KITESURFING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - KITEBOARDING BONAIRE

​

- WHY I SHOULD LEARN TO KITESURF AT KITEBOARDING BONAIRE?

 

Because we are the only official IKO kite center in Bonaire. We are certified since 2001 by the International Kitesurf Organization (IKO) meaning that all of our staff followed a top-of-the-line professional training and to become qualified IKO Instructors.

 

This is an international distinction that recognises the instructor’s skills and abilities to teach kiteboarding safely and effectively. Besides that we have the coolest vibes on the beach!

 

Read more about KBB on our blog

 

 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO COME TO BONAIRE IN TERMS OF WIND?

 

Bonaire is one of the best places in the world to learn to kitesurf. With an average of 300 days of wind a year there is a pretty good chance you get enough wind to kite every day. 

 

The windy season tends to start the second week of December and lasts until the end of August with average winds between 14-21 knots. The months of May, June & July are known for being the strongest (wind average between 17-25 knots).

 

 

WHAT SIZE OF KITE SHOULD I TAKE?

 

We get this question a lot! And to be honest, it is very hard for to predict the wind forecast weeks ahead. We truly recommend all our students and users to check the wind predictions yourself (on apps like Windguru, Windfinder etc.) the week prior to your trip, most of the time that are pretty accurate so you have an idea what type of gear you should bring. 

Our advice: always take everything you can! You never know when epic conditions strike!

 

HOW CAN I GET TO THE KITE SPOT?

 

There is no public transportation on Bonaire so we advise to rent a car, scooter or some other type of transportation to get to us every day. There a plenty of rental companies on the island.

 

CAN I STORAGE MY GEAR AT THE SCHOOL?

 

Yes, we offer locker rentals available by day, weekly or by month. 1 Locker offers space for max. 2 kites and 1 board.

 

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO START TAKING LESSONS AT KITEBOARDING BONAIRE?

 

We find that nine to ten years old is the age range that kids have the motor skills, attention span and desire to learn to kite. All kids should be able to swim, are min. 45 kg and not afraid of open water. 

 

WHERE CAN I STAY?

 

Bonaire offers a big variety resorts, hotels, and posadas according to everyone’s budget. Please visit our “Where to stay” page and check out our partners.

 

WHAT ARE YOUR OPENING TIMES?

 

Kiteboarding Bonaire it is open every day that the weather allows us. Check on the wind predictions or contact us by phone (+599 7015483) to be 100% sure that we are at the beach.

 

Official opening hours are from: 9:00am until 5:00pm, but we are often there a bit longer to enjoy a session ourselves. Teaching hours are by time slots and can vary due to high or low season.

 

HOW MANY LESSONS WOULD IT TAKE TO LEARN TO HOW TO KITE PROPERLY?

 

That is hard to say my friend, we calculate that an average student could learn between 3 to 5 days, but it all depends on your weight,  your level, if you have some type of previous knowledge snowboarding, wakeboarding, windsurf, or any watersport activity. The more experience the student has, the smaller number of lessons they normally need. 

 

HOW MANY LESSONS WOULD IT TAKE TO LEARN TO HOW TO KITE PROPERLY?

 

That is hard to say my friend, we calculate that an average student could learn between 3 to 5 days, but it all depends on your weight,  your level, if you have some type of previous knowledge snowboarding, wakeboarding, windsurf, or any watersport activity. The more experience the student has, the smaller number of lessons they normally need. 

 

WHATS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

 

 In case of cancellation the following fees apply:

• Up to 7 days prior to reservation: NO FEE

• Within 12 hours prior to reservation: US$ 100 

• Within 12 hours prior to reservation during high season: FULL PRICE (our staff needs their income just as much as you do!) 

​

IS THERE A BATHROOM AT THE BEACH?

 

Unfortunately, the answer is NO. Due to our remote location there are no bathrooms near by, the closest bathroom is at 8k 

 

I CAN NOT KITE UPWIND YET, CAN I PRACTICE ON MY OWN AT ATLANTIS BEACH?

 

Unfortunately, as amazing and beautiful our kite spot is, it is not adapted for beginners.

 

The launching area is a little small and the wind is offshore, meaning kiting downwind equals kiting straight out to sea.

The only way to come back is by rescue boat from the Kiteschool.

We offer kitesurf classes for all levels so don’t be afraid to ask,  it’s pretty much our specialty to get you riding upwind in no time, as we have taught many people here before! 

 

All our lessons are given by an instructor that is in a boat that will be right by your side coaching you throughout the whole lesson. We use radio helmets so you can communicate clearly the whole time you are on the water.

 

To make it simple, if you cannot ride upwind and you are planning on practicing alone, the spot is unfortunately not for you. If you are a beginner and would like to take lessons with us, you will progress faster than you can ever imagine and will have the time of your life with us. 

 

 

CAN I BUY KITE GEAR FROM YOU GUYS?

 

Yes, we have the latest kite gear available for sale at the Kiteschool and at our retail shop (MOANA surf shop) in the center of Kralendijk at very good competitive prices. We have very limited stock, so it is better that you contact us in advance regarding buying gear. Check our website for all the major brands carried by us.