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 The basics of kitesurfing
By Charles Edwards
Kitesurfing is fast becoming one of the world's most elite watersports. It enjoys a global popularity, and nowhere is it more popular than in the Dominican Republic.
The small town of Cabarete, on the north shore of Hispaniola, has become a mecca for kitesurfing. The town has grown in recent years thanks to a boom in Dominican Republic real estate from a sleepy fishing community to an upscale yet friendly tourist center that is all about enjoying life on Bozo beach.
From April to July, trade winds provide a reliable and constant source of wind for kitesurfers in Cabarete. The region is home to several kite surfing championships, and many professionals from the industry have chosen to make Cabarete home. As a result, a strong and vibrant kitesurfing community has grown up in Cabarete - if you want to learn about the sport, this is the place to do it.
While you can rent a rig just about anyplace on the ocean in Dominican real estate, if you're really serious you'll have to purchase your own equipment:
Basically, kite surfing involves hooking up to a kite (kind of like a parasail) and using the wind to pull yourself along via a surfboard with clips for securing your feet.
The rig consists of:
- 2-4 kitelines - bi-directional board (beginners use this board, while more experienced boarder prefer an asymmetrical board because it makes it easier to jump) - a leash that ensures you will remain attached to your board - a dead-man safety release system - an inflatable kite, or single skin kite
A ram air-foil kite is also used.
Kite boarding is often considered to be an extreme sport, so the final piece of equipment you should consider buying is a life or buoancy jacket. As well, training is a must, if not for you, but for those around you who are enjoying the warm Caribbean. Luckily, Cabarete is one of the best places in the world to learn to kitesurf like a pro. An entire industry of Dominican Republic condos has grown up to take advantage of the worldwide interest in this sport.
Charles Edwards loves Dominican Republic Real Estate, and Dominican Republic condos are where he feels most comfortable and creative.
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Views expressed in the article are those of the author and are not necessarily the opinions of CaribbeanChoice, its staff or members.
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