Kitesurfing in Costa Rica
While kitesurfing has been banned in several places due to the danger in poses at beaches due to safety and liability concerns, it still remains to be a popular sport. If you’re looking for a travel destination and great waves you can kitesurf at Costa Rica.
Organized riding guidelines have enabled kitesurfers to resume the sport at their favorite places. Kitesurfing has become one of the latest attractions that it now being offered at resorts and beaches. A good spot though will depend on the weather conditions. Strong winds and gust can carry riders away that can be potentially hazardous.
Finding the right spot
Kitesurfing can be dangerous due to weather conditions. Excessive beach traffic and poorly organized practices of kiteboarding also leads to its restrictions. But some riders just refuse to listen to well intended advice and get into accidents. Fortunately other kitesurfers are able to reverse these bans by communicating with the local authorities. This opens a lot of places in the country to ride with the wind and kitesurf.
The best spots to learn and go kitesurfing are areas not jus the beaches with renowned breaks but also consistent weather. The area must have strong winds but not too much that it carry the rider away. Costa Rica has been a popular tourists and water sport enthusiast destination. The coastline has many beaches with sunny and dry weather.
This weather is good for absolute beginners who are just getting to know the sport and veterans who want to have a good kitesurfing session. Apart from kitesurfing there are also activities that tourists can do such as snorkeling.
In Playa Papaturro, there are beautiful beaches that are not well known to the public making them perfect for kitesurfing. They offer courses and training in kitesurfing by certified instructors. These courses range from absolute beginners to advanced lessons. They can teach a maximum of 4 people for beginners. You can also opt for private course if you want to have a one on one lesson with an instructor.
They will provide with the necessary equipment during lessons. If you already have an experience you can also rent gear from stores in the area. The duration of your course will depend on your level.
The beginner’s course lasts about 2 to 3 days, others 3 to 4. However this will depend on weather conditions. Certified instructors will teach students the basics including flight techniques and basic steering. The first part of the course is the land lesson where the instructor lectures the students about the basics.
The second one covers body techniques, wherein the instructors will discuss equipments and students will be taught how to land and launch a kite including bodydragging. The last one covers water start which includes sailing and jumping techniques.
Intermediate and advanced courses last for hours, depending on your skills. Interested students can also apply for independent courses and hire private instructors. Prices vary and you may want to contact them first. Students are required to bring in their wetsuits (during January or February), water shoes and sunglasses with bungee. Other necessary equipment for the lesson will be provided.
Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran Costa Rica is a great place to visit. The beaches are little known which means you don’t have to worry about boats and tourist. The weather is also suitable for kitesurfing. If you want to try the sport on your own or with your friends they have a good spot for you.
