The spot:
Our center is situated at the Samui Orchid Resort, located on the south east side of the island away from the busy tourist areas. On a windy day this kiteboarding location has been sent to us from the gods. For teaching we have a shallow sandy bay with an outlying reef which protects the inner bay and keeps the water flat like glass. For the intermediate the reef waves will keep you busy as will the flat water in the bays either side of the teaching lagoon.
We also operate a small summer school around the island during the low season.
The beach is fine sand with few shells and broken up coral, and almost no tourists, the only other people are your fellow kiters. At times there can be build up of natural debris on the beach, generally after a tropical rain. Some areas also have build up of coral, so booties are recommended for the intermediate kiter. Students are taught away from the coral. The beach will be cleaned each morning through the season.
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The shop:
Open: 1st November till 30st March
KBA Koh Samui offers kite courses and lessons, equipment sales, access to equipment repair (through Hua Hin*), Equipment storage,
Wash down facilities, toilets and onsite restaurant and bar.
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The Wind:
From November to the end of February we receive northeasterly wind, ranging from 8 to 20 knots, perfect for the beginner and intermediate.
The wind blows cross shore to onshore.
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The sea:
Inside the reef the water is warm and flat, waves building outside the reef as the wind strength increases. Varying tide heights produce from flat water, knee to waist during low tide to waist to chest deep at high tide. No nasty marine animals to watch out for here. Board shorts and a rashie is all that’s required.
Water temperatures: range from 26-28 Celsius throughout the year.
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Accommodation:
While there is many accommodation options on Koh Samui to choose from, we recommend the Samui Orchid Resort. The resort is constructed on 25 acres of coconut plantation right on the beach front and is quiet and relaxing. The resort is the home of KBA Koh Samui, the tiger zoo and aquarium. It is located about 10mins south of Lamai beach.
KBA students who book a course/lesson in advance will receive special discount on accommodation*. Please contact the Orchid Resort thru their web site for accommodation bookings.
*discount will only be given with proof of purchase and only on check out of resort.
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Getting there:
Bangkok airways: Fly's daily to Bangkok / Koh Samui / Bangkok.
They also have flights to and from Koh samui to Krabi, Pattaya, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Trains : Available from Bangkok and Malaysia to Surat Thani. You must book in advance to get an A or B class seat (sleeper) and don't bother with C class. Cost around 700 Baht.
Buses : (overnight) leave from Khao San Road or Southern Bus Station, Bangkok around 6:00pm daily and cost around 600 baht. Go to a local travel agency in Bangkok and get a combination bus, ferry ticket.
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No wind days:
Koh Samui offers a large amount of things to do; being the premier tourist destination in Asia, you can party all night on Chaweng beach, try scuba diving, rock climbing, mountain bike riding, paint ball, bungee jumping, kayaking, quad bikes, sailing, go-carting, thai cooking courses, elephant trekking, golf, butterfly garden, mini golf, buffalo show, thai boxing, tiger zoo and aquarium, snake farm, shopping, world class spas (we have the Centara spa only 2 minutes from our location at the Samui Orchid Resort).
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Kite guidelines:
KBA has built up a solid reputation for safety in koh Samui. Your compliance with the following will help keep Na Thian beach safe and open for kiteboarding. The following kite-guidelines are enforced by the Samui Orchid Staff and KBA around the School Area**.
- Kiters must give right of way to ALL beach users.
- The southern point of Na Thain should be avoided during north east winds due to gusty conditions.
- Non customers of the samui orchid resort will be charged 200thb a day to kite and use the resorts facilities.*
- Do not accept help from non kiteboarders.
- Please accept that this is a relatively new sport and most people have no idea of the dangers of kiteboarding. Assume everyone on the beach is ignorant, and accept that people will get in your way. It is up to you to educate them in a calm and friendly manner.
- Kiteboarders must kite away from KBA student
Things that can affect your kiteboarding pleasure
Squally / Stormy condtions : The wind in Samui is best when the weather is clear, no clouds, no rain. When rain comes generally this is associated with bursts of wind / gusty conditions. For your safety and other beach goers, stop kiting as soon as you see dark clouds on the horizon. for more information on dangerous kitesurf weather patterns in thailand 
Coconuts trees : There are plenty along the beach, make sure you launch as far away from the shore as possible (you can walk out, dont be lazy), the wind for the majority of the season is x-onshore or onshore.
Coral and Rocks : At low tide the rocks on the reef can damage boards and bodies. Make sure there is enough water to pass over the outer reef before trying to kite in that region. Also after removing the rocks south of the KBA center, there are still small pieces of coral close to shore just south of the KBA center. Avoid especially during mid to low tide.
Sunshine and having too much fun: Wear plenty of sunscreen and drink plenty of water. The temperature of the water dehydrates you more quickly than you may realize. Force yourself to drink and you will be able to kite all day.
A camel pack worn while kiting works really well.
** The 200thb a day can be payed at the kite shop, this fee includes equipment storage, use of shower and wash down facilities. The fee does not include use of the swimming pool or entrance to tiger zoo or aquarium.
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