What’s the Best Time of the Year for Kiting? However, these winds are uncommon and unpredictable. Squalls and regional storms occasionally cause different wind directions, which make north and west coast locations more viable. The islands typically experience this wind on and off over the year, but it’s usually a bit more pronounced and regular in the winter months.

The most predictable and consistent wind on Providenciales is the east-southeast trade winds. As may be expected, harnesses incorporate a quick release, in the case of emergencies! Wind Harnesses are typically simple in design, and essentially redistribute the power of the kite to the kiter, so there’s not a constant strenuous fight with the kite. The third critical piece of equipment for kiteboarding is the harness. Foils have by far the steepest learning curve, yet when mastered offer a surreal experience, with unrivaled speed, smoothness, and quietness. As their name suggests, these boards have foil wings, much like a hydrofoil boat, which lift the kiter out of the water when traveling at speed. Strapped or strapless surf-style boards are also popular, yet take more skill and training to appreciate.įoil boards are the latest evolution, and are amazing. It’s the easiest to ride, it’s simple to change directions when riding, and it has foot straps, so it’s likely to stay on your feet! Twin tip boards are not typically large, yet there are training and light wind models when additional buoyancy is needed. The basic twin tip board is by far the most common variety. There are three basic types, and many hybrid styles. Kiteboarding boards are made specifically for kiting, and are not borrowed from other water sports. Twin tip kiteboarding boards, and inflatable edge kites. Foil kites are also occasionally used on the water, mainly for low wind conditions. The most common and easiest to fly type is the inflatable kite (also known as a ‘tube kite’), which has an inflatable bladder on the leading edge of the kite for rigidity and buoyancy. The kite itself is of course the primary piece of equipment. Kiteboarding is a simple wind-powered water sport, which uses a large specialty kite, a harness that attaches the kite to the kiter, and a board, of which there are several basic types. There are many locations throughout the Turks and Caicos which are decent for kiteboarding, however, nearly all kiteboarders can be found on the island of Providenciales. Here we will give you a rundown on locations, conditions, and where to start if you want to learn. At the excellent Long Bay Beach on Providenciales, there can be dozens of kites in the air on a windy day. K iteboarding (or kitesurfing) is becoming one of the most popular water sports in the Turks and Caicos. Local kiteboarder Hope LeVin on the flat waters of Half Moon Bay.

Beach kite surfing