Kiteworld Magazine -julkaisun 2016 Travel Guide -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: R20 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R75-150 / ACCOMMODATION: R300 - R1000 AIRPORT Cape Town International airport (CPT) is about 30 minutes away. Check with your accommodation providers or with Surfstore Africa for transfers or to arrange a car hire ready for you at the airport when you arrive. CURRENCY South Africa Rand (ZAR) - £1 = ZAR23 / US$1 = ZAR16 / €1 = ZAR18 There are lots of ATMs and credits cards widely accepted. SCHOOLS SURFSTORE AFRICA teach a full range of comprehensive kitesurfing courses in safe spots, away from the crowds and in nice, shallow and flat, fresh water at Zeekoevlei. Using Ozone kites, Surfstore Africa offer kitesurfing courses for all budgets, run a full retail store and provide advice on conditions and spots. Surfing, SUPing…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: TZS4,000 RESTAURANT MEAL: TZS15,000 – 35,000 ACCOMMODATION: TZS80,000+ p.p.p.n. AIRPORT Zanzibar international airport (ZNZ Kisuani) is an hour from Paje in Stone Town. Alternatively, fly to Dar es Salaam (DAR) on the mainland and get the 20 – 30 minute ferry to Zanzibar. CURRENCY Tanzania Shilling (TZS): £1 = TZS2,700 / €1 = TZS2,000 / $1 = TZS1,800 Lots of ATM’s in Stone Town, but none in Paje. SCHOOLS AIRBORNE teach all levels up to instructor level on Paje beach with a viewing deck, free wifi, beach-view swimming pool, storage, rescue boat, air compressor, showers, onsite restaurant, dive centre and kite/surf/SUP/landboard rentals. www.airbornekitecentre.com info@airbornekitecentre.com +255 776 687 357 KITE CENTRE ZANZIBAR www.kitecentrezanzibar.com info@kitecentrezanzibar.com +255 776 531 535 TRAVEL AGENTS KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777…

AVERAGE COSTS Various all-inclusive options available in all hotels AIRPORT SSR International Airport is only a 45 minute taxi ride / transfer away. CURRENCY Mauritian Rupee (MUR) - £1 = MUR50 / $1 = MUR36/ €1 = MUR39.5 Hotels accept both cash and credit/debit cards. SCHOOLS Kite Globing run the centre all year in the middle of Palmar Beach right outside the Maritim Crystal Beach hotel. North gear is available for rent to experienced kitesurfers, plus downwinders, boat excursions, surfing, SUP, wakeboarding and gear storage are also offered. Rescue boats on hand at all times. www.kiteglobing.com info@kiteglobing.com +230 605 5334 / (Mobile) + 230 5717 5348 ION CLUB have a centre at the beautiful Anse La Raie, offering kitesurfing, windsurfing, sup rental and lessons. They have three centres on the…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: EGP25 RESTAURANT MEAL: EGP180 - 400 ACCOMMODATION: EGP700 - 1,500 p.p.p.n. AIRPORT Hurghada (HRG) is roughly a 30 minute transfer north of Hurghada. Taxis are fairly cheap. CURRENCY EGP (Egyptian Pound) - £1 = EGP11.5 / US$1= EGP8 / €1- EGP9 SCHOOLS There are three schools operating on Mangroovy Beach and one school in the Moevenpick Hotel. KITEWORLDWIDE run an all-inclusive Kite Club and accommodation operation in Seahorse Bay which is between Hurghada and El Gouna. www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 / +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 ON THE WATER There are two main kitesurfing areas in El Gouna. The wind is predominantly from…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: $2 - 5 / RESTAURANT: $7 – 30 / ACCOMMODATION: $30 – 100 p.p.p.n. AIRPORT Norfolk, VA (ORF / KORF) is roughly 90 minutes drive from the Outer Banks and the Nags Head area. Add another 30 minutes to make it further south to Hatteras. Other options slightly further away are Newport News, Virginia (PHF) or Raleigh, NC (RDU). CURRENCY US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.5 / €1 = $1.2 ON THE WATER If you were able to custom design a kiteboarding location from scratch, you couldn’t come up with a much better setup. Hatteras Island, 40 miles off the US mainland (accessible by road bridges), has heaps of locations for flat water and surf kiting. The unique bend in Hatteras island, combined with consistent, clean…

“Steady wind and a good ol’ southern vibe. A great place to go and kite your brains out and there’s some fun surf too!” SKY SOLBACH, NORTH KITEBOARDING SHAPER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: $3 / RESTAURANT MEAL: $10 / ACCOMMODATION: $30 per night AIRPORT Brownsville airport (BRO) is 30 minutes inland, Harlington airport (HRL) is 45 minutes away and McAllen (MFE) is 90. CURRENCY US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.5 / €1 = $1.2 SCHOOLS PROKITE SOUTH PADRE teach all levels all year using Headzone waterproof radio helmet teaching aids and also have a jet-ski support on every lesson. They also offer supervised sessions, gear rental, gear sales, guided tours and photo / video services. They also have an operation in Hood River. Accredited by: IKO / PASA www.prokitesouthpadre.com info@prokitesouthpadre.com…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: PEN6 / RESTAURANT MEAL: PEN10 - 70 / ACCOMMODATION: PEN30 (hostel) – 450 (hotel) p.p.p.n. AIRPORT LIMA - Jorge Chávez International Airport. From there fly to Piura. A taxi or bus will then take you the rest of the way (two-anda-half hours). Luxury bus companies also run transfers. It takes 16 hours from Lima and costs around USD$45 each way. CURRENCY El Nuevo Sol (PEN) - £1 = PEN5 / $1= PEN3.5 / €1 = PEN4 Expensive items such as your hotel bills can be paid in USD. You can change dollars and euros in Mancora, but avoid changing too much in Lima’s airport if you can. SCHOOLS Wild K Peru teach all levels in private or semi-private lessons. Cabrinha gear is available for hire or sale…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: R$7,50 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R$60 / ACCOMMODATION: R$730 +taxes per night AIRPORT Fortaleza (FOR) is approximately four hours by car. Rancho do Peixe offers a private transfer service from either Fortaleza or Jericoacoara by 4x4. CURRENCY Brazilian Reais (R$). £1= R$5,85 / €1= R$4,45 / US$ = R$4,10. No ATM in the village so bring cash with you. Most hotels and restaurants accept credit and debit cards. SCHOOLS RANCHO DO KITE is one of the biggest kite schools in Brazil, with IKO qualified instructors using helmet radios and teaching all levels. Set within the grounds of the Rancho do Peixe hotel with all the latest Cabrinha equipment. Lessons / downwind guides speak English, French, German, Italian or Spanish. www.ranchodokite.com.br. info@ranchodokite.com.br +55 88 3669-2080 / + 55 88…

“The Turks and Caicos is the single most beautiful place I have been to! Crystal clear waters and untouched beaches... and what better way to explore such a place than to kite through the islands with Big Blue?” SAM LIGHT, SLINGSHOT PRO RIDER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: $5 - 6 / RESTAURANT MEAL: $20 – 50 / ACCOMMODATION: Very seasonal: $125 – 300 per night in winter / $90+ summer AIRPORT Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (PLS) is the international airport. Grand Turk (GDT) is connected via inter-island air services (25 mins). Grace Bay is then 20 minutes away. CURRENCY US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.5 / €1 = $1.2 Credit Cards are widely accepted on Providenciales, but cash only on less inhabited islands SCHOOLS BIG BLUE UNLIMITED is a Vela…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: VEF10 RESTAURANT MEAL: VEF20 – 60 / ACCOMMODATION: VEF100 – 400 p.p.p.n. AIRPORT COCHE - Caracas (CCS) Simon Bolivar international airport. Then get to Coche by ferry from Punta de Piedras or by slow boat from La Isleta. LOS ROQUES - Los Roques airport (LRV) ISLA DE MARGARITA - Santiago Mariño Caribbean international airport (PMV) CURRENCY Venezuela Bolivar (VEF) - £1 = VEF10 / €1 = VEF8 / $1 = VEF6 SCHOOLS COCHE KITE SPORTS www.cochekitesports.com kitesurfchris@hotmail.com cochekitesports@hotmail.com +58 414 794 2133 or +58 414 542 8296 VENTURI KITE CENTER info@venturikite.com www.venturikite.com PLAY LOS ROQUES info@playlosroques.com www.playlosroques.com YACHT CHARTER LOS ROQUES PARADISE info@losroquesparadise.com www.losroquesparadise.com ON THE WATER Situated off the northern coast of Venezuela, the idyllic islands of Coche, Margarita and Los Roques offer reliable conditions, crystal…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €2 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €10 - 20 / ACCOMMODATION: €10 - 50 p.p.p.n. AIRPORT Malaga (AGP) is a 90 minute drive from Tarifa with many cheap flight options. Jerez (XRY) is a smaller airport but only about a 60 minute drive from Tarifa. Gibraltar (GIB) is the closest airport to Tarifa, just 30 minutes away - make sure you collect your car from the Spanish side of the border to avoid queues when returning. CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1=1.3 / $1= 0.9 SCHOOLS ION CLUB teach all levels, all year at a maximum ratio of 4:1, based at their centre in Valdevaqueros. A massive range of North gear is available for rent and they provide safety boat cover, equipment storage, windsurfing, SUP and surf lessons. www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.net…

“You think to yourself, ‘Am I really in Europe?’ The water is so clear and the colours are insane. Fuerteventura is also the only Canary Island with beautiful, white sand beaches.” ALBERTO RONDINHA, CABRINHA PRO RIDER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €0.50 - €2 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €8+ / ACCOMMODATION: €45 – 75 pppn. AIRPORT Puerto del Rosario airport is about 75 kilometres / one hour north. A taxi from the airport to Sotavento costs around €65, or you can rent a car from the airport. CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8 SCHOOLS RENE EGLI FUERTEVENTURA exclusively offer courses for all levels, all year, on the sea or the tidal lagoon. Reserve your lessons before your journey to guarantee availability and get a pre-payment price reduction. Maximum…

“I seriously love Limnos (enough to go back twice in one summer)! When the Meltemi kicks in, Keros Bay has it all, from super flat water to the kickers downwind.” POLLY CRATHORNE, CABRINHA UK RIDER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €2 – 3 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €10 - 15 / ACCOMMODATION: €15 – 30 p.p.p.n in the surf camp AIRPORT Limnos International Airport (LXS) is ten minutes from Keros and regularly served by direct charter flights. Otherwise, fly budget airlines into Athens (ATH), Thessaloniki (SKG), Rhodes (RHO) or Lesvos (MJT) and catch a domestic connection to Limnos, via Aegean Airlines or Sky Express. CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8 Most places do not accept credit or debit cards, so cash is essential. Surf Club Keros can accept…

“Noosa was a great place to grow up for me. Home to some awesome spots when it all comes together, from amazing flat water and super fun, varied wave spots that are also perfect for downwinders! KEAHI DE ABOITIZ, CABRINHA PRO RIDER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: $6 / RESTAURANT MEAL: $18 - $35 / ACCOMMODATION: $29 - $135 AIRPORT Most international flights come in via Brisbane. Shuttle buses offer cost effective transport to Noosa or car hire can be arranged from the airport. CURRENCY AUD$ - £1 = AUD2 / $1 = AUD1.4 / €1 = AUD1.5 SCHOOLS ADVENTURE SPORTS is the only certified IKO school offering lessons every windy day of the year in shallow water or with a rescue boat in the river. Specialising in private one-on-one lessons, small…

Tell us a little about your history in kitesurfing. It took me a long time to discover my love for kitesurfing. I was originally a windsurfer but while holidaying with my family on the Dutch coast trying to windsurf in light wind I saw kitesurfers were already having fun and doing huge jumps. The next day my son and I took lessons and that was it - I sold my windsurfing gear, immediately bought my first kite and have never looked back. What were you doing before KiteBnB? I’m 51 and have spent most of my life in Dusseldorf, Germany, a city I love; it´s open-minded, creative and close to the Dutch coastline. Before Kite BnB I made a career in healthcare communication, then worked at an advertising agency, later…

“From perfect little kickers to juicy monster waves, Cape Town offers some of the best kitesurfing downwinders in the world. You can’t go wrong between October and March.” JO WILSON, WWW.JOWILSONCOACHING.COM TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 +49 (0) 40 20 93 45 090 ON THE WATER Consistently the spot of choice for some of the world’s best riders from October to March, this area is also the home of the Red Bull King of the Air extreme big air contest. If you want to jump high, the wind is unbeatable and the area boasts 30+ kite spots, offering a huge variety of riding, from flat water to five or six metre waves. Also, unlike most good kite…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: MUR50 / LUNCH: MUR50 / RESTAURANT MEAL: MUR400 / ACCOMMODATION: From MUR480 – 8000 p.p.p.n. AIRPORT Plaisance (MRU) is the only airport and is located in Mahebourg in the southeast, one hour from Le Morne CURRENCY Mauritian Rupee (MUR): £1 = MUR50 / 1€ = MUR40 / $1 = MUR30. Foreign exchanges, banks and ATMs available. Euros are accepted but check the rate. SCHOOLS ION CLUB is open all year, with tuition offered in several languages and with safety boat support. They have two centres in Le Morne (one ‘Prestige centre’ in the St Regis resort) and another at Anse le Raie. www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.net +49 (0) 881 925 4960 CONCIERGE SERVICES As well as taking care of your transfers, Solis Indian Ocean can provide some fantastic days…

“Great wind stats most of the year, an incredible lagoon for freestyle with sand bars exposing some of the best butter you’ll ever ride and nice wave spots within 20 minutes. One morning I woke up to see dolphins playing in the lagoon in front of me!” CHRIS BULL, CBK-HAYLING ISLAND AND KITEWORLD CHIEF TESTER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €3 - MAD35 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €5 – 40 - MAD56 - 450 / ACCOMMODATION: €40 – 80 - MAD440 - 900 p.p.p.n FLY TO Fly into Dakhla (VIL), although there are no direct flights from outside Morocco so you’ll connect through Casablanca or Agadir. Be prepared to spend a night in Casablanca for your connecting flight on your way home (though if booking with KiteWorldWide they will organise a nice hotel).…

“Soma Bay is close to perfect for improving kitesurfers. Off the water there is complete beach support, a stunning hotel and great food. A hassle free holiday I am yet to beat.” JO WILSON WWW.JOWILSONCOACHING.COM AVERAGE COSTS BEER: 0.5 litre local beer: EGP38 RESTAURANT MEAL: Lunch EGP65 / Dinner EGP100 AIRPORT Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is about 45 km / 50 minutes from Soma Bay. CURRENCY Egyptian Pound (EGP) - £1 = EGP11.5 / US$1 = EGP8 / €1 = EGP9 SCHOOLS 7BFT KITEHOUSE The Breakers operate a full-service school and centre with instructors teaching in German, English, Italian and Arabic. All levels are catered for with safety boat cover at all times in a totally private teaching area and groups never exceed four students per instructor. www.kitehouse-somabay.com 7bft@somabay.com +20…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: $5/ RESTAURANT MEAL: $10 - $50 / ACCOMMODATION: (HOTEL) $80 AIRPORT Raleigh - Durham international airport (RDU) is a two-and-a-half hour drive away. New Bern regional airport (EWN) is just 40 minutes. CURRENCY US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.5 / €1 = $1.2 SCHOOLS BLOWN KITEBOARDING teach all levels from April through December with safety boat support, including foil boarding and surf style tuition. Student to instructor ratio is no more than 3:1 and private lessons are also available. For an extra fee you can hire a boat to follow you through the shallow water of the Bogue Sound. Helmet radios provide excellent communication between instructors and students. The latest gear from Cabrinha, Ocean Rodeo, Best and more is updated every year. www.blownkiteboarding.com info@blownkiteboarding.com +1 252…

“There are only a few places in the world that have the wind, waves and first class lifestyle that Maui provides.” PATRI MCLAUGHLIN, NORTH PRO RIDER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: $4 average / RESTAURANT MEAL: $10 – 24 and up / ACCOMMODATION: $100 – 150 on average per room, but varies greatly AIRPORT Kahului (OGG) is five minutes from the main kite spots. CURRENCY US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.45 / €1 = $1.1 SCHOOLS Aqua Sports Maui teach all levels, all year and specialise in custom, private instruction with certified, friendly professional instructors. They also offer instructor training, kite repair and discounts on surf and SUP lessons as well as gear purchase. www.mauikiteboardinglessons.com aquasportskite@gmail.com +1 (808) 242 8015 TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001…

“I’ve been going to Taiba for the past eight years because it has some of the best conditions in the world and I’ve not yet been let down by the wind. It’s literally windy all day, everyday!” SAM MEDYSKY, BEST KITEBOARDING TEAM RIDER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: R$4 / MEAL IN POSADA: R$40-50 / ACCOMMODATION: R$260 (inc. breakfast) AIRPORT Pinto Martins, Fortaleza (FOR) is 65 kilometres from Taiba / around 90 minutes by taxi. Organise airport pick-ups through your posada. CURRENCY Brazilian Reais (R$) - £1= R$6 / $1= R$4 / €1 = R$4.4 SCHOOLS Open from September to December, Ama rela Kite Resort operate a VDWS licensed school teaching all levels on wave and freestyle camps. Instruction is 1:1 or in small groups (max 4:1) and a full range of…

“At the changing of the low and high tides you’ll find the best and flattest conditions are at Guriu river mouth, which is a thrilling downwinder over several kilometres, setting off from Jericoacoara itself.” KITEWORLD MAGAZINE AVERAGE COSTS BEER: Local: R$5 Import: R$7 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R$20 – 100 / ACCOMMODATION: R$150– 800 per room. AIRPORT Pinto Martins, Fortaleza (FOR) is 330 kilometres from Jeri. You can get a bus or a driver (R$500 each way). Kitestrophik and Vila Kalango organise transfers. If you’re renting your own car and it’s not 4x4 you’ll have to leave it just outside of town. ON THE WATER Jericoacoara is a very special fishing village on the northeast coast of Brazil in Ceara, 330 kilometres northwest of Fortaleza. Close to the equator it was…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: DOP47 / RESTAURANT MEAL: DOP500 / ACCOMMODATION: DOP2,800 – 5,300 per night. AIRPORT Puerto Plata airport (POP) is a 25 minute drive from Cabarete and the transfer costs around US$30 in a cab. Santo Domingo (SDQ) is a four hour drive and can cost US$100 by cab. CURRENCY Dominican Peso (DOP) - £1 = DOP68 / €1 = DOP50 / $1 = DOP45 SCHOOLS STARKITES www.starkites.com sales@starkites.com +1 809 571 9745 ION CLUB Cabarete www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.net +49 (0)881 925 4960 ACCOMMODATION SEA LANE APARTMENTS www.oceandreamcabarete.com TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 ION CLUB www.ion-club.net +49 (0)881 925 4960 ON THE WATER Cabarete offers several classic spots. Cabarete beach can get busy near to shore with advanced riders and beginners, but up or…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €1 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €9 / ACCOMMODATION: €50 – 120 (4 star) p.p.p.n AIRPORT Porto - Francisco Sá-Carneiro (OPO) is the closest airport (40 km from Esposende). Kook Proof provide the transfer service for people staying in the kite camp (which is included in the price of the kite camp). You can also fly to Lisbon and get a bus straight to Esposende (costing roughly €20 and taking four hours – the vehicles are very comfortable with wifiand electricity), or get the train to Porto and Kook Proof will collect you. CURRENCY EURO (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8 SCHOOLS KOOK PROOF is open from early April to late October. Operating with a maximum of two students per instructor, they have a full range…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €2 (75cl) / RESTAURANT MEAL: €14 - 18 / ACCOMMODATION: €20 (bungalow camping) €30 (apartment / rural country house) €80 – 200 (hotel) p.p.p.n. AIRPORT Girona Costa Brava (GNA) is 60 kilometres / 50 minutes by car (known to Ryan Air as Barcelona-Girona). Barcelona (BCN) is 155 kilometres / 90 minutes to two hours away. CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8 VISA, Mastercard, etc. accepted. ATMs charge varying amounts - check with your bank. Tipping is optional but it’s recommended to leave a polite amount. ON THE WATER Sant Pere has a long, sandy seven kilometre beach. No tides and no currents, conditions are lakeside safe with bump ‘n’ jump chop a bit further off the shore. It’s a freeride paradise for…

“Lake Garda is such a unique place to ride; huge mountains on all sides and wind every day, plus amazing people and good food.” YOURI ZOON, SLINGSHOT AND BRUNOTTI PRO RIDER, 2011 & 2012 PKRA WORLD CHAMPION AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €3.50 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €12 - 40 / ACCOMMODATION: €10 – 200 p.p.p.n. AIRPORT Milan / Bergamo (BGY) is an hour and 40 minutes drive. Hire cars from Sixt or Hertz for around €20 per day. Verona / Brescia (VBS) is a little closer. Getting to Limone by bus will take twice the time. CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8 A 10% tip isn’t compulsory, but is expected at restaurants. SCHOOLS WIND RIDERS teach all levels from April to October using Headzone helmets and video…

“The ‘Secret Spot’ (Vela Island) is the best place I’ve ever ridden by a long way! A boat ride mission through the bay or downwind with your crew and experience blow-dryer smooth wind and kilometre-upon-kilometre of butter-flat water!” CRAIG CUNNINGHAM, NORTH KITEBOARDING PRO RIDER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: LKR450 RESTAURANT MEAL: LKR700 - 1000 ACCOMMODATION: LKR5,400 – 23,000 AIRPORT Colombo (CMB) - Kalpitiya is a two-and-ahalf hour drive from there. Transfers can be organised by your school or tour operator at around 55 euros for the vehicle. ON THE WATER Just north of the Equator and located off the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka isn’t the first country on many kiters’ lips when it comes to reeling off top kitesurfing destinations, but the Kalpitiya region in the secluded northwest of…

“This place is just amazing, perfectly blue waters and ideal winds for 9 – 12 metre freestyle. The crew is great and there are lots of little turtles to ride with. I really appreciate time spent there!” TOM HEBERT, NORTH KITEBOARDING PRO RIDER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: AUD$5 / RESTAURANT MEAL: AUD$25 – 30 / ACCOMMODATION: Motel: $120, Unit: $150, Villa: $200, 3 bed house: $250 per night. AIRPORT Flights to CKI are from Perth international (PER) airport and provided by Virgin Australia twice weekly via Christmas Island. There are strict baggage restrictions, so make sure you stick to the weight allowance or you might not travel with your gear. CURRENCY AUD$ - £1 = AUD$2.04 / $1 = AUD$1.43 / EUR1 = AUD$1.54 Most places accept Visa and MasterCard. SCHOOLS…

Percentage of days with wind over force 4 / 14 knots “An endless playground of butterflat waters, with a little hike through Ostrich country to get to Shark Bay. It feels like you’re on a mini safari!” SUSI MAI, TONA TEAM RIDER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: R18 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R100 per person / ACCOMMODATION: R1000 double room down to R170 p.p.p.n AIRPORT Cape Town international airport (CPT) is 90 minutes away. Check with your accommodation provider about transfers, although it’s recommended you hire a car to make the most of the area. CURRENCY South African Rand (ZAR) - £1 = ZAR23 / $1 = ZAR16 / €1 = ZAR18 ON THE WATER The ‘jewel of the west coast’, Langebaan village is situated on a beautiful lagoon, offering a huge, natural…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER - KES200 / RESTAURANT MEAL (no alcohol) - KES1000 / ACCOMMODATION -US$100 on the beach. US$40 off the beach. AIRPORT Moi International in Mombasa is just a few kilometres away. CURRENCY Kenya Shilling (KES) - US$ / Euro accepted. £1- KES147 / $1- KES102 / €1 - KES114 SCHOOLS H20 EXTREME is a professional IKO kitesurfing centre for guests of Kenyaways Kite Village. All levels are catered for with one instructor per two students and gear is available for rent. A safety boat will help you in an emergency and board and kite repair is carried out on site. Downwinders and ‘surfaris’ to nearby islands are all available. www.thekenyaway.com info@thekenyaway.com (+254) (0) 72 612 6204 / (0) 72 888 6821 TRAVEL AGENT PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44…

AVERAGE COSTS Various all-inclusive options available in all hotels AIRPORT SSR International Airport (MRU) is closest and app roximately a 45 minute taxi ride away. CURRENCY Mauritian Rupee (MUR) - £1 = MUR50 / $1 = MUR36/ €1 = MUR39.5 Hotels accept both cash and credit / debit cards. SCHOOLS KITE GLOBING operate out of the superbly well-set-up C Beach Club (like a day-hotel, with swimming pool, restaurant, volleyball, sunloungers, kids club and more). All levels taught all year with IKO or VDWS certified instructors who speak English, German, French and Creol. Rental and gear purchases available and two rescue boats on-hand. www.kiteglobing.com info@kiteglobing.com +230 605 5334 / (Mobile) + 230 5717 5348 CONCIERGE SERVICES Solis Indian Ocean blend style, experience and passion. As well as taking care of your…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: MAD34 / RESTAURANT MEAL: MAD170 / ACCOMMODATION: MAD650 per room FLY TO Marrakesh (RAK) airport is a two hour drive / taxi. (AGA) is a little further. CURRENCY Moroccan Dirham (MAD): £1 = MAD13 / €1 = MAD11 / US$1 = MAD8 ATMs and card payments outside the medina. SCHOOLS ION CLUB ESSAOUIRA www.ion-club.net travel@ion-club.net +49 (0) 881 925 4960 EXPLORA www.exploramorocco.com adventure@exploramorocco.com +44 (0) 773 856 3883 / +212 611 475 188 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com info@kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 ION CLUB www.ion-club.net +49 (0) 881 925 4960 KITEWORLDWIDE www.kiteworldwide.com +44 (0) 20 36 085 777 ON THE WATER Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, situated at the top of Africa,…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: EGP17 / RESTAURANT MEAL: EGP87 / ACCOMMODATION: EGP305 p.p.p.n. AIRPORT El Naaba is just 30 kilometres south of the airport in Marsa Alam (RMF) and Hurghada airport is 220 kilometres away. Tour operators, as well as the Pro Center, offer transfers from both airports or there are taxis available. CURRENCY Egyptian Pound (EGP) - £1 = EGP11.5 / US$1 = EGP8 / €1 = EGP9EGP SCHOOLS THE TOMMY FRIEDL PRO CENTER teach all levels in windsurfing and kitesurfing all year at a max ratio 4:1. Cabrinha, Core, NP sails and JP boards are available for rent, there is a repair service on site and they also provide safety boat cover. Languages spoken by staff: English, German, Russian and Arabic. www.tommy-friedl.com info@tommy-friedl.com +20 100 66 72 811 ON…

“Consistent wind, no need for a wetsuit, waves and incredible flat water riding, big beaches and friendly people. A great spot to guarantee riding.” DAMIEN LEROY, CABRINHA PRO RIDER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: $3 / RESTAURANT MEAL: $10 - 15 / ACCOMMODATION: $50 - 200 PPPN FLY TO Corpus Christi International airport (CRP) is centrally located and just a short drive to the nearest kite launch and various accommodation options. CURRENCY US Dollar ($) - £1 = $1.5 / €1 = $1.2 Credit and debit cards accepted with ATMs in plentiful supply. SCHOOLS 361KITE operate all year, providing safe and professional lessons for all levels in the Corpus Christi and surrounding South Texas area. Instructors are PASA certified and teach in calm, shallow waters at a student’s own pace. Private or…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: 25 pesos / RESTAURANT MEAL: 100-300 pesos / ACCOMMODATION: 1800 pesos AIRPORT San Jose del Cabo (SJD) is 45 minutes away from Los Barriles. There are airport shuttles and plenty of car rental firms located there. CURRENCY Mexican Peso (MXN) - £1 = MXN25.5 / US$1 = MXN18.29 / €1 = MXN20.15 SCHOOLS EXOTIKITE KITEBOARDING teach all levels from beginner to advanced in either 1:1 or small group sessions from November through until April every year. Equipment from North, Cabrinha and Slingshot is available for rent and they also operate diving, paddleboarding and snorkeling excursions. Instructors speak both English and Spanish with full jet-ski rescue cover on hand if needed. www.exotikite.com info@exotikite.com +52 1 624 145 0064 ON THE WATER Nestled in the Bay of Palms on…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: R$6 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R$50 / ACCOMMODATION: R$350 (VillaMango) AIRPORT Fortaleza Pinto Martins airport (FOR) is approximately 200 kilometres away / 2.5 hours transfer. CURRENCY Brazilian Reais (R$) - £1= R$6 / $1= R$4 / €1 = R$4.4 SCHOOLS MANGO KITE CLUB operates out of a fantastic location on the VillaMango grounds, offering perfect kitesurfing conditions ten steps from the centre. IKO instructors offer lessons with radio assistance for all levels, beginner to advanced. Ozone equipment is available for rent, there are also air compressors, lockers, a large lawn for rigging and cleaning gear, a sea front gazebo and bar service. Downwinder trips are available to nearby lagoons and flat water spots. www.villamango.com.br herkk@terra.com.br +55 85 3636 3089 TRAVEL AGENTS PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: R$5 / RESTAURANT MEAL: R$25 - 70 / ACCOMMODATION: R$170 - 600 p.p.p.n. AIRPORT Teresina (THE) is five hours by car, Fortaleza (FOR) is six hours and there are now domestic flights to Parnaiba (PHB) which is just an hour from Barra Grande. Transfers can be arranged and buses also travel to Barra Grande from major cities. CURRENCY Brazilian Reais (R$) - £1= R$6 / €1= R$4.5 / US$ = R$4 SCHOOLS POUSADA BGK operate a school with lessons for all levels of rider thoughout the season provided by fully qualified instructors. Instruction is available in French, Spanish or English with up to date equipment from North also available for hire to more experienced riders. www.bgk.com.br contato@bgk.com.br +55 86 3369 8019 POUSADA TITAS www.pousadatitas.com.br reservas@pousadatitas.com.br +55 86…

“Days just aren’t long enough to do all the fun things there are to do here. Whether it’s kiting, surfing or partying... the conditions are always good! It’s an island of endless summer where the people always smile.” SUSI MAI, PRO RIDER AND CABARETE RESIDENT ON THE WATER Union Island is renowned for some of the bluest flat water you’ve ever seen as well as its’ consistent, steady, cross shore winds. Perhaps you also remember seeing images that we ran of that particularly well known bar on Happy Island that you can kite up to and have a beer at (or a particularly dangerous rum punch) with your kite still flying (decent kite-handling skills required!)? The season runs from mid-December to late June; the windiest time being from Christmas until…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €3 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €10 - 20 / ACCOMMODATION: €60-80 AIRPORT Faro (FAO) is in the Algarve, 20 minutes from the beach. Lisbon (LIS) is 230 kilometres from the Algarve. Sevilla (SVQ) is 180 kilometres away. CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8 SCHOOL EXTREME ALGARVE are now an official Airush operator and are open all year for accommodation, rentals, guided excursions and other activities. They also run guided trips, surf lessons and SUP tours with small groups and a safety boat on-hand. Wave and advanced technique also offered as well as spot advice and local wisdom! www.extremealgarve.com bookings@extremealgarve.com +351 918 674 079 TRAVEL PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS www.planetkitesurfholidays.com +44 (0) 1273 921 001 ON THE WATER Just a short flight from anywhere in…

“Fuerteventura is a very special place with everything from pumping waves to kicker freestyle at Flag Beach and flat lagoons if you know where to look. Deciding which toys to put in your car is the hardest part. Fuerte will rarely disappoint.” TOM COURT, NORTH PRO RIDER AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €3 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €15 / ACCOMMODATION: From €20 p.p.p.n. AIRPORT Fuerteventura Puerto del Rosario (FUE) airport. Flag Beach / Corralejo is a 30 minute drive and taxis, buses and hire cars are available from the airport. CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8 All the cash facilities you’d expect in Europe. SCHOOLS FLAG BEACH is open 365 days a year. The latest North gear is available for hire and a rescue boat is at hand…

“We’ve never seen anywhere quite like Hangloose Beach. Super regular and steady 12 metre weather in the afternoons, and if you want to learn to foil it’s insane... and then the parties on the beach! It’s seemingly always packed with fun party people and DJs!” JIM GAUNT, KITEWORLD EDITOR AVERAGE COSTS BEER: €2.50 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €10 - 20 / ACCOMMODATION: €25 p.p.p.n. AIRPORT Lamezia Terme international (SUF) is just three kilometres from Gizzeria with lots of low costs airlines flying in from all across Europe. The best option is to rent a car but Hang Loose Beach can organise your transfers. CURRENCY Euro (€) - £1 = €1.3 / US$1 = €0.8 SCHOOLS HANG LOOSE BEACH teach all levels from April – September with a max student / instructor…

AVERAGE COSTS BEER - €3 / RESTAURANT – €3-6 / ACCOMMODATION - €30-40 AIRPORT Magong Airport (MZG) is a 40 minute flight out of Taipei. There are more than 20 flights per day and it’s then just a 15 minute drive from Magong airport to the kite spots. CURRENCY NTD (New Taiwan Dollar): £1- NTD48 / $1-NTD33.5 / €1 – NTD36.57 Exchange USD/EUR at the airport or at local banks, which are also equipped with international ATM machines. SCHOOLS There are no schools on Penghu Island so don’t plan on coming here and easily being able to organise lessons. ON THE WATER Attention high wind fanatics! Fancy going off the beaten track to kite in powerful winds at uncrowded spots in a clean environment while still enjoying a high level…

AVERAGE COSTS: BEER: €2.5 - 3.5 / RESTAURANT MEAL: €7 - 15 / ACCOMMODATION: €50 – 200 AIRPORTS Croatia - Split (SPU); Greece - Athens (ATH); Caribbean - Martinique (FDF) or St. Vincent & The Grenadines (SVG). Airports transfers are available in Croatia, an airport bus will take you straight to the marina in Greece and taxi transfers are available in the Caribbean. SCHOOLS KITEBOARDING CRUISE have onboard kite instructors and can also organise lessons at local kite schools. Typical ratios are 2:1 or 1:1. They have Slingshot gear to rent and twin-tips are free. Safety boat always on-hand and other services include chef, skipper, kite guide and airport transfers. English is the main language spoken on the boat. www.kiteboarding-cruise.com info@kiteboarding-cruise.com HOW IT WORKS Board a catamaran and experience Croatia,…