Going to the Caribbean must be any kiteboarders dream. Just being there – in the midst of kiteboarding paradise is an experience on its own. Greg Heydenrich, the latest team rider for Cabrinha South Africa, did his first trip to the Caribbean, and iKiteboarding.com asked him to share some of this experience with us.
by Greg Heydenrich - The Island of St Lucia In Da Caribbean!!
My trip started when we left CT International on a direct flight to London And then a connecting flight to Antigua and then on to St Lucia. It took us over 30hours from leaving CT Ending Up on the Island 4 hours late after the engine had failed. After flying for an hour we had to turn around and Return to Heathrow. Grant and I were contemplating launching our biggest kites if we didn’t make it, but fortunately didn’t have to.
When we finally arrived in the Caribbean, the Hotel was only 5min walk from the airport. The Island is 1hour long and two hours wide (the taxi’s are pretty much the same as we have in SA). So you don’t get much over 60km an hour, which is great because en route you can check out the awesome scenery.
The one side of the island is tropical with high palm trees, white beaches and beautiful blue warm water. The side we stayed on was pretty similar to the Cape flats with typical African type shacks littering the island. Which is where the wind blows cross on and in paradise on the other side is dead offshore, sheltered and gusty as hell.
It is very remote and the reason we were there was for the 2004 Cabrinha dealers meeting, were I met Pete and we hung out with the rest of the dealers and the Cabrinha test team. Our days consisted of 4hour meetings in the morning after breakfast then on to the good stuff, free kiting after lunch till sunset.
On port tack in 25 knots that blew day night for the duration of the stay. Really smooth conditions not gusty at all - pretty much like a hair dryer being switched on. The bay we kited in had a very small shore break with slightly choppy conditions on the outside.
It felt pretty remote and like when you kite a spot for the first time, I was stoked!
The best thing about St Lucia was the isolation and brilliant conditions. Cabarette which is 40 min away will have 300 guys out on the same spot.
The main reason I had gone over was to meet Pete Cabrinha and show him where I am at in terms of my performance level. After spending a bit of time on the water, Pete seemed to be impressed with my riding and is now supporting me on my kiting adventure.
The Tornado Centre run by Elaine is really cool and is perfect for windsurfers and beginner to pro kiters.
Cape Town conditions are still the best on a summer’s day when the Cape Dr. delivers that classic breath that elevates you to look at the foot of the Table.