Kiteboard Thailand - Destinations - Philipines - Boracay

Contributors: Brett Murrell

Location and distance (from major city): 1 hour flight to the island of Caticlan from the Manila domestic airport. A relaxing 20 minute boat ride to Boracay island.

Map (of area):

Location Summary: An island 7km long and 1km wide. It reputedly has the best white sandy beach in the world, apart from the many boats and green algal bloom in the water. When I was there it was not to bad, still paradise but slipping slightly. An outer protective reef allows for kiting in the lagoon on flat water, with the reef allowing for wave riding on small swell. The island has a windy side and a sheltered side. Most of the accommodation is on the sheltered side where the white beach is. The wind is generally onshore or slightly off onshore, making launching and landing sometimes a difficult process. Once out on the water and up wind the conditions are great with flat, shallow water and generally consistent trade winds.

KBA Rating ( -a location made by the Gods with Kiteboarding in mind)

Beginner
Intermediate
Expert

Water surface types: Flat water inside the reef, a large area to play, able to accommodate a large number of kiteboarders and windsurfers. Outside of reef, swell increases with increasing wind strength. On the reef, tide variations and wind strength will affect the waves breaking but generally small and lumpy waves are on offer.

Water Depth: High and low tide affects the water depth inside the reef and over the reef. Generally low tide will give very little water depth, but if you're a keen and crazy kiter with no fear of coral cuts then get out there. It is also possible to kite/walk out past the reef and kite beyond the reef if you're really determined. Middle and high tide create slightly different conditions with a tiny but manageable chop which make kiting very enjoyable and great for holding an edge, boosting huge and trying out new tricks.

Launch Area: The wind is generally onshore so launching and landing should be undertaken with care. On my visit, I witnessed two kites in the coconut trees and one very lucky kiter who was almost impaled on a reinforcing steel bar that just happened to be part of a half finished fence along the shore line. Body dragging out a safe distance is highly recommended before water starting. The width of the beach varies with the tide height, at high tide the beach is around 5 meters wide, low tide is around 15 meters wide. The beach has a lot of debris washed up from the prevailing NE winds. Outside most of the windsurfing / kiteboarding centers they generally clean each day. Otherwise the there is a lot of debris that will become entangled in you lines if not careful.

Seasons and Wind Information: November to March-- the Northeasterly monsoons, wind ranging from 8 up to 35 knots. Averaging around 12-25 knots May to June – Summer months produce little wind but high temperatures. May to October – There is a possibility of typhoons in the central and northern areas from June to November.

Average temperature (Celsius):
Dec-Feb: 21-30 C March-May: 25-35C

Water temperatures (Celsius): 24 - 27

Kiteboarding Schools:
Ocean Republic (IKO)
Green Yards Windsurfing and Kiteboarding School

Amenities: Basic medical facilities exist, but you must travel to Manila for major hospitals. The dive shops have an emergency helicopter on standby.

Accommodation: All types, from 1 star to 5 star

Other things to do:

Night life: When I visited, the tourist population was very low due to terrorist media hype and so only a small amount of tourists were going out each night. Friday / Saturday were the biggest nights but generally more Philipino locals hanging out in the pubs and clubs. Very cheap beer and spirit prices make this place great if you out for a big night. Some of the cheapest alcohol anywhere in the world!

Attractions in Area: Boracay International Fun Board Cup held every year will certainly be including kiteboarding in the coming years.

Additional Links:
http://www.windsurfingphilippines.com/bfc/borainfo.html#gyfc
http://www.tsmtravel.com/mirror/boracay.htm
http://www.tourism.gov.ph
http://www.boracayisland.org

Rider Review: Brett Murrell

Kiter weight = 70Kg
Kite sizes and use:
15.5 flat (used 20% of time)
11.5 flat (used 70% of time)
9.0 flat (used 10% of time)

Board sizes and use:
1.5m Assymetric RRD – high wind board (100% of time)

% of days ripping on water: 12 days (85%)
Number of days on location: 14 days