Kitesurfing (or Kiteboarding) in Cayo Guillermo

Kitesurfing lovers gather in Cayo Guillermo for many years to enjoy the beautiful shoals (shallow water) and sustained winds of 20 @ 40 km/hour. The favorite sector is in near hotel Sol Cayo Guillermo (north-west sector of Playa El Paso, the longest beach in Cayo Guillermo where all the hotels are located).

As it is currently impossible to rent kite surfing equipment at the hotel, fans bring their own equipment in the suitcases.

Courses are offered by organizations of kitesurfing. The price can vary from 50 to 60 CUC per hour. A Quebec school offers courses and organizes trips to the Caribbean for those who wish to perform this activity, consult their website by clicking the following link: http://evasionkite.com

Hotel Sol Cayo Guillermo is well suited for fans of kitesurfing as rooms near the beach have large lawns, ideal for drying your equipment. Sol Cayo Guillermo is the hotel that has the longest beach of the hotel zone of the island (Playa El Paso) with more than 1.2 kilometers of fine sand. This family-oriented hotel (3 ½-star) of the hotel chain Sol Meliá has 268 rooms, which opened its doors in 1996.

What is the kite ?

The Kite or Kiteboarding is a sport of surface water using the wind to pull a person in the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard (similar to a board).There are different styles of kiteboarding including freestyle (most common), wake-style or wave-riding that focuses on big waves using a board designed for this purpose.

A kitesurfer or kiteboarder uses a board with or without fasteners (foot-straps), combined with the power of a large controllable kite to propel the surfer and his board on the water.

In 2006, the number of kites has been estimated of about 150.000 to 210.000, with over 115,000 inflatable kites sold during the same year. This sport is getting more and more popular with years.

This sport has become a little safer thanks to innovations in the design of the kites and release system. Still, every year numerous deaths and serious injuries have been reported due to the drag of the body on land and water, hitting obstacles on the ground or water or become entangled in the ropes.

It is strongly recommended that anyone wish to start the kite to do so through a school. Safety rules are essential and must be followed to avoid serious accidents or fatalities.Improper use of kitesurfing equipment can make the sport extremely dangerous for both the user and his environment.

During his introductory course that lasts about a week, beginners learn the basic safety rules.