12 year old - learning to kite - Best spot March /April

[Larry Pinta]

Have done loads of research and now would like to hear from kiters. Looking to travel end of March for up to two weeks.

He's had lessons in La Ventana just starting to get up in the board. Looking for consistant March wind so Baja is off the list.

Looked at

South Padre (spring break crowds)
Cape Hatteras (too cold?)
Turks & Caicos
Bonaire (off shore winds - hard to get there)
Antigua (lessons without rescue boat)
Maui (lessons without rescue boat)

Ideally would like a shallow spot or somewhere he can do jet ski assisted lessons until he is up and riding.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

LP

[dylan*]

The Florida keys/Miami area would be nice but it's pretty risky with the wind. March/April are generally good months but you could either ride every day or not at all.

[Jbrook]

Cancun Isla Blanca

[matth]

Otherside in the keys, boat ride to the shallows , and an awesome cable park if the wind is down. Stay at Hawks Cay resort , great place.

[FLandOBX]

Hatteras will provide both shallow water and jet ski or boat assisted lessons. The water can still be cool on the soundside at that time (cold in the ocean), so he'd want some neoprene (at least a shorty and steamer top).

Turks & Caicos is one of my favorite locations for beginners (clear water, generally consistent but mild east trade winds, shallow lesson area on Long Bay). However, most of the schools don't provide jet ski support, since it's easy for the instructors to follow students in the shallow bay waters. KiteProvo can set up a boat excursion to some remote islands for private riding, if he gets to a more independent level. It should be good wind at the end of March, and the temps are always pleasant in Provo.

You didn't say where you're located, so I assume that travel complexity is not an issue. It's easy to fly to Provo directly from NYC, Boston, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Charlotte, etc. To get to Hatteras, you'd fly to Norfolk, VA and rent a car for the 2-hour drive south (or fly to RDU and rent a car for the 4+ hour drive).

[super_padge]

Come see us in Isla Holbox, Mexico! The season runs til the end of May, and March/April is good - more easterly winds, which mean we go to the next beach along. The next beach is deep after 60m, and has small chop. The local spot is shallow and great for learning.

If you really want shallow water and super easy learning conditions then go to Isla Blanca - check out Ikarus kiteschool. There's not so much else to do there if it's not windy, so you'd be better staying nearer Cancun and hiring a car.
In Holbox there's no cars, only sandy streets and you can walk to the nearby kite spot.... check out holboxkiteboarding.com

[jeromeL]

Isla Holbox is great! Went there around that time of year I think 2 years ago.

Outer banks is still pretty chilly and wind can be really strong that time of year so would t really advice a beginner to go then.

Turks looks great but don't know about the wind at that time of year.

[irwe]

I don't think there is a better spot then SPI to have your child progress at kiteboarding at the end of March in North America. Shallow, small chop, safe. You need a car to get around.
Probably a full length wetsuit if they will be spending a lot of time in the water. The only downside to March break will be line ups for food and traffic jams on the bridge.
Look into www.airpadrekiteboarding.com and www.prokite.com for jet ski assisted lessons.

[Larry Pinta]

Thanks for all the great replies

South Padre is my preferred spot but after talking to the shops it sounds like Texas Week could make for more of challenging family holiday. Sounds like more of a June trip.

Hatteras sounds like hit or miss on the cold which is not ideal for learners

Looking at Florida but it is expensive over Spring Break and sounds as if wind could be 50/50

Anyone recommend Antigua or Bonaire? Challenging to get there but info is appreciated.

Is end of March poor for winds in La Ventana?

Thanks for all the help

[AirConnolly]

You might want to consider Aruba. The wind is reliable, the water is warm, lessons are boat assisted because the wind is offshore, it is relatively shallow in close, everyone speaks English, and you can probably find a direct flight. Plus there are a lot of other family activities and water sports for others. It's not the best spot in the world to kite, but all around has everything you're looking for.