Kiteboarding Magazine

luke
2010-03-12 19:15:30 | 3816 views | 10 Comments

Few kiteboarding destinations in the world compare to the British Virgin Islands. The beaches are empty, the warm sapphire water is inviting and the wind and waves are what dreams are made of. While attending the BVI Kite Jam, we lived aboard a 38-foot catamaran and toured the islands with 12 other BVI Kite Jam boats. This is the only way to go in the BVIs. You have to be mobile to benefit from the constantly changing swell and wind patterns. Each day we chased the wind then were treated to catered lunchs, dinners and parties with authentic island music.

With a crew of around 100 Kite Jammers, we had the time of our lives as we kited, surfed, paddle boarded, sailed, partied like rock stars, and hung with kiteboarding’s top pros. Sir Richard Branson opened up his private Necker Island to all of the participants several times for a chance to see how the other half lives. His island was beyond beautiful with white sand beaches, swim-up bars, fabulous food and great company. All week, Branson made his rounds with the guests and was a genuinely great guy, who was easy to talk to and just a another kiteboarder who shared the stoke like the rest of us.

The highlight of the week was a 14-mile sailboat race to Anegada followed by the the most amazing 4-mile downwinder powered on 10-meter kites. We launched amid the mangroves and enjoyed freestyle sessions in the shallow flat water as two helicopters flew around getting footage the entire session. Halfway through the downwinder, BVI Kite Jam founder Charlie Smith discovered a 35-foot sailboat that had washed into the shallows and become the focus of riders as they grinded, bonked and jibbed every inch of the shipwreck. The session ended with high precision kite flying skills as the crew managed to ride through the moorings with more than 100 boats and sailboat masts. Somehow there were no collisions.

The BVI Kite Jam was more that just a competition, it was a great week where you could meet fellow kiteboarders, push your kiteboarding skills and live the dream in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. Next year the event will be sponsored by Billabong — yes, Billabong — so I suggest you sign up now to get your spot. This is one event you cant afford to miss.

Keep your eyes peeled for the June/ July issue of Kiteboarding magazine for a full-length feature showcasing all of the fun. See you there next year.

Photos: Gemma Salaman