Aruba
Sun, 02/24/2013 - 18:31
Hey Guys,
I'm heading to Aruba on a little vacation at the end of the week and I was wondering if anyone knew the good spots to kite there?
Thanks,
Andrew
Sun, 02/24/2013 - 19:01
#1
Just got back on Thursday. 9
Just got back on Thursday. 9 for 9. It was windy all day and night. I had 2 sessions on my 12 and the rest on 10 (150 lbs). The huts suck, but they're right there, so they can be difficult to pass up. You get used to the gustiness, but the other side it so much better. Boca grande is the best. Its a straight shot from the hotels - about 30 minute drive. Its pretty quiet during the day and locals show up around 3:30-4. Everyone was really cool, but it can get crowded quick.
I can pm my cell if you have specific questions
-chris
Sun, 02/24/2013 - 21:17
#3
Boca grande
Is the best place. Windy pretty much everyday and the flats next to the high rise are shit. Full of beginners and windsurfers
Sun, 02/24/2013 - 21:59
#4
Windy
Andrew,
I got back a month ago. 10 days there, 10 days of solid wind. Armando's kite shack is fun. Butter flat water, but gusty and off shore. Super convenient though if you're staying in a nearby hotel.
If you're renting a car, drive to boca grande beach. About 30-40 minute drive from the hotels. Much more consistent wind and some waves. But be warned, there is nothing there. If you go there with non kiters, it's not a great beach for them.
If you go to Armando's kite shack, inquire about a down winder. I paid $100 to do a 15 mile downwinder with them. They shuttled us to the other side of the island and followed me and 3 other kiters by boat with a car following on land. Super fun adventure.
I only used my 12M the entire time. Several days I should have pumped up my 9 though.
Have fun!
Tim
Sun, 02/24/2013 - 22:01
#5
Windy
Delicate post
Sun, 02/24/2013 - 23:36
#6
Thanks for the help guys. I
Thanks for the help guys. I think I can only fit 2 kites in my bag so I was thinking of bringing the 14 and the 10. 12 would probably be good to have but I want to have something if it is on the lighter side. What do you guys think?
Mon, 02/25/2013 - 09:09
#7
Good coverage
That would probably cover the widest wind range for you. A lot of people were on smaller kites down there in the afternoon. The wind tends to pick up quite a bit the farther off shore you go on the hotel side. Also, be sure to "check in" with one of the instructors before you go out and kite at the Huts. They will keep an eye on you and come rescue you in a skiff if you can't get back to shore ($20 / rescue)...it happened quite a bit with all the newbs learning there. Don't go out if there's no one on shore watching you with access to a boat. I didn't really have any problems getting back to shore though. And if you do kite on the hotel side, stay to the right (looking out at the ocean)...don't go to the left towards the hotels. The hotels create a big wind shadow. Sounds sketchy, but they have a pretty good system there. You'll probably hate it your first day, but once you get used to it, the place is really fun. If you have any non-kiters with you, it's a great beach for them to chill at. Be sure to bring booties.
At Boca, I found the wind to be lighter the one day I went there. I could have used a bigger kite than my 12. Be sure to take water and & food to Boca. There is literally nothing there. It's a pretty cool spot though. The water is amazingly clear. Baby Beach is down near Boca and a cool touristy beach to check out after your session. They serve beers & food there.
Have fun....wish I was going back!
Tue, 02/26/2013 - 10:10
#8
Aruba...
Thank you for the great info. I am heading there March 20th. I can't wait.
Thu, 05/16/2013 - 15:05
#9
Anyone been there in early
Anyone been there in early August and/or knows what the conditions are like there in early August?
Thu, 05/16/2013 - 22:59
#10
Yeah dude it nukes june july
Yeah dude it nukes june july and Aug everyday. I was on my 9m for 8 straight days last time I went in Aug.
Thanks Chris, please PM me your number, I'd love to talk to you a little more before I go there. I'm staying at the radisson which seems to be around palm beach.