Kitesurfing is exploding as a sport across the world and with specialist tour operators and kite camps in Europe becoming increasingly popular, few venture as far as the Caribbean. As I recently discovered, it’s far more accessible than you would think.

Direct flights are now available from the UK to the Dominican Republic, the Cayman Islands and there a number of tour operators who offer all inclusive holidays for less than £1000 for 2 weeks, making the region an affordable destination.  True, the wind may not be as strong as in some of the top spots in Europe or South America, but the empty, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches more than make up for it. For the last 12 months I’ve been living the dream – kitesurfing, wakeboarding and enjoying the beaches in places I only fantasised over in magazines before now.

THE VIBE

Caribbean life is….SLOW. The locals here do things in their own time, drive at their own pace and make up their own rules. Don’t expect to get anything done in a hurry and at the same time forget about being stressed. Rushing or stressing gets you nowhere around here! The good news is that people who aren’t rushing around all the time are generally super friendly people and always have time to chat. The community of kitesurfers and wakeboarders is relatively small so as soon as you hit the beach you’ll make friends.

THE WILDLIFE

The tropical islands are famous for the Iguanas  (HUGE green iguanas are everywhere and will often challenge you for a sunbathing spot by the pool, whereas blue iguanas are lesser spotted and are an endangered species), turtles and sealife around the coral reefs. In the Cayman Islands, a naturally occurring sandbar is home to a number of stingrays – you can go on a boat trip and get in the water and play with them. Contrary to the bad reputation that Steve Irwin has given them, stingrays are actually really friendly and super cute animals and they only have one barb to use throughout their whole lives. Like a man at war with only one bullet, they chose wisely when to use it, and are very unlikely to attack a human. I’ve seen some of the guys out here licking their tails….

TRANSPORT

You need a car. Most of the islands in the Caribbean are too small to have a sophisticated public transport system and taxi’s are expensive. Hire a car or borrow one from a friend – you’ll be grateful for the chance to spend time in an air conditioned space as well! Just beware of the road rules – there are none. Don’t be surprised to find someone going the wrong way around a roundabout or even stopping half way round to let another car out. Indicating? What’s that?

THE WEATHER

SUNNY! The temperature in the Caribbean doesn’t really change throughout the year (averaging 25-28 degrees) and there are only two seasons – summer and winter – the only difference between the two being the amount of rain. The summer months (June to November) are known as the Hurricane season so expect higher humidity and at the moment (August) it rains almost every day. It’s not British style rain though – we’re talking thunder, lightening and torrential downpours flooding the streets. Ten minutes later it’s dry and sunny again and the temperature hasn’t moved from 30 degrees. Pack an umbrella but don’t be put off.

RIDING

If you’re working out here, you’ll be spending all your time on the water  – there is always a watersport on offer. Whether it’s kitesurfing, wakeboarding, snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, swimming or cliff jumping – if you’re a water baby, you won’t be bored.

If it’s lessons you’re after there are a few good schools worth mentioning. In the Cayman Islands, Cayman Kiteboarding runs Kitesurf Cayman, offering lessons from ex-international pros and has a great new shop, Waterman Cayman, where you can pick up everything from a new bikini to a full set of kite surfing equipment. In the Dominican Republic, the best teaching can be found at the Kite Club at Kite Beach. It’s also a great spot to stop for a beer and some tacos while you watch the local kids throw some ridiculous tricks. If it’s wakeboarding and jet skiing you’re into, contact Red Sail sports who have locations throughout the Caribbean.

EATING AND DRINKING

Come with a thirst for rum (which is cheaper than soft drinks on many of the islands) and a big appetite. Caribbean food consists of currys and jerk (spicy bbq) meat but you’ll find every cuisine from pizza to sushi. Nightlife on the islands I’ve been to is a big thing – I’ve partied as hard here as I did during my years at uni. Most bars have happy hours every night and chilling out at sunset is usually accompanied by at least 1 beer.

I’m living in the Cayman Islands at the moment and have travelled to a few places in the area – most recently Cabarete in the Dominican Republic. Paradise is not as far as you think and well worth the effort.

Thanks to Maya Ogorzalek  for this article.  If you would like to get involved with Girlylegs, check out how HERE.