13
PANAMA 4/5
4/5
4/5
3/5
KITE OPTIONS? Bigger kites are recommended – so depending on your weight, a 9, 12m or 11, 13m combo would be the best. WHICH WETSUIT? Booties strongly recommended for most riders and maybe a spring suit. Long sleeve rash guard or full body lycra suit for sun and wind exposure protection highly recommended. BEER Expect $2-3 for a local beer. TYPICAL DINNER Latin Caribbean inspired seafood dinners with plenty of beers and wine to wash things down! LATE NIGHT… Think beach bonfires, board games and cards, and music with the local indigenous people. GETTING THERE Fly to Panama City and explore Panama City for a night or two, then take the charter flight from Albrook Airport directly in/out of the island airstrip in San Blas. Avoid/ saves 3 hours of mountain road driving and gives you extra kite sessions on your first and last days... the catamaran is at anchor next to the island airstrip.
THE LOWDOWN
Lying off the north coast of Panama, the San Blas Islands number over 365 islands, 49 of which are inhabited. With tropical island scenery, warm water, no mass tourism and no kite crowds, this is a paradise trip destination. It can be best enjoyed cruising aboard an all inclusive kite adventure boat exploring the culture, along with remote and virgin kite spots – blue lagoons, flat water, miles of sand bars, chop, waves and downwinders with expert guiding and a water-safety minded professional licensed crew! KITING SET UP
Guiding kitesurfers for nine years now, the expert crew of 52ft Green Flash Catamaran will ensure you enjoy the best spots at the perfect time. With shallow water access you’ll cruise to kite playgrounds where no other boats venture! With beach, boat and tender launch options, the catamaran features an “Aft Kite Deck” which is ideal to pump up your kite and drift
28
DE S T IN AT ION GUIDE
launch directly from the catamaran. You will be an expert on this launch before you go home! The three guest cabins have private bathrooms, and trips include drinks and snacks in addition to three healthy meals daily, with freshly caught seafood of course a speciality. WHEN IS BEST TO GO?
Mid December to mid April is the best time to visit, with the strongest trade winds from January through March. Expect 12-25 knots daily, with some days gusting to 30 knots plus, and generally strongest early morning and late afternoon. NO WIND?
No worries if no wind! Expect to kite six or seven days per week. During the lighter winds at midday enjoy discovering deserted islands, snorkelling, SUP and spear fishing, with all equipment included. Or just kick back with a book on the sand or a hammock on-board.
