DESTINATION STATION | 90 MILES TO CUBA Paul Menta fits in like a local.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY PAUL MENTA
Over my 20 years of being a sponsored kiteboarder I’ve met some amazing people, traveled around the world and learned so much. To celebrate this milestone I went back in time to Cuba. I kitesurfed to Cuba back in 2001 and I can tell you sailing there this time was much easier. Sailing on an old topsail boat, the Scooner Wolf made it more epic as besides kite gear we had her loaded down with my legal rum which I make in Key West. This was a bucket list trip; as I will be the first rum-runner to Cuba. Upon arrival I got us through customs with rum and kite gear. My friend Roberto picked us up in his 1953 Buick 42 - KITESURFING MAGAZINE / VOL 5 / ISSUE 3
and away we went on a misson to get wind. The first area we went to was Playa del Estes, where we met up with local kiter Jesus with cubakitevillage. com and did a downwinder. This was a great way to see the whole North Coast. Some other locals joined us for a session as Jesus hit Handlepasses and Loops. They all cheered him on and tried what we were doing. Kites were somewhat new and any repairs done to them were far better than I ever have seen. Wages in Cuba are humble but the people are rich with life, friendliness and stoke. Jesus told us about lot of other spots that have a range of flatwater, waves and even
where to kite in Havana. Best bet is to have these guys guide you as you won’t waste time. Cuban short cuts are not for gringos and driving at night is dangerous. The cost of a driver is the same price as renting a car. After kiting all day we hit Bodega del Medio, Ernest Hemingway’s place for mojitos. I brought the Key West rum and the mojitos flowed. They were so happy that they took me behind the bar and taught me their mojito secrets. We hit a small place to eat called Havana 61 and left with full bellies, kite happy heads and only spent 15 dollars.