Wind- & Kite Surfing in Dominican Republic

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Wind- & Kite Surfing

Between June and October, Cabarete Beach has what many consider to be optimal windsurfing conditions: wind speeds at 20 to 25 knots (they come from the side shore) and 3- to-10-foot Atlantic waves. The Professional Boardsurfers Association has included Cabarete in its international windsurfing slalom competition. The novice is also welcome to learn and train on wider boards with light sails.

Carib BIC Center (Cabarete. 809/571-0640. www.caribwind.com) offers equipment and instruction. Lessons are generally $30 to $35 an hour; boards rent for $20 an hour. A gem of a windsurfing club, this family-owned business has many repeat clients and is open year-round. It also operates a beach bar and a retail shop.

Kitexcite (Kite Excite Hotel, Kite Beach, Cabarete. 809/571-9509, 809/913-0827, or 809/914-9745. www.kitexcite.com) operates the largest school for one of the Caribbean's newest popular sports. Your board -- smaller than a windsurfing board -- is attached to a parachutelike "kite." Those who are proficient can fly through the air.