“World-class” is how Puerto Rico is described as a kiteboarding (kitesurfing) destination by Dylan Shewfelt, who has enjoyed kiteboarding for the last 14 years and had the chance to also engage in this sport in Cape Town, South Africa; Cabarete, Dominican Republic; and Hood River in Oregon. Dylan is certain that Puerto Rico is a phenomenal place for engaging in this water sport mainly due to amazing consistent trade winds blowing over the Caribbean region and the island. Puerto Rico’s warm weather and readily available kitesurfing spots also play a significant part in Dylan’s opinion about Puerto Rico being a great location where you can practice this recreation.

Since this kiteboarding certified instructor referred to kitesurfers as sailors who are attached to a sail they fly, Puerto Rico’s lasting windy season from mid-November to August is a superb advantage for kitesurfing. On average, this season may be characterized by 25 to 30 windy days per month and 15 to 18 knots of wind, according to Dylan. He added that some days might even be better when 20+ knots of wind blow over Puerto Rico. The mid-November to March period is more appropriate for intermediate-or-advanced-level kiteboarders since waters tend to be rougher and wavy and 10–15-foot swell may be formed in some areas, as explained by Dylan. In contrast, the best season for beginners in Puerto Rico takes place from April to August in light of smaller waves and more flat water in some areas, as mentioned by Dylan. So Puerto Rico is a convenient place for those who want start learning kiteboarding during summer. Of course, intermediate-or- advanced-level kiteboarders can also benefit from kitesurfing conditions from April to August.

Curiously, Dylan said that even during Puerto Rico’s kiteboarding low-season months (September and October), there may be around 10 to 15 windy days per month. He emphasized that this is an advantage for Puerto Rico since wind conditions are still good for kitesurfing during these months. He added that Puerto Rico’s kiteboarding low season is even comparable to windy seasons in some destinations such as Florida and Cancún, Mexico, where you can expect, on average, 15 windy days per month.

Suggestion of kitesurfing spots in Puerto Rico depends on personal skills. According to Dylan, examples of some areas on the northern, northeastern and southern side of the island suitable for beginners are: (1) Ocean Park Beach, San Juan, (2) Isla Verde Beach, Carolina, (3) Las Picuas Beach, Río Grande, (4) Jauca Beach, Santa Isabel, and (5) Pozuelo Beach, Guayama. He said that, in general, these locations are good for apprentices, considering the following conditions: clean wind (unobstructed wind blow), no obstacles nearby (e.g.: no sharp reefs), and wide-open space for good entrance point from where you can launch the kite and suitable exit point, considering if you get blown off away by wind. On the other hand, intermediate-or-advanced-level kiteboarders may be able to handle gusty wind and launching the kite on smaller area and to maneuver better the board and kite to avoid big waves and reefs, according to Dylan. Some Puerto Rico’s locations suggested by him for Intermediate-or-advanced-level kitesurfers are: (1) Shacks Beach, Isabela (narrower launch spot and lots of reef), (2) La Parguera, Lajas (boat needed for kite launching and pickup) and (3) La Pared Beach, Luquillo (bigger waves and gusty wind). Still, other sites suitable for kiteboarding are available on the island.

Dylan’s favorite Puerto Rico kiteboarding experience has been in Shacks Beach, located on northwest region. He said: “20 knots of wind were phenomenal, 5–6-foot waves were perfectly beautiful, and the place was magical.” He strongly believes that Puerto Rico does not have any reason to envy other kitesurfing destinations.

Dylan, a Canadian raised in Mexico who sees kiteboarding as a lifestyle rather than a hobby, fell in love with Puerto Rico and has been living in the island since around four years ago. He is regularly in Ocean Park Beach, San Juan, surrounded by kitesurfers’ community and where he works as Manager and Head Coach in Kite Puerto Rico, a kiteboarding school he co-founded. Obviously, he also travels around the island to do what he loves: get on the board, sail, and fly the kite.

Whether you are curious about this sport or want to improve skills, or simply wish to experience awesome kiteboarding, Puerto Rico is a great location to explore. If you want to find out how Dylan’s kiteboarding school can assist, you may contact Kite Puerto Rico at 787-726-5010. W: https://www.kitepuertorico.com