Dominican Republic Kiteboarding -
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Dominican Republic kiteboarding is about Cabarete - the hotspot in the Caribbean. Cabarete is a small village in the northern part of the island that is the mecca for kiteboarders year-round. Many pros can be found amongst the locals and tourists adding to Dominican Republic kiteboarding growth. It also host to the biggest kiteboarding competition in the world - always the third week of June.
The bonus about DR and Cabarete is that you can stay close enough to the beach that you don't need to rent a car and save on the expense.
Cabarete: KiteFacts
Best winds: All year
Wind Conditions:15-30knots
Water Temp: Boardies only
Water Type: Flat water,chop and Waves
Weather: Sunny - warm, tropical
Nightlife: Yes - restaurants and clubs
Value for $$: good value - cheaper than US destinations.
Accomodation: Casa Blanca Hotel
Cabarete is in walking distance to Kite Beach and very close to the international airport in Puerto Plata. It’s a laid back village with an atmosphere of any tropical paradise and a sporty adventurous vibe. You are going to want to stay a while. Keep that in mind when booking your trip.
Here's some PKRA kiting action in Cabarete - it'll give you an idea for the setup and beaches. Not to mention Suzi Mai isn't difficult to look at ;)
Conditions for Dominican Republic kiteboarding, and Cabarete specifically, are unmatched. Typical of all the locations next to the equator, the easterly trade-wind blows strong and consistently. As far as it goes for kiteboarding, Dominican Republic is an amazing destination that won’t disappoint. It is not as expensive to hang out here as American beach destinations like Maui.
The Wind
The wind blows easterly, which gives Cabarete perfect side-onshore or sideshore kiting conditions most of the time creating an idea place for beginning to advanced riders. The winds are light in the morning and pick up by early afternoon. December to April have lighter winds with more waves and chop, while June to September have strongest winds and flatter water. Experienced riders will venture further off shore for kitesurfing in the waves. In general you will need your mid-range sized kites in the winter and smaller ones in the summer.
Warm water – we love it. Shallow water off Kite Beach makes it an ideal place to learn. The water temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F) all year.
The Kiteboarding Beaches
There are two main riding/launching beaches in Cabarete: Kite Beach and Cabarete Bay.
Kite Beach, downwind from Cabarete Bay, is more crowded than Cabarete Bay, but the shorebreak can make it more challenging. Or keep walking downwind for even less crowds.
La Policia on kitebeach is the beginners area flying trainer kites on the beach. Its a short distance upwind from the main launch on kitebeach.
Cabarete Bay. Some of the best kiting is out by the reef 300 - 400 meters offshore in Cabarete Bay, where there are rarely more than a handful of kiters in a larger area. This reef gets some great wave riding. It is used by both kiters and windsurfers so its good to be confident and aware of your surroundings when riding this break.
Bozo beach is the main launch area in Cabarete bay.
To get to Kite Beach from central Cabarete, walk along the beach to reach it just around the corner past Bozo Beach and Punta Goleta (approximately 20 minutes walk) or take one of the motorcycle-taxis. To get to the other places to kitesurf you are best off asking the locals once you arrive in Cabarete. Or just look up in the sky for kites to guide you in the right direction.
Just for fun, there are some fantastic downwinders in Cabarete, including La Boca/Rio Yasica to Cabarete Bay or Kite Beach, or Cabarete Bay Kite Beach to Encuentro Beach. If you do the latter you may want to organize a pick-up ahead of time with a taxi driver. Inexpensive and it beats a long walk.
Dominican Republic kiteboarding follows the reputation of surfing in this part of the world. This place has also been known as the surfing capital of the Caribbean at El Encuentro beach.
When you are not in the Dominican Republic kiteboarding, pick up a surfboard, a mountain bike, go hiking, horseriding, canyoning, lie on the beach … you get the picture, you will not be bored.
In Cabarete you will find nightlife in the form of your choice of beach bars or the kind which may keep you up until the wee hours. One thing I have learned about kiteboarders is there are not too many who would chance missing a day of epic wind for a big night out so I am sure the beach bars will do the trick after a big day or one of the many restaurants.
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