Pimp Yo Kite - The Kiteboarder Magazine

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By Adam Von Ins, Elea Faucheron and The Kiteboarder Staff Lens: Luna Duell, Elea Faucheron, and Adam Von Ins, Bob Coan, Clark Merritt A Yucatan session below the Mayan Wind Gods Temple in Tulum. Lens: Bob Coan The Division Other than tacos, there’s not much similarity between the Baja peninsula - a mountainous desert land jutting south from California, and the Yucatan peninsula -- a tropical tourist attraction at the southern entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. Winds, waters, cultures, and environments are as distant as the 2000 miles separating Mexico’s east and west coasts. Parted Winds Baja Peninsula– The Baja Peninsula offers a diverse range of conditions, from waves to flat water to swell with chop. As a rule, the winds on the west coast tend to be best in the summer, while “El Norte” winds that influence the east side are strong and predictable November through April. Often, 20-35 knots plus breeze can start as early as 8 a.m. and blow well past sunset. Western Baja coastal winds tend to be slightly less, in the 15-25 knot plus range, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find days where you’ll be blown off the water on your 7m. Water temps fluctuate and can have you in a shorty on hot days, while cooler days may find you reaching for your full wetsuit. On the west coast, wave riding rules. To the east in La Ventana and La Paz, barrier islands keep the swell low and chop very mild, except on those nuking days when the swell can get head high or more. Los Barilles to the south can serve up an average of three-foot ramps with occasional six-footers to blast off of. Yucatan Sea Breeze - Around the Yucatan Caribbean, it’s also kiteable from November through April. While sea breezes tend to pick up in the afternoon, you can often be treated to comparable morning winds as well. Averaging 15-25kts, the clear turquoise oceans require no thermal protection. Boat access lagoons hold super flat water and curious wildlife. Sea tortoises, large rays and eels can often be sighted below your fins. Several sunken boats make excellent sliders. Watch your feet -- the bottom of the lagoons can have some hard sharp stuff down there. Launching Baja Boosting –Anything north of Abreojos on the west coast generally offers more reliable wind and wave conditions than anything you’ll find further south. However, a more developed infrastructure and predictable conditions keeps many localized east in the Ventana area. Only 15 minutes north of “downtown” La Ventana, you can find the super wide and sandy launch at the Hot Springs. Many kiters start here, enjoying boosting sessions with 5-10 mile downwinders. Outside Hot Springs, there are rocks almost everywhere so it’s a good idea to scout out and know the launch/land areas. Low tide also raises a few small razor-gnarly reefs close to the surface. They hurt too so booties are recommended. Yucatan Variety - Around eastern Mexico, waves are easily accessible. 20 minutes by car is all that separates lagoon sessions from clean, chest to head high faces when there’s swell. Around car access launch areas, kiting can get Brian Caserio signs his name on a classic San Carlos section in Baja. Lens: Clark Merritt/Solosports.net crowded. Some areas have posted rules. Even though all beaches are Mexican Federal property, staying out of these “private” areas avoids problems. Starting from Cozumel’s northeast point, you can enjoy a 13-mile downy on warm, delicious flat water with reef breaks about 200 yards out. If you attempt crossing the Cozumel Channel to Playa del Carmen, be aware of really strong currents about 150 yards out from Cozumel’s west coast. They can be great friends…or really big foes. You can see them, so staying out of the deep blue water will keep you safe. After Dark Baja Chill - The desert offers super chill moods with little to spend your money on, although getting to and around the peninsula can be costly. With the Baja sunset, many crash soon after dusk after a long day of riding or gather with old and new friends for dinner, drinks and conversation. A kiter catches a siesta between sessions. Lens: Captain Kirks Yucatan Party - In contrast, Yucatan darkness brings life. This “cruise ship central” has downtown streets lined with tequila-bearing, whistleblowing shot police and Carnival music booming into the early morning hours or all night. Adam Von Ins is the owner of Air Company in Charleston, South Carolina. He is developing a Baja and Yucatan riding guide, available at www.catchsomeair.us. Ventana Ban provides perfect bump and jum for conditions for boosting big air. Lens: Captian Kirks TIPS - Cash rules in Baja. Use a credit card and you’ll be charged an extra 7%. ATMs run out quickly, but you can withdraw twice the machines limit. In the Yucatan, keep cash light. Bring the plastic as it’s easier to keep your money saved and safe. - Watch you kite pump. They are rare, valuable items. - Return beer bottles to the market for a discount on your next case. No beer is sold after 2 pm on Sunday so stock up. - If you need spare parts, you can swap or buy from other Baja kiters. Around the Yucatan, there are small shops to help you out - Yucatan locals are hagglers. If you let them, they will screw you, even at the gas station. - Watch for Baja’s roaming livestock. Cows, goats and burrows will eat your kites 38 39
What is the official site name? Oak Island, North Carolina. What is the best time of year to hit this spot? Tourist season is from June through September with windy days throughout the year. What is the best internet site to check the wind? ikitesurf.com, Sunset Beach Pier. How do I get there? Closest city to fly into is Wilmington which is approximately a 45 minute drive. What is the usual wind direction? Predominantly south to southwest wind. By David Roch Photographs by Jesse Knish Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Oak Island is 12.6 miles long and averages about 1 mile across. It consists of the towns of Oak Island and Caswell Beach and has 52 public beaches. Oak Island is about 7 miles from Southport, 30 miles from Wilmington and approximately 60 miles from Myrtle Beach. The area averages 240 days of sunshine a year. Until 1939, Oak Island was still undeveloped, and was frequented mostly by fox hunters. Jeoffrey Nathan and David Roch take advantage of the consistent wind and uncrowded water at West Point. What are the best conditions to get lucky? This depends on your definition of lucky. Couple of margaritas usually does it. When it comes to wind, with a south to southwest wind you can play in the open ocean with chop to 3-4 foot waves or go to the West Point and have chop to flat water. If you have a day of east or west wind, a nice downwinder up to 10 miles along the beach is great. These directions usually bring some nice big swells and breaking waves closer to the beach. What conditions should I avoid? Depending on your experience level, onshore or offshore winds should be avoided. With these wind directions the West Point is the best location. What gear should I be sure to pack? I use my 12m and 15m Flexifoil Ions on most days. Of course, there are days outside this norm, but these are my staple sizes. My 132x40 Aggression board is my favorite for all around conditions. For all those land/buggy enthusiasts, take advantage of the huge, wide open beach of the West Point. With the fewest obstacles and people, it is the perfect place to play with all your land-based toys. What is the water temp like? A 3mm shorty or full length may be preferred for those winter session as the water cools down to mid 70s. A sun shirt and shorts is all you need for the summer. At the waters edge there are a few shells but nothing to really concern yourself. A cautious person may prefer to wear booties. What is the launch/landing? The West Point has the best landing and launching area due to the large sandy beach and very few obstacles year round. During the summer months the South Beach can be populated and caution and common sense is needed to avoid the people. Who are the local shops and schools? Cape Fear Kiteboarding is the only kiteboarding shop and school on Oak Island. Where should I stay? The majority of accommodations offered on Oak Island are beach houses ranging anywhere from $600 to $3000 a week. There are a couple of hotel/motel options. Captain’s Cove goes for about $75-$100/night. Comfort Suites for $120/night. Where are some of the best places to eat? Lattitudes Bar & Grill, Jones Seafood, Lucky Fisherman, Sand Fiddlers Seafoon, Fishy Fishy, Chasers. What is the nightlife like? Restaurants and pubs tend to close around 10 pm. Night clubs such as Chasers and Island Music are open later if there are people around. What else is there to do if I get skunked? Fantastic beaches, wakeboarding, kayaking, nature trails, jet ski rentals, cycling, sky diving, deep sea fishing, bar crawls. Is there anything else I need to know about riding this spot? Currents due to tidal movement can be extremely strong at the West Point. Caution should be taken during these times. Are there any safety issues or rules I need to know about? Other than the current, no worries. Are there any interesting bits of trivia about this spot? Oak Island has the highest number of rednecks per square mile in all of North Carolina. Just kidding! A barge dredges the channel to keep the waterways free and clear for all to enjoy. David Roch has plenty of space to play and work on new moves. Flexifoil rep and local Jeoffrey Nathan enjoys a summer session on the island. The sleepy little island offers a multitude of activities for nature lovers. 41
Page 8 and 9: Tahitian legend Moe Gould has made
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Page 44: Hawaiian Ocean Sports (866) 488-548

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