Kiteboarding in Belize

Garret · Since 07 Sep 2006 254 Posts Portland Obsessed

Have a friend who is going to Belize and wants to do some kiting-- anyone know of any places to take lessons or go kiting? thanks

mystrygrl · Since 07 Sep 2006 95 Posts PDX/HR - What day is it?

Garrett... Never did get to go, but did a bunch of research on it b/c we were considering going last year... sounded like there are a bunch of Cayes (Keys in the US) off the coast that are pretty great... Ambergis being one with hotels and kite schools and such...

Also got the impression that there were companies that would take you out into the flats so you could kite in a various wind conditions/directions...

but let us know what you find out too! Still considering that as a potential winter break for sure.

Garret · Since 07 Sep 2006 254 Posts Portland Obsessed

Thanks- He is leaving in a week or so and will let you know what he finds out--

Mark · Thu Jun 14, 07 9:50 am

I was down there about 5 years ago. Sweet flat water and nice wind. Ambergee caye would be the spot. Its a very small town. Better to bring your own toys.
You might also try one of the Belize web forums.

Mark
Ps the One barrel rum is awesome!!! Drunk

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

Keep us posted on wind etc, I'm headed there in Dec/Jan
I just did a quick search..found a cool site though

http://www.windfinder.com/windstats/windstatistic_belize.htm

tonski · Since 11 Jun 2005 332 Posts NW Portland Obsessed

Have your friend check out spots along Caye Caulker!! From what I've read, this is the place to go in Belize for kiting! Laughing

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

http://www.kitexplorer.com/wind.jpg

Looks like June, Belize will have 65% of days where wind is 13-18MPH or better.

MF · Since 02 Jun 2006 69 Posts

I kited on Caye Ambergris two years ago. Bring a big kite and enjoy the long downwinders on warm flat water. The water taxis are the way to go. I would pump up at the hotel, kite downwind for a few miles and then catch a water taxi back for $5 and do it again.

scottman · Since 08 Jun 2007 150 Posts hillsboro Stoked

I just got back from Ambergris in April. It was low wind, 8-15mph, average kite size is 13m, probably no need for a 9m. I packed my 9m for no need. I would bring your gear since renting there can be expensive. I was on a 12m waroo and 148cm board. I think there is only one kite/windsurf shop right by the water taxi drop off. I forget the name but do a web search and you will find the only one. While I was there the wind is on shore and no real good beach launch due to all the docks. Do a google map and you can check it out. The dude at the kite shop hauls you out to the reef for $10 in his boat and you do a downwinder to shore or stay out as long as you can. I rented a board for 2hr for $50. You rig up your kite on the beach and wrap up your lines hold your kite in the boat for the ride out. He will help launch you out on the reef. FYI, I'm a beginner so factor that into my advice about the launch.

While I was there I ran across a pack of three bull sharks feeding in the shallows. A 12ft, 8ft and 3fter. Freeked me out. Of course I wiped out and had a very motivational body drag to board lesson. Normally bulls are in deep water so this is abnormal behavior. But it can really test you kiting ability. I ended up going down wind allot faster at that point and did not get to work that $10 ride for as long as possible.

<<good advice section>>Beer is expensive ~$4 bottle. So you need to call up the distributor (the only one on the island) and have them deliver (for free) a few cases and get it down to ~1.50 bottle. Just pre-pay the distributor and give them your address to drop it off.

From Belize city (the hood) to Ambergris Maya air can handle your kiteboard gear no problem. They don't even weigh it. If your plane is over loaded they will send you gear on the next flight or they may ship it early. They just give you a boarding pass for the day and fit what luggage and gear they can in the planes.

PS
Barrel one rum will make you go blind. That stuff is like drinking gas!