Boracay is the most prominent tourist destination in the Philippines. The island is famous the world over for its white sand of crushed corals, azure waters, and a tropical vibe that offers a wide range of seawater activities. One of the fun and exhilarating island things to do in Boracay is Kitesurfing. Read on below to find out more about this exciting Boracay sea sport.

As a mecca for tourists, Boracay offers a wealth of choices in terms of affordable accommodations, cuisine, and a wide variety of activities of interest to guests from all over the world.

One of these activities is kitesurfing, which has become more and more popular. But they are not the kind of kites we grew up playing with as children and teenagers. This one is more challenging and brings lots of fun and excitement.

What is Boracay Kitesurfing

Harnessing the power of the wind while riding a board in the water, kitesurfing in effect combines surfing with paragliding. You play two sports all at once. It is also known as kiteboarding, these terms being interchangeable.

In Boracay, there are two types of kitesurfing kites, one is foil, which is perfect for light winds, and the other is inflatable, for riding the waves. As to its size, your Instructor will determine what you need based on your weight and the wind’s usual speed. The same goes for the board you will use. These expert kiteboarders can take one look at you and determine the kind of equipment you will use.

A versatile sport, kitesurfing can be performed on three different surfaces: water, land, or snow. It is not just paragliding and surfing combined, knowledge of other board sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and windsurfing will come in handy.

Kitesurfing in Boracay has attracted not only adrenaline junkies but also those with a buff physique. Even kids have taken up the sport, as well as the so-called corporate slaves and top-level executives. Chances are, those who just try it for kicks and fun are hooked.

Who Can Kitesurf

The International Kitesurfing Organization (IKO), requires that a kitesurfer be at least 12 years old. Needless to say, since this is a physical sport, good natural coordination skills and a minimal level of endurance and fitness will be a requirement. Learning to kite is difficult and physically challenging, but at the end of the day, persistence and determination will have you standing on your board while flying.

Kiteboarding in Boracay

Kiteboarding is one of the more popular sports in Boracay, and Bulabog Beach is the place to be. Located on the opposite side of White Beach, Bulabog is shorter and relatively windier, which makes it ideal for kitesurfing. It is a 10 to 15-minute stroll from the main road. When you stand in front of D’ Mall facing the other way, you will readily see signage.

Like moths to a flame, kitesurfing schools congregate in Boracay’s Bulabog area. Some of them offer packages that include accommodations. Unless you want to have a total change of scenery at the end of your lessons and eventual forays into the wind and sea.

Check the credentials of the school and the instructors, if they are affiliated with and certified by the International Kiteboarding Association (IKO), the world’s leading kiteboarding organization specializing in kiteboard education, promoting safe practices, and enhancing the highest standards for the industry.

Note that the best time to learn kitesurfing in Boracay’s Bulabog Beach is from November to April. This is when the weather is good, the temperature is not too uncomfortable, and the wind is favorable and quite consistent.

Is Kitesurfing in Boracay expensive?

Lessons usually begin with a Discovery Kiteboarding Course, which costs around 3.000 pesos. It’s your chance to switch on the green light or pick up another sport or activity, depending on how you find the introductory course.

If you commit to training, a three-day training course can set you back PhP20,000. It might appear steep, but that includes the use of all the equipment and sometimes, the package includes the use of a wet suit and water shoes.

Those who have had prior board-riding experience, such as in a wakeboard or perhaps have done some windsurfing, it will shorten your lessons considerably, and get you flying after just one session instead of the usual three. Some take longer to gain independence, so to speak, where one does not have an instructor as a shadow.

If you can already achieve on the second day what is projected to be achieved on the third day, you just got earned some of your money back. If you are a beginner, do not entertain thoughts of acquiring your gear or equipment. Take it slow and grow into the sport. If you learn to like it so much, it’s your choice.

Why Try Kitesurfing In Boracay?

As mountaineers are wont to say because the mountain is there, kitesurfers are no different, save it is with the wind and sea. It may look easy, but it is physically demanding. The sport develops not just your balance and coordination. As with any other sport, there is always danger, so you need to focus, to concentrate. Before you know it, your body’s reflexes and reaction time is optimized, and your physique is made stronger, especially your core muscles.

Like any other sport, kitesurfing is physical exercise while having pleasure and entertainment.

The pandemic compelled us to stay home, or at the very least, limit our encounters with other people, even our own families outside our homes, other relatives, and most of our friends. We all need to have a change of pace, a different scenery, a new activity. Why not try indulging in kitesurfing while you’re in Boracay.

Learning kitesurfing can be an impetus for us to once again enjoy the outdoors, a different environment. It will boost both our physical and mental health to learn a new activity – and kitesurfing is there to help you relax. Without being conscious of the physical effort required, you can undertake much-needed exercise while having fun doing so.

Once you have become more and more confident with your skill level, you can start learning and mastering tricks for even more fun in the sun. There are four levels of Recreational Kiteboarders: Discovery, Intermediate, Independent, and Advanced.

Eventually, you will learn to perform these tricks: Back Roll (aka Back Loop); Blind Judge 360; Front Mobe; Front Roll (aka Front Loop); KGB; Kiteloop; Nuclear Grab; Raley; S- Bend; and Slim Chance.

You used to watch and say wow. Now, the shoe is on the other foot.

Kiteboarding in Boracay Beckons

When you come to learn kitesurfing in Bulabog Beach at Boracay, you will come home not just with new skills and mastering a new sport. With daily lessons taking only an average of 3 hours, you have so much time on your hands, and other adventures, some other pleasures, await you in this island paradise.