By the Seat of My Skirt

Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton Race 2017

Kelly — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 13:52:22 +0000

I competed in my first long distance kiteboarding race! The 19km race began on Rottnest Island and ended in Leighton, Perth, Western Australia. The race was fun but extremely challenging as the winds were light (10-15kts) and the largest kite I had with me was a 10 meter. It was a slow go for me and very hard work with the smaller kite but I did manage to cross the finish line. Super stoked to finish and not be eaten by a shark!

Photo credits to Hotdiggitydog Photography

Photo credits to True Spirit Photography

To see more photos from the race CLICK HERE!

Sensi & Colleen’s Kite Girl Camp – El Cuyo, Mexico

Kelly — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 18:25:43 +0000

Last March I had the pleasure of attending a kite clinic in the Yucatan organized by pro riders Sensi Graves and Colleen Carroll. I feel so lucky to have spent a week in the Yucatan riding with a group of talented and inspiring kite girls from all over the world!

Bikini’s featured in the pic above are all by Sensi Graves, bikinis for girls that rip!

Sensi & Colleen are organizing their next retreat in El Cuyo April 7-14, I highly recommend!

Thank you Jenna Venter for capturing so many good times in this rad video, you rock! Thank you Sensi and Colleen for organizing an epic retreat!

To see photos from the kite camp CLICK HERE.

Top 5 things to do in Coron, Philippines

Kelly — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 09:42:07 +0000

If you are planning a trip to the Phillipines, I recommend a visit to Coron located on the island of Palawan. There is so much to explore here, but the top five things I recommend to do are:

Visit Coron Island: Here you can climb to this gorgeous view and swim in gorgeous Kayangan Lake.

2. Scuba Dive: Coron Bay is home to some of the worlds best wreck dives. During WWII America Helldiver bombers sunk many Japanese ships, each wreck has its own special characteristics, but all are big, mostly intact, within reasonable diving depth and full of amazing artefacts. This was my first wreck dive and definitely the coolest and most challenging dives I have ever done. It was wild to explore the inside of these ships, seeing engine rooms and steering wheels still intact. My favorite dive was Akit Sushima a massive ship positioned in a way that allowed much light to stream into the ship for better visibility. The most heart stopping dive was Taiei Maru which we entered head first through a man hole into pitch darkness with many narrow passages. We experienced ten different dive spots in Coron Bay and completed our wreck dive & nitrox certifications with Sea Dive Resort.

3. Island Hop: There are so many beautiful islands, lakes and lagoons to explore around Coron. You can snorkel, kayak or relax on white sandy beaches.

Upon arrival in Coron I met the nicest tricycle driver, Mark. We developed a friendship, I met his family, and we went island hopping together. If you are in Coron I highly recommend you contact Mark Ravile for transportation and tours (mharkravile@yahoo.com; +639361094993).

4. Soak in Maquinit natural hot springs.

5. Mt. Tapyas: Climb the 721 stairs to the top for sunset views.

To see more photos of Coron CLICK HERE.

250k Kitecamp Bamboo Private Island

Kelly — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 02:12:24 +0000

I peered over the banca and watched the bamboo poles slice through the turquoise blue water. I had never seen boats like this in my previous journeys through Southeast Asia, these unique outriggers are native to the Philippines. Constructed with boom expansions attached to hollow bamboo poles for extra stability as they motor through choppy water.

I was curious why one wouldn’t throw up a sail and harness the trade winds that blow through the islands. The NE-Monsoon wind “Amihan” blows consistently from November-April and is the reason my friends and I had decided the Philippines would be an ideal tropical kiteboarding holiday away from the chilly San Francisco winter.

I had climbed aboard the banca in Coron town with Jason who had just arrived to Busuanga island after a 22 hour journey from California. I arrived in Coron via a 6-hour speedboat from El Nido, having said goodbye to the kite babes after two fun weeks of island hopping around Palawan. Unfortunately there was not much wind on our girl’s trip but it seemed the wind had arrived just in time for adventures with my beau and the forecast looked fantastic … we were stoked!

The sea was choppy due to strong winds, splashing us with the warm waters of the Sulu Sea. I relaxed into Jason’s arms and smiled feeling blessed to be in such a beautiful place together and excited for the adventures to come.

Just outside of Coron, limestone cliffs jutting out of the water reminding me of Thailand. The landscape varied from more barren land to lush green dense forests. We were in the middle of the Calamianes where there are islands as far as the eye could see, most appearing to be uninhabited. I loved knowing we were going to a remote destination almost two hours from the closest town.

We entered a protected area where islands blocked the wind, the water became calm and shallow, we could see coral and fishes below. A Filipino family passed by on a tiny fishing boat waving hello. Our driver turned off the motor and the guys carefully navigated us away from coral pushing off the sand with long bamboo sticks until we were in the clear.

I could feel that we were getting closer. We kept our eyes peeled for one small island in particular … OUR private island paradise!

In the distance, I spotted two small kites and I knew we had arrived … Small Bamboo Island, so tiny, so remote, so gorgeous, so OURS!

Small Bamboo Private Island – Photo credits to 250K Kiteboarding

The closer we got the more excited I became as the many alluring features of the island began to take shape. My words simply cannot do this place justice, it is a feeling of awe and gratitude for the natural beauty of this world.

The water was a gradient of blues and teals turning clear as it approached the shallow sandy bottom surrounding the island.

Photo Credits to 250k Kiteboarding

The banca delivered us close to shore, we hopped into the warm clear water and made our way to the white sandy beach. Palm trees swayed in the howling winds threatening to drop coconuts. Two kiters were out on 6m kites enjoying a nice session before sunset.

Photo credits to 250K Kiteboarding

A Filipino woman with a big smile welcomed us with outreached hands holding glasses of fresh squeezed mango. We were guided up bamboo stairs to our private hut nestled on the hillside facing west over the sea. The hut was rustic and charming, constructed by natural bamboo and powered by the sun. Our private view was absolutely stunning and was only for our eyes to see.

Photo credits to 250K Kiteboarding

We took a seat in the bamboo chairs outside our hut, cheersing to a wonderful start to our holiday together knowing this was sure to be a kite holiday like no other. We watched the sun dip into the sea painting the sky streaks of pink orange and purple. It was hard to take in this place in all its naturally beauty. We were overwhelmed by its offerings and so grateful for the experience.

Sure I have been lucky visit and kite many beautiful places all over the world but I have never stayed on a private island before. It wasn’t the exclusivity of it that I found attractive but the isolation, the privacy, the peace away from tourists and the pleasure in the simplicity and unspoiled nature of the island that impressed me the most.

We felt very at home on our private island, the staff was discreet yet available ensuring we were enjoying our stay. It was easy to connect with the other guests who shared our passion for kiteboarding. Before long we had settled into paradise and enjoyed our daily rituals.

Waking each morning I had to pinch myself as it often felt like a beautiful dream before my eyes.

Our days would begin with coffee, fresh pineapple juice and a choice of hot breakfast served at our leisure between 7-10 making it easy to sleep late and enjoy island time.

Photo credits to 250K Kiteboarding

After breakfast we would pump up our kites and kite until we were waved in for lunch around 1:00.

There was as much or as little to do as you so desired. The wind was always blowing during our stay so there was no stress to get out on the water before the wind died. I had ample time to relax, kite, SUP, snorkel, or whatever I so desired in paradise!

Kiting in such a vast beautiful space with only a few other kiters sharing the turquoise waters was an incredible feeling.

Watch this drone video that captures the beauty and tranquility of this spot.

After a day of pleasure on the water we still had so much to look forward to. Sunsets were always stunning to watch and dinner was always delicious.

Photo credits to 250K Kiteboarding

When it was time to go to retire to our bamboo hut we slept wonderfully knowing we got to wake up in paradise and do it all over again the next day.

We were blessed with awesome wind all 10 days we were on Bamboo Island … this was truly kite holiday like no other.

Want to experience all that Bamboo Private Islands have to offer? Below is all the information you need to know to book your kite holiday in paradise!

GETTING THERE

Fly into Manila (MNL) and catch a connecting flight to Coron-Busuanga (USU).

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

There are seven private bamboo huts available for rent. Some huts are located directly on the beach while others are nestled in the hillside for more privacy. The four hillside cottages have private baths the others are shared. The entire island is eco-friendly, completely solar powered.

To ensure a private experience, the island only accommodates 13-18 guests at a time (depending if couples/singles/families) with a discreet and hospitable staff.

It is possible to rent the entire island!

Check availability and pricing online as group rates and long stay discounts may apply. There is a minimum required stay of three nights.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY?

Transfer to and from the island from Coron town
Three delicious organic meals prepared by your personal chef are included excluding alcohol which can be purchased at the bar at any time
Guests have free use of stand up paddle boards, kayaks, a small Hobie 16 sailboat and snorkeling gear
Boat support is included, one free rescue is included per guest per day
Storage for kite gear
Alcohol and other beverages are an additional charge served at the bar

KITE SPOT REVIEW: 250k Kiteboarding @ Small Bamboo Private Island

THE GOOD

Private island paradise with no more than 13-18 guests at a time
Awesome wind
World class kite caddy
Crystal blue green water
Boat support, 1 free rescue per day
No crowds, lots of space to kite and explore
Privacy
All inclusive, meals prepared
Lots to do if there is no wind or you don’t kite
Variety of gear rental available to rent
Fun to kite around the island
Kite school on site with instructors
Deep water one of the only spots you can foil in the Philippines

THE BAD

Really nothing to say here! I guess if you are a single person looking for nightlife the island may not provide the party you are looking for but it really depends on the dynamic of the guests who are there at the time.

KITE SCHOOL/GEAR RENTAL:

250k Kite Camp offers professional kite instruction for complete beginners and advanced riders. Included in lessons is gear and boat support. The school is fully equipped for rentals and lessons and offers boat support.

Lessons and gear rental information

WHO’S ON THE WATER

During our stay we had to pleasure of meeting so many interesting people from all around the world. Most everyone was there the kiteboard but there was a couple there that did not kite and enjoyed everything else the island has to offer.

Pictured below are all the guests and staff that were at the island on our last day.

WIND CONDITIONS

We were incredibly blessed with amazing wind 10 days in a row

BEST TIME TO KITE

November-April when the NE-Monsoon wind “Amihan” blows consistently

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Warm tropical paradise!

KITING STYLE

Freestyle and foil (one of the only spots in the Philippines that is deep enough to foil and does not have seaweed farms)

Photo credits to Hadrien Kieny

WHAT SIZE KITE?

Bring them all! We used 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 17

WHAT TO WEAR?

No wetsuit needed but the sun is extra fierce here so be sure to cover up in SPF or lycra. I am loving lycra “kite pants” these days.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU DO NOT KITE?

Included in your stay is unlimited free access to kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and snorkel gear. Wakeboarding is available for an additional charge. The staff can also arrange day excursions to visit nearly islands and scuba diving adventures.

Photo credits to 250k Kiteboarding

SUP: you can SUP around the entire island in 5 minutes!

SAILING: Take out the Hobi 16 for a sail around the islands. Be careful not to get trapped in a pearl farm!

Photo featured is made by Zoe Bikini

KAYAK

SNORKEL

RELAX

Scuba

SCUBA: Experience world-class wreck diving in Coron Bay where 10 10 wrecks of Japanese warships from World War 2 can be explored below the sea.

ISLAND HOP: Be sure to visit Coron Island to see this magnificent view!

If you have additional questions please visit the FAQ page on 250k Kiteboarding’s site where you will find very useful information to help you book your next kite holiday in a paradise!

Kite Babes in Palawan

Kelly — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 23:56:15 +0000

Missing the wind and desiring a tropical paradise where we could kite in bikinis, five kite babes fled California winter to explore the gorgeous Palawan islands in the Philippines.

Bikini second to left is a Zoë Bikini

Zoë Bikini featured in this photo

I packed my new bikinis I bought from a small boutique I stumbled upon in the Mission District in San Francisco. How was it possible that there was a bikini store practically in my backyard that I never knew about? This was surely going to be problematic in managing my bikini addiction but I rationalized that supporting a local business is always a good thing!

While at the shop I had the pleasure of meeting Zoë, owner of Zoë Bikini California, an inspiring and energetic woman who has been designing bikinis since she was a little girl.

I tried to “just look” and simply admire the beautiful pieces she has created … a variety of solids and colorful prints in unique mix and match styles.

“You do NOT need a new bikini Kelly,” I told myself but the temptation was too strong and I decided to try on a “few” just for fun. I left the store feeling high with two new bikinis to add to my collection. Like a typical addict I rationalized to myself that owning 29 bikinis does not really mean I have a problem …

In pondering my bikini addiction I wonder if perhaps the root addiction is traveling to tropical locations and bikinis are just pretty accessories along for the wild rides I have had in my compulsion to experience the world and travel as often as possible.

Regardless, the amount of pleasure I feel whether relaxing, exploring or kiting in tropical lands is a feeling I crave over an over and cannot be sedated.

When my friend Lia suggested a kite babe trip to Palawan, a group of unspoiled islands in the Philippines, I naturally said YES! I am always down for kiteboarding holidays even more so when I can ride without a wetsuit.

Unfortunately we were not blessed with many windy days during the two week trip but had many fun adventures island hopping and most importantly answered that age old question … “how many kite babes can you fit in a tricycle?”

We started our journey in Puerto Princesa and stayed for a week at Blue Palawan resort located right in front of the kites spot.

There was an upcoming kite competition, Blue Palawan Kiteboard Open and many pro kiters were in training for the big event.

This spot wins the award for the most shallow water at high tide and the warmest water. For the first time in my life the words “this water is too warm” escaped my lips to the shock of anyone who knows me as I am cold natured and crave warm water which doesn’t exist in the bay area per my standards of “warm.” We definitely could have rode in only our bikinis but there is an abundance of sea grass that is itchy to the touch so we wore lycra kite pants. Still better than a bulky wetsuit any day!

All five kite babes shared a room and it was a hard knock life for us!

One non-windy day local pro surfer Jasher drove us across the island to Nagtabon Beach for a fun small surf day!

On another non-windy day we went island hopping, snorkeling, and jumping off tall diving boards in Honda Bay.

We hired a driver to take us four hours north to El Nido known to have the prettiest beaches in all of the Philippines. We stayed for a week at Island Front Cottages right on the water in Corong Beach. I recommend this guest house for the location is a bit outside of town and is quieter but mostly because the owner is a sweetheart and made us chicken soup when we were sick, more on that later …

Downtown El Nido had alot going on compared to Puerto Princesa with many shops, restaurants, bars and tour companies.

We rented kayaks from the guest house and set out to explore all the little coves and islands nearby. The sky grew darker and we got caught in a downpour with strong winds blowing offshore giving us an extra hard workout making it back to the beach!

Typically the wind is stronger in northern Palawan and we had hoped to be able to have more windy days in El Nido than we did in Puerto Princesa.

There is a great kite spot in El Nido; however, the spot is about an hour drive from town. There is only one accommodation option at the spot but the rooms are very expensive and the resort is very isolated hence why we decided to stay in town and arranged a driver to take us to the spot.

We loaded all our gear in the back of a truck excited to kite at a new spot!

Qi Palawan is a fancy resort located right on the kite beach in a remote area off the main road making it hard to find. There was a tiny sign we missed the first time we passed it that points the way down a long dirt path to the beach. If you are not a guest at Qi you can still access the spot and kite but you have to make a minimum purchase of about $20 at the resort during the day. You also can hang out in the restaurant area, which is really nice unless you are suffering from food poisoning as two of the kite babes were on the day we rocked up to Qi.

When we arrived there was zero wind and then abruptly it turned on like a fan. Laurel and I raced to pump up our 9m kites but Lia and Erin were moving slow not feeling so well. We had an awesome session with only one other kiter on the water with us!

While Laurel and I were racing along the water, poor Lia and Erin had been racing to the bathroom. Lia had decided to mix it up and puke in the ocean where at least it was a scenic puke. We found them suffering on the couch, the hotel staff whispered and giggled in our direction. We decided it was time to leave.

The bumpy drive back was brutal for the sick girls and Laurel joined the puke party. I knew it was just a matter of time before I would fall victim as well. I joined the party later that night and what a night of suffering we all had! We are unsure what poisoned us but by the end of the day the kite babes were all SICK SICK SICK SICK! Thankfully we all brought antibiotics for this very reason otherwise we would have been at a hospital.

I didn’t think it was possible to trump the time my epic food poisoned in Vietnam that was combined with a long motorbike journey but Palawan bug you win. We were out of commission for two days, which was a real bummer.

Lia was the first to bounce back and encouraged us to get out of our stinky rooms. We felt disgusting and weak and in need of coconut water to rehydrate.

To lift our spirits we spent the next day island hopping and exploring the area snorkeling and kayaking. Northern Palawan is absolutely gorgeous with towering limestone cliffs, crystal clear turquoise waters and clean white sandy beaches.

Bikini featured is by Zoë Bikini

We spent our last day together back at Qi for a redemption session. It was a light wind day and we took turns on Lia’s 14m kite she so kindly shared. Such a fun trip with these ladies … thank you for the memories!

Life is better with kite babes, coconuts and bikinis … you can’t have too many of such good things!

To see more photos of kite girls in Palawan CLICK HERE!

This post was sponsored by Zoë Bikini California, check out Zoë ‘s latest styles for this summer!

Squamish, so beautiful so cold!

Kelly — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 02:19:38 +0000

Squamish … the town name means “mother of wind” for the thermal wind that blows consistently through the valley. The Spit is where hundreds of kiters launch and enter the water where the river pours into the Howe Sound.

Squamish is perhaps the most idyllic kite spots I have experienced, with gorgeous mountain and waterfall views as you ride. The water is quite chilly here, I wore a 5m and needed to rent booties to stay warmer. The wind blows strongest May-September.

Erin and I only had a few days to kite here but I definitely plan to return!

Alaska: no filter needed

Kelly — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 06:01:55 +0000

A very scenic and enjoyable family vacation!

White Pass

Hubbard Glacier

Locals

Mendenhall Glacier

Skagway – White Pass Scenic Railway

Icy Straight Point

To see more photos of Alaska CLICK HERE!

Hawaii … where have you been all my life?

Kelly — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 15:33:52 +0000

Hawaii … so close to my home in San Francisco that I chose to visit far flung lands instead, knowing I could easily pop over to the islands any time I wanted. I finally dug my toes into the sandy warm shores of Maui over a year ago, and I finally am updating my blog with photos!

This visit was a short kiting trip; however, a love affair with these sexy islands began. Hawaii and I need to spend more time together again soon …

To see more photos of Maui CLICK HERE.

Maui Clouds

Kelly — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 22:14:50 +0000

Experience new riding freedom on a Cloud kite, created by Boardriding Maui.

“I developed the Cloud to perform radically different from all other kites.
It is only for riders with a passionately different definition of their riding.” – Greg Drexler

Kitespot Review: Alvor, Portugal

Kelly — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 03:05:38 +0000

Some my best travel experiences have come from visiting friends I have met on the road back in their home countries.

While living in Switzerland in 2014 I became close to a Portuguese couple who lived next door to me. A year later they flew home to visit their family and friends in Lisbon and invited Tom and I to join them on holiday in the sourthern region of Algarve. I normally do not do two week holidays if traveling so far but I could not turn down the chance to experience Portugal with locals, catch up with friends and kiteboard!

THE GOOD

Big lagoon at high tide
Warm water
Beautiful
Super flat water on the ocean side thanks to sand dunes BUT wind blows offshore (2 pics below are from the ocean side)

THE BAD

Was gusty and choppy the day I was there, unsure what is normal
Alvor rivermouth is very tide dependent as the waterlevel goes up and down about 2 meters. At high tide there is lot of room to kite but at low tide water area is quite narrow
Small launching spot, tricky to get in and out of water on the lagoon side

WIND CONDITIONS/BEST TIME TO KITE

Thermal winds are consistent during the summer. Winds averaging 16-25 knots from March-October.
Normal wind direction is northwest and is gusty as it blows over land. Southeast winds are more stable but not as common.
The wind typically picks up in the afternoon and blows through sunset.

Windfinder’s Current Forecast

WHAT SIZE KITE?

I flew my 8m

WHO SHOULD KITE HERE?

Due to the gusty conditions, tricky launch zone and limited space … I would not recommend this spot to beginners.

WHAT TO WEAR?

I was comfortable in a shorty.

GETTING THERE

The closest airport if Faro and then you would drive 72km west. I flew into Lisbon and drove 285 km.
The spot is a bit tricky to find and is about a 15 minute walk from the closest parking lot. You will walk along a dirt path in the direction of the dunes.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

I stayed with friends far from this spot. If anyone local has recommendations please let me know and I can update this post.

WHERE TO EAT/DRINK?

There are many restaurants located at Alvor beach.

WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS NO WIND?

Alvor beach is a lovely place to chill and wait for the wind!

To see more photos of Alvor CLICK HERE.