Kiteboarding in Long Bay Turks and Caicos offers a uniquely exhilarating experience — the chance to harness the power of the wind to glide across the water and into the air. If you want to really feel your spirit soar, this sport is the vehicle, and Turks and Caicos is the destination.
When it comes to kiteboarding for beginners and experts alike, there are few places that rival Long Bay Turks and Caicos. This location is a collection of dreamy islands with shallow turquoise water and sand so fine it feels like fairy dust. It makes for the perfect tropical adventure!
When is the ideal time to go?
Head to the Turks and Caicos Islands for kiteboarding between November through June, following the hurricane season. This is the ideal time to go in terms of weather. Then, once you touch down on the main island of Providenciales, head for Long Bay. Turks and Caicos have many vacation rentals available there and plenty of modern villas.
Beginners should commit to several days of lessons to get a true feel for the sport. You’ll start out flying a trainer on shore, then progress to using the full-size kite to pull yourself through the water. No matter your skill level, Turks and Caicos is the ideal choice, offering perfect water levels, temperatures, and wind speeds.
Once you get the hang of using the kite, you can start learning how to get on the board. This usually takes a couple of days.
While many locations will have equipment available, you should still consider bringing the following on your trip:
- A bathing suit or wetsuit if you have a tendency to get cold. However, the weather is pretty warm all year round.
- Sunscreen with a high SPF, including an SPF lip balm to stop your lips from drying out.
- Sunglasses equipped with a floating leash.
- And of course, water and snacks.
If you decide you want to take kiteboarding in Long Bay Turks and Caicos to the next level and head out on your own (only if you’re absolutely confident), you’ll require a board with bindings, a harness, pump, a power bar with lines, and a leash. You’ll also need a quiver or two or three kites ranging from 9, 12, and 14 meters. Your choice of kite size depends largely on weight and wind speed. A floatation/impact vest is recommended.
Statistically, the winter season tends to have the most consistent wind, but there isn’t a significant difference throughout the year. The islands typically experience winds on and off throughout the year, although conditions are usually a bit more pronounced and regular in the spring and winter months.
Traveling with kite gear
A common concern for international kiters is the cost, difficulty, and risk of equipment damage while traveling. International airlines all have varying policies and there may be fees associated with bringing gear along.
Multiple airlines allow golf club bags to fall under the typical bag rate regardless of whether they exceed the maximum length dimensions. This has led to the comical phenomenon of giant kite luggage that’s styled to look just like a golf bag. Waves and swells are pretty unpredictable, so it may be best to leave the fragile equipment at home.
But why is Long Bay Turks and Caicos great for kiteboarding?
Long Bay Turks and Caicos is ideal for kiteboarding because winds are consistent and it has clear, shallow water with a soft, sandy bottom. The shallow depth makes it easy to stand up if you fall down, which is ideal for beginners. For experts, they enjoy that the area isn’t crowded and there are few boats, so long, uninterrupted rides are possible. Long Bay Turks and Caicos also has gorgeous rental villas like Villa Umi, which is just steps from the beach, making it a skateboarder’s dream villa.
Kiteboarding lessons
The majority of kiteboarding lessons in the Turks and Caicos are located in Long Beach and they employ instructors certified by the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO). A typical lesson can last anywhere between one to three hours and includes equipment rental if you don’t plan to bring your own. Beginners will learn the basics, while advanced riders can set off on fun excursions to little-known kiteboarding destinations and also learn new tricks.
