarding instructors

What’s better than kitesurfing the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean? Doing it under the eagle eyes of a team of IKO accredited instructors of course! From in-depth insider knowledge of the area gleaned from living in the TCI, right through to our extensive experience that will help you boost your own skills into the stratosphere, you’re going to want to try kiteboarding in Provo with the Big Blue Collective team.

What is IKO?

IKO, or the International Kiteboarding Organisation, provide accreditation for kiteboarding schools worldwide. They are a leading kiteboarding accreditation organisation, internationally recognised as promoting safe practices and high standards for the kite surfing industries. With IKO backing, you know that the ultimate balance of safety and fun will be waiting for you. From those first tentative steps in the sport, right through to the experienced kiteboarder, IKO helps you achieve your very best self.

IKO accredited instructors are free to keep their own individuality and unique experience, so you won’t receive a boring, cookie-cutter monologue under our instruction, either! Our own IKO accredited core team consists of five men and women, each with a passion for teaching and a deep love of the sport. They’ve got impressive chops to back up their claims to fame, too- with a long and amazing history with not only kite surfing to call their own, but a host of other athletic and water sports achievements to their names.

What is the big Blue Collective’s kiteboarding difference?

The Big Blue Collective want you to have the safest, most exhilarating experience while kiteboarding with us, both in and out of the water- and no matter your prior experience. We’ll teach you from scratch, or we’ll help you get even better. As long as you’re on the water and having safe, skilled fun, we’re glad! With over two decades in the industry and the solid backing of IKO’s standards, we’re perfectly placed to make your dreams of kiteboarding in Provo come true… and we’ll help you do so safely, effectively, and while having a blast.

You’ll never be pushed to do something you’re unhappy with, even if we have faith you can do it, and two-way communication lies at the heart of our kiteboarding instruction. Our instructors aren’t the only members of our full kiteboarding team, either, so there’s always an eagle eye and helping hand around should you need one on a Big Blue Collective activity. We’re even able to lay claim to Hope Levin and Kit Griffiths, two of the very best local kiteboarders, as our kite surfing ambassadors!

Why come kiteboarding in Provo?

The real question here is ‘why not’? Of course, there are all the benefits of learning with the most experienced kiteboarding team in the TCI, but there’s much, much more too. The Turks and Caicos seas are truly unique. The islands sit perched on a ‘shelf’ of land, which is how they can offer such calm, flat and gorgeous seas yet still provide spectacular dive sites, coral reefs and other epic vistas just waiting for you to explore. Don’t think the sheltered nature of the water means dull, flat seas either- the brisk presence of the trade winds almost year-round ensures there’s enough air-power to keep things interesting for those kiteboarding on the water.

The trade winds also provide a little cooling air for the perpetually hot temperatures, ensuring that (while the water is deliciously warm even in the morning and evening) there’s just enough breeze to keep you comfortable.

This secluded, calm atmosphere has made the Turks and Caicos a haven of natural beauty, too. From the friendly stingrays to the iguanas of Iguana Island and the many tropical birds you’ll spot in the trees, there’s a feast for the eyes wherever you turn. Add in some of the world’s most beautiful beaches (complete with powder-soft white sand) and you’re almost set for a perfect holiday in the sun.

There’s one more lure, however. The Turks and Caicos, while a popular destination well used to catering to tourists, is far less populated than many of the Caribbean islands. It’s one of the few premier tourist destinations in the world where you stand a very real chance of being able to soak in that beautiful beach view accompanied by no one else. The islands cast a magical spell anyway, but the fact you can experience it without crowds adds an extra depth to the experience.

Does this make Provo a kiteboarding dream destination? We like to think so! Blend the sparkle of the islands with our expert kiteboarding instruction and come experience it for yourself.

How do I get a slice of the kiteboarding action?

Keen to come and try this amazing sport for yourself? Then why not book a session with the Big Blue Collective while you are here in the TCI? No need to wait until you land, either. With our fully automated, easy to use online booking system. Not only does this let you plan and budget ahead, but it also allows you the convenience and peace-of-mind of being able to chat with our experienced team throughout the process- we’d love to get to know you before you take your first lesson! You can opt to book a private lesson or share with a group to keep your budget tight.

If you are already a kiteboarding fan but don’t want to drag your gear along, the Big Blue Collective is powered by the Cabrinha kite and board line, and we offer a range of rentals to suit every kiteboarder.

With Big Blue behind you, you don’t even have to worry if the wind lets us down… our No Wind, No Problem options allow you to still have a ton of fun with Stand Up Paddle Boarding, beach cruising, or any of the myriad of great activities open to you in the TCI.

Come experience kiteboarding in Provo with our accredited teaching team, and let the delights of the TCI charm you today.

Kitesurfing probably isn’t a sport you immediately recognise, but if you’re headed to the TCI anytime soon it’s time to remedy that gap! Kiteboarding is scintillating, challenging yet accessible, fun, and probably one of the best action-adventure sports you could hope for- and it’s open to almost anyone. The even better news is, with Big Blue Collective’s guiding hand showing you the ropes, you can even learn the basics while on holiday! Whether you just want to know what the best time to kitesurf in the TCI is, or are keen to learn about the sport from the ground up, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Kitesurfing in the TCI.

What if I am a kiteboarding novice?

Kite surfing allows you to feel the thrill of waves under your feet and wind on your back, making it an amazing way to combine some adrenaline-pumping water sports with a scenic tour of the many spectacular nooks and crannies the Turks and Caicos offer. The sport has decided similarities to other ‘board’ sports like snowboarding and even skateboarding, but played out on the waves using a mini ‘surfboard’ and a sail-like ‘kite’ as your method of propulsion. The basics are pretty simple to learn, and Big Blue Collective offer our beginners level instruction in a sheltered inlet that is accessible almost all of the year. We teach from our shore club at Long Bay, if you’re keen to get going! Our expert instructors will ensure you learn the basics safely, and even stretch your skills further. You’ll gain confidence, learn how to troubleshoot [and not to panic] and have an awful lot of fun while you’re doing it! We even offer a special program for kiddies from age 10 and up. We typically don’t recommend it as a sport for younger ones, as you need to have established good hand-eye coordination to best take advantage of everything kitesurfing offers safely.

Always wanted to head out on safari? Take the idea of the classic safari to a whole new level when you kitesurf in the TCI. Big Blue Collective is the sole provider for VELA KiteSurf Resorts in this area, allowing us to perfect the active vacation just for you. From private surf tours to expeditions that will challenge even the experienced, the perfect vacation kitesurfing experience awaits you.

Is the Turks and Caicos a good kitesurfing destination?

One of the best! And we promise we’re not even being biased! Kitesurfing in the TCI offers spectacularly favourable winds, both frontal and trade, easy access to rental equipment, some of the world’s most spectacular island vistas and cooperative seas- and the TCI itself is simple to get to from almost anywhere, friendly, and remarkably low key and relaxed for a Caribbean destination.

When is the best time for kitesurfing in the TCI?

The million dollar question! While weather can always be a little finicky when you’re in an island chain, the best time for kitesurfing in the TCI is typically when the tradewinds blow in after the hurricane season. For us, that’s the summer months. However, there’s a lot to be said for riding the frontal winds during winter, too. It does depend on the challenge you are looking for. However, summer falls super-conveniently from November to June in the islands, which means not only do you get great kitesurfing conditions in the TCI, you probably will have leave stored up to make the trip of your dreams happen, too! We do suggest you perhaps aim to stay clear of the very peak months, however [think December to mid-April], if you want to experience the very best of the Turks and Caicos free of the crowds. Those in the know tend to love the winds of March to May each year. You can always come to join the party at the Windvibe festival, too!

What about during the kitesurfing off-season?

The good news is that despite the fact there is a ‘season’ for kitesurfing where conditions are most optimal here, the season is never really forced closed as it is in other areas. Bar the odd patch of unfavourable weather, typically worst during hurricane season, there’s always something to do on the water. Beginners have an advantage in Big Blue Collective’s headquarter cove. Sheltered from the harshest elements, it’s generally possible to learn and practice on most days of the year. Experienced kiteboarders will always have something to choose from too. From catching a downwinder along North Caicos to exploring the mangrove channels of Caicos Cays with a North Easterner chasing you the whole way, you’re sure to be able to find the sweet spot for a memorable Kitesurfing experience in the Turks and Caicos. You may even want to tackle our Kite Quest… find secrets hidden and beaches you can have to yourself, with the ultimate snorkeling adventure- and, of course, a ton of kitesurfing- thrown in to boot. It’s the perfect challenge for those confident in getting themselves out of basic trouble, and who launch well in deep water. You’ll want to explore it- it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Why is kitesurfing in the TCI so special?

There’s a huge area of shallow flat water here which makes kitesurfing in the TCI so very perfect. Easy for beginners, it still has enough variety, depth of water and remarkable hidden scenery to make it challenging for the advanced surfer. And, despite the presence of a ‘best’ kitesurfing season, advanced surfers will be able to find favourable waters no matter when they come, and beginners will always have our sheltered cove and watchful eyes to help them.

Looking for the true experience of a lifetime? Then come kitesurfing with Big Blue Collective, and make memories that will last forever.

Keen to try your hand at one of the most exciting, yet easily accessible watersports around? Then kitesurfing in the TCI is perfect for you! Let Big Blue Collective help you make the most of your trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands with an exhilarating kitesurfing experience that will get your blood pumping and leave you wanting more. Explore the breathtaking beauty of this idyllic island setting while challenging your body and feeling the thrill of the waves beneath you- and the wind at your back.

Is kitesurfing in the TCI for me?

Kitesurfing is the ultimate action-adventure sport. Think a combination of parasailing, wakeboarding, snowboarding, skateboarding, windsurfing and sailing, all rolled into one adrenaline-pumping package. You’ll use something like a really small surfboard, using a large and controllable power kite, to shoot across the land and sea, exhilarating your senses and allowing you to experience the vista around you in a powerful, novel way. It’s relatively simple to learn, exciting, and unlike some other popular watersports requires a minimum of equipment for you to experience. While Turks and Caicos welcomes experienced kiteboarders to try their hands at the more skilled terrains, you can even come as a novice- Big Blue Collective will soon have you up and running, just so long as you have a baseline level of fitness and the willingness to learn.

Can you teach me to kitesurf in the TCIs?

New to kiteboarding? That’s no problem! We’ll help you find your wind-legs and get you hooked on a brand new watersport experience. We typically teach from our shore club at Long Bay [provided weather conditions are favourable], but offer inclusive transport from Grace Bay accommodations for you to take advantage of, no matter where we’re teaching, so you’ll find us easily. Start from scratch, or improve your existing skills under the eagle eyes of our expert instructors. Our comprehensive learning program will see you master the basics, gain confidence and learn how to get yourself out of trouble, all while having fun along the way.

Little ones are welcome to learn too. We typically advise a 10-12 year age range to begin learning, as there’s some manual dexterity requiring developed coordination required to full [and safely] embrace the kitesurfing experience. Kitesurfing in the TCI is best for more mature children who are capable of a little independence.

Why kitesurf in the Turks and Caicos?

The TCI is simple to get to, with a hassle-free arrival. Many airlines fly into the international airport, especially from the US continental mainland. Simply pack your gear, hop on a plane and you’re in paradise! If you’re new to kitesurfing in the TCI, there’s many options for you to rent equipment from us and try your hand at this novel sport, so don’t think it’s only for those already in the know, either. The wind in the Turks and Caicos is mostly side- and onshore, with frontal winds dominating in the winter months and trade winds in the summer, making it one of the ultimate kitesurfing destinations in the world.

Why Big Blue Collective?

Come join the most experienced kite boarding team in the TCI! Our home in Provo means you’ll have warm seas, stunning weather, exquisite empty beaches and easy waters to start your trip. From beginner to experienced, you’ll find the perfect spot to play. Use your Big Blue Collective’s guide’s insider knowledge to explore the unique island chain, while their expert instruction coaches you to be the best kitesurfer you can be.

Consider a kiteboard safari in the TCI

In 2013, Big Blue Collective partnered with VELA KiteSurf Resorts, making us their exclusive provider of all things kitesurfing in the Turks and Caicos. Experience the perfect active vacation and all the unique aspects of the Turks and Caicos islands in one perfect package. Tackle a 4 hour safari package or take it a little easier- there’s something for everyone. Tackle a full downwinder experiences, or take it simple on a private tour. You can even head out on a guided boat tour combo. Break away from Long Bay with a trip to the gorgeous waters of Half Moon Bay. Despite lying mere minutes from Provo, the breathtaking setting and superb terrain make for an unforgettable experience.

Feeling bolder? Head on a downwinder that will allow you to explore all of North Caicos. Take the trip from North Caicos to Provo, exploring the mangrove stashes, channels and cays of the Caicos Cays, complete with brisk North Easterner to power the trip. You’ll finish up at Emerald Point, ready to tackle the whole experience again.

Experienced kitesurfers in TCI will want to tackle the Kite Quest. Empty beaches and hidden secrets await, interspersed with unforgettable snorkeling and beach adventures. This isn’t a trip for the novice rider- perfect your deep water launching and self-rescue to fully enjoy this one-of-a-kind kiteboarding experience.

What happens if there’s no wind?

While kitesurfing in the TCI is usually pretty predictable, there’s no need to worry if you get a calm day. We offer a dazzling array of activities to keep you entertained and absorbed, so there’s no fear of a day wasted while you’re in this island paradise. Why not consider trying some stand up paddle boarding to add some extra spice to the trip?

Kitesurfing in the TCI is an experience you simply cannot miss. Make sure to add it to your trip itinerary today, and experience the thrill of playing with the wind and water as you explore one of the most beautiful Caribbean landscapes there is.