Kite-surf Ria de Chelem

Level: Intermediate, Expert Type: Lagoon Water type: Shallow, Flat Water hazards: Ships, Shells, Stakes Water quality: Clean Infos: The water at the Ria de Chelem is warm and shallow, about 1.5 m almost everywhere at the Ria. There are no waves, but as the wind picks up it can get a little bit choppy, not too much. The water is clean but it looks a little bit brown because of the seaweed in the bottom. There's almost no current at the Ria. There are some stakes (maybe 3 or 4) in the water but you can see them clearly. Beach type & size: Sand - Small Infos: The ground is hard, you should watch out the little stones in the ground when setting your gear and take care of your feet. There is a power line in the launching/landing area. It's not a high voltage power line, but users most be careful when launching/landing kites. Identified hazards: Stones, Shells, Power lines Beachgoer: None Weather specificities: The water is warm almost all year round at the Ria, but in winter a shorty could be needed. The wind at the Ria is very warm because it comes from the ground. Wind type: Thermal Wind specificities: The best part of season is between February and May, when the Southeast winds are pulled up by the North fronts winds coming from the North Pole. The high pressure of the North front enhances the thermal effect in the mornings when the soil is cool and the water in the ocean is warm; the wind at the Ria just lasts a couple of hours (mostly from 8am to 12pm) until the soil is heated up by the sun and the water in the ocean is cooled down by the thermal inertia, then the wind starts to blow from the ocean to the shore and you must go to Progreso to continue kiting. Best months: February, March, April, May Access description: by Car, Bus - You can get to The Ria the Chelem by bus. If you are in Progreso (the nearest city with bus station) it should take about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the Ria the Chelem; if you are in Mrida (the capital city) it should take about 45 mins to 1 hour to get there. You can also contact the local Kiteschool "Yuckite" for transport service (info@yuckite.com, Cel. 9992790255). If you rent a car, it should take about 30 mins to get to the Ria de Chelem from Merida. The best way to get there is to take the highway that runs from Merida to Progreso, but before you get to Progreso you should take the turn to the right that takes you to the bridge that cross over the highway to Progreso; this road takes you directly to Chelem town. Specific rules: Zones, Fees Extra: Ria de Chelem is surrounded by mangroves where many kinds of birds put their nests. So try not to kite very close or into the mangroves area in order to respect the local wildlife. Local riders pay a 10 Pesos fee to the "Cooperativa de Chelem", who are in charge of cleaning the bathrooms, the kitespot area and helps kiters to launch and land their kites. Nightlife: There is no nightlife in Chelem. Accommodations: School, Rental, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking