FAQ
BEFORE YOU DEPART
ISLA BLANCA KITE SPOT
Ikarus kite camp 21.322172, -86.808289
Is very popular with north winds when local riders from all the coast come to catch the wind because is off-shore in most of the Riviera Maya beaches. Grass field beach to set up the kites but Some rocks on the water entrance Clean inside no rocks no obstacles Little choppy and little kickers with strong north wind Flat when northeast or east-northeast with east, winds can be very gusty and lighter ….better to go to La punta
La Punta (el angostura) 21.336934, -86.795336
Is 1,5 km further on up the road after the restaurant Acapulco ps the gate (there s a charge of 30 pesos 1,5 USD) if you drive further is even better but be careful to don t get stuck in the soft sand Is very good with east and southeast winds but also with north and northeast Actually is kiteable with all wind direction With strong north wind, this beach can be part flooded
La Punta-punta (the real end point of the peninsula)
Only accessible by boat ride, 30 minutes. We can organize kite-trip on request, weather permitting and if wind direction worth it.
HOW TO COME
From Cancun airport the cheapest way is an ADO (airport-cancun) bus to downtown , then from downtown a taxi will cost around 200-300 pesos
From Cancun the easiest way is to follow Av. Bonampak all the way towards north , then this same street turns into a road called PROLONGACION BONAMPAK …a drive between the mangrove, leaving on your right side Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam pass Hotel Villas del Palmar until you arrive to a roundabout with the Playa Mujeres entrance ( A BIG GATE!)
Next right you find a paved road. You follow that paved road all the way with the golf course on your right until there´s a roundabout where there starts a new paved road. You follow this road pass the roundabout of costa mujeres , keep going streigh until it becomes a dirt road.
(Be sure not to take the paralel road on the right that goes to the entrance of the new hotel Riu Dunamar).
Drive 3 kms of dirt road until you find an IKARUS sign on your left, and a big blue post on your right! You turn left and follow the sandy road until the end, and you’ve arrived! We are on the lagoon side!
If you are driving be careful to follow the speed limit , Police with radar checking speed are often on the road.. .
The PUBLIC TRANSPORT minibus stop in Cancun is at the corner with Av. Tulum and Av. Lopez Portillo next to the farmacia CANTO. You take the minivan White and red that says Isla Blanca….minibus .schedule should be 7 am, 11 am, 4 p.m. and back half an hour later
if you take a taxi, just say Ikarus – Isla Blanca (almost at the end) , 1 km after Cabañas Pirata Morgan (now Cabañas Playa Blanca) . Just in case you miss our entrance after 1 mile the dirt road ends on the beach and you cannot go further.
Looking foward to see you.
WHEN TO COME
best winds starts in jan and ends may.
Windy Season nov to june
Nov to march is called (TEMPORADA DE NORTES) winds are affected by north fronts coming from north america … , winds from the north can be strong (35+kts) and cold (3/4 full wetsuit suggested). especially the first 2 days , first wind come from N-W , than from the NORTH then switch clockwise ..N-E, EAST, S-E, and losing usually power and getting warmer , until another north comes in.
Normally nice warm south-east wind blows the days before before the north comes.
we normally use 8mt ,12mt, 15mt kites for average 70 kg rider
During wimter oct to march some days temp can go down to 12 grades celcius with north winds and winds from 12 to 30 kts but can be strong as 45 kts s
When south east temp can be from 18 to 27 and wind 12 to 25 and up to 30 kts with gust some days
CANCELATION POLICY FOR ACCOMODATION
CANCELLATIONS
Only cancellations made by e-mail will be recognized.
Your reservation payment will be refunded (less 50 us dls administration costs) if you cancel 60 days before your initial lodging date.
50% of your reservation payment will be refunded (less 50 us dls administration costs) if you cancel between 60 and 30 days before your initial lodging date.
Your reservation payment will not be refunded if you cancel between 30 days and your initial lodging date.
This cancellation policy does not apply to official holidays, and during the following periods no refunds will be paid: Thanks Giving’s Day, Christmas and New Year, Easter week.
Thanks.
CANCELATION POLICY FOR LESSONS
RAIN CHECK POLICY
It is our policy that all lessons are prepaid upon booking to assure a time slot and a position with an instructor, equipment and/or Personal Watercraft. In the event of a postponement or a cancellation, you will be rescheduled for the earliest available lesson slot.
Lessons that are cancelled due to the weather will be issued a rain check equal to the value of the lesson and will be valid for indefinite time and can be transferred to someone else. Rain Checks can be redeemed for lessons or equipment at Ikarus Kiteboarding.
No show and/ or no call will result in no refund and no rain check. It is our goal to get you riding and we will do everything possible to get you out there.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All lessons can be cancelled or rescheduled up to 24 hours before the scheduled lesson time with no penalty. Lessons cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours of the lesson will be charged a $70 us reschedule fee. Cancelled lessons will be issued a Rain Check for the amount of the lesson price.
CHOOSING A TRIP
GENERAL INFO
Windy Season NOVEMBER to JUNE
Other kite spots in Cancun
Punta Nizuc.
21.045334, -86.767917
Intermediate
East / south-east. Shade, parking, small beach, shallow, flat little chop Warning parking lot is not safe don t leave valuables in the car
Hotel zone
between punta Cancun 21.139488, -86.743187 and Playa Delfines (El Mirador) 21.066961, -86.772358
Northeast east-southeast
Only for expert riders
Warning hotels have many buoys to limit the swimmers area
Strong rip current violent beach break no good when straight onshore wind
Playa Delfines
21.066961, -86.772358
SHOREBREAK Waves best with north-northeast, east, south-est
expert-intermediate
Strong rip current violent beach break no good when straight onshore wind
other kite spots along the coast
Playa del Carmen
Only one beach available at the north of coco beach, for advanced and experts. bump-wire fence on the small beach:
Cozumel
North-west coast for north winds and east coast for west winds and waves
Xpu-Ha
One of the most beautiful beaches, a small bay with a lot of tourists on the beach and reef in the water only for experts
Tulum and south of Tulum
Miles of idyllic beaches, good with north-east, east, south-east (ADVANCED). Choppy and waves
El Cuyo
Good for nortes and from april to september you can find a nice thermal breeze in the afternoon when is sunny
Isla Holbox
Beautiful quiet island, good with north and north east…the are kite regulations on the island and designed areas. (BEGINNERS)
All the Gulf coast from el Cuyo to Progreso has very nice thermal wind during spring and especially during summer when sunny (BEGINNERS ) further towards Progreso the thermal gets stronger.
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WAVES
Swells comes between nov to may after strong north fronts or after several days of GOOD southeast
Between June to November swells are only for hurricane passing by
Surfing beaches are Playa Delfines and Playa Chackmool
Wetsuit 3/4 or 5/4 long sleeve suggested from November to march especially when the north wind blows
No wetsuit after April or a shorty is enough.
Nov to march Depending on north fronts 10kts to 35 knots
April Stil can have few north winds but less strong south-east is prevalent 12 to 25 knots
May. East and Southeast 10 to 25 knots
June to November Most days is very calm
depending on the year you can be lucky and get a few days of wind maybe because of a storm or hurricane nearby kite carefully with storms and tornados during this season
Why visit
For his temperate climate during winter and spring and good winds in season
For the shallow flat water ideal for beginners and freestylers
Kiteable with less wind than on the seaside due to the lack of currents and chop,
Kiteable with any wind directions
For the wild nature, its a mangrove protected area many birds and crabs.
For the Mexican culture, food, drinks, and traditions
For the ancient ruins of the area
For the beauty of the coast and sea
For diving and snorkeling
For visiting cenotes
For chilling out
Warning and danger
Few Sting rays especially during late spring,
Very very shallow water with low tide and few small rocks isolated
Stay near the beach with east wind (offshore) in case of emergency self-rescue and recover the kite before it gets too deep,
Shallow area is big …stay there
Police patrol check speed limit on the road, follow the limit signs.
Getting around
Food and drinks
Restaurant at Ikarus kite camp , italian pasta, salads, Mexican food, tacos, fish chicken, shrimps, vegetarian, good coffees and cappuccinos
Restaurant at La Punta. Fried fish and chips, ceviches (now remodeling) soon will be a beach bar – snacks
Restaurant marina el cayo Fried fish , seafood, ceviches
Restaurant cabañas playa Blanca Mexican food
Other restaurants are in Punta Sam and Puerto Juarez
(check restaurant Flamingos for grilled seafood)
You can find popular typical seafood restaurant of ceviches and fried fish, in Puerto Juarez next to Playa el Niño.
hundreds of restaurants and bars in Cancun downtown and hotel zone for all the tastes.
Nightlife
No nightlife at Isla Blanca unless there s a bonfire on the beach
Cancun hotel zone is 20 minutes away with too much nightlife for all tastes
No wind
Paddleboarding or kayak the lagoon
Mayan ruins (Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba,…. there are too many.) The ruins of El Meco is close to Isla Blanca in Punta Sam
Cenote ( beautiful sinkholes and caves with crystalline waters usually surrounded with luxury vegetation )
Diving a snorkeling in the second biggest coral reef in the world
Visit Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy
Boat Tour in the lagoon you can visit la Laguna del Manati, sail into mangrove channels, see crocodiles and birds, visit Boca Iglesia with the ruins of the first church in Mexico built by the Spanish in 1570
Flyfishing in the lagoon
May to August – Whale shark tours
Bird watching
Book reading
Visit colonial towns as Valladolid – Izamal –
Nearest Airports
Airport Name (Airport Code) – CANCUN (CUN)
Transfer Time
(POP) – 45 mins
Full School Name*: IKARUS KITEBOARDING
webpage : www.kiteboardmexico.com
Facebook Page URL*: https://www.facebook.com/IKARUSKITEBOARDING
Google Plus URL: https://plus.google.com/u/1/+ikaruskiteboarding/posts/p/pub
Instagram URL: IKARUSKITEBOARDING
YouTube Channel URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/ikaruskiteboarding
internet
WI-FI at Ikarus restaurant
3g signal is working but not constant
Cell phone signal also is not very good in all the area
Accommodation
At the Ikarus camp located on the lagoon side
4 rooms with 2 beds queen size and private bathroom With shower hot water.
Camping tent and hammock are available for rent
Power is supplied by the solar system during the day and gas generator a few hours at night
Cafe restaurant, swim pool, beach, garden, sunset view
Few houses for rent are sometimes available in the area
Cabañas Playa Blanca 1,5 km from the Ikarus camp on the seaside beach
rustic small bungalows with one bed and private bathroom,
bungalow for 4 people in the back
Restaurant, nice wide beach
Isla Blanca B&B. On the seaside a shared house with 6 rooms
Isla Blanca is developing always faster more accommodations will be available soon,
At 14 km there s the entrance of few big hotels.
High price
Hotel finest playa Mujeres
Hotel excellence playa Mujeres
Hotel la Amada (the beloved) playa Mujeres
Medium price
Hotel villas del palmar
Professional kite repair available with Dr-Kite Cancún
Ikarus kite camp 21.322172, -86.808289
Is very popular with north winds when local riders from all the coast come to catch the wind because is off-shore in most of the Riviera Maya beaches.
Grass field beach to set up the kites but Some rocks on the water entrance
Clean inside no rocks no obstacles
Little choppy and little kickers with strong north wind
Flat when northeast or east-northeast
with east, winds can be very gusty and lighter ….better to go at la Punta
La Punta ( el angostura) 21.336934, -86.795336
Is 1,5 km further on up the road after the restaurant Acapulco ps the gate
(there s a charge of 30 pesos 1,5 USD) if you drive further is even better but be careful to don t get stuck in the soft sand
It is very good with east/southeast winds also kiteable with north and northeast
Actually with every wind direction
With strong north wind, this beach can be part flooded
Have a nice windy day
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IKO STUDENT STANDARD
Student’s standards
Kiteboarder level 1
The following tables are a detailed explanation of the different skill levels that you can achieve.
The certification standards have been designed to:
– validate your levels, from your first body drag to your first jump,
– allow instructors to know exactly what you have learned and from what point to take up your training,
– allow kiteboarding centers to know exactly what kind of equipment you are capable of renting.
DISCOVERY KITEBOARDER PROGRAM
Level Competences
A-1
Carry and set up the lines and kite.
Determine the wind direction and upwind and downwind (windward, leeward).
Fly a small kite (inflatable, stunt kite, foil.) on the wind window edge and maintain it close to the ground.
Know how to stop the kite power in case of a problem by releasing the bar. Be aware that the kite leash must be worn at all times, before kite launching and until landing.
B-1
Be aware of the area where the kite can fall downwind to the pilot.
Recover the kite on land.
Position the kite on request from 9 to 3 o’clock on the wind window edge.
Launch a kite with an assistant and choose the right angle to the wind.
Fly the kite in the power area without crashing it.
Twist and untwist the lines while the kite flies.
Recover a kite and secure it on land.
Land a kite with the help of an assistant.
C-1
Fly a kite hooked to the harness.
Pilot hooked to the harness with one hand.
Activate the harness release system or quick release located on a leader line.
D-1
Perform a downwind course by body dragging and using the power of the kite.
E-1
Relaunch a kite from the water.
Wind the lines in the water and recover the kite.
Perform a self-rescue in deep water.
Launch a kite alone on land.
Identify potential wind obstacles creating lift or down draft and be able to define the wind direction. Understand that practice with onshore wind is dangerous.
INTERMEDIATE KITEBOARDER PROGRAM
Level Competences
F-2
Define if the practice area is safe for practice.
Set up and check the equipment alone (kite, line, control bar).
G-2
Go away from the shore (with side-shore and side-on-shore wind) while body dragging, go downwind and come back to the shore.
In the water, pilot a kite with power from one side of the wind window to the other, passing by the power area. The pilot must be able to perform while piloting the kite at different heights from the water.
Perform the previously mentioned exercise while piloting with one hand.
H-2
Know the water start theory: board and body positioning, kite piloting.
Recover the board in deep water and position the feet in the foot-straps and keep the position while flying the kite.
I-2
Stand up on the board and ride while moving the kite up and down.
Tie the board leash alone.
Set up a 4 line kite alone and check that it is properly done. Obligatory at this point if it hasn’t been done before.
Fly 4 line kite.
Activate the safety systems of a 4 line bar (power loop, leash).
Adjust a four-line kite while using the power loop.
Adjust the trim system of a 4 line kite to avoid it to fly backward or to adjust the power.
INDEPENDENT KITEBOARDER PROGRAM
Level Competences
J-3
Know the right of way rules.
Ride away from the shore and come back to the shore.
K-3
Edge on the heel and toe side to change the course.
Accelerate by edging down and moving the kite.
Stop by edging.
Be able to keep an edge.
L-3
Ride away from the shore and come back at the starting point. Ride upwind.
Constantly ride upwind.
M-3
Recover the board without the leash, by body dragging upwind.
Ride a twin tip. Optional if it has been done before.
Switch of direction.
N-3
Know the theoretical approach to jumps.
Perform a small jump and land it.
SAFETY AND DANGERS
STING RAYS are often around, if you get stung you need to submerge your foot in very hot water to neutralize the poison of the protein injected , for about one hour. Is very painful but usually pain disappear after one-two hours.
SCORPIONS there are scorpions around as in all mexico, the one in this area are not very dangerous the stung just is little painful and can produce cotton-mouth and light buzzy effects
SNAKES we have few around but they are mostly boa they are harmful.
CROCODILES lives in remote areas of the lagoon, be sure not to end up far away downwind when off-shore , in many years we didn t see many
MOSQUITOS at sunset they can be very annoying, during the day if there is now wind we can have no-see-hum, tiny mosquitos.
TRAFFIC POLICE they are hiding to get you speeding the limit, be careful
RESTAURANT MENU
BREAKFAST
FRUITS SALAD – small 40
FRUITS SALAD – big 70
with yogurt 20
with granola 5
BREAD WITH BUTTER AND HONEY 25
CROISSANT OR SWEET BREAD 25
HOT-CAKES
with honey 75
with Nutella 75
with banana & honey 75
EGGS (if available ORGANIC + 10 PESOS )
FRIED OR POACHED 50
with tomatoes, onion, chile 75
with HAM 75
with CHAYA (Mayan spinach from our garden) 70
with CHAYA and CHEESE 75
OMELETTE 50
with CHEESE 75
with TOMATE, ONION, CHAYA ,CHEESE 75
CEREAL with MILK 50
NESCAFE 15
NESCAFE w/ MILK 20
COFFEE w/ MILK 30
EXPRESSO 25
CAPPUCCINO 35
HOT CHOCOLATE 30
TEA 20
TEA GOURMET 30
YOGURT 20
LUNCH AND DINNER
SALAD S
v mix (tomato, lettuce, onion, cucumber, carrot) 60
Tuna, Chicken, or Fish 110
TORTILLA (tomato & avocado)
Cheese 60
Ham and cheese 85
Chicken and cheese 110
TACOS
with Chicken or Fish 95
with shrimps 115
PASTAS
(MACARONI, SPAGHETTI, TAGLIATELLE, LINGUINE)
v WITH TOMATO SAUCE 110
v WITH PRIMAVERA SAUCE (VEGETABLE) 120
WITH SEAFOOD SAUCE 145
WITH SHRIMPS CREAM SAUCE 160
WITH BUTTER 100
v WITH PESTO 110
FRIED RICE
v with vegetable 85
with vegetable & chicken 110
with vegetable & shrimps 130
SANDWICH
Cheese 55
Ham & Cheese 55
Chicken 55
v Vegetarian 55
PANINI
Cheese 60
Ham & Cheese 60
Chicken 60
v Vegetarian 60
CHICKEN STRIPES with bell pepper and onion 120
FISH STRIPES with bell pepper and onion 130
MIXED FAJITAS with shrimps, chicken, fish , bell pepper, onion 150
FISH FILET 150
(breaded, grilled, axiote, with salad and rice)
CHICKEN BREST $ 120
(breaded, grilled, butter, with salad and rice)
SHRIMPS 160
with salad and rice
v GUACAMOLE 60
v RICE AND BEANS 35
ENFRIJOLADAS with cheese 70
ENFRIJOLADAS with chicken 90
ENCHILADAS with cheese 70
ENCHILADAS with chicken 90
CEVICHE small 90
CEVICHE big 165
DRINKS
Soft drinks 25
Agua chica 15
Agua grande 25
Gatorade 25
Arizona Tea 25
Big Juice 25
Small Juice 15
Splash Juice 25
Milk 15
Milk with chocolate 15
Fresh Coconut 30
water with chaya and lemon 30
orange water natural 30
lemonade natural 30
water with clorofila 15
fresh fruit juice 40
NESCAFE 15
NESCAFE w/ MILK 20
COFFEE w/ MILK 30
EXPRESSO 25
CAPPUCCINO 40
HOT CHOCOLATE 30
TEA 20
TEA GOURMET 30
Have a nice windy day