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Kite
Boarding in Cozumel
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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.
Raul de Lille
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.
One of Cozumel's best kiters shown here. Adam Withington.
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. 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 and Rentadora Isleña learned
about the same time. Raul taught himself and then he taught Dan. 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)
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Kite
Board Schools in Cozumel
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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.
Raul de Lille
Contact us for more
information.
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.
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Kite
Boarding
Rates
"rule of thumb" prices-
Rates may different depending on instructor.
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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.
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Cozumel
Kite
Board 'kids'
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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 kite and thus two of them, Jazmine and Jadie went on to
became
national champions 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 taught himself to kite, he taught Dan and
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. He 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.
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.3 in 2007. In
2007, Nov, he won the Nationals Ranking No. 2. He was invited to
participate representing Mexico in the PKRA World Cup in Playa del
Carmen, March 2008.
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.
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.
Jose de la Fuente
Jose is a man in his 40s who has recently changed from being an avid
diver to being an avid kite boarder. He has lived in Cozumel for about
20 years.
Laura de la Fuente
This is also one of Cozumel's youngest new kiters. She got
up on a board kiting in Dec. 2006 at 16 years old, having learned only
a few weeks ago!
Marina
Paco Chan
Frijolero
Juacho
Poncho
Keep up with the Kite World!
PKRA World Tour began in March in Playa del Carmen. Follow the
tour around the world! It was a great event! Check out the
videos online:
http://www.extremeelements.tv/pkra-mexico-presentation-kiteboarding-world-tour-2008
http://www.extremeelements.tv/pkra-mexico-wrap-up-kiteboarding-world-tour-2008
http://www.extremeelements.tv/pkra-mexico-wrap-up-2-kiteboarding-world-tour-2008-cancun
Click
here to find the best fares on Air France.
April 12-18, 2008 France. World tour is combined with the Mondial
Du Vent competitions.
April 30-May 4, 2008 Venezuela
June 25-29, 2008 Cabarete, Dominican Republic.
July 2-6, 2008 Tarifa
July 29-Aug. 2, 2008 Fuerteventura
Aug. 23-31, 2008 Germany
Sept. 9-13, 2008 Canada
Sept. 24-28, 2008 Brazil
Sept. 30-Oct. 5, 2008 Chile
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Cozumel
Kite Accommodations
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When coming to kite, the area known as Kite Beach has a few rentals
homes to offer. Large beachfront homes are Villa RosMar, Villa
Azul and
Villa Presidente.
There are three condos in the Casa Blanca Condo; La Manana, Number 5
(each two bedrooms), and
Vista Bonita, (one bedroom-no children due to safety issues).
There is also a condo in a home called Casa Viento with four different
suites to offer. Villa Juna is in the area too.
Combination of homes for large groups or families:
Villas Mar y Sol area further south, was formerly the kite launching
place. Many kiters enjoy the closeness of these homes, the
economical
rate, and the privacy these homes offer. They are along the same
beach.
There are six townhouses, only three of which are available for
rentals;
Villa Ballena, Villa Delfin (each four bedrooms), and Villa Sirena
(three
bedroom) townhouses. These are among the most popular homes due
to
the layout of the homes and the closeness to the Kite Beach. This
beach in front of the house is actually launchable.
For larger crowds, we can add a condo building less than two miles
away, PDS II. This condo building is one of the island’s most
luxurious
condos, with its overflowing endless edge pool, and multi level patios.
We have three and four bedroom condos; 6 South, 2 South, 4 South and
more.
The homes in the downtown area are more economical and more simple than
the beachfront properties. Check them out too. Living in town
means you’ll need a car but we recommend that anyway. My son goes
to the beach with kite and board, etc on a moto. You can too if
you get organized.
The main thing to remember is that this is an island. If there
is wind coming from the north, then the Kite Beach is ‘it’. If it
isn’t blowing, then it is highly likely to blow on the other side of
the island. No matter where you live, you’re going to have
to follow the wind.
Riding Locations in
Cozumel
The Country Club Estates beach is called Kite Beach. :
This beach is big, with soft white sand and lots of room to launch (and
lunch!). All beaches in Cozumel are public property and everyone has a
right to use the beaches of Mexico. The owners of the private
homes prefer to call it a private beach, mainly because they don't want
kiters to set
up 'camp' in front of their homes or ruin the beach. Try to stay
further
north along the shore, father away from the residential homes.
Wind Direction: NE, N, NW, W
Water Conditions: Light Chop
Beach: Big, sand
Sealife: The occasional stingray, so be sure to shuffle your feet in
the sand when going out in the water. This will quickly scare the
buggers
away.
Ixpalbarco (aka "The Wave Ranch") : This remote spot got it's nickname
for a reason. Small to medium size perfect kickers with the occasional
overhead + makes this the most ideal riding spot for wave junkies.
Access
is very limited since the Hurricane -- there is most often a policia
guarding
the entry. Contact Raul De Lille (see Lessons, below) for Local-Bro
access.
You may have to pay, but it's worth it.
Wind Direction: E, NE, SE
Water Conditions: Waves
Beach: Big, sand with rocks. Exposed reef in the water. Be careful!
Don't body drag in the shallows!
Sealife: I haven't seen anything yet other than some beautiful birds
and the occasional beach iguana.
Getting Around for
kiters in Cozumel
Scooters for $25 daily.
We also have Baja Buggies that are perfect for kiters. $65 nightly with
liability.
This baja works great for kite boarders who chase the wind every
day. There is plenty of room on top for boards and kites.
Keep up with the Kite World!
PKRA World Tour began in March in Playa del Carmen. Follow the
tour around the world! It was a great event! Check out the
videos online:
http://www.extremeelements.tv/pkra-mexico-presentation-kiteboarding-world-tour-2008
http://www.extremeelements.tv/pkra-mexico-wrap-up-kiteboarding-world-tour-2008
http://www.extremeelements.tv/pkra-mexico-wrap-up-2-kiteboarding-world-tour-2008-cancun
Info@Cozumelhomes.com
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