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Kiteboarding – Everything You Want to Know

Turks and Caicos is renowned as an excellent kiteboarding destination because the conditions are ideal for all levels of kiters. Beginners will find plenty of kiteboarding schools with certified instructors who can teach you the basics, while more experienced riders can seek out bigger waves and more challenging conditions. If you’re planning on doing some kiteboarding (also called Kitesurfing) in Turks and Caicos, this is everything you need to know.

What is Kiteboarding?

Kiteboarding as we know it today began when the French Legaignoux brothers patented an inflatable kite design in 1984. The sport exploded in popularity after that, and in 2001 the International Kiteboarding Organization was founded. Kiteboarding typically involves using a board with foot straps and a kite with a control bar and a harness attached to your waist. Top kiteboarding spots include Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Spain, Hawaii, and the Philippines.

Turks and Caicos Kiteboarding

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There are quite a few places you can kiteboard in Turks and Caicos. Long Bay Beach on Providenciales is by far the most popular and one of the easiest to access. Most kitesurfing schools conduct lessons in the waters off Long Bay Beach. Other kiteboarding spots can be found off Middle Caicos, North Caicos, and South Caicos.

What to Expect From Kiteboarding Lessons

A reputable kitesurfing school like Turks and Caicos Kiteboarding (TCK) will have instructors certified by the International Kiteboarding Organization. They can set you up with the proper equipment and teach you about setting up, safety and wind theory before getting you up in the water for your first ride. TCK also offers jet ski services to take you away from the crowds and help you out if you kite too far off course.

Kiteboarding vs Kitesurfing

Kiteboarding and kitesurfing are just two terms for the same sport. However, some people consider kitesurfing to be riding larger waves as opposed to gliding across flat water.

Kiteboarding Gear

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Basic kiteboarding gear includes a board, a kite with a control bar, and a harness. The most common type of boards are twin tip boards, which can go in either direction, and the most common type of kites are Leading Edge Inflatable (LEI) kites. Most control bars have four lines and are attached to a harness that goes around your waist.

The Best Turks and Caicos Kiteboarding Spots

Providenciales is where you will find the best kiteboarding spots in Turks and Caicos, particularly at Long Bay Beach. Leeward Going Through and The Bight Beach are also decent kiteboarding spots, but better for experienced kiters because of the currents and boat traffic. Many people also take kiteboarding day trips to Bambarra Beach, Wild Cow Run, and Cedar Point on Middle Caicos.

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The Tides in Turks and Caicos 

The Turks and Caicos Islands have consistent tide and wind conditions nearly all year long, so from November to August you can expect breezy days with little to no ocean swells in locations around Providenciales.

The Benefits of Kitesurfing 

Kiteboarding offers a great workout because it activates all parts of the body including the core, arms, and legs. Over time it can help improve your balance, flexibility, and coordination. It can also be very therapeutic to be out on the water and taking in amazing scenery. Many people find that kiteboarding helps relieve stress and anxiety.

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Why is Long Bay Beach Great for Kiteboarding?

Long Bay Beach gets consistent southeast winds most of the year and the water is calm and shallow with a sandy bottom, which is great for beginners. For experienced kiters, you can step out of the front door and be launching your kite seconds later. However, there is no lifeguard in front of the villa, so we highly encourage beginners and less experienced kiters to have an instructor from TCK come to help launch the kite and follow along with a jet ski in case pick-up is needed.

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