Best School Premier Destination: Aruba

KITESURFING ARUBA

Kite Surfing Aruba is the first kite surfing centre on the Island. Armando and his crew have been teaching since 1999. To date they have successfully taught over 4000 people. Aruba is located in the heart of the southern Caribbean, 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela. It is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across, at its widest point, with an area of approximately 70 square miles. Miles of wide-open seas present water sports adventures and make the island Aruba one cool destination. Whether you're a beginner, an expert or anywhere in between, you can find a suitable location for kite surfing in Aruba. The constant 15-knot trade winds, along with the variety of flat-water locations and challenging wave conditions, have made Aruba one of the most popular spots on earth for kite surfers. Aruba offers gentle winds, abundant rental equipment and experienced instructors along the island's southern shore. Advanced students and experts have a choice of any number of prime locations along the northern and south-eastern coasts. Due to the year round Aruba has trade winds and shallow warm water. It’s one of the best locations to learn how to kite surf. The island is also one of the safest in the Caribbean and is known for its friendly residents and beautifull beaches.

Armando Wester, owner and head instructor of Kite Surfing Aruba (KSA), was the first person to introduce kite surfing to the island in 1998. Armando is IKO and VWDS certified. KSA specializes in kite surfing instruction as well as rental equipment and repairs. KSA carries the latest Best kite surfing gear – ranging from children to adult sizes. Every June, Aruba hosts the Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge kite/windsurfing tournament. This seven day competition attracts the most competitive professional kite/wind surfers and hundreds of amateurs to the island of Aruba.

During the first lesson you will learn the basics of the wind and kite. You learn to fly a 2 meter trainer kite while familiarizing yourself with the wind window and you learn how the kite works in the edge of the wind window. You will be taught the power stroke, figure eight, and how to control the kite. Following your basic introduction you will get your first taste of the water with a larger inflated kite, learning about the safety system and self rescue technique. Finally you will go for your first body dragging experience - one that shouldn’t be missed! This is usually where people get hooked.

Body dragging is your first taste of what kite surfing will be like. The second lesson it’s time to try a board! You will learn the basics of how to retrieve the board, put it on and get up successfully. There is always an instructor with you in a chase boat, to help and encourage. By the end of your second lesson you will be able to get up on a board.

The third lesson we will be working on your stance and better teach you how to be more efficient with your kite. We will also work on edging and a range of board techniques. Towards the end of your third lesson we will work on some drills to go upwind.All beginner lessons are two and a half hours, include the latest rental gear, and an instructor who is constantly looking out for you. The price of the lesson is $100 although weekly packages can be arranged by contacting us.

In addition, we offer advanced classes for: Board Tricks, Handle Passes, Kite Loops, Transitions and much more. KSA also offers weekly packages, which include accommodation, kite surf lessons and kite equipment for the rest of the week. The house is walking distance from the beach where everybody is kite surfing. It’s a 2 bedroom house and you can also rent it weekly or monthly. E-mail for more info.

Off coast retrieval for experienced riders is also available. Offshore winds provide for optimal riding conditions, however making it back to shore can be difficult. Not to worry, however, Armando and his crew will swing by in the Zodiac to give you a ride back if necessary. This makes kiting at the Fisherman’s Huts in Aruba a fun, exciting, and safe experience.

For the experienced riders there is the opportunity to kite at the beautiful spots Arashi or Boca Grandi. Arashi is a beautiful spot at the Northern place of the island near the light house. It’s great flat water and sometimes there are small waves. Boca Grandi is a half moon bay shaped with onshore winds, hits and ramps on the inside like a skate park and out side bigger waves for the more advanced rider. Boca Grandi is the favourite spot for the locals and can be crowded in the weekend.

Kite surfing Aruba is located at the Fisherman's Hut, on the south side of Aruba by the high rise hotels. The water is flat and shallow and the wind is offshore. Aruba is one the windiest islands in the Caribbean. In the high winds months of April, May, June, July and September, the 9m and 11m kites are most popular. In October, November and December, the wind decreases slightly, making the 15m kites most commonly used. Whatever the month, however, kiting is year round in Aruba. Please remember to bring plenty of sun block and your favourite kite (size: 9 to 14)! After a day of adventure and kite surfing you can meet new friends at one of the many nightspots and cafes where you can enjoy live music, exotic drinks, exciting shows and a welcoming atmosphere.

In the evening, the excitement does not slow down with happy hours at poolside bars or restaurant venues setting the mood to total enjoyment followed by the joyous participation out on the dance floor at any one of the islands famous hotspots. The party really moves on trips by party bus or party boat taking fun seekers through various games in the pursuit of an exceptionally good time.

Aruba is known as an island that caters both to the affluent traveller and to those looking for a more moderately priced vacation

Luxury high rise hotels provide opulent surroundings, excellent service and numerous comforts. Many of the low rise hotels are characterized by a homey feel, gorgeous pools, casual and theme party style dining and splendid service.

For those that want something special, Aruba offers luxurious private properties where you can have complete seclusion and your own private beach. Villas are ideal for groups, especially those with interests in activities such as kite surfing. If you're on a tight budget or planning on an extended stay, Aruba's spacious apartments can provide you with affordable accommodations all year round.

Please remember to bring plenty of sun block and Kites (size: 9 to 14). Leave big kites at home. The 2 bedroom, Kite Surfing Aruba, house which is for rent weekly, or monthly.

Armando Wester at
KITESURFING ARUBA
Phone : 297-733-1515
Email : kitesurfingaruba@setarnet.aw