New Wave Kiteboarding

2011 Billabong BVI Kite Jam

Jeremy — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 23:23:15 +0000

The BVI Kite Jam was an awesome event! In attendance was Pete Cabrinha, Kristin Boese , Shannon Best, Andre Phillip, Youri Zoon, Davey Blair, Susi Mai, Stephen Schank, Tommy Fields, Madison Van Heurck, Kris Kinn, Sander Lenten, and C. Van Heurck. I was so fortunate to have been a part of the event for the second time. It kicked off with four awesome day’s of steady trade winds of around 18- 20 knts with one day around 25 knts. Each evening after a killer session we would travel to a new place with a new party and a new theme. Including Tight and Bright, K & J, and Tribal themes. Three of the most memorable things we did were race around Richard Bransons Necker Island, a downwinder along the coast of Anegada and the party on Necker Island.
The race around Necker required two laps around the island so I chose to use my Wainman Hawaii Magnum surfboard with a quad fin setup. Things started out great for me with a speedy start but before my first tack was even completed, I managed to nail a coral head that was just beneath the surface and I lost some of my fins. I am glad the fin boxes are so strong that they did not become severely damaged. Unfortunately I was still crippled on my starboard tack and could only go up wind on my port side tack. So the race definitely took me longer but the opportunity to be there kiting around Necker made it all worth while!
After the race around Necker we traveled to the island of Anegada. The next day I participated in the Anegada Downwinder, this was my favorite day. My equipment choice for the day was the Wainman Hawaii Smoke (9mtr kite) and my 6′ Magnum. I only had one extra fin to get the Magnum up and running again so I converted it from the quad-fin setup to a thruster or (ti-fin) set up. The waves off the Anegada reef were awesome with the exception of a few gnarly coral heads that seemed to pop out of nowhere but fortunately I had learned my lesson and now knew what to look for to avoid them. The waves were chest to head high, changing constantly with each passing reef break. On the inside, the Wake-Style guy’s were throwing down with the butter flat water that was provided by the shallow outside reef I was on. When I got to the ending line (cows wreck reef) I missed it and accidentally found the best quality wave I had ever ridden. I felt Like I was in heaven, the bottom had turned in to a flat rock as apposed to jagged coral and it slowly wrapped around the end of the island making the conditions perfect for a long wrapping break. The wind was side off giving the water superior texture and I had the perfect tools for the Job. Starting at the peak, I could just park the kite and with just the right amount of pull coming from the 9mtr W.H. smoke, I was able to truly surf this magical wave. I had several waves with over twenty turns up and down the face. One of the waves I caught broke a perfect peak for around 150 yards. Needless to say I skipped lunch and spent most of the afternoon there.
Towards the end of my session I noticed a kite parked at twelve about a mile off of the leeward side of the Anegada coast. At first I thought it was a kiteboarding lesson with boat support but after about 5- 10 minutes of the kite not moving I knew something was wrong. I made my way around the reef and back into shore. The event and staff was about a mile up the beach finishing lunch but there was one gentlemen snorkeling off of his dingy near the beach. He had a VHF and called for assistance because the dinghy was low on fuel and he was concerned I would not get back and we would both be stranded out to sea. But even rescue was on island time so we decided I had better take the dingy and go get the man who by now was drifting over 2 miles out to sea. When I got to him I asked him if he was okay and he looked at me like I was crazy for even asking. I helped him get in the small boat and we packed up his kite, he had lost his board about a mile back. As we headed back we found his board and discussed the fact that he had started to think about a 7 mile body drag to the windward side of Tortolla (the next island downwind) and what kind of creatures he may encounter along the way. He was very grateful and told me “thanks for saving me, you wont have to pay for another drink this trip”.
Every night there was an awesome party but the best was the last night on Necker Island. Rebootzer detox had flown in The Dubplates and they set an awesome mood with their killer vibe and music. On the beach a massive bonfire burned so we sat around it and had a awesome dinner. The refreshments flowed like a river on Necker and it was showing on the dance floor. They had a really enjoyable closing ceremony and called up all the pro’s and winners. I was happy to be up there and take home third place in the wave riding category. I feel so fortunate to have attended this event for the second year and I would like to thank all of my Family, Friends, Event Coordinators and Sponsors for helping me get there. It was such an awesome opportunity to ride and party with all of these professionals in such a picturesque and perfect place. I would recommend it to anyone!

How to protect your eye’s

Jeremy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:05:51 +0000

When both teaching and riding I have been unhappy with my eye wear. I have had problems with spray, lens clarity and losing pair after pair of sun glasses. I recently started wearing Kurtis surf goggles and have been super stoked with their performance.

-Jeremy Lund

Click here to view the embedded video.

Kurtis Goggles are 100% UV, Polarized, Flexible and they Float.

Visit www.Kurtisusa.com

British Virgin Islands “Kite Jam”

Jeremy — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:56:02 +0000

Well it was an amazing event. Although it is unheard of in the BVI we only received one day of good wind. However we were not let down. I did not look at the forecast once, I did not care! every day was sure to impress with five star party’s, lunches and dinners all on private beaches on private islands. There were helicopters, mega yachts and celebrities around to keep the energy high. Many of the Kite Jammers brought surf boards and many said it was the best surf they had ever seen. I wish I could of kited one of those amazing point breaks. Locals were sure to brag that they do all the time. With the one day of kiting we did get the group went on a down winder. It was awesome with tons of structure offering butter flat water and plenty of stuff to jump over. I found myself stuck it the middle of a 12 by 15 ft mangrove tree. I guess I needed just a little more wind to clear that one! An accidental kite loop freed me from the branches. A local photographer said she was laughing to hard to take pictures of the mishap, too bad…. many of the pro’s found a nice 30 foot ship wreck to grind across, should of made for some awesome photo’s. The event finished with a top notch party on mosquito island full of glow sticks, dancing and plenty to drink. On the last day we sailed back to tortola avoiding massive swell. Before boarding our plane we noticed the thirty knt winds that had arrived just in time for us to leave. I will be back for sure!!!!!
-Jeremy Lund

As a competitor in the BVI Kite Jam I will be keeping you posted on happenings and results for this event. This promises to be one of the most publicized events in the history of kiteboarding. Kite Jam is open to competitors and Kiter’s of all skill levels. For updated info and to register for the event you can visit http://www.bvikitejam.com/register-now
NWK owner and lead instructor, Jeremy Lund

What is it ?

The BVI Kite Jam is a unique kiteboarding, lifestyle and sporting event presented by the BVI Tourist Board with the support of Sir Richard Branson and his world-renowned Necker Island. The stellar list of professional kiteboarders competing in the Kite Jam include Kristin Boese, Andre Phillip, Susi Mai, Tuva Jansen, Tom Court, Chris Burke, Gretta Kruesi and Madison Van Heurck. Located in the Northeast Caribbean, BVI provides the perfect weather conditions for the sport and is quickly becoming a Mecca for kiteboarders. The event itself will be held March 1-5, 2010, on flat-water playgrounds in key locations around Necker Island, the North Sound, Virgin Gorda and Anegada. It will include races and freestyle competitions, demonstrations, and technique clinics. BVI Kite Jam will kick off with a VIP party on February 27 at Fat Virgin Café with Sir Richard Branson in attendance. The party will be followed by a day of clinics on February 28 with A-list pro kiteboarders and fellow Kite Jammers!
The BVI Kite Jam will be the first five-day kiteboarding event held in the British Virgin Islands which has already attracted international riders from amateurs to pro’s and celebrities.
This high profile event will be hosted in part by Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island. Sir Richard is an avid rider.
Necker island will be one of the stops during the week along with five other world-class kite locations such as Anegada, The North Sound and Moskito Island.
Competitors will have the choice of spending the week onboard one of Sunsail’s sailing catamarans that will follow the event around the various locations in the British Virgin Islands. Each boat has 4 double cabins all fitted with AC. Skippers are also provided. Alternatively, riders looking for the ultimate in luxury have the option to stay on Necker Island with up to just 24 other guests and their own staff of 60!
Lunch and dinner will be provided by BVI Kite Jam taking place at different beach locations each day. All evening entertainment and parties will also be inclusive and could well be the highlight of the event!
February 27, 2010 – Participant arrivals, registration and Check it at Sunsail Base in Tortola

February 28, 2010 – The Flotilla will set sail for Necker Island, Sunset Opening Party

March 1, 2010 – Early morning free‐kiting session for first timers, late morning competition “Round Necker Island Race” for amateurs and pros; Lunch and relaxation on Necker Beach. Afternoon competition in the Eustachian Sound consisting of either heat‐run freestyle, sliders or big air depending on weather.  March 2, 2010 – Morning race to Anegada with 12 miles of thigh burning endurance rewarded with a sumptuous lunch at Pomato Point on Anegada. Alternatively, spend the afternoon onboard a catamaran for a sail following the kiters. Afternoon/evening events at Pomato Point or Cow Wreck beach take riders through mangroves and waist deep water stretching almost a mile out to sea or riders can head over to the North‐western corner for wave or freestyle action; followed by a BBQ dinner and party at Anegada Reef Hotel.

March 3, 2010 – In the morning follow the wind west‐ward to Cow Wreck beach for the opportunity to kite through the most spectacular bay in the BVI’s known as Windlass Bight.
This bay provides a flat‐water playground and offers experienced riders good quality waves outside the reef. Lunch at the beautiful Cow Wreck beach.
Afternoon/evening event consists of a trip to West End for world‐class wave riding and/or freestyle competition at Cow Wreck; dinner and party at The Whistling Pines.

March 4, 2010 – Early morning yacht race back to the North Sound area. Free kiting on arrival followed by lunch at Bitter End Yacht Club. Afternoon/Evening includes a full afternoon of competition including fancy dress kite boarding and technique clinics with the pro’s between heats; dinner and party at the Bitter End Yacht Club.

March 5, 2010 – Morning includes more competition and technique clinics on Necker Island followed by lunch on Necker’s Sand Spit. Afternoon/evening finals includes pro rider showdown followed by Grand Prize awards; dinner and closing party on Sir Richard Branson’s Moskito Island.

March 6, 2010 – All competitors sail back to Tortola and disembark yachts.

How to properly launch and land a kite

Jeremy — Thu, 14 May 2009 23:00:05 +0000

What is a proper kite launch?

step 1: It is important for the Kiter to attach their leash to the lines. this is so that if the kite gets away from the launcher then it will not power up or roll down the beach. “do not attach the chicken loop to the spreader bar yet”
Step 2: Making sure to grab the very center of the leading edge the launcher should flip the kite “completely on its back. ” make sure to flip the kite away from the kiter”

step 3: The kiter should walk slightly downwind of the extreme edge of the window until there is tension on the lines. The kite should be barely flapping indicating that there is no lift being created. If the kiter is to far upwind the kite will knock the person launching the kite over. Also it is important to walk to the edge closest to the water. This is because if the kite malfunctions you will want the maximum width of the beach as a buffer.

step 4: Both parties should inspect the lines and bridling for twist and tangles.” This is the number one cause of kite related accidents.”

step 5: Connect the chicken loop to the spreader bar.

step 6: Walk upwind until the kite stops flapping.

step 7: Double check, triple check, Everything!

Step 8: Issue a thumbs up and go Kiteboarding!

How do you properly land a kite?

Step 1: Identify a properly trained person and issue them the landing single. “A pat on the head similar to the O.K. sign” do not try to train a spectator to catch your kite!

step 2: Bring the kite to the extreme lower edge of the window. ” either 5:45 or 6: 15, remember 6:00 is the horizon on both sides”

step 3: Let the person landing your kite grab it from the sky. ” try to avoid letting your kite touch the ground until they have a firm grip on your sail.”

step 4: Unhook from the chicken loop but leave the leash attached

step 5: Check that your kite is secure or secure it yourself.

step 6: Unhook your leash and roll your lines up to the kite. To protect your equipment and others “try to avoid leaving your lines out”
Check this page in the future for diagrams and photos.

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Kiteboarding etiquette

Jeremy — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:07:48 +0000

We are still in the early stages of the kiteboarding revolution. It is important that we set the standard to be built upon so that future generations can enjoy this amazing sport. Kiteboarding/kitesurfing has been cast under the eye of scrutiny due to the fact that the media generally only shows the accidents and mishaps, as they do with all gravity sports. We need to make sure that the media and general public enjoy the presence of Kiteboarding/Kitesurfing on our local beaches and water ways. Although kiteboarding is the fastest growing water-sport, it is a small community and therefore weak in numbers. With this in mind, we need to be more proactive with our public relations than any other sporting community. Although some of these guidelines are hard to follow due to our sometimes narrow and crowded beaches, we must try!

Right of way: According to P.A.S.A. “professional air sports association”

* Outgoing Kiter has right of way over incoming Kiter.

* Downwind Kiter has right of way over upwind Kiter.

* While riding, when you have your right hand forward, you have the right of way.

* But don’t insist on your right of way- Not all kiters know the right of way or respect it. When in doubt yield! “lets inform people of the right of way”

When you notice a new face take a second to point out some of the unique hazards at our beach:

* powerful shore break

* strong current

* guarded areas

* If they set up away from kite beach invite them to kite beach

* The wind on the beach can feel like a lot less then there really is

We should also point out the positives:

* where nice waves are

* crystal clear water

* lots of sea turtles

Rules of the road:

* Lay out lines where they do not interfere with other beach users.

* Disable kite when on land ” leading edge into the wind and role up your lines” I notice many people becoming quite frustrated as they pass by and themselves or their animals trip. This it will protect your lines!

* Stay well away from guarded areas .” they only take up a small portion of the beach”

* Leave at least two – three line lengths of safety buffer. “I know this is a hard one to follow in our area”

* Launch downwind of surfers when they are present “I have seen many people lately so close to surfers that the spray hits them” How do you think this looks to spectators and the surfing community?

* When you see a kiter that seems to need assistance kindly offer it to them.

* Leave your spot in better shape then you find it!

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Kiteboarding / Kitesurfing locations Palm Beach FL

admin — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:13:57 +0000

When learning to kiteboard we believe it is important to have a safe, large and distraction free environment. That is why we have chose a couple of different locations depending on the weather conditions and the students skill level . We do not teach on crowded beaches. We have found the following places to be a few of the areas best.

Hobe Sound wildlife refuge:
- good for NNW – SE winds
- good during large swell
- best spot for straight on shore winds
- small shore break
- uncrowded

Cautions:

- exposed and non exposed hazards such as old hurricane debre

- $5 dollar a day parking or $15 dollars a year

- no facilities or life guards for 3 miles

Juno Beach “Kite Beach”:
- good for N-NE and E-SSE winds
- 3 miles of kite friendly beach
- helpful people
- powerful small waves
- close to town
- has facilities

Cautions:

- can be crowded “avoid weekends”

- pier to the south

- narrow beach in places

- bad for east wind

South Juno Beach “pierless”:

- good for N-S winds
- smaller dune than kite beach
- less crowded
- lots of parking
- fresh water shower

Cautions:

- limited parking

- beach is always changing in size

- no one to launch or land your kite

- Pier to the north

- reef to the south

West Palm Beach

- good for south wind
- clean water
- reef break

Cautions:

-$2 hour parking

- crowded
- can have exposed rocks

- no fresh water

- stay south of guarded area

Lake Worth Pier

-excellent for S-SSW winds
-fresh water and facilities
-wide beach
-jet-ski rentals
-lots of parking

Cautions:
-hotels and large buildings on beach
-pier to the south
-$1 hour parking

For maps to the above locations and more please visit the local beaches page.

Is Kiting for Me ?

admin — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:11:31 +0000

Once a week New Wave Kiteboarding offers a discounted intro to Kiteboarding class. This class will offer a taste of what the sport is about. We will be discussing equipment, safety, setup and the “Wind Window”. We will then practice these skills as we setup and fly a Power Kite. Class size is Two – Three people Max. Reservation required. contact us for details!

New Wave offers several levels of training from beginner to advanced. Equipment is included in all lesson packages. It is recommended to make reservations early,we do book up fast. New Wave does not hold classes during undesirable weather conditions.

Lessons

admin — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:01:33 +0000

Is Kiting for me?
Once a week New Wave Kiteboarding offers a discounted intro to Kiteboarding class. This class will offer a taste of what the sport is about. We will be discussing equipment, safety, setup and the “Wind Window”. We will then practice these skills as we setup and fly a Kite. Class size is Two – Three people Max. Reservation required. contact us for details!

2 Hour Traction Kiting Experience:

This lesson is designed for those who just want to experience flying a traction kite. The lesson begins with a brief discussion of basic wind knowledge and safety. The following step is a short demonstration of basic kite control. The lesson concludes with you in control as you discover the power of a traction kite.

Beginner Lesson – 2 Hours:

This lesson is the first of 3 lessons designed towards getting you on the water and in the air. The lesson begins with discussions on safety,wind knowledge, and basic meteorology. The following step is a demonstration on proper kite control. The kite will then be in your control as you are instructed to complete various kite skills.

Discovery lesson – 5 to 6 hours:
This is a quickly paced lesson designed to get you in the water. In this lesson we will start out covering all the concepts of a beginner lesson after a lunch break we will return and cover all the concepts of a second lesson as we work are way out into the water.

Water Lesson – 3 Hours:

In this lesson you will put your kite skills to the test as you are taught how to body drag. Body dragging is accomplished by using the kite to pull your body through the water. This will teach you intermediate kite control as well as proper kite placement. After successfully body dragging, you will learn basic board control as well as proper body stance. Then you will practice harmonizing your kite and board as you learn to stand up and ride.

Board Control – 2 to 5 hours:

In this lesson you will be taught intermediate board control. This lesson starts with a quick review of safety and board control. Next you will follow your instructor into the water to a location down wind where a car will be waiting. While riding downwind, you will be instructed on different types of board control that will benefit you in navigating both up and down wind.

Advanced Lessons:

This is a great opportunity to get updated on the latest safety and kiting techniques. We will provide short cuts to learning and performing the best of today’s tricks and allow you to try out the newest high tech equipment available from North Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding / Kitesurfing lessons 561-633-9362

admin — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 04:03:39 +0000

Kitesurfing / Kiteboarding is a combination of wakeboarding, surfing and sailing. Kiteboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world. Steady ocean winds, soft sandy beaches and warm gulf stream water make this an ideal location for learning. In fact, South Florida has been rated one of the top Kiting locations in the United States. New Wave Kiteboarding llc. takes pride in offering a program that is both safe and exciting using top of the line equipment. All of our instructors are certified, insured and highly qualified. Join us for the experience of a lifetime!