Kite-surf Varadero 53rd Street

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert Type: Ocean Water type: Chop, Small wave Water hazards: Swimmers Water quality: Crystal clear Infos: Water is clear and beautiful. Can get choppy with the wind. Some little waves can form, depending on the shape of the sand bar below. Shallow out about 25 meters at low tide, then gradually deeper. Beach type & size: Sand - Big Infos: The beach is decently wide and very long with little interruption! Soft sand. Some trees and palapas strewn about. Mostly safe - but always look for people/obstacles. Kiteboarding is still pretty rare in Cuba, so you'll draw quite a crowd. Identified hazards: Bystanders Weather specificities: Very tropical weather. Winter may require shorty or full wetsuit if cold front. In spring a heat seeker is sufficient. Summer can be very hot and buggy. Wind type: Frontal Wind specificities: Winter winds are usually best, December to March, but according to locals it can be quite good beginning in October. You may get thermals in the afternoon. Be careful of hurricane season, June 1st to November 30th, it brings wind, but sometimes dangerous and worse. Best months: January, February, March, December Access description: by Car, Bus - International flights from many European, Caribbean and South American cities. Also within Cuba, from Havana, for example (but its better to drive from Havana). Easiest to fly to Varadero, but you can arrive to Havana and drive, as well. Taxis are available from the airport. Specific rules: None Extra: None. Be nice and considerate. The further out on the peninsula you go, the more all-inclusive resorts you'll find, which means more people. 53rd street is closer to the center of Varadero, but the beach is not as popular. A general note on Kitesurfing in Cuba Kitesurfing has a growing scene in Cuba. New spots are being discovered. New riders are taking up the sport. The first few kiteschools are being set up. In general, the kiters I met were incredibly friendly and helpful towards tourists and fellow kiters. But, there is one major problem for Cuban kiters; It is impossible to import or buy any kind of kite equipment in Cuba. Kites, boards, harnesses, pumps, simply everything is in short supply. Because of this local riders and schools are looking to buy any kind of gear. If you?re travelling to Cuba, and have any kind of gear, new or old, you would like to sell, you will really help the local kite scene if you bring it along. You will get a low, but fair price, but more importantly you will really help a stoked crowd keep growing the sport. The same goes for all kite movies and kite magazines Nightlife: Lots of places to dance, drink, socialize. A lot of the nightlife you'll find is at the all-inclusive resorts. The 'espectacular' shows are very popular and start around 11pm. Lots of restaurants on the beach and around Varadero. Accommodations: Rooms, School, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking