Quite possibly the world's best location to learn to kiteboard! New Wind's La Ventana kiteschool sits directly on one of the best launch sites on the bay. It is our mission to get you up & riding with confidence....Fast!

Our goal is your goal....to see you get up and ride! Our exclusive Fast Track Learning Method is designed to streamline your learning curve towards expert riding. No "resort courses" here, we make sure that you have a solid grasp of all the skills that you will need in order to buy gear and safely practice the sport on your own.

Once you are enrolled in a program, we are dedicated to continued support of your kiteboarding venture. From learning the basics, to guidance of what gear to purchase, to providing fun, safe and exciting kite adventures, we are there for you.

A Perfect Place for Learning:

Still learning to stay upwind? No problem! Ventana Bay curves around to form a friendly "catcher's mitt" of beautiful white sand beach. We launch you right in front of the New Wind Kitehouse and come pick you up downwind on our 4- wheeler.

Guided downwinders are also available for those interested in a more advanced adventure and who really want to maximize their coaching time.

Wind, Water & Weather:

Wind:During the winters in Baja you can count on experiencing "El Norte", a very strong wind that comes hundreds of miles down the Baja coast. When a cold high pressure dominates over the 4 corners region of the US and a hot low pressure is centered just south of the Baja Peninsula, look out! The wind can blow 25+ for days on end. But even when there is no El Norte present, La Ventana is blessed with a very predictable thermal wind. The large flat plain that extends at the end of the bay heats up each day and draws the cooler air off of the Sea of Cortez. The thermal winds are further increased by a venturi created as the wind squeezes between Isla Cerravlo and the mainland. On these days you can count on a light start with winds building to upper teens to low 20's by the afternoon. Thermal winds are very steady and great for kiteboarding!

Water:Clear blue-green and warm! Since the big island off shore called Isla Cerralvo protects Ventana Bay from the huge swells on the outside, there is very little if any shorebreak which makes for very safe and easy launching and landing. Mostly flat water with some chop and small swell on the windier days.

Wildlife:Not to worry, you won't be part of the food chain in the Sea of Cortez! There are many sea creatures swimming about but all are quite friendly. While kiteboarding you might see dolphins, flying fish, sea turtles, sea lions, schooling fishes of all kinds, manta rays and maybe even a whale! The bigger sea creatures tend to stay farther off shore so go ahead and venture out if you want to ride amongst them.

Wear:Most people just wear a shortie wetsuit or a 2-3ml long suit with short sleeves. It's always a good idea to have a bit of protection. If you go for just shorts, don't forget to wear a rash guard to block the sun or else you'll look like the lobster that will be on your plate in the restaurant! Booties are a good idea but not absolutely necessary

The Beach:

You'll be delighted to find a white sand beach that slides gracefully into the waters of the Sea of Cortez. The launching and landing is very easy and safe. However, always be aware of sharp items in the sand like a dried up pufferfish or a bit of cactus. (this is why booties are a good idea) There are a few small underwater rocky outcroppings that you really want to stay away from as the sea urchins enjoy a nice life in them and do not take kindly to visitors. It's easy to keep off of the rocks if you pay attention and plan ahead.

Downwind is nothing but beautiful white sand, no rocks, just sand! Oh and of course your friendly New Wind instructor and his trusty 4 wheeler ready to catch your kite and drive you back upwind.

Town Description:

La Ventana is a small fishing village that has just recently been discovered by kiteboarders and windsurfers. It is very safe and friendly, the local people are welcoming and many speak some English. There are a few restaurants, taco stands and small convenience stores. There is internet access at El Norte Restaurant which is across from the main beachfront campground. Cost is 30 pesos per ½ hr and the connection is pretty quick and is via satellite. They have 3 computers and 2 laptop connections. Public pay phones are now installed around town making it easy to call home! Just buy a phone card at one of the little stores in town or you can use your credit card. Cell phones do work in Mexico but there is very poor reception in La Ventana. Businesses in town do not accept credit cards but do accept American dollars and will give you change in pesos. You may not get the best exchange rate however, so it is a good idea to exchange money at a bank in La Paz or San Jose Los Cabos ahead of time. La Paz is just 40 minutes away and has all the conveniences of a modern city.

Kiteboarding Lesson Programs:

New Riders

Fly Right Trainer 1.5 hrs + practice session

Flying a trainer kite is the first step in learning to kiteboard . Form proper flight skills right from the start (no bad habits to overcome later) New Wind's Fast Track learning system teaches you advanced techniques you will use with inflatable power kites.

Introduction to Kiteboarding one full day

Only have one day to spare for lessons? This is the program for you! Leave with a solid introduction to safety, equipment and kite control skills. Includes independent practice session using our gear.

Fast Track Camp two - five days / two friends

This is our best value and most popular program for 2 friends who want to learn together. Our Fast Track Learning System, combined with independent practice on our gear will get you to the point where you can buy gear and safely practice the sport together on your own.

Fast Track Private two - five days

Our Fast Track learning progression will have you up and riding in 1/2 the time of any other kiteschool. In this multiday course you will learn the skills needed to be a safe and independent rider.

Total Custom Instruction 2 hr minimum

Private instruction specifically designed to meet your individual goals. Let our IKO certified coaches create a lesson program just for you!

Intermediate & Advanced Riders:

Total Custom Instruction 2 hr minimum

Private instruction specifically designed to meet your individual goals. Let our IKO certified coaches create a lesson program just for you!

Jet Ski Assisted Lessons 2 hr minimum

The best way to go when your flight skills are solid and you are ready to get up on the board and ride. Get away from crowds and experience the freedom of open waters. Not available in La Ventana since we don't need a jet ski there!

Guided Downwinders All Day

Our pros ride with you giving you a very clear visual image of proper stance. They can even help you re-launch your kite if needed! Tons of fun and the best way to break through to upwind riding.

No Wind Activites:

No wind, no problem. The beauty of the bay and surrounding mountains offer endless outdoor adventures! With the absence of wind the bay is perfectly still making swimming, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking or stand up paddle boarding a pristine dream. Ready to enjoy the land for a day, rent a bicycle or put your legs to good use on a hike into the mountains in search of a secluded waterfall. It’s hard to imagine flowing water in the desert, but Baja abounds with gorgeous, fresh water streams and pools perfect for a refreshing dip. Ready for a day of pure relaxation, enjoy a hammock, read a book and soak up some rays.

How to get here:

Traveling to Baja is easy compared to most tropical destinations with its close proximity to the US and direct flights daily from LAX.

By Airplane:

Alaska Airlines offers service from Los Angeles (LAX) direct to La Paz (LAP). Flights leave on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from LAX. You'll be in La Paz in the early afternoon leaving plenty of time to stock up on groceries at the supermercado, make the short 30 minute drive to La Ventana and have a cold Pacifico while enjoying the sunset on the beach. You can also fly into San Jose del Cabo (SJD), but then you'll have a 2.5 hr drive to get to La Ventana. All the usual car rental agencies are available...Dollar, Budget, Hertz, National. It is best to reserve a rental car ahead of time which you can do online. You can also hire a taxi right at the airport. Taxi fares run about $80 - $90 oneway to La Venatana which you can easily be split between two people.

By Car:

It is a beautiful drive by car! Once you cross the border there are lovely places to camp or hotels all along the way. Give yourself at least 3 days to make the trip from the US border to La Paz. Don't drive at night because the cows like to sleep in the road where it is warm. The roads are not too bad, they do have pot holes here and there and in general have no shoulder. The traffic is light, but keep your eyes open for semi trucks and busses coming around the tight corners in the mountains!

San Quentin, San Ignacio, Mulege & Loreto are all great places along the way to visit and there are La Pinta Hotels in each of these towns to stay at along the way. It's a good idea to get your tourist card ahead of time from a travel club. It will save you time and hassle at the border. You will also need to get Mexican car insurance which you can get from a travel club as well.

Accommodations:

Ventana Kiteboarding (aka Kurt-n-Marina's)

www.ventanakiteboarding.com Casitas and RV camping and right next door to the kiteschool! New construction & very nicely decorated. Out front is a huge Palapa that houses a common kitchen area shared by guests. This is a very friendly place and a good spot to make friends! Great beach for launching. Affordable rates and super convenient for folks in our lesson programs. Restaurants and grocery shops within walking distance.

Ventana Bay Resort

www.ventanabay.com 5km to the North of the kiteschool, Ventana Bay Resort is very quiet, private and romantic! The resort offers private Bungalows or rooms that include breakfast and lunch at the resort's restaurant/bar. You'll need a rental car to make the 10 minute drive south to our kiteschool location.

Casa Verde

www.bajmahal.com A beautiful boutique hotel just a short walk down the beach from the kiteschool. New rooms nicely decorated with a comfortable common area that includes bathroom/shower, kitchen and bbq. Also tee pees available to rent for a very good price.

Ventana Windsports

www.ventanawindsports.com Just a short 5 minute walk down the beach from our kiteschool, Ventana Windsports offers the ultimate experience in Baja comfort! Beautiful authentic construction, landscaping and design surround each private casita. Meals are included, massage available onsite and best of all...a hot tub with a fantastic view!

Dates of Operation:

La Ventana Lessons: November 15th through March 15th
Hood River Lessons: May 15th through March 15th

New Wind Kiteboarding
13 Oak St. Hood River, OR 97031
and
La Ventana, Baja California Sur
Phone: (541) 387-2440
Phone:
Website:www.kiteschool.com
Email:newwindkiteboarding@gmail.com