Extreme sport, by its very nature, might not appeal to everyone. However, harnessing the forces of nature to propel yourself across the surface of Cayman’s crystal clear waters has an appeal that is hard to deny.

Extreme sport
Kitesurfing has certainly gained a large number of adherents since the sport first came to prominence in the late 1990s, and is one of the fastest growing extreme sports in the world. In an environment like Cayman, with flat, warm water and wind aplenty, kitesurfing seems like a custom-made sport.
 
Yet seeing the speed these daredevils can reach (the record stands at over 50 knots), and the amazing jumps they can perform can intimidate those thinking about trying the sport.

Learning the ropes
However, according to Jhon Mora of Kitesurf Cayman, Cayman is one of the best places in the world to take up the sport.
 
Jhon teaches kite boarding at Barkers, which is the perfect venue for a beginner, with shallow water stretching out almost ¾ of a mile. There are also no tall buildings or power lines for beginners to get their kites caught on.
 
The only thing you really need to start leaning to kitesurf is the ability to swim. Apart from that, Jhon and his crew can send you on your way.
 
“We are trying to create a community of kitesurfers – a place which is friendly so that family and spectators can come and watch and chill out and give it a try if they would like to,” says Jhon.
 
The sport is also far from being a boys’ club.
 
“We have noticed a lot more girls getting into the sport, which is great not only for us but the sport in general,” smiles Jhon.

Different options
Kitesurf Cayman offers a taster course, during which beginners receive an introduction to the sport – not quite enough to send them on their merry way, but certainly enough to find out whether they like the sport and would like to progress further.
 
A typical course is eight hours long, broken up into four two hour sessions.
 
The intermediate kiteboarder programme will get you up and riding on the board.
 
The independent kiteboarder programme teaches some of the finer skills of kiteboarding, including jumping.
 
Advanced instruction teaches the trick of the trade, with front rolls, back rolls, kite loops and handle passes. WH

For more information, contact Jhon on 916-5483
or visit kitesurfcayman.com.