Kiteboarding Around Ko Samui

As one of the largest islands in south-eastern Thailand, its white sandy beaches and coral-protected calm bays, make Samui a perfect place for kiteboarding. This is yet another exciting and challenging water sport where you can hone your skills - or try it out for the first time. Kiteboarding contains some of the characteristics of windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, and even skateboarding. You connect a power kite to a harness worn around your chest and then use the power of the wind to propel yourself across the water, on a board similar to an oversized skateboard with fins like a surfboard (no wheels obviously!). These kites are powerful, so the first part of your training will be on the beach to learn the essential skills to control the kite and fundamental safety skills, so as not to end up being launched into the air! A number of reputable kiteboarding centres have grown up across the island during the past ten years, and they all cater to both beginners and seasoned users. These companies are professional outfits who offer safe and well-maintained equipment. Samui's kiteboarding centres operate out of Maenam, Nathon and Hua Thanon beaches. A day's beginner's course costs around 4000B, but many novices have found that the three-day introductory courses at around 10,000B, will really set you up as a fully-fledged kiteboarder - and you get a certificate! The best time to try out kiteboarding is November to February when the wind is just right for the sport, and the worst months are probably April and May. Here are the details of two centres/schools: Kiteboarding Asia (KBA) - Located at Hua Thanon next to the Samui Orchid Resort. They have two sub-centres, both also in Nathon - one at Samui Orchid Resort, which is open from November to March, and the other at the Grand Seaview Beach Resort, open from May to October. Email: samui@kiteboardingasia.com Tel: +66 836431627 Website: www.kiteboardingasia.com Koh Samui Kiteboarding (KSK) - Located in Maenam town, near the Mercure Hotel and is open all the year round. Tel: +66 862671169