Denise: the kite-surfing kid

Ready for action! Me kitted out with my harness and helmet.

So, today I finished day-3 of my beginner lessons.  My mission: to accomplish the basics required to kite-surf.  My initial thoughts on the matter: doubtful.

Our current stop, the Dominican Republic, was one of Andy’s insertion into the itinerary.  Wanting to improve his kite-surfing capabilities,  he chose Cabarete, which is situated on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.  It is an ideal kite-surfing spot, due to its constant trade winds and warm waters.  The plan was that I was to also give the growing sport a go.  Though I can snow ski, snow board, water ski and wake-board, kite-surfing appeared to be that much harder.  But I took on the challenge!  My progress has been as follows:

My instructor, Jersen, had to be very patient with me!

Day 1: I Learned how to fly the kite (this may seem like the obvious step, but these kites are not your usual “Let’s-go-fly-a-kite Mary Poppins style kites.)

Day 2: Body Dragging. I learned to harness the power of the wind to get the kite to pull me along through the water.

Day 3: The board came into play.  With the board strapped to my feet, I was able to get up out of the water and surf for a good few seconds, down wind.  Yee-ha!

Navigating the waters (There is no photo of me standing up, but I did, I promise!)

Since the task that lay ahead initially seemed so daunting to me, I am chuffed that I accomplished what I have.  Tomorrow I will try and stay up for a little longer.

Andy (who makes it look so easy!) has been progressing well too.  Even though he has been trying to shake off a cold, that didn’t stop him getting out there and riding those waves.  Maybe one day I can be as good as him.  Sigh!

Our school playground

Our school.

"Let's go fly a kite..."