Kitesurf Open Day

Thank you to all the nice dudes that came to say hi on Saturday down at Coalition, to the guys at Coalition for a quality afternoon, to XYZ for helping to set the day up and to the Kitesurfkings Crew for making it a fun place to be…

The weather report hadn’t been great for the south coast of England over the weekend but the weather forecasts hadn’t taken into account the ‘Brighton effect’ and true to form it was another super sweet day. The sun beamed into Coalition where we had kit set up and freebies for people to take away. Lewis Crathern was down for the day to chat about his Kite Clinics which are being run with Kitesurfkings but he was also happy chatting kiting, meeting the crowds and having his picture taken by the famous Brighton Pier. Lewis brought his 7m Slingshot that he jumped Brighton Pier with and we had some of Lewis’ videos playing inside but the weather was so sweet that most of the time was spent outside, using beer to cool ourselves from the heat of the day!

 

Lots of people came and found out about kitesurfing for their first time and others came to chat about what they would like to change or improve about their kiting. It was an eye opener that so many people had such little insight into the sport, whether already kiting or not and that there’s a need for such events to help and educate people that are either looking at or already kitesurfing or powerkiting. We had fun too and so will certainly hook up another open day again and have plans of other kite session that’ll soon be released, watch this space.

Two potential kiters at 9 o’clock…

For those of you that didn’t come on Saturday but are already kiting, or think you can get good enough by the 16th October, need to get the 16th to 23rd October into you diaries for Lewis Crathern’s Intermediate/Advanced Kitesurf Kite Clinic. We’re kicking this cheeky trip off at just £699 so get your names down for it now!

 

Other pics from the day…

Calling all kitesurfers…

Get a pair of booties and gloves and get in the sea, it really is ALL GOOD! The kitesurfing has been great recently but not so many people have been kiting. What was with today?! The sun was out, we had an easterly wind of around 18 knots in Shoreham but there were no other kites to be seen all along the coast! Was there something else important happening today… and don’t tell me everyone on the south coast had to work or that all of the chippies, plumbers, window fitters and builders, for whom ‘flexi’ time works so well for thought the summer, could not make a session from 13.00 to 18.00. Has the world gone soft because I know it hasn’t fallen out of love with Kitesurfing.

We had a good lesson in Shoreham then I had a solo kite. Tell me wasup Brighton, Hove, Shoreham, Lancing n Goring? Not loving the lack of rain, or was the tide too low? Maybe 18+ knots isn’t where it’s at for kitesurfers these days?! Sure, many of us like the odd extreme day’s kitesurfing but around 18 knots was always the dream. If it had come from nothing I could understand why people weren’t kitesurfing but we started in Shoreham this morning with around 10 knots and that built to 15, then a sweet 18 to 20 at low tide.

At least are students have been loving the wind and getting their beginner courses in with us before the summer fully kicks in so the’ll be independent kitesurfers catching the sea breezes whenever they choose…

Well done to Kerry for getting up on the board today and to Sam and Dan who cruised through their beginner course last w’end. Looking good again this w’end… if my understanding of good is anything to go by?!

Learn to kitesurf with us, come to kitesurf with us

Egypt

Dudes! What can we say? Well, I know what we won’t do and that’s to assume anyone reading this needs any additional insight into the situation in Egypt right now; currently every paper and news show have been keeping us up to date and we keep watching, waiting and willing for the situation to be resolved…

For the last couple of weeks we’ve all been watching and waiting to see what will happen as peaceful protests continued across Egypt; sadly Hosni Mubarak attempts to hang on in there have resulted in inhumane attacks on the people of Egypt. Kitesurfkings are taking the view that although times are hard the courage and perseverance of the Egyptian people will pay off and Mubarak will find himself spit roasted in a dirty cell before long. With Mubarak out the way Egypt will be a better place for the people of Egypt and subsequently for us tourists.

Times are hard in Egypt right now and we want to send a message of support to all of our close friends we have in Egypt and those we’re yet to meet. The world is one random place and it’s countries like Egypt that take such a hard-line against opposition to the government that it takes huge courage and determination to stand up and fight for your rights. If I were in Egypt I’d end up with a kick in and a jail sentence for wishing Mubarak a spit roasting, fortunately I’m not and I’m hiding behind a computer! Please let there be a peaceful resolve to what started and was always intended to remain as a peaceful protest.

Our planned group kitesurfing trips to Egypt have been put on hold just whilst things calm back down and we’re happy that both our final destinations and ports of entry are free from unrest. Shame as our May ‘JUMP’ kitesurfing Kite Clinic would have been super sweet, still, better not whinge, it’s not as if anyone’s throwing stones at us or firing bullets through our walls!

We still rate Egypt as one of our best short hall kitesurfing destinations and look forward to getting back out there in the near future. Planning to get back out there as soon as we can and if we have to we’ll wait until Sep/Oct pro Kite Clinics and beginner kitesurfing trips to get things tuned in before the UK winter’s back causing us all grief.

 

Celebrating another great day of Kitesurfkings kitesurfing with Kitesurfkings Beer!

Writing or Kiting?

Up until now the choice has certainly been kiting, as a result we’ve not shared any info on our blog about either of our most recent progression trips to Zaafarana, the cheeky business trip back to Egypt to check out a new spot and trip option for 2011, visiting Mozambique to check out the kiting there or the two week kitesurfing trip to South Africa to see what’s on offer around Cape Town and meet with contacts that would like to help run multi spot kitesurfing trips.

There’s so much to write about and there’s a 16 knot south easterly right now with low tide at 16.20. Anyone up for a kite here in Brighton or Shoreham?

Zanzibar Discovery Trip Jan/Feb 2011

Discover Zanzibar with African Space and Kitesurfkings

22^nd January to 1^st February 2011

This’ll take you a while to read through but take your time, soak it in and picture yourself kitesurfing in paradise! Remember, ‘anything is possible!’

Zanzibar boasts more than 25 fantastic beaches and loads of small islands that are perfect for downwind kitesurfing sessions. Some of Zanzibar’s beaches and islands are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean; beautiful sands, idyllic lagoons, reef breaks, mind blowing down winders, flat turquoise waters and perfectly formed waves that range in size make kitesurfing dreams reality… we’ve made it possible to realize those dreams.

African Space bring the in country expertise, knowledge and contacts that are vital for such an intrepid trip to Zanzibar and Kitesurfkings have added a kitesurfers’ seal of approval, kitesurfing guides and instructors.  We have maximised this 11 day trip by taking a proven product and further enhancing it. Regarded as ‘the best ever kitesurfing trip’ by all previous partakers for good reason, join our next unique kitesurfing discovery trip to Zanzibar and smash your expectations of what you thought it possible to achieve and experience during a kitesurfing holiday.

Our January trip is available to all; we welcome singles, couples, groups, kitesurfers and even none kitesurfers to join us. Previous trips have seen an even mix up of male and female kitesurfers of all ages, of mixed abilities and non kiting partners. Everything can be arranged and Zanzibar is a wonderful destination for everyone; if you require beginner lessons or are planning to join us as a non kiting partner then please contact us to discuss options. The itinerary below is aimed at already competent kitesurfers.

The trade winds have determined the cycle of life on the Swahili Islands for the past two thousand years. The wind blows steady and strong from two directions, depending on the time of year, with great stretches of sandy beaches and wide shallow inter-tidal areas. We are expecting 20 to 25 knots each day but it can be a little stronger. The air temperature will be up to 30 degrees and we will have an unspoilt abundance of flat water and waves. None of our photos have been anywhere near photoshop, the water really is turquoise and the sand white.

This is kitesurfing Zanzibar in style and safety, with a bespoke itinerary which includes the typical white beaches and awesome conditions but also incorporates down winders, multi spot kiting and access to the real culture and lifestyle of Zanzibar. We are not sure if a kitesurfer’s paradise could get any better than this! This trip has been made possible by the coming together of local experts, kitesurfing instructors and guides to offer a unique product and a kitesurfing first for Zanzibar. All kitesurfing sessions have safety cover and guides; we use different type’s boats to ensure your safety whether you want to kitesurf inside or outside the reef on our down winders.

Newly added to our 2011 Zanzibar trips: extra boats and beach support for down wind safety cover, flat and wave coaching sessions (from basic jumps to handle passes and everything in-between), upgraded two course meals, BBQ’s, a night out to a fancy beachside sea food restaurant, optional excursion to Stone Town, flexible kitesurfing options and unlimited kiting from beach. There are also various trip, room and non kiting activities available on request, in country or pre-booked, as optional extras.

The planned itinerary…

Day 1  (22/01/11): Rolling to the airport on a happy cloud of anticipation; even if you hate airports the destination makes this visit bearable. Today you are flying south, across a continent, to Tanzania and the spice island of Zanzibar. The time difference is minimal, so despite the length of the flight you arrive fresh and ready to get involved. Pray to the god of good in-flight movies.

Day 2  (23/01/11): Landing in Dar es Salaam, you will be met by your African Space guide, there to greet you and to ensure that all of your kit gets through customs with the minimum of delay. From there you will be driven through the hustling city (yup, it will be hot and more than a little dusty) to the harbour where the fast ferry waits to take you across the Zanzibar Channel to the island. This is a short, 2 hour journey and is a lovely way to arrive. Look for the green smudge of the approaching coast growing clearer on the horizon and maybe even smell the spices. Ok, maybe that’s a bit much, but it sounds good. From Stone Town, you will be driven 50kms across the island to the village of Paje and the Ariabian Nights guesthouse.

ARABIAN NIGHTS – FULL BOARD

Day 3  (24/01/11): After a good breakfast you will gather at the neighbouring kite centre for a briefing from our resident kite surfing guide, an expert in how to get the best from the island’s winds. Then it is a day of local familiarisation, a safety session going through your kit to make sure it’s survived the UK winter and that you’re confidents and practiced in your rescue techniques. We’ll enjoying a leisurely kite to blow off the UK cobwebs with the option of flat water or waves in Paje with a secret sunset down winder for all that are game. With all food provided and an introduction to our favourite local bar you will settle in quickly.

ARABIAN NIGHTS – FULL BOARD

Day 4  (25/01/11): Starting off in a flat water area that is just too nice, we’ll have a play and try new skills during a progression sessions before down winder 2: (15km) and then kiting locally.

ARABIAN NIGHTS – FULL BOARD

Day 5  (26/01/11): Down winder 3: (25km), then back to Paje to chill and kite some more in preparation for a change of coast tomorrow.

ARABIAN NIGHTS – FULL BOARD

Day 6  (27/01/11): A change of scene today as you cross to west of the island for a visit to the dolphins with Safari Blue. With the focus on joining the curious dolphin, this excursion also includes snorkelling in a mangrove forest, time on sandbar and a traditional Swahili feast on Kwale Island. Oh, but we should mention, no boats for you unless you’re feeling really lazy and just want to ride a boat and watch the rest of the group, kite surfing is the order of the day. Down winder 4 (although incorporates more than one down winder!)

ARABIAN NIGHTS – FULL BOARD

Day 7  (28/01/11): Today you head south to Kizimkazi and have the chance for an optional 10km down winder (DW 5) should weather conditions permit. Dinner will be taken in Unguja Ukuu, the traditional capital of the Shirazi Arabs who first colonised the island and a secluded place well off the local tourist trail.

ARABIAN NIGHTS – FULL BOARD

Day 8  (29/01/11): Downwinder 6: for those that are up for it we’ll be aiming to visit Mnemba Island. This is a dream trip that we don’t want to spoil but you can read about how it worked in Sep on the Kitesurfkings Blog and Facebook discussion pages.

ARABIAN NIGHTS – FULL BOARD

Day 9  (30/01/11): Now you mix it up; the long down winders complete, the kitesurfing is local (although that still leaves a lot of scope as we can happily squeeze in another down winder or flat water lagoon session for anyone that’s game). You have the opportunity to enjoy some additional land trips. You could visit the habituated red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest, or check out the hustling, twisted streets of Stone Town where there are local markets and masses of history to enjoy or head straight for our meet up point, which is a colonial first floor restaurant with beautiful sea views.

ARABIAN NIGHTS – FULL BOARD

Day 10  (01/02/11): Time to go. After a lazy morning, retracing your steps, you will cross the channel to Dar. Once you and your kit are safely disembarked, you will be transferred through the hectic city streets to the calm of the Mediterraneo Hotel, Kawe Beach. A fine hotel, the best Italian restaurant in town and a fine place to let your last night in Tanzania slip away  – like the cold beer in your frosted glass. If you’ve not had enough kiting yet then you can kite from the beach in front of the hotel.

MEDITERRANEO HOTEL – B&B

Day 11  (02/02/11): Up early for the transfer to Dar Es Salaam International Airport and your return flight home to the UK. Land Back in the UK, hopefully to the start of longer days and armed with a new appreciation of what’s possible on a kitesurfing holiday.

We will adjust the programme to best benefit from the conditions on a particular day and the groups’ needs. Unlimited kitesurfing from the beach in front of the hotel can also be a nice option that we always have and can offer flat water and wave coaching sessions directly from our beach.

We’ve not gone into masses of detail in the itinerary as there’s just too much to list and we don’t want to give everything away. In addition to the activities noted in the above itinerary there will be some seriously awesome flat water lagoons with nothing but sand under the turquoise waters, at some of these locations we will be offering progression sessions (we all need coaching) and also photo sessions as it’s nice to gloat when you get home. Wave riding coaching is offered both from the beach and also incorporated into down winders.

We can easily chop and change the programme to meet needs – everything is possible!

The detail…

£1200 per person, costed on a sharing basis in the Arabian Nights Guest House and Mediterraneo Hotel, Dar es Salaam.

Included: All in-country transfers (both road and sea), accommodation, full board and kiting activities as specified in the itinerary, plus kit storage, progression and photo sessions, BBQ’s, dinning out in Zanzibar, bottled water, boat rescue and boat support.

Not included: International flight, drinks, tips & gratuities, non-specified activities, transport to and from non-specified activities

International Flights

We’ve sourced an excellent direct flight option that’s under £600 and it would be nice if we all take the same flight but regardless of your arrival time or departure airport everything can be arranged.

If you have any questions about the trip or just want to chat kitesurfing then you can contact one of your guides, Luke at Kitesurfkings… but if you’re calling then get in touch before Saturday 13^th November as he’ll be away exploring new kitesurfing trips for you lucky kiters: luke@kitesurfkings.com / 01273 88 88 33 / 07878 399 419

Luke will be checking emails whilst abroad but if contacting us after the 13^th November speed things up by contacting the African Space office to discuss your trip, confirm your attendance or request a booking pack. info@africanspace.co.uk / 0121 382 9000

Time is short and places are limited, so get in touch to secure your place! Don’t miss out!!

Kitesurfkings Testimony for Zanzibar Kitesurfing Discovery Trip

Wow!!! O.k. let me elaborate…

 

If you’ve not been to Zanzibar before that needs to change whether you’re a kitesurfer or not!

 

Zanzibar is located in the Indian Ocean, about 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, at just 60 miles long and 20 miles wide it’s not a large island but one that a lot to offer; characterised by beautiful, fine, white, sandy beaches, fringing coral reefs and the magic of historic Stone Town.

 

Zanzibar boasts more than 25 fantastic beaches and loads of small islands that are perfect for downwind kitesurfing sessions. Some of Zanzibar’s beaches and islands are so peaceful and remote that the only noise breaking the silence is likely to be the ocean; beautiful sands, idyllic lagoons, reef breaks, mind blowing down winders, flat turquoise waters and perfectly formed waves that range in size make kitesurfing dreams reality.

 

Kitesurfkings spent eight months planning a discovery trip with African Space to insure that we would maximise our 12 day trip, create a kitesurfing first for Zanzibar and a smash our customers’ expectations of what may be possible to achieve and experience during one of our kitesurfing holidays.

 

Our direct flight from London to Dar Es Salam departed on the 31^st August 2010 and we were greeted by Jamie from African Space at the airport in a rather pimp transfer bus that took us over to the ferry. Jamie’s contacts, local knowledge and grasp of the language (Swahili) proved to be invaluable as soon as we got to the ferry port with all of our kit – Jamie knows his stuff! Our minds were put at ease instantly and that, along with the first class cabin set the tone for our trip.

 

Our tourist visas were arranged for us and we were rushed through past the queues of travellers to our awaiting transfer vehicles. The 50km drive from Stone Town to the village of Paje was a really pleasant one with lots of life and scenery to take in and enjoy.

 

When we arrived in Paje the locals were forthcoming with kind waves, smiles and greetings that made us feel instantly welcome. We were shown to our rooms at the Arabian Nights Guesthouse, exclusively for our guests, this was to be our base for the next 10 days. Rolling onto the beach we were all mesmerised, what a beach! Picture perfect with fine white sands, turquoise waters, flat sea with a reef break out the back, masses of room to kite but only a few kiters on the water and our kite centre (Airborne Kites) just 200 meters away. The view we were all sharing was enough to reenergise the batteries after our journey and was more beautiful than photographs could capture.

 

There were no large tourist centres or hotels but just a laid back assortment of facilities/services that consisted of everything we needed; next door to our accommodation was a seriously cool bar called Paje By Night, that was also open during the day, we could see that as well as serving great food, coffee and cocktails, this was going to be a seriously nice place to hang out. Fresh fruit was being sold on the beach alongside masseuse services, both were to prove handy. We made a swift change into boardies and T’s, then regrouped at the Arabian Nights’ first floor, sea view restaurant to share our excitement, a fresh fish curry, rice and mixed local vegetables.

 

Over the next 10 days the group were to find out that Paje was just the tip of the iceberg and that the ‘Discover Zanzibar Trip with Kitesurfkings and African Space’ would exceed everyone’s expectations.

We did spend time kitesurfing directly in front of our hotel in Paje as it’s a great spot and we couldn’t not squeeze as much kiting in as possible but kitesurfing Paje would often happen at the beginning or end of one of our boat assisted down winders. Before each kitesurfing trip we would have briefings at the kite centre before leaving, prior to launching our kites for the session and often after dinner so that we made sure everyone was happy about the planned activities and knew exactly ‘how?’,’ where?’ and ‘what if?’.  The Kitesurfkings safety hat came out prior to embarking on our first downwind session and we had a morning of going through everyone’s safety systems, with everyone getting into the water to practice their deep water pack downs.

 

Without giving too much away for all of you guys who’ve been knocking down the door to join us on our next Zanzibar trip here are some of the groups’ favourite sessions…

 

A progression session in a flat water lagoon, kiting in waist deep water with sand underfoot and a gang of local kids cheering us on, before kiting downwind 15km from Makunduchi back to Paje; some of the group kiting in front of the reef, some playing in the butter flat waters over the reef, some kiting the first sets of waves with others going out back to catch the odd 8ft wave.

 

Sandbars, snorkelling, seafood, lagoon and open sea kiting… all and more in the same session. The day started like most others with a fab breakfast at the Arabian Nights, then a drive to the other side of the island before boarding a large wooden boat that had plenty of shade from the sun and ice cold drinks a plenty. We stopped at a small sandbar about 100m x 50m to pick up fins, snorkels and masks before being cruising over to a great snorkelling spot to spend half an hour check out what’s under the water for a change. Jan from Airborne was so confident that the wind would be with us just after 11am that we cruised over to another sandbar island to set up our kites…

 

As predicted the wind was perfect by 11.30 and out we went on our 9’s, 10’s and 12’s; we spent 45mins kiting around the sandbar before departing for our first open water downwinder. Our destination looked small but we’d had our briefing and knew what we were up to, next stop Kwale Island. This downwinder was liberating and those of us confident in our kites’ relaunch capabilities were throwing new tricks and venturing off to visit local fishing boats to exchange waves and smiles…

 

A fresh seafood feast was waiting for us on Kwale Island but we won’t to spoil the surprise for anyone. After a some post feast sun lounging we kited between Kwale Island and a nearby sandbar for a couple of hours, those of us with the energy then hit the open sea, to Kitesurf back to the mainland, alongside our boat containing the rest of the crew.

 

A chilled little sunset downwind kitesurfing session from Paje with an unplanned 5 star finish was the favourite session for a couple of the guys as we were all kiting so closely together, the scenery was awesome, we had a beautiful  sunset and an unintentional finishing point, which all made for good times. The session started by kitesurfing the flat waters of Paje before following the coastline downwind, spending some of the time in the waves and the rest in the flat waters between the beach and the reef. We’d planned to finish at a funky bar that were putting on a spread of hors d’oeuvres for us before we’d then head off for a fine seafood supper at another spot; after the odd rescue and everyone enjoying it all just too much we changed the plan on route and the group followed myself (Luke from Kitesurfkings) to the reserve pick up point. The reserve pick up point was a good 10km from that we had planned but just happened to neighbour a flash 5 star resort and we happily finished the kiting session with cold beers and bar snacks. We still made it to our ‘funky’ bar and seafood supper.

 

A personal favourite kitesurfing experience from the trip was a 30km downwinder that started with us kitesurfing in a flat water lagoon before kiting over a shallow reef to get to clean waves that we rode down the coast where we were joined by pro kitesurfer Jeremie Tronet and some of his chums. We then made an epic open channel crossing to a mirage like reef break in front of Mnemba Island. The waves were perfect, the sky magical and water so clear that we enjoyed an array of fish, sting rays and sea turtles. We kitesurfed up and down, in and out, the reef break for as long as our legs would allow before heading downwind across the mind bogglingly flat water in front of the reef break to Mnemba Island where we paused on the fine white sand to share our elation. The sun was setting which made the sky even more breathtaking but meant we had to speed things up and so after kiting the lagoons of the island, made our final downwind crossing back to the mainland.

 

Other highlights raised in feedback from the group included swimming with Dolphins, visiting Stone Town and a local market, seeing Humpback whales, a fishing trip, wave riding, sunset sessions, seafood, the BBQ and kiting at will in front of the centre.

 

My favourite quotes from the trip…

 

Rowan and Bridget: ‘’our favourite spot and best ever kiting experience’’

Ross: ‘’this has been the best day of my life’’ (Mnemba Island day)

Nick: ‘’100% happiness is on the water’’

Kayode and Hanna: ‘’Great! Chill, kite, food, bars, friendly locals… kiting or not there’s so much to do!’’

 

The first kitesurfing discovery trip for Zanzibar was a huge success and we’re excited about returning in 2011. We’re wishing to run trips aimed at kitesurfers of varying levels in January/February and June/July 2011, if you’d like to find out more or get your name down for one of these trips then please get in contact by emailing info@kitesurfkings.com and using the header ‘Zanzibar’. You can also join our mailing list via our website www.kitesurfkings.com

Kitesurfing Shoreham, Zanzibar & Zaafarana!! + Paddle Around the Pier

Exciting news… a kitesurfing first is happening on the 28^th August 2010 and you could be part of it!

Various sports and travel professionals have teamed up to put together a discovery trip for Zanzibar with adventure, discovery and dream kitesurfing sessions that have never before been possible. Even if you can’t make the dates have a read by following this link or taking a look on the Kitesurfkings website: Discover Zanzibar

There are various flight options with one direct flight that we have privileged access to right now for just £600. There are other routes but none so cheap, direct or that allow for kitesurfing luggage so don’t delay!

Have you seen our latest kitesurfing video? If not then take a look, we like it and hope you do to: Kitesurfing Video – 4mins

The video was shot on one of our group trips to Zaafarana – if you’d like to join us on our next group session to Zaafarana then please get in contact. We have two, one week options up for grabs on the 21^st and 28^th September 2010. These are mixed ability coaching trips of under £800 or you could just come for a jolly?

Paddle Around the Pier this weekend in Brighton/Hove and also some wind so what a great weekend here on the south coast! We’ll be mixing it up between kitesurfing lessons, kitesurfing sessions and hanging out at Paddle Around the Pier. Hope to see you for a kite soon!!

Drop us an email to info@kitesurfkings.com if you’re interested in joining us for a lesson or session or call 01273 88 88 33 – unlikely to be in the office much until Monday though!!

One place on Zaafarana Kite Clinic is up for grabs!

Firstly I’m sorry if you can’t get out of work in June or September as this must be a real tease!!!

A place on the Christian and Karine Kite Clinic to Zaafarana on the 26th June has come available and so is now up for grabs. The Kite Clinic includes all flights, transfers, visas, half board accommodation, centre rates and the week long Kite Clinic – total price is £1015.

By now I’d hope you have heard of Christian and Karine but if not then you can read up about them on the Kitesurfkings website (Sessions Page) or check them out at iksurf mag (online kitesurf mag). I have personally been on one of their Kite Clinics and cannot speak more highly of them as individuals or as instructors. They will not only motivate you but will give you the skills and confidence to go for (and land!) some of those kitesurf tricks you’ve been dreaming about! Get in contact with us through the Kitesurfkings website if you are interested. There’s only one place left for this June Kite Clinic.

Fancy coming on a group kitesurfing trip to Zaafarana in September? It’s not a Kite Clinic with Christian and Karine, it’s an out and out kitesurfers trip for anyone that has, at the very minimum, already completed a beginner kitesurfing course. We aim to kitesurf everday and will all be wishing to learn new kitesurfing styles and get in shape for the harsh conditions the UK winter can bring.

We’re going back to Zaafarana coz we love it, the kitesurfing conditions are perfect and we’ve had wind everyday of each of the KSK trips to Zaf. You can come from the 21st to 28th Sep or 28th Sep to 5th Oct 2010. Get your deposit of £150 now to secure your place. The total cost is just £799! That includes your return flights (inc taxes, meals ect), meet and greet service on arrival in Cairo, return resort transfer (2.5hrs each way), transfer of kit, tourist visa (group size dependent), accommodation, breakfast and dinner, kite storage and rescue, centre rates and coaching tips throughout the week.

Guaranteed good times too! Check out the Zaafarana Student video from our last trip, it’s on the home page and on the Kitesurfkings TV page of the main Kitesurfkings website. Loads of pics from our last trip can also be found on Facebook too, you don’t need an account you can check um out via the Kitesurfkings home page.

Hope you can come kiting with us soon!

Those that were out kitesurfing in Shoreham this weekend… what a bloody great sessions!!!! We ran kiting lessons on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday but sadly the water based lessons were cancelled on Saturday when it started to gust 35 knots and averaged out at 28 knots. Friday was a different world, blue skies and sun shine until sunset, you’ll be able to see some video footage from Friday’s kitesurfing lessons on the Extreme Sports Channel very soon – try to keep you posted!

There was a bit of a kick in the pants in that the wind did calm down in the end on Saturday but by then it was too late for students and so there was only one option…

Umm, kitesurfing!!! How you have been missed!!!! Just like riding a bike though, the faster and higher you go the more fun it is!

Hope to see you for a kite on the south coast some time very soon. If the conditions are right we’ll be teaching but if the tide or winds are not conducive to learning…

Down winder anyone?

Kitesurfing Sessions For All…

Well what can we say? Not the usual amount of Blog entries of late!!

We came back from Zaafarana at the very end of March after the best two weeks of kitesurfing that anyone could wish for and were greeted with some cold rough UK sessions that have left everyone shouting for more Kitesurfkings group sessions away. The truth of the matter is that kitesurfing in the UK can be wonderful but that the chances of having consecutive days of great conditions here are extremely low. We love kitesurfing in the UK but also love having the chance of taking our kitesurfing up to the next level.

Right now we have a group of 12 kitesurfers out in Venezuela on a tiny island called El Coche for two weeks and the reports of great kitesurfing, optimum progression, ideal conditions and the odd party having been coming back. This is a kitesurfkings group trip but one of the ones that we arrange for Christian Harris and Karine Nativel to run advanced tuition to all kitesurfers that are alreday up wind (or very close to it). El Coche is one of our favourite kitesurfing locations around the world, with a beautiful white sand beach and off shore winds, perfectly flat water, great accommodation, in general it’s a kitesurfer’s dream spot; unfortunately El Coche has become a slightly more intrepid trip than it used to be with direct flights no longer running to Porlamar (the final airport). Our last group Kite Clinic to El Coche departed from London on the 1st May and we’ll post some pics when the guys get back. The price for the two week Kite Clinic, including all transfers, all inclusive accommodation, return flights and two weeks of tuition from Christian and Karine was £1995 per person. Although the boat’s been missed for this trip to El Coche you can get in contact with us at Kitesurfkings and register your interest if you’d like to join a future trip to South America with Christian and Karine. Contact details for us are on the main Kitesurfkings site at: http://www.kitesurfkings.com

The next group trips after El Coche are back out to Zaafarana; how could they not be, we love Zaafarana!!! We have three one week trips on the 12th, 19th and 26th June but are now all full. There are also guys booked to go out to Zaafarana from the end of May to end of June and there are still spaces on transfers and at the hotel. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a group trip out to Zaafarana as you’ll be kicking yourselves!! There are options to get to Zaafarana for Kite Clinics with Christian and Karine or group trips with Kitesurfkings and we hope that you can join one of our great trips and be part of the group, all kiting together and sharing the ideal conditions that Zaafarana offer, but if you can’t make one of our set dates then still get in contact as we’ll pair you up with other guys going out there or hold your details for future trips. It’s always nice to go out with other like minded kiters and also to share the flights, transfers and experiences but however you are planning on getting out there just make sure you go! Umm, Zaafarana!!!

There really is nowhere like it in Egypt! We had 14 days of wind in Zaafarana during our two weeks there and the conditions are hard to beat; the photos speak for themselves so check out our Facebook page if you haven’t already. After our students had left us in Zaafarana and were heading back to the airport in Cairo, some of the Kitesurfkings crew took a three hour transfer down to Hurghada to check out the kiting there before heading over to see friends in El Gouna and hang out with the Red Sea Zone gang. There is no question that if you are going to Egypt for a kiting holiday you don’t go to Hurghada as there are much better places to go but if you are after one night of partying then, providing you get the day right, there can be a lot of fun had in Hurghada. We found ourselves in The Ministry of Sound on the beach until about 5am before collecting our kiting gear and heading over to see Mike and the guys at Red Sea Zone in El Gouna.

El Gouna offers good kiting conditions and great off the water socialising in a laid back environment that offers something for everyone. There is no one place in Egypt that offers you everything that people may wish for in a Peter Pan type trip that ticks every box for every possible holiday experience. Fortunately the Kitesurfkings crew have been and done the hard work for you, by checking out the best kitesurfing locations that Egypt offers so that you don’t have to. Get in touch for a chat if you’re thinking about going on a kitesurfing holiday and we’ll happily give you sound advice and inside information to give you the best kitesurfing experiences.

If you’ve thought about going out to El Gouna or have been there before and have thought about getting back out there then there could not be a better time than right now…

One of the Kitesurfkings instructors is out in El Gouna now warming up for a free Kristin Boese Kite Clinic that is being held from the Red Sea Zone kite centre. Not only is there a free Kite Clinic open to women kiters and run by the women’s multiple world kitesurfing champion but Ministry of Sound are coming to El Gouna and will also be down on the beach with the Red Sea Zone kite centre. There’s loads more going on and it will be a great time to experience the best of El Gouna so why not sack work off and go and have some fun?! 16th to 23rd May 2010. Kitesurfkings have found deals going out for a week for less than £400!!! These include flights, transfers and accommodation. You can book these fully protected holidays through Kitesurfkings by calling or emailing with your requirements.

What else? You want more??

How about the next Kitesurfkings group trip dates for Zaafarana? These are September 21st to 28th and September 28th to Oct 5th 2010. You can check out the student video from our March session in Zaafarana by going to our website and watching the video from our Kitesurfkings TV page. Videos, photos and contact information can all be found at http://www.kitesurfkings.com or email us directly at info@kitesurfkings.com

Here are a few pics from our last trip to Zaafarana, enjoy and come out with us soon!

In Zaafarana – none stop wind!

In Zaf kitesurfing now and it’s been mind blowing, wind has not stopped for four days solid and the conditions here are even better than we could have imagined. This has to be the ultimate progression playground!

This place is toooooooooooooo good to be true! Zaafarana baby!

Lagoon rocks, open water, vast space, slider, no reef, waves and butter flat, massive hotel with pool tables, bars, pool, gym n great fresh food.

V quiet out here right now but we’ve a group of ten on a session and it is amazing! Everything has been better than any of the kitesurfing locations in Egypt I have been before from conditions to service; the conditions we’ve had here so far have been the best I have had anywhere in the world – what a gem. Wind has not stopped yet so no complaints there, although taking time out for a few beers as it’s up to 35 knots and a bit on the gusty side but up until today it’s been super clean 7 to 10m weather. Waist deep heaven.

Will be coming back for sure – don’t miss it when we do!