Kiteboarding Adventures in the Cayman Islands
Experience Cayman Islands’ fastest growing watersport, Kiteboarding. Perfect conditions on Grand Cayman, especially on the East End, have fueled the rise in popularity of one of the most unique activities out there. Once seen as an extreme sport, now kiteboarding has been refined to be safe and fun for everybody.
By harnessing the wind with oversized kites, kiteboarders can be seen skimming across the water or jumping through the air. There are some similarities to sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and parachuting, but kiteboarding has become a sport in its own right. Most recently being crowned the fastest wind powered sport as well as the high jumping non motorized sport too. It is an amazing experience to only hear the wind and water rushing by as you cruise across the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.
Though kiteboarding is accessible to all types of people, it is very important to get the proper training. The basics flying skills and important safety skills are essential to be able to practice kiting. The Kitehouse at Ocean Frontiers on Grand Cayman has been providing all levels of instruction for kiteboarders. From first timers to advanced kiters, there is something for everybody. A few lessons with the Kitehouse tribe will get you on your way to kitesurfing the earth.
The Kitehouse is one of the longest established kiteboarding schools in the world. Starting in Key West, now there are locations in the Cayman Islands, Florida Keys, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Turks and Caicos. These years of experience gives you the comfort of knowing that you will be in good hands. By using specialized kite boats to access open areas and help in teaching, along with top of the line equipment and proven teaching method, the Kitehouse is the fastest, safest and best way to learn how to be a safe and independent kiteboarder.
The Kitehouse Cayman Islands has the ideal learning and riding conditions. The East End lagoon offers a huge protected area of shallow calm water for beginners and freestylers. Wave riders will love the barrier reef that wraps around the island, providing waves from all directions. Perfect for all types of riders. Steady trade winds with warm clear water in every directions… what’s not to like?
The Kitehouse at Ocean Frontiers and Compass Point offers everything under one roof. World-class kiteboarding and scuba diving is just a stones throw from the comfortable ocean-side balconies of Compass Point Resort.
Most beach launches in East End on a typical NE/E day takes place on the NE coast in between Morritt's Tortuga Resort and Public Beach. During SE winds the launches are from Ocean Frontiers to the East End boat ramp. If the wind is straight onshore at one launch site, the island curves so there is a side-onshore launch nearby. Most of the beaches in the Cayman Islands are not that wide, but it is usually shallow a good distance out from shore. Use this shallow water to have more space on launching and landing.
The Kitehouse provides lessons to all levels of kiteboarders, beginners to advanced. The lessons are private, customized to each students level, and can be shared with a friend. They also use a customized boat to go to offshore sandbars. Which are calm, shallow and free of obstacles; the perfect learning environment. The sandbars are also launch sites for long boat-assisted downwinders inside the protected sound. As the students progresses all the necessary skills are learned to become a safe and independent kiteboarder.
For the more advanced kiters the Kitehouse offers advanced rider services. Including advanced lessons, water taxi to the sandbars, kite surfaris, gear rental, new and used gear for sale.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding in the Cayman Islands
One of the best ways to experience the colorful waters of the Cayman Islands is by kayak and paddleboards. Paddling in and around the reef is a fun and easy way to explore some of the most beautiful and tranquil places on the island. There is a variety of different locations to choose from, including coral reef, mangrove forest, shipwrecks, starfish sandbars and glowing waters of bioluminescence. Each one is unique and only accessible by kayak or paddleboard.
Ocean Frontiers and the Kitehouse has kayaks and paddleboards at 2 locations, East End and Kaibo, which are available for rental, guided tours and boat based excursions. Both locations have great paddling conditions, with many cool things to see within short and long paddles. Guides are available to lead trips and provide local info, or you can explore on your own.
In addition to all the places to see during the day, there is also a very special night tour to see the glowing waters of bioluminescence. This spectacular sight is caused by millions of light producing microorganisms emitting phosphorescence in the water when agitated, creating a visual spectacle that you have to experience. Everything glows, including fish, rays and your own hand. It is one of the few places on earth that this can be seen, and Grand Cayman has been ranked in the top 10 in the world.
Most people know about kayaking, but some may not have heard of paddleboarding. Stand-up Paddleboarding has a long history, starting back in Polynesia centuries ago as a way for kings and queens to enjoy the water. By using a long board and a paddle they were able to cruise around, travel between islands and catch waves along the way. Modern day surfing came from the original paddleboard surfing.
Now you don’t need to be a king or queen to go paddleboarding, you can try it here with Ocean Frontiers. People of all ages and skill levels can do this great activity. It is fun and easy to explore the reef and sound, or challenge yourself to catch some waves. Or just relax and enjoy a quiet sunset from the water. It is a great way to exercise while working on your balance and core strength. And it is completely compatible with kayaking.
The Cayman Islands Kitehouse is operated by:
Ocean Frontiers Ltd.