Akumal Mexico next week...

[diablo943]

After four weeks of snowkite events I'm dragging the family down to the warmth and beaches of Akumal, Mexico (near Tulum). I'm looking to chase a kite around the blue waters of the Riviera Maya, but this isn't a "kite" trip. As such I am hoping to optimize my plans...

Questions:
1. Any recommendations on kite shops in the area? Hoping to not bring a board down and demo/rent instead.
2. Thinking of bringing a 13m down. Any reason I should bring a 9m and/or a 17m Zephyr?
3. Any weather stations you can recommend in the area?
4. Any locations I should definitely hit?
5. Anyone else going to be in the area want to connect for a kite session?
6. Any other tips for traveling to the area?

Thanks!
Dave Grossman, Publisher
Drift Snowkite Magazine

[Chungmu]

After four weeks of snowkite events I'm dragging the family down to the warmth and beaches of Akumal, Mexico (near Tulum). I'm looking to chase a kite around the blue waters of the Riviera Maya, but this isn't a "kite" trip. As such I am hoping to optimize my plans...

Questions:
1. Any recommendations on kite shops in the area? Hoping to not bring a board down and demo/rent instead.
2. Thinking of bringing a 13m down. Any reason I should bring a 9m and/or a 17m Zephyr?
3. Any weather stations you can recommend in the area?
4. Any locations I should definitely hit?
5. Anyone else going to be in the area want to connect for a kite session?
6. Any other tips for traveling to the area?

Thanks!
Dave Grossman, Publisher
Drift Snowkite Magazine

Dave,
Just got back from Akumal a few weeks ago. What an amazing location! Like you it wasn't really a kite trip but more of a family trip. I packed a 14m kite (weigh about 205lbs) and one board but unfortunately only had good wind one morning out of the week. Later in the week switched so it was off shore and wasn't going to work. Either way the wind rarely seems to get above 20mph and most of the time is in the low to mid teens.

I know there is a shop in Tulum but I don't know much about them. Personally I would recommend contacting PDC Kiteboarding (http://www.flysurf77.com) up the road in Playa. Only 15 minutes from Akumal and they have a great beach for kiting.

Have a great time, the area is just amazing and if you haven't been there make sure you do some diving/snorkeling. Check out the lagoon in Akumal and swim out to the reef where the ocean comes in. Long swim but can be worth it, saw two turtles and some nicer reefs. Feel free to contact me with any other questions.

- Chris

P.S. I would recommend bringing Pesos and not many of the gas stations in the area except credit cards. Royal pain when almost out of gas and you only have about $2 dollars in your pocket. Actually didn't seem like anywhere we went took credit cards.

[diablo943]

Chris,
Thanks for the tips! I appreciate it. I'll bring pesos and my big kites!

Thanks!
Dave Grossman, Publisher
Drift Snowkite Magazine

[tulumkite]

Questions:
1. Any recommendations on kite shops in the area? Hoping to not bring a board down and demo/rent instead.

13 m ok

2. Thinking of bringing a 13m down. Any reason I should bring a 9m and/or a 17m Zephyr?

when the cold fronts show up, you will be needing a 9, we have been having Cold fronts, like twice a week.

3. Any weather stations you can recommend in the area?

http://windguru.cz/es/index.php?sc=85080

4. Any locations I should definitely hit?

Xpu Ha, 5 miles south of Akumal for flat session, and Tulúm Kitebeach Playa Azul for wave session

5. Anyone else going to be in the area want to connect for a kite session?

there is a big friendly kiter community on the Mayan Riviera, if there is wind, you will find a kiter....

6. Any other tips for traveling to the area?

http://snipurl.com/uxj7j

Thanks!
Dave Grossman, Publisher
Drift Snowkite Magazine



have fun!
and please follow this simple rules:

[diablo943]

tulumkite,
Thanks for the info. I appreciate your reply. I also appreciate the attachment "Beach Guidelines". That is a great thing to get in front of every kiter that is visiting your area. I wish more shops/schools/locals would create, distribute and enforce similar guidelines. That is the positive way to grow our sport and avoid the issues growth can bring.

Still looking for a place who can rent/demo me a board while I am down there so I don't have to pack mine. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Dave Grossman, Publisher
Drift Snowkite Magazine

[MikeYQM]

Where are you staying? What resort? What is the kiting like around Gran Bahia Principe Coba? What are other spots in the area with kite friendly beaches?

Mike

[diablo943]

Mike,
We rented a place through Caribbean Fantasy and they have been very helpful in planning the trip. I will let you know what I find when I return!

Thanks!
Dave Grossman, Publisher
Drift Snowkite Magazine

[Flysurf77]

Dave,
Like told you Chris, we have an amazing spot at PDC Kiteboarding in front of the Sandos Playacar Resort.
You are very welcome to come and demo the latest EPIC Gear at the school.
Shoot me an email at PDCKiteboarding@gmail.com or a call when you arrive, 984 134 2673.

http://pdckiteboarding.blogspot.com/

[tulumkite]

tulumkite,
Thanks for the info. I appreciate your reply. I also appreciate the attachment "Beach Guidelines". That is a great thing to get in front of every kiter that is visiting your area. I wish more shops/schools/locals would create, distribute and enforce similar guidelines. That is the positive way to grow our sport and avoid the issues growth can bring.

Still looking for a place who can rent/demo me a board while I am down there so I don't have to pack mine. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Dave Grossman, Publisher
Drift Snowkite Magazine



Thank you Dave! anytime feel free to contact us, for demos, or guidelines, etc....

check www.morphkiteboarding.com for reference
thank you for caring!
saludos

[tulumkite]

tulumkite,
Thanks for the info. I appreciate your reply. I also appreciate the attachment "Beach Guidelines". That is a great thing to get in front of every kiter that is visiting your area. I wish more shops/schools/locals would create, distribute and enforce similar guidelines. That is the positive way to grow our sport and avoid the issues growth can bring.

Still looking for a place who can rent/demo me a board while I am down there so I don't have to pack mine. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Dave Grossman, Publisher
Drift Snowkite Magazine



Thank you Dave! anytime feel free to contact us, for demos, or guidelines, etc....

check www.morphkiteboarding.com for reference
thank you for caring!
saludos