Utah Windriders Association

I am headed down to Costa Rica at the end of August and wanted to take along my kites. I have checked out a couple websites with limited info on kite surfing there. If anyone has any ideas on good locations that they know of or have been to please let me know.

Chris Hedquist

Hey Chris, I have been to Costa Rica. It was primarily a surfing trip, but I did do some windsurfing at Lake Arenal. It was good steady 5.0 to 6.0 lake sailing. If you do go to that region, I highly recommend Tabaccon Hot Springs, a resort located on the flanks of the Arenal Volcano. Lot's of hot South American and Euro Chicks. As far as kiting the on the coast(s), I really don't know. There was'nt much wind but that could be a seasonal thing. We were there in Febuary.
Good Luck, D.

Lake Arenal is the most popular site for windsurfing and probably kiting now. The launch is not optimal for kites but a few years ago John Paul of Hotel Tilawa had a boat that can help out if you can't get in. My favorite place for wind is Puerto Soley (Bahia Bolanos) located on an ocean bay near the Nicaragua border. It has a good beach and smooth rollers for kiting. I've only been there in the winter which is the windiest time. Four years ago it blew non-stop 3.0 to 4.0 for three months. I don't think August is very windy but I imagine Puerto and Arenal can blow enough for a 16m or so.

I've heard of people kiting at some other Pacific beaches (Tamarindo, Panama) but the wind is offshore so a bay like Bolanos or hiring a fishing boat to watch provides some safety. I looked for places on a surfing trip and found a place by Nosara on the Pacific side. Nice bay but the wind didn't cooperate (either 35+ or nothing), so it's still waiting. Good Luck.