CATCH THE WIND

Water sports are all the rage in the Caribbean and most island hotels offer surfing, sailing, jet-skiing, snorkeling and diving. Among the newcomers on the block is the activity of kitesurfing - or kiteboarding – a water sport that has become increasingly popular in Jamaica. One of the major meeting spots for kitesurfers, Trelawny’s Bounty Bay is a sure place to find an array of brightly colored kites on a windy day. If you fancy a try at this thrilling activity, head for Burwood Beach and look for certified kiteboard instructor Julia Brown, who owns and operates the first and only International Kiteboarding Organization (ITO) approved kiteboarding school on the island.

With the motto; “Always look where you want to go and keep in the flow”, Kiteboarding Jamaica has started a trend that is proving irresistible to watersport fanatics. You just have to spend a sun-drenched day at Bounty Bay, 20 minutes from Montego Bay, to become aware of the many nationalities that visit to try out the world’s fasted growing watersport. “Aside from the many locals, people from the US, Canada, Poland, Germany, France, Belgium and Israel come to see us to try out kiteboarding,” explains Julia, pointing out that you can kiteboard in Jamaica all year round.

Julia started to kiteboard in 2007 and officially opened Kiteboarding Jamaica in March 2010. As a member of the IKO, Kiteboarding Jamaica adheres to professional teaching standards which are recognized and applied worldwide. The perfect summer option for snowboarders, kiteboarding is easy to learn with proper instruction and the latest gear offers the highest in safety standard. The young German woman who made Jamaica her home 8 years ago, is bringing the breezy sport of kiteboarding to a new level. Explains Julia; “The wind conditions at Bounty Bay are ideal, there is always onshore wind, which ensures that you end up at the beach at all times.” The gear, which consists of board, kite, harness, impact vest (life vest) and helmet, can be rented from Kiteboard Jamaica. Great discount are offered on Cabrinha equipment purchases.

What was previously an extreme sport can now safely be enjoyed by children as young as 10 years old. Explains Julia, “On average, it takes 3 - 4 days to learn how to kiteboard. We offer a 2 1/2 - 3 hour ‘Discover Kiteboarding’ course for US$150.00.” This introductory course teaches beginners basic theory, wind conditions, how to set up the gear as well as basic kite flying skills. At the end of the introductory course, ‘wanna-be’ experts can move on to the intermediate and independent level at any IKO certified center in the world.

The school is fully insured according to IKO requirements and now has three instructors and a very bright future. Explains Julia, who is also a certified rescue diver, “As the only official kiteboarding school on island, I am happy about Kiteboarding Jamaica’s success. In March, our school was even visited by 2009 World Champion kiteboarder Jan Marcos Riveras!” If you are interested in experiencing the kiteboarding thrill, contact Julia Brown at 583-2255 or visit www.kiteboardingjamaica.com. Free pick-ups in Montego Bay are offered when you book a course.