The Kiteboarding Experience
Kiteboarding in the Turks and Caicos Islands is world class. Long Bay in particular is the best place to learn this amazing sport. The weather, the water and the wind are ideal for all kiteboarders. The possibilities are truly endless: Protected bays, flat water stashes, waves, miles and miles of empty beaches with perfect sand make these islands a kiteboarder’s dream.
Our top class kite program is a natural extension of our love for exploring, teaching and show casing these islands. The sport dovetails perfectly with our other eco activities giving you another option when perhaps it is too windy to paddle or too rough to snorkel. We pride ourselves on our lesson quality and your experience means everything to us. Come and join us on the water. The stoke is real!
Instruction & Courses
There are many ways to learn kiting. The bottom line is to be a safe kite boarder and to be able to make good assessments, decisions based on wind and weather as well as personal experience.
The most comprehensive way to learn is to go through our 3 step process below which is a 6-7 hour learning curve. There is no guarantee you will be up and riding at the end, as this always comes down to the individual’s ability, but what you will have is all the knowledge to go out there and learn safely.
If time is of the essence then our most popular course is the way to go. Bear in mind that it is a condensed course designed to get you in the water and on a board quickly. It is highly recommended that if you end up loving the sport, to come back to us for a course to focus on SAFETY systems, troubleshooting and self-rescue.
Kiteboarding Lessons – PRIVATE – one to one instruction
Our top notch team of international certified IKO and BKSA instructors are ready to help take you from zero to hero or help refine the skills you already have. Kiteboarding is seriously addictive but requires a good knowledge of safety and the ability to troubleshoot. Our lessons give you that and more.
Lessons include:
- intro to the kite and bar
- the wind, kite flight dynamics
- launching, landing
- flying the kite, the power zone
- build essential skills, water launching, body dragging etc
- riding the board
- self rescue
- safety and safe practices and kite etiquette
Make it happen. There’s no time like the present.
PRICES – $175 per hour, 2hrs min
$350 2hr private
$950 6hr package SAVE $100
$1500 10hr package SAVE $250 (best option, best deal)
Kiteboarding Lessons – SEMI PRIVATE ADVANCED LESSONS – two to one instruction
If you want to learn but want to share your time in the water with family or a friend then this option is for you. Watching someone else make mistakes definitely has it’s advantages.
Lessons include:
- intro to the kite and bar
- the wind, kite flight dynamics
- launching, landing
- flying the kite, the power zone
- trouble shooting, water launching
- riding the board
- self rescue
- safety and safe practices and kite etiquette
PRICES – $125 per person per hour, 2hrs min
$500 2hr package
The Stoke is Real!
Experience the difference
Long Bay is, hands down, the best place on the planet to learn kiteboarding. Its shallow warm waist deep waters are blessed with year round cross on shore trade winds.
How to get to Long Bay kite beach for lessons and riding
Taxi: All the taxis know where the Shore Club entrance is. You would just tell them Long Bay Beach, through the Shore Club Entrance.
Driving to Long Bay from West side of the island or Grace Bay: Get to the Leeward Highway, the main road running the stretch of the island. Go east (away from the airport).
Follow this road through the last round about where the road turns to single lane.
Keep going and watch for a large entrance into the area called the Shore Club. Turn into the Shore Club entrance. Go to the end and turn right, then there will be an immediate left.
You will see a beach entrance sign and a parking area. Park where you can. Don’t leave any valuables in the car. Head to the beach access and you will see Big Blue immediately to your left.
Team
We have a small team of IKO instructors, male and female, with amazing kite, watersport and athletic backgrounds all of who love to teach and share their passion. Our aim is to make sure you have the safest and most exhilarating experience on and off the water while learning or progressing in this wonderful sport.
Safety
Like all our programs and activities, safety is our number one priority. With almost 25 years in the industry we use all our experience to make solid judgment calls based on conditions and the student or rider. We don’t push you and are happy to wait for the right moment. Communication is key, both yours and ours. We want you to have the best time possible.
Prior Experience
You need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim to take lessons. An open mind and a calm attitude are the best assets you can bring to your first lessons.
Prior water sports experience can help as can other board sports, but not always. The bottom line is you will get wet, you will get wet, very wet and salty. If it were really easy everyone would be doing it. Trial and error is a huge part of the learning curve at every step of the way.
Away from Long Bay it is highly advised that riders can troubleshoot, perform self rescues, make deep water starts and assess conditions and correct gear choice.
Gear
KITES
As seasoned kiters we have risen and tested all types of gear over the last decade. There are so many different choices and options out there. However, when teaching, versatility, robustness, user friendliness are crucial for the student and instructor alike. The Naish Pivot and Boxer are two stand out choices ideal for learning and profession. We use them and love them. You will too.
BOARDS
Naish and F-One, two independent brands, make excellent boards for all levels including twin tips, surf and foil.
HARNESSES
When it comes to kiteboarding the connection is made through the hands as well as the harness. Comfort is paramount. Mystic harnesses are easily one of the top brands out there making cutting edge gear for beginners and advanced riders.
- Location
-
Long Bay is, hands down, the best place on the planet to learn kiteboarding. Its shallow warm waist deep waters are blessed with year round cross on shore trade winds.
How to get to Long Bay kite beach for lessons and riding
Taxi: All the taxis know where the Shore Club entrance is. You would just tell them Long Bay Beach, through the Shore Club Entrance.
Driving to Long Bay from West side of the island or Grace Bay: Get to the Leeward Highway, the main road running the stretch of the island. Go east (away from the airport).
Follow this road through the last round about where the road turns to single lane.
Keep going and watch for a large entrance into the area called the Shore Club. Turn into the Shore Club entrance. Go to the end and turn right, then there will be an immediate left.
You will see a beach entrance sign and a parking area. Park where you can. Don’t leave any valuables in the car. Head to the beach access and you will see Big Blue immediately to your left.
- Team
-
Team
We have a small team of IKO instructors, male and female, with amazing kite, watersport and athletic backgrounds all of who love to teach and share their passion. Our aim is to make sure you have the safest and most exhilarating experience on and off the water while learning or progressing in this wonderful sport.
- Safety
-
Safety
Like all our programs and activities, safety is our number one priority. With almost 25 years in the industry we use all our experience to make solid judgment calls based on conditions and the student or rider. We don’t push you and are happy to wait for the right moment. Communication is key, both yours and ours. We want you to have the best time possible.
- Prior Experience
-
Prior Experience
You need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim to take lessons. An open mind and a calm attitude are the best assets you can bring to your first lessons.
Prior water sports experience can help as can other board sports, but not always. The bottom line is you will get wet, you will get wet, very wet and salty. If it were really easy everyone would be doing it. Trial and error is a huge part of the learning curve at every step of the way.
Away from Long Bay it is highly advised that riders can troubleshoot, perform self rescues, make deep water starts and assess conditions and correct gear choice.
- Gear
-
Gear
KITES
As seasoned kiters we have risen and tested all types of gear over the last decade. There are so many different choices and options out there. However, when teaching, versatility, robustness, user friendliness are crucial for the student and instructor alike. The Naish Pivot and Boxer are two stand out choices ideal for learning and profession. We use them and love them. You will too.
BOARDS
Naish and F-One, two independent brands, make excellent boards for all levels including twin tips, surf and foil.
HARNESSES
When it comes to kiteboarding the connection is made through the hands as well as the harness. Comfort is paramount. Mystic harnesses are easily one of the top brands out there making cutting edge gear for beginners and advanced riders.
Private Kiteboarding Adventures, Downwinders and Safaris
Half Moon Bay Kite Sessions
Half Moon Bay is perhaps one of the most iconic locations in these islands. The place is absolutely stunning. On an incoming tide with a good Easterly wind 15-20 knots, the back side of this bay become a kiteboarders dream. Laced with sandbars, intertidal flats and tiny mangrove cays, the terrain for slashing turns or boosting jumps is spectacular.
The bonus is that it’s only a 5 minute boat ride from our office which means you will be up and riding in 15 minutes! And then the fun begins. It is epic and not to be missed if you have not been. If you have, then you already know how cool it is. Come a join us for another session.
The stoke is real!
From $175 per hour / min 2 hours
North Caicos Kite Safari & Downwinder
Downwinders are cool. Some are just cooler than others. Turks and Caicos is loaded with downwind possibilities and options depending on the weather. That said, this adventure stands out for many reasons. Firstly, it’s not always possible and secondly because when it is, the shallow water terrain is quite literally mind benignly good.
When the stars do align with a high tide and a stronger North Eastern wind then be ready for a trip of a lifetime that starts 10-12 miles north of our base. While the boat ride there is stunning, skimming back home over water 6-12″ is next level. The Caicos Banks provides unhindered wind access and just when you think it couldn’t get any better it does as our adventure enters it’s final leg in the awesome Leeward Channels. 2-4 hours later we either land our kites in Half Moon Bay or on Leeward Point. At this point you will know the stoke is real.
From $175 per hour / min 2 hours
Long Bay to Omar’s on the Beach (Five Cays)
We kite and teach on Long Bay almost every day. The temptation to ride out, along the shore and not turn back is overwhelming. Doing just that makes this downwinder a no brainer and an excellent choice as an introduction to down winding. The South Side is loaded with small chop perfect for jumps while the views past Long Bay and towards Five Cays offer an entirely new perspective of Providenciales. What better way than to finish a session with a cool refreshing beer at Omar’s on the beach. To top it off we pick you up and bring you back to Long Bay.
From $175 per hour / min 2 hours
Current Turks & Caicos Islands wind conditions
Weather information
Wind & Conditions
The conditions are ideal for learning and teaching with waist deep water, side onshore trade winds and lots and lots of space. 90% of all our kiteboarding lessons and instruction take place on the island of Providenciales at Long Bay Beach, just east of the Shore Club. Low tides are optimum for most instruction situations, although more advanced students who no longer need to be able to stand in the water are sometimes taught mid tide.
Consistent NE Trade Winds
The NE trade winds typically blow from about mid November, through until mid August with wind speeds ranging from 12 – 20+ knots suitable for 9m -12m kite sizes. The whole of the south side of Provo is essentially side onshore, perfect for flat water learning, boosting and tricks, while Grace Bay and the outer reefs are great for kitesurfing and is best sampled by seasoned riders, kite surfers and foilers comfortable troubleshooting and water starting in deep water – too deep to stand in.
Westerly Frontal Systems
Coming from the continental US frontal systems can bring some really strong winds and steam in from the NW, meaning Grace Bay is now on shore, with sand bars and reefs covered in ramps.
There are so many backcountry stashes on Provo, around Provo and on other islands that to list them here would be almost endless. If you want to try a new place just call us. We have 3 main options easy to get to and amazing to experience, from mangroves, to flat-water heaven to out island paradises..
Tides & Currents
Tides play a massive role in all aspects of kiting here, especially in the really cool spots, like the reefs, the slicks and the shallows. Sometimes only a high tide will suffice and sometimes only a low tide works.
Currents due to tidal movement also have a great affect on the surface conditions but also the apparent wind so be aware, ask around, better still ask us.
- Wind Conditions
-
Wind & Conditions
The conditions are ideal for learning and teaching with waist deep water, side onshore trade winds and lots and lots of space. 90% of all our kiteboarding lessons and instruction take place on the island of Providenciales at Long Bay Beach, just east of the Shore Club. Low tides are optimum for most instruction situations, although more advanced students who no longer need to be able to stand in the water are sometimes taught mid tide.
- Trade Winds
-
Consistent NE Trade Winds
The NE trade winds typically blow from about mid November, through until mid August with wind speeds ranging from 12 – 20+ knots suitable for 9m -12m kite sizes. The whole of the south side of Provo is essentially side onshore, perfect for flat water learning, boosting and tricks, while Grace Bay and the outer reefs are great for kitesurfing and is best sampled by seasoned riders, kite surfers and foilers comfortable troubleshooting and water starting in deep water – too deep to stand in.
- Fronts
-
Westerly Frontal Systems
Coming from the continental US frontal systems can bring some really strong winds and steam in from the NW, meaning Grace Bay is now on shore, with sand bars and reefs covered in ramps.
There are so many backcountry stashes on Provo, around Provo and on other islands that to list them here would be almost endless. If you want to try a new place just call us. We have 3 main options easy to get to and amazing to experience, from mangroves, to flat-water heaven to out island paradises..
- Tides & Currents
-
Tides & Currents
Tides play a massive role in all aspects of kiting here, especially in the really cool spots, like the reefs, the slicks and the shallows. Sometimes only a high tide will suffice and sometimes only a low tide works.
Currents due to tidal movement also have a great affect on the surface conditions but also the apparent wind so be aware, ask around, better still ask us.
What to bring with you
Hat
A hat is always a good idea
when on the ocean
Go Pro
Once up and riding,
it’s time to take a selfie!
Water
H20, Drink, Drink, Drink.
Stay hydrated.
Necky
neckies are another great way to protect your neck and face by offering total block protection. We have super cool ones as well.
Rashguard
The best sun protection is to block UV rays. Our sun shirts are ideal for this
Sunglasses
Wear sunglasses, which will protect your eyes from the sun’s glare. Polarized sunglasses will also help you view marine life under the water.
Sun Screen
Protect your lips, ears and other extremities but please use 100% bio-degradeable only
5 things to know
5 things to know about Kiteboarding in
the Turks and Caicos Islands
1. Turks and Caicos and Long Bay in particular, is, hands down, the best place on the planet to learn kiteboarding. Its’ shallow warm waters are blessed with year round cross on shore trade winds on a perfect beach with waist deep water.
5 things to know about Kiteboarding in
the Turks and Caicos Islands
2. We ride and teach kiteboarding throughout the year except for September and October when there is little or no wind.
5 things to know about Kiteboarding in
the Turks and Caicos Islands
3. June, July and August are 3 of the best months to ride. It’s warm, we get wonderful breezy tradewinds and it stays light until way past 7.30 pm.
5 things to know about Kiteboarding in
the Turks and Caicos Islands
4. Winter winds (Jan-Mar) are often stronger and for seasoned riders we often get waves on the north shore.
5 things to know about Kiteboarding in
the Turks and Caicos Islands
5. Our downwinders explore terrain that is simply phenomenal. Perfect for groups of relatively experienced kiters (those who can water launch and ride up wind comfortably).
- Long Bay
-
5 things to know about Kiteboarding in
the Turks and Caicos Islands1. Turks and Caicos and Long Bay in particular, is, hands down, the best place on the planet to learn kiteboarding. Its’ shallow warm waters are blessed with year round cross on shore trade winds on a perfect beach with waist deep water.
- 10 Months
-
5 things to know about Kiteboarding in
the Turks and Caicos Islands2. We ride and teach kiteboarding throughout the year except for September and October when there is little or no wind.
- Early Summer
-
5 things to know about Kiteboarding in
the Turks and Caicos Islands3. June, July and August are 3 of the best months to ride. It’s warm, we get wonderful breezy tradewinds and it stays light until way past 7.30 pm.
- Winter weather
-
5 things to know about Kiteboarding in
the Turks and Caicos Islands4. Winter winds (Jan-Mar) are often stronger and for seasoned riders we often get waves on the north shore.
- Downwinders
-
5 things to know about Kiteboarding in
the Turks and Caicos Islands5. Our downwinders explore terrain that is simply phenomenal. Perfect for groups of relatively experienced kiters (those who can water launch and ride up wind comfortably).
