Archive for the ‘News’ Category

They are the future of kiteboarding and had the day all to themselves. Day two of the Dominican Kiteboarding Championship presented a level of young kiteboarding that showed the crowd how big a kiteboarding factory Cabarete is and how promising the future looks for these juniors.

Ariel Corniel has been in the game for a while and again confirmed through his aggressive riding that he is still progressing and on his way to the top. But several riders gave him hard competition during the heats, and there is no way to anticipate who will hit the top spot in the finals. Young talent Luis Alberto met Ariel in the semi finals and set the water on fire. Luis again pulled his high double handlepasses, but Ariel Corniel presented more variation that put him through to the finals.

Robinson Vasques especially impressed the judges with clean, aggressive and varied riding against Papito in the semi finals, and the judges gave young Vasques the pass for the finals. Head judge Luciano Gonzales was close to speechless regarding the impressive level of these up and coming juniors.

- The juniors show us that there is a great future in Dominican kiteboarding. They are giving everything and go big and ride hard. During these junior heats we have been especially impressed with Ariel, Luis and Robinson, and we are looking forward to seeing what these guys can do in the future. But in general, the level is very high from all the riders, he says.

The wind was light on the second day, but the forecast looks good for a final day of successful ADK Dominican Kiteboarding Championship. Category Open is ready for launch, and Kite Beach Cabarete will for sure continue cheering for the DR kiteboarders. Thanks to Nuestro Bar Cabarete, day two was celebrated all night with barbeque and chill out time to load up for todays finals.

The last day will determine who is the best rider in the country and send one more rider off to the PKRA World Cup stage here in Cabarete.

Copyrighs: Hege Holt

ADK – Asociacion Dominicana de Kiteboarding

It has taken a long time, but the Dominican kiteboarding athletes have finally gotten their support. For three years the local riders have struggled and worked towards an association that will open new doors and make sure the future of Dominican riders will be improved.

Three years and an enormous amount of paperwork two weeks ago paid off when the newspapers finally proclaimed the Asociacion Dominicana de Kiteboarding official. Led by local rider and passionate supporter Jose Armando Mieses, the Dominican kiteboarding scene can now focus and grow towards a new era.

Through the association there have already been accomplished important goals. The issue of safety is being addressed, both regarding the beaches as well as for the riders themselves. Especially in Cabarete, the kiteboarding capital of the Dominican Republic, the beaches are crowded and in lack of rules. Although there is an organized system to maintain some order and safety, the association will now work progressively towards cooperation between schools, hotels and other establishments on the beach to make sure that this rapidly growing sport stays safe and healthy. And just as important, the association will help the riders to achieve their dreams and goals and support the many amazing talents. Through the years the kiteboarding world has seen riders like Luciano Gonzales, Jose Luis Ciriaco, Wilson Taveras and many more make it to high international levels in their sport, but new talents are growing up and facing harder times as the industry grows. The young riders will now benefit from these professional athletes’ experiences as all of them contribute through supporting the new association.

The first ever event in the name of ADK is taking place at Kite Beach Cabarete this week. On the 20th of June 27 riders enter the water outside of Kite Beach Hotel as the first official Dominican Kiteboarding competition shoots off. The competition will hand out two wild cards for the two best riders to enter the upcoming PKRA Cabarete World Cup stage next week. The level is high, and the favourites many, but most importantly the riders get a chance to show themselves before an excited crowd of spectators.

Unfortunately, the world cup rider and Dominican Champion of last year, Alex Soto, was recently injured in a motorcycle accident and couldn’t enter the competition. Alex was a top favourite for the competition and will be ready for the world cup event next week. All the riders decided to give Alex one of the wild cards and they are therefore now hunting down the last wild card for PKRA Cabarete.

Kite Beach Cabarete is ready. Let the show begin!

Copyright  Hege Holt

I don’t kite surf.  Ok.  I know this is a crazy concept – here I am writing an article for a kite surfing magazine and I never have, and most probably never will, be tempted to take up the sport.  However, over the past 6 years kite surfing has forced its way into my life, and I felt my experience might strike a chord with other women whose partners are addicted to the sport.

Words and experiences by Chris, Kitesurfer Lloyd’s wife

I remember the very day that we (me and the kids) lost Lloyd (my husband) to the sport.  It was 4 July 2001, a perfect summer day.  We were in Stanmer Park in Brighton having a lovely picnic with a group of friends.  Someone in the park had a flexifoil 4.5m and was flying it.  If you can,,,,, imagine the scene….. as if from a movie, there is the kite, my husband sees it and his heart misses a beat, suddenly the long grass between them comes alive with flowers and butterflies and in the sunshine he runs, slow motion, towards this fine flying specimen. They touch, and the bond between man and kite is irreversibly made. 

Six years later, kiting has become entwined in our life, part of the air we breathe, where ever we go and whatever we do.  Over this time, with 2 young children in tow, we have been searching for ways of making kiting family friendly, but it has not been easy.

Kite surfing is an all consuming passion, I have yet to meet a kiter who is not obsessed with the sport.  Lloyd finds that when he is on the water the rest of the world disappears.  Kite surfing keeps Lloyd fit and it has given him a stronger and healthier look (super!).  He appreciates and enjoys the outdoor life, even in poor weather.  He has joined a welcoming and supportive kiting community.  The only difficulty about all this is that it is addictive, and I have found that Lloyd is constantly craving his next “fix”.  I have also learnt that we the family come second to the kite and that lloyd cannot commit to any family plans until he has checked the kite surfing potential of the day.  I must admit, I prefer he does this as there is nothing more annoying than to be somewhere nice and find him looking up at the trees, checking the wind direction and knowing he would rather be on the water!

In the UK, Lloyd will normally go kiting with a friend.  However, when abroad or when no other kiters around, we do go together and I am forever amazed with the amount of effort and admin. involved. Our sessions normally go something like this:

• · Husband tosses grass into the air to confirm wind direction.

• · Using a wind gauge husband checks wind speed, thereby decision made on which kite to use.

• ·        Husband gets kite equipment, of which there is plenty, and carries it to beach.

• Pumping up kite, husband yells at wife (over wind and sea noise) to hold kite down. Meanwhile kids happily playing?

• · Husband makes innumerable marches up and down beach to set up lines, cursing any kids or dogs who get in the way.

• · Then, joy of joys, (the bit wife hates), husband lifts kite and turns it over, “Look I can hold the kite with just one finger.” husband reassures as he passes kite to wife, yet somehow when wife is holding kite, in gale force winds, it is not fingers but whole body which is required to control the beast and stop it from taking off with wife. And the kids are where?

• · Husband now walks away with bar and board “out the way kids” (gives wife a few directional hand gestures to get kite into correct position). Husband gives thumbs up for wife to release kite.

• · Wife then usually picks herself up off beach, collects up all excess equipment … oh yes … and children.

• · Whilst husband on water, wife and children look out for husband and  amuse themselves on beach .. ha….. more like seek shelter from the wind and struggle to keep the sand out of the sandwiches.

• · When husband has had enough time on the water he yells for wife to land kite, which involves husband lowering kite to the ground while wife franticly runs this way and that to catch kite and flip it over, normally accompanied by shouts and various hand gestures (no longer directional nor polite) from husband.

• · Husband then spends time packing equipment away.

Is it any wonder we would rather Lloyd goes kite surfing with a buddy than rely on us.  Much easier for us to turn up and have a look and then move on to something more sheltered and child friendly environment. 

And its not all plain sailing for Lloyd – he has had to face all sorts of obstacles, not least the wind – speed and direction not always  being favourable.  He has had to work when conditions were perfect.  He has had kit problems, lost boards, torn kites, cold temperatures, wind dropping after setting up, etc.  He has had to cope with our daughters clinging to his leg  pleading “Daddy please don’t go kiting!”. He has had to tolerate our grimaced faces “like pulling teeth” he says, as we sit on the sand-blasted beach. Not easy!

The truth is I love his kite surfing.   I have delighted in his progress and his determination to learn.  I have benefited from some time and space and from some great moods when he has returned from a good session or good holiday on the water.  I have been excited watching him jump and do tricks.  I have taken pleasure in watching the kids enthuse about their Dad’s ability “Did you see what Dad just did?”.  I have encouraged him to go, to compete, to enjoy – go for it while you can – seize the day!  I have learnt to launch and land the kite.  I have rescued kit and Lloyd from a few disasters too.  I have also learnt to keep a diary of Lloyd’s kite surfing days – this way I do not lose arguments – comments like “I never go out”, “I haven’t been on the water in weeks, months ..” ” I can’t remember the last time I went ” now get met with “I’ll just get my diary!”.

After many attempts at various locations around the world, I was convinced that kiting and family could not mix.  However, we have finally found the ultimate family/kiting location, and the good news is that it is only  7000 miles away from our home.  We are talking a beautiful island in the Caribbean.

In pursuit of his passion, we have upped sticks and relocated to the Dominican Republic.  So, as I sit here with the kids on this perfect white sandy beach, warm sun, turquoise sea, palm trees swaying and I watch my husband grinning from ear to ear, whooping all the way and my children playing happily, I do feel a sense of joy that he has found something which has given him so much pleasure and has taken all of us on a life journey we might not have otherwise taken.  I realize and accept that kiting will always be with us and already my children are asking for lessons!

Make sure to check in for the Part 2 of A Wife’s Perspective next week. ” Packing”

All photos: Private

The Team at Kite Lounge is always full of fun and assistance. It doesn’t matter if the wind takes a break. They’ll still hang out doing fun and crazy things to fill the days in the Caribbean paradise.
When the wind kicks in, the beach is busy with lessons on how to manage this incredible sport. If you already know how to stay on the board with the kite in the air, these guys can easily teach tricks or waveriding on an advanced level as well.

So, who are they..? Check out some details about the people in the Kite Lounge staff

The School Manager Sven:
Sven Vandierendonck is the Belgian guy with a name we can not pronounce. Sven is as nice as they come. He knows exactly what to do in any situation, it doesn’t matter what the question or the problem is. You either find Sven behind his desk in the school or you find him rippin some waves on the reef or flying high across the bay. Sven speaks a whole lot of languages and can communicate with more or less anyone. Dutch, English, Spanish, French plus plus… And he’s been in the DR for more than 4 years and can help out with practical tips if needed too.

Beach House Manager and Instructor Vlad
Rock n’ Roll, kiting, internet and Megadeth. Oh yeah, that pretty much sums it up. Vlad Heger is the Czech-Canadian who decided the Caribbean is a better place than Canada for living. It’s not easy to keep up with this guy’s projects, but give it a go. When he’s not managing the house or building the Kite Lounge website, he’s for sure building another website. Ask him for some links, we’ll assure you that it’s pretty cool what he does. What about 4.20… He’ll teach you a thing or two about that concept. His newfound dog Mega seems to be his big pride these days, and turning an over-energetic beach dog into a guarding house dog is obviously another one of his skills. In Werner’s company Vlad is rocking the VW Snack Shack bar at the Kite Lounge Beach House. We’ll give you a hint or three about the Snack Shack… Cuba, Santo or Rum Punch.

Instructor and Party Manager Werner
Werner Hilberink is dutch, and the man of many talents at Kite Lounge. Not only is he a more than qualified DJ, a successful promoter, bean bag creator, a skilled and experienced party organizer, but also a popular instructor and “fix-it” man at the Kite Lounge. As often as he can, Werner hits the reef with his beloved Liquid Force gear. If you get to hang out with Werner on the beach, taking lessons or not, you’ll get to know his all white angel, Ice. Ice is the German Shepherd spinning around on the beach looking for house manager Vlad’s dog, Megadeth. Werner and Ice will make you laugh while learning how to kite. Werner is in charge of the party management at the beach house, so hold on for daytime kiting and nighttime partying.

People do spend a lot of time in the water at Kite Lounge, and they are used to getting wet, but there’s a limit to how many windless and wet days one can take. After about three weeks of pooring rain and Mother Natures rather upset mood, Kite Lounge, Extreme and Kite Beach is back on track! And even better.. The summer season is right around the corner.

Finally the sun and the wind lured kites, boards and pale kitesurfers out of their hiding spots. What were they doing…? Although more or less every person on this beach would do basically anything to get some time on the water, there are rarely a lack of creativity or energy to go bananas doing something else. We’ll save the details for another story, but let’s just say paintball and Rock Nite did the trick to beat some time these rainy weeks. Paintball is one of Kite Lounges many non wind activities, and so is the Thursday night party mayhem called Rock Nite a few steps away in the Extreme Nuestro Bar with Kite Lounge crew Daniel Steiner, Vlad Heger and yours truly behind the bar.

But with the 20+ knots, sun and a kicking atmosphere on the beach the past couple of days, let’s hope kiting is taking over the activity schedule once again.

Check out Kite Lounges gallery to see more photos

Pro kiteboarder and wakeskater Bri Chmel last week payed a visit to The Kite Lounge and was accompanied by another pro wakerider, Aaron Rathy. Both riders are Orlando based and spend most of their time exploring this relatively new sport.

Bri has spent the last year putting all her effort into becoming one of the best female wakeskate riders out there, and proved it well behind the Kite Lounge jetski on the River Yasica. Aaron kickflipped the dock at the rivermouth and turned some dominican heads chilling with a Coco Loco under the palmtrees at the famous La Boca restaurant. Although it’s not an uncommon site, pro riders rippin’ up the river in Cabarete, these two riders definitely impress the crowds.

Bri going for it
About a year ago Bri discovered wakeskating. It changed her focus from an already successful kiteboarding carreer, but that doesn’t mean that Bri has given up on it. During her visit to the Kite Lounge Bri tried out her brand new Liquid Force Havoc, her first ever experience riding a bowkite. So far, so good and Bri rips. She pulls some impressive tricks as well as slashing the waves, and as she re-enters the kite world, the public can expect more from her in the time to come. And hopefully Extreme and The Kite Lounge can welcome Bri another time too.
- Staying at Extreme hotel was the best ever! now that they have the Kite Lounge, it combines kiteboarding with the hotel a whole lot more. There are great instructors and a lot of gear for people to use. Liquid Force is also a big part of Kite Lounge, and also my sponsor, so this is very convenient. It is great to stay at a hotel that caters towards so many extreme sports and also towards nightlife and good times. I will definitely be back down very soon! Bri says to the Kite Lounge.

Mr. Railmaster
Aaron Rathy is already amongst the top wakeboarders and wakeskaters out there. This guy just turned 19 during his stay in Cabarete, but has already achieved a reputation that puts him right up in top world class level. Rathy is especially known for his exceptional skills on the rails, but masters pretty much anything that involves a board. Aaron goes big and aggressive and he doesn’t give up until he sticks it. So he sticks pretty much whatever. The Kite Lounge would love to see Aaron back in Cabarete for some more riding.

Check out Bri’s profile on her website;
www.brichmel.com

Photos: Hege Holt