BayAreaKiteboarding.com

My wife wants to go on a trip sometime in the summer, early fall. She has expressed interest in kiting (haha, we'll see if that happens), and wanted to get some ideas on possible locations. Scanned through a recent SBC Kiteboard (Thanks once again Andy/KiteWindSurf), and looks like DR would be an option.

Anyone have an experiences to share of the DR, or more specifically Extreme Hotels (I think they only opened this past year)?

I looked at their website briefly, they have a pretty novel idea -- room/breakfast package which includes purchase(?) of a kite and board.

Any other options I should consider? Criteria would be inexpensive, non-kiting activities, warm, exotic, high probability of wind.

Thanks,
Josh

Oh, and access to instruction programs.

Xtremehotels has been open in DR for a few years. I have stayed at the hotel both before they were bought by xtreme and after. they offer a good package for begineers. I am going in July and staying at Kitebeach hotel. They have remodeled and it looks nice. Kitexcite operates out of kitebeach hotel and I know they have a good operation. Caberete offer a ton of things to do for the non kiters depending on how adventures you are my wife loves going there and she does not kite. You'lldefinetly have a good time

understand that kitebeach is about 2 miles or so from the town of cabarete. You can walk it in about an hour, but must take a motoconcho at night.

Not a big deal, but i wish someone had explained that to me...

but do you have to go to the kitebeach? I was staying in cabarete and kited right outside of the hotel.

Extreme is very comfortable and convienent, the beach can be
walked in 30 min, (if not high tide), unless you carry flashlight.
Motoconchos @ night (or day) not for those who grasp for life!.

Try Tropical Goleta across, and down street for cheaper rates, but
good rooms.

After August, wind is a crapshoot!, unless your stay is long.
Drive to Las Terrenas, and spend a few days there for some real
diversity, (and bring kites).

Josh,

Cabarete is a zoo for kiting, I don't recommend it for teaching your wife how to kitesurf. Imagine Alameda on a very crowded day and then multiply by 10 times the amount of kites on the water. Factor in that half of those kiters (local dominican kids) have no respect for right away rules and other people's space. It's intimidating to say the least, even for experienced kiters.

The town of Cabarete is fun though with good food and awesome night life.

jjm wrote:Any other options I should consider? Criteria would be inexpensive, non-kiting activities, warm, exotic, high probability of wind.

Kauai, Baja (Pacific), and Buenaventura come to mind. Have fun!

The best place to learn is South Padre Island, TX. PERIOD

Check wind cnditions for the time of year you go.

PM me if you ant further info.

I was there in the spring of 2005.

We surfed a local reef break all morning and then kited 3 out of 5 afternoons.

The nightlife is great - but the hotel is a bit out of town.