Kite Surfing along the Riviera Maya

Kite surfing, also known as fly surf, kite surf, kite boarding o kite skiing, is a way of navigation, an extreme sport, and a recreational activity that can be practiced safely along the Riviera Maya.

The Riviera Maya is one of the most beautiful tourist destination in the world and it is located in the east side of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Given the fact that the sea traffic in this area is not intense and the beaches are large, the Riviera Maya is a splendid geografic spot both to learn and to practice kitesurfing. Riviera Maya starts in Puerto Morelos, only 10.5 miles (17 km.) south of Cancun International Airport. The next point is famous Playa del Carmen, followed by Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, and Tulum. The last town of this area is Carrillo Puerto.

Kite surfing is an activity in which a person – a kiter – surfs the water on a board once being propeled by a kite and by the wind. In order to do this, it is necessary that the kite is tied with a line to a bar that the kiter firmly should hold; other lines, through a harness, link the kiter to the kite. The kiter is the only link betrween the kite and the board and s/he must control both simultaneously: the former in the wind, the latter on the water.

The basic equipment that a kiter ought to have includes a kite, a helmet, lines made of resistent and technologically advanced material, control bar, life vest, harness, board, wetsuit, safety knife, and signaling devices, like a whistle. However, most important is to count on a friend who can help both in the kite launching and in the kite recollection and, above all, in case of emergency.

In many parts of the world there are places in which it is possible to learn or to practice kite surfing all year around. An international organization groups 75 affiliated centers in 29 countries and it is its purpose to promote this sport. Kite surfing is very fun because you can practice it in different places and in different forms. You can kitesurf in beaches with strong waves or without waves, in lakes or lagoons. Light or strong wind allows also to practice this activity; wind direction will be and advantage depending on the chosen site. Basically, what is needed is an essential skill and knowledge level. Thus, to take a basic course is recommended. Usually they are short and effective. What is really important is to have capable instructors, rather certified.

Riviera Maya offers favorable conditions to learn and to enjoy this way to surf the water propeled by the wind. In Puerto Morelos, 20 minutes south of Cancun, a natural water park features a splendid stage
to kite surfing. The reef, only one and a half kilometer from the beach protects this place and when wind direction is NE, E, and SE, kiters enjoy the most. Playa del Carmen has witnessed the growth of kite surfing in this zone. Nowadays, there is a school here to learn and practice this sport, either as a recreational activity or as a habitual sport. In Playa del Carmen there are also specialized stores that offer all the necessary equipment to carry out this activity safely. The popularity gained by kite surfing allowed Akumal and Tulum to feature instructional centers too. Their owners are interested in the promotion of kite surfing and they hold Riviera Maya as a paradise to it. To choose the place to kite surfing will depend on weather conditions as well as on the student level.

If you are a beginner, an amateur, or an expert, along the Riviera Maya you will find several excellent spots and instruction centers to enjoy this way of navigation.