Kite Boarding in Cozumel

Kite boarding in Cozumel
In the past decade, a new form of wind-powered fun has emerged, in the form of kite boarding. While a windsurfing board is pretty much like a surfboard with a sail attached to it, a kite board is more like a wakeboard, with propulsion supplied by a large traction kite held and operated by the boarder. With large kites for light winds and small kites for high winds, the energy brought under control by the boarder is considerable. In Dan's words, "Kite boarding is like wakeboarding behind an airplane, with you piloting the plane and riding the board., it is a ski boat in the sky"
You don't have to know how to windsurf to learn how to kite, and the payoff is the ability to fly.

Brief History of Kite Boarding

Although the sport of Kite Surfing or Kite boarding is fairly new, it is not a one-man invention and actually, people have been playing with the concept for a long time. In the 13th and 14th centuries in China and Polynesia, kite sailing was a form of transportation in the Pacific Rim!

In the early 1800s, British inventor George Pocock enlarged common kites and flew them in groups to pull carts on land and boats on the water. His efforts resulted in what were, at the time, the fastest speeds on land and water.

In 1919, American inventor Samuel Cody kite-sailed across the English Channel. In the late '50's, individuals used the concept of being pulled by a parachute/wings above and on water.
In the mid 1970's, American kite designer Peter Powell of Florida built a two-line delta kite with which he sailed small dinghies. These kites were marketed for use with boats and buggies, and in fact, one was used by Englishman Keith Stewart with a nine-foot catamaran to cross the English Channel.

In October 1977, Gijsbertus Adrianus Panhuise (of the Netherlands) received the first patent for the sport. The patent, as well as the sport, is defined as a water sport using a floating board of a surfboard-type where a pilot standing up on it is pulled by a wind-catching device of a parachute-type tied to his harness on a trapeze-type belt. Although this patent did not result in any commercial interest, Gijsbertus Adrianus Panhuise could be considered as the originator of Kite Surfing.

Cozumel has some of the best conditions for all wind and water sports, so kiters from all over the world come here to enjoy the perfect waters, steady breezes, reasonably flat water, and world-class teachers to show you how. The north part of the island is the best, as there are frequent north winds that blow in steadily.

Cozumel has had a champion windsurfing team of kids from 14 to 18 years old. They have won first, second, and third places in many events and are considered national champions. Cozumel will always be an attraction for windsurfers as well as kite boarders.

kite

One of Cozumel's best kiters shown here. Adam Withington.
2008 Spring: Ranked No. 2 in Mexico!

PKRA ranked #14 in Aug. 2008.

In the past couple of years, a new form of wind-powered fun has emerged in Cozumel, in the form of kite boarding. A kite board is more like a wakeboard, with propulsion supplied by a large kite held and operated by the boarder. With large kites for small winds and small kites for large winds, the energy brought under control by the boarder is considerable.

There were only two kite boarders on the island until 2000. There are now many licensed and certified kite instructors and many recreational kite boarders in Cozumel.

Raul de Lille pioneered the sport in 2000 in Cozumel. He makes it look so easy. He was born in Cozumel and grew up knowing the waters and the winds of Cozumel. He is Mexico´s windsurfing champion and has traveled all over the world competing windsurfing. He became a PASA certified instructor and now is a full time kite board instructor.

Dan Withington of Dune Buggy Tours learned about the same time. Raul taught himself and at the same time, Dan learned with him. The northern part of the island is the best place to kite board on most days. With only skiing experience behind him, he learned to kite board. He is now a PASA certified instructor. In Dan's words, "Kite boarding is like wakeboarding behind an airplane, with you piloting the plane and riding the board."

You don't have to know how to windsurf to learn how to kite, and the payoff is the ability to fly.
If you're interested in getting connected with certified instructors in kite boarding, then please email or call us and we'll get you set up.

So . . .let´s go fly a kite!
(2005 text)

Kite Board Schools in Cozumel

Kite boarding has quickly become one of the world's leading extreme sport developing with its high tech equipement now readily available. Cozumel has one of the perfect areas with many variables all coming together to provide the perfect winds.

Whether you’re new to the sport, or an unhooked pro, Cozumel Island in the Mexican Caribbean offers endless possibilities for kiteboarding.

Kiteboarding has become one of the most popular recreation water sports in Cozumel. When the wind blows in Cozumel -- and it does quite often -- gliding the turquoise clear waters of Cozumel is hands down one of the most magical experiences on the island.

Adrian Angulo

Contact us for more information.

Cozumel Kiteboarding came out from the idea of a group of local kiters with one commitment: Give information about where to kite in the island of Cozumel and help others locals and tourist to get into the sport safely and fun.

Our Mission is to make Cozumel a Top Kiteboarding destination in the world, diffusing information from the island to make of your vacation and unforgettable experience.

As natives from the island we have all the knowledge as to where to practice the sport and we will take you to the greatest destinations to have the best time ever while you Kiteboard.

Kite Boarding Rates
"rule of thumb" prices-
Rates may different depending on instructor.

Training kite
2 hours for $150
This tour teaches the theory of wind and strenth of a small kite that is flown from the beach.

Water kite flying
3 hours for $225
Practice flying kite, relaunching, and body dragging.

Board Riding with Kite
3 hours $250
Pair kite skills with getting up and riding.

Solo Kiteboarding
3 hours $250
Fine tune your self launch/land and rescue.

Intensive course
$3 days $900 per student
This is for serious beginners or for those who wish to improve skills.

Private time with instructor
1 hour $125
1 day $500
We'll take you where the wind blows and increase your riding skills.

Instruction includes gear and personal water craft support when needed.

Information or Reservations, click here.

Cozumel Kite Board 'kids'

WHETHER you’re new to the sport, or an unhooked pro, Cozumel Island in the Mexican Caribbean offers endless possibilities for kiteboarding.

Raul de Lille

Olympic windsurfer Raul De Lille had a successful career as a wind surfer. His travels took him all over the world to compete in conditions that were unlike those of Cozumel. He return a champion, cheered on by Mexico, the people of Cozumel and his family. His children grew up on his windsurfer and thus two of them, Jazmine and Jadie went on to became national champions in windsurfing as well.

He became interested in kite boarding as soon as he found out about it. He taught himself and introduced kitesurfing to Cozumel. Raul is one of Cozumel's top instructors of the island. Be sure to book your reservation for instrution in advance. He is a PASA certified instructor.

Dan Withington

Dan didn't have any windsurfing experience but grew up skiing in rivers, on snow covered moutains,and remained a toned athlete through the years. After Raul and he learned to kite, the two of them learned technique and practised together. Kiting, like most water sports requires two people; a buddy system. So they practised together. He has enjoyed competing in different kite meets and has won a few awards. His most important student is his son, Adam. Adam is now kiting professionally, representing Mexico in the PKRA world tour. Dan is a PASA certified instructor.

Tom Elliott

Tom has been windsurfing Cozumel for over twenty years, coming down for weeks or months at a time from Canada. He started kiting with Raul and Dan as soon as he came for his next trip. Tom has a condo located just behind 'kite beach' that is available for rentals. Please contact us for reservations: 866 396-4230.

Adrian Angulo

He is a PASA certified instructor.

Miguel Sespedes

Adam Withington

Adam is the youngest kiter from Cozumel. At 17 years old, he has kited less than a year and is already more developed and skilled as others who have kited longer. Wise men call it the "genius of youth". He has lived in Cozumel all his life, but just learned to kite in 2006. Adam was ranked Mexico's No.2 in 2007.

Jadie de Lille

Jadie is a college student in Virginia. She is Raul de Lille's daughter, and has lived in Cozumel all her life. She was a champion wind surfer while she was in junior high school. She comes home to Cozumel as often as possible, and kites each time. She participated in the PKRA tournament in 2008.

Jazmin de Lille

Jazmine now lives in Cozumel kiting every chance she gets. She was also champion wind surder while she was in junior high. Her skill as a windsurfer has made her excell at kiting.