Kite Boarding in Cozumel

Kite Boarding in Cozumel is really becoming popular. Kiters are learning that the conditions here in Cozumel are ideal. The currents are gently, there winds, especially on the north side of the island are great.

Regata Viento Y Marea Cozumel Nov. 16-19, 2008

 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.

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)

Kite Board Schools in Cozumel

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.

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.  

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 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.  As Raul taught himeself, he also 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.  He now trains his son full time.

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.

Adrian has his own tour business, restaurant, and a kite training school.

Adam Withington

Adam was once the youngest kiter from Cozumel.  At 18 years old, he has kited less than two years 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 March 2007 and climbed to No. 2 in Nov. 2007. In the fall of 2008, he is ranked No. 14 in the PKRA world tour.

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.

Who's Who in Kite Boarding:

Cozumel Kite Accommodations

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.

 

Info@Cozumelhomes.com