P6245TVjasonf
23 Feb 2022
Punta Cana Kite (Kite Surf Punta Cana)
While I have do have a good understanding of wind (having sailed for many years and am a private pilot), I was a complete newbie when it comes to kiteboarding.
Before my trip, I researched the available kite boarding schools in the area and decided to take the 9 hour, Intermediate/Advanced course offered by Kite Surf Punta Cana. I was initially impressed by how responsive the owner, Felipe, was after I sent my initial inquiry via email. Felipe called back within minutes and with a very friendly, non-pushy way, was able to explain the details of his program and how I would be able to learn the basics of this extreme sport in the time that I would be there.
When I arrived, there were no unforeseen surprises - everything that Felipe had said, was true. KSPC’s equipment is new, and their location offers the the best beach to learn on - 2-4’ of warm, turquoise water, is super deep and wide, with beautiful white, soft sand. There is lots of room to spread out the kites, lines and just learn. After I had arrived, I noticed that there was another kiteboarding school down the beach (KBS), but the space seemed to be tight and busy with many tourists.
I stayed at the Catalonia resort, but should have stayed at the Serenade resort as Felipe had originally suggested - while it was more expensive, it was new, clean and the perfect 2min commute to KSPC’s beach. The next time I go to Punta Cana to kite board, I will definitely be staying at the Serenade.
Also, they really do teach. I had two instructors, Eli and Jem - both were great. I spent more time with Jem (6hrs) who apparently was the 2015 freestyle champion for the DR. This is no surprise when you see him water launch from the beach and immediately execute an impressive jump the height of a palm tree!
The teaching was excellent and tbh, more like coaching vs. instruction. As a performance coach who works with professionals looking to discover their best (executives, business owners, physicians, etc.) I am a huge advocate of client/student-centred teaching/learning.
My instructor, Jem was the Zen / Jedi master of the kite board. Jem didn’t just explain / teach the skills, he listened and watched how I learned and then customized his approach to suit what I needed at that time. His instruction was clear, concise and interactive - and always full of positivity. Failure was an 'opportunity to learn' for Jem, so as his student, there was never any feeling of being judged or like I needed to rush. On one occasion, Jem noticed that I was clearly fearing the power of the kite, as it was a windy day and had no experience or confidence in my ability to get up on the board without face-planting / ’superman-ing’. As I sat there in the shallow water with the board on my feet and a 12M kite eagerly tugging at my bar, wanting to soar, Jem asked me to close my eyes and control the kite by feeling it in the bar. He guided me to breathe slowly (the same square breathing technique Navy Seals use before a difficult task) and trust that the kite was there to help me and said “if you fall flat on your face 1000 times, I’m here for you 2000 times!”. It was just the encouragement I needed. As I dove the kite into the power zone, for the first time ever, there I was up and kite boarding across the bay! At the end of the training I was able to confidently get up on the board, stop and transition (change directions) : ) .
Kiteboarding, at least for me, is an extreme and potentially dangerous sport. Having sailed for years, I have developed a respect for the wind and have seen how unforgiving it can be - especially to a novice who hadn’t been taught how to be safe. While the reggae music belting out on the wireless speaker every day reflects the casual and fun atmosphere at KSPC, don't let this mislead you - they take their kite boarding instruction seriously. All the instructors are pro’s in their own right and whether or not it’s constructive tips on the beach or a drone videoing your progress on the water, the owner, Felipe, is attentive and engaged with each and every student, making sure you’re safe and having fun.
I learned how to kite board safely at KiteSurf PC and because of this, am able to be confident to fully enjoy the thrill and adrenaline rush this amazing sport gives. Thanks so much to all of you guys (Eli, Edwin, Jem, Juan and Felipe) - you made my first kite boarding experience the best it could have been and I am grateful for all that you taught me. Jem, thanks for all your patience, infectious positivity and in many ways, teaching me much more than how to kite board - rather to enjoy every moment we’re out there doing something others only dream of doing (and of course, I’ll never forget Angry Bird! lol ; ). Last but definitely not least, thank you Felipe - for your responsive/professional customer service, impressive video editing / drone footage to capture my progress and for making all this possible through your awesome school and staff - be sure that I’ll be back ; ) !, All the best!