Cabarete Kite Beach

Cabarete Kite Beach is a kitesurfing spot located about 2 km ( 1+ mile) west of Cabarete, it’s a good kite spot since the water on the inside of the reef is pretty flat, which makes learning easy, for more experienced riders the waves on the reef are worldclass for wave riding and outside of the reef there’s tons of space for experienced riders.

Wind

The wind in Cabarete Kite Bay is the trade winds, like in Hawaii, so it is 99% of the time sideonshore from the right. That is a great direction and we get it most of the time! The wind speed can vary from light in the mornings, getting stronger in the afternoon, then light again for sunset. Mid September-mid December: surf time but sometimes it’s rideable and can be very good (10-20 knts). Mid December-January: we can have really good conditions (20-25 knts).February-mid May: trade-winds 15-20 knts, good waves. Mid May-mid September: 20-25 knts, sometimes 30 knts trade winds, less waves than in winter.

Water

Kite Beach is a small bay protected by a reef so that during the winter big swell, the water remains flat. The reef is located 300m far from from the shore. It can rise to mast high in winter. So we have 2 playgrounds: one for freestylers and beginners (inside the bay) and one for intermediate to expert waveriders (according to swell size).

Rig & Launch

Kite Beach is a small place and it can be crowded sometimes. Nice, soft sand. 4 schools have activities and other private riders so that you really need to be organized to avoid complicated situations. That’s what schools do with regulations and supervisors on the beach. So to launch a kite is sometimes complicated but you have enough on the space on the water if you don’t kite just in front schools and hotels.

Local Rules

DR North Coast has lots of good place to kite. Because the beach is small and we have to share it with other people (kiteboarders or not), the following rules apply: MAIN RULE: ONE MUST NOT USE A KITE WITHOUT HAVING RECEIVED CERTIFIED TRAINING. For safety and authorization reasons, kiteboard teaching is forbidden outside an official school. Equipment: 1: your bar must have two safety systems: one permitting the release of the kite at any time, one permitting retaining the kite without endangering anybody (leash) once the first system has been released. 2: ask somebody competent to check your equipment before launching (pre-flight check). 3: if you’re not sure, ask the staff which kite is suitable according to the conditions. On the beach: 1: it’s forbidden to land a kite or walk in private property. 2: in close proximity of other beach users, bring the kite neutral. 3: always launch and land: in front of kiteboarding schools: it’s forbidden to land in other areas unless in an emergency. Kite seaside in the edge of the window, rider landside. With assistance: assistants are here to help you. If it’s another person, be sure he’s competent. When launching others, always wait for riders signal to release the kite. 4: fly your kite inside the window or jumping on the beach is forbidden. Once the kite is launched, you must go in the water. 5: when having a break, leave your equipment so that it can’t be a danger or hindrance to others. On the water: 1: when crossing or over-passing: upwind rider flies the kite high; downwind rider flies the kite low. Starboard rider has the right-of-way. On the reef, outgoing rider has the right-of-way. 2: during training times, don’t come within 50 meters of the shore. 3: check around oneself before jumping or tacking. 4: THERE IS NO OFFICIAL RESCUE SERVICES. The school boat is efficient in small rescues in small conditions. It cannot cross the reef in case of strong conditions. It’s therefore important not to go too far out and not to go on the reef in case of strong conditions (strong wind, big waves and current). 5: when dark clouds are in formation, check flags on the shore. Wind may cease or pick up strongly. It’s better to stop riding. Within 50m of the shore: 1: when incoming, reduce one’s speed and bring the kite neutral. 2: no uncontrolled maneuvers (incoming jump…). 3: rider entering the water has the right-of-way. FAILURE TO RESPECT THESE RULES CAN RESULT IN PROBLEMS WITH KITEBOARDING SCHOOLS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES.

Transportation

Puerto Plata to Cabarete: 20 min by taxi (20 USD to Cabarete village). Santo Domingo to Cabarete: 4 hours by taxi; 6 hours by bus (cheaper). Punta Cana to Cabarete: TO AVOID, 8 hours by taxi; 2 hours by plane (plane is less expensive than taxi).