Kiteboarding in the Philippines

The Beach

Boracay has lots of beaches. But the most important beach for kiteboarders is Bulabog Beach (also known as Laguna de Boracay). This beach faces the Sibuyan Sea on the eastside and is excellent for kiteboarding during the Amihan Season (see below). The most known beach in Boracay, White Beach faces westwards to the Sulu Sea. It is fine for kiteboarding in the Habagat Season (see below). Both beaches offer white, powdery sand and shallow water.

The Wind

Weather in Boracay is generally divided into two seasonal weather patterns known locally as the Amihan and Habagat seasons. In the Tagalog language, Amihan means a cool northeast wind, and Habagat means west or southwest wind; south-west monsoon. Amihan and Habagat seasons are generally associated respectively with the El Niño and La Niña global weather patterns. The Amihan season is characterized by moderate temperatures, little or no rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the east. The Habagat season is characterized by hot and humid weather, frequent heavy rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the west.

On Boracay, the main indicator of the switch between the Amihan and Habagat seasonal patterns is the switch in wind direction. In most years this transition is abrupt and occurs overnight. In some years there is a period of perhaps a week or two where the wind will switch between Amihan and Habagat patterns several times before settling into the pattern for the new season. As a general rule of thumb, Boracay will be in the Amihan weather pattern from sometime in September or October to sometime in May or June and in the Habagat weather pattern for the remainder of the year. These dates can vary in individual years, though.

Daytime temperatures on Boracay generally range from 77-90°F (25-32°C) from the beginning of the Amihan season into February or March, increase to the 82-100°F(28-38°C) range until the onset of the Habagat season, and moderate back to the 77-90°F (25-32°C) range with the return of the Amihan season. During Tropical Storm periods, temperatures can fall below 68°F (20°C). Tropical Storms can impact Boracay at any time of year, but are most likely to be seen during the Habagat season.

See also our weather page with a wind-chart for Boracay.

The School and Team

Winnie's Habagat Kite Village offers the whole range of IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) courses. Starting with the 2 hours introductory course and then stepping up from IKO Level 1 to Level 3.

1st Level:
Setting up / Piloting / Safety / Managing the practice area / Spot analysis

2nd Level:
Water Start / Managing the Kite Power / Edging

3rd Level:
Riding Power / Going Up Wind / Direction Change / First Jump

The six IKO certified instructors speak together 9 languages; Deutsch (Hans, Winnie and Joni), Schwyzertütsch (Winnie), Français (Michel), Italiano (Andy), Nederlands (Joni), Suommi, Русский and Slovenski (Indy). And of course, they all speak English.

Habagat Kiteboarding Course Rates

For exchange rates see our Money Exchange Page

The Equipment

You may bring your own equipment to Boracay. But think of the luggage restrictions in all planes flying to Caticlan. (See also our Fees and Taxes page).

But there is a trick...

The best (and cheapest) way to travel is with a kiteboard bag that resembles a golf bag. Basically, the airlines' policy states that golfers get to carry their golf gear for free (as long as it is under 50 lbs). However, kiteboard equipment will be charged USD 95 each way (according to Continental Airlines). Luckily, kiteboard companies have found a way to solve this problem. By getting the right travel bag, you'll be able to bypass these fees. Bags such as the Naish Golf Roller Bag and the NSI Deceiver Pro Golf Bag appear to be a golf bag on the outside, but are designed especially for kiteboarding. I have used the NSI Deceiver on 3 occasions and never got questioned. The bag pays for itself after one round-trip flight.
The Naish Golf Roller Bag 140cm will fit 2 boards (140cm and under) along with 4 kites. USD 199.99
NSI Deceiver Pro Golf will fit 2 boards (147cm and under) along with 2 kites USD 149.99

Or you may rent the newest gear at the kite village.

For exchange rates see our Money Exchange Page

The Resort

The Aissatou Resort is integrated in the Habagat Kite Village. It allows you to surf until you are "dead" and then directly fall in your bed. The 9 fully furnished 2 and 3 bed rooms are of excellent quality and cleanliness.

The rooms are really fine with either two separate beds or a large one, private bath with hot water, cable TV and free WiFi Internet access. The basement rooms give direct access to the village's garden, 1st floor rooms have their own terraces. And the view from the top floor penthouse is breath taking.

Aissatou Resort Room Rates

See also our Resorts page.

The Places

Boracay: Habagat Kite Village

Boracay: Hangin Kite Center

Boracay: “Knots Landing” Kitesurfing

Daet-Bagasbas: Mike's Kite