Kiteboarding
Sailing away from Union Island towards Tobago Cays in twenty plus knots of ENE wind, I am shocked that we were kiting this morning in this monstrous breeze. Gerty is heeled over and bouncing around on the waves, so how did I manage a ten meter kite just hours ago? Come to think of it, how did I learn to kiteboard at all?
The memories are a blur of failed water starts, foot injuries, unintentional catapults into the air, tantrums, and mantras about not giving up. Then about three days ago (make that about eight days ago for Michael), it happened. My arms let the bar out, my hips took control of the harness, my eyes looked in the direction that I wanted to go, my kite steadied at two o’clock, my board carved into the water, and I glided upwind. Upwind is the holy grail when it comes to kiteboarding. At Frigate Bay, Union Island, if you can’t go upwind, you will pass right by Grenada and wind up in Aruba!
Even though we spent most of our time in Union attacking this new-to-us sport, there was still plenty of time to enjoy and learn about this remote spot. The two towns, Ashton and Clifton are in walking distance to the harbor where we anchored Gerty. The dinghy dock in Ashton is crowded with tables of drying sea moss. According to the locals, sea moss smoothies are a popular aphrodisiac. So that explains that.
From Ashton, the hike to Mount Taboi was steep and strenuous. The view at the top was worth it.
The walk to Clifton, over two foot-bridges and a lovely seaside path created by SUSGREN was a favorite route to shopping at May’s vegetable stand.
The signs along the way were threatening, but the goats and dogs that walked with us were not.
In the end, I think Michael favored Union more than I did. He’s happily working on his pops, while I’m content to slowly cruise back and forth, stop for chit chat at the beach, and watch my teacher, Butter, twirl around in the air!
Last remarks:
- Thank you to SV Purr and SV Polaris for keeping us company in Frigate
- Thank you to Pokeman and Butter for your patience and teaching expertise.
- Please go to susgren.org if you want to learn more and donate to Sustainable Grenadines, an NGO committed to the conservation of the coastal and marine environment and sustainable livelihoods for the people of the Grenadine Islands.
Comments (12)
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These islands seem more remote than Antigua, but I’m guessing each has their own flavor and interests. I never get tired of watching you kite boarding, and never tire of hearing of your adventures.
Love, Mom
Thanks mom!
Love this post ! Norm taught me to windsurf once upon a time and I had a shiner across my cheek to prove it ! Can’t believe you could kite board ! Well done! Xoxo be safe Amy
Thanks Amy! I can totally picture you kiteboarding, windsurfing, etc
That’s fantastic that you and Michael are enjoying kiting. What an accomplishment. You two look great on and off the board. Was Michael stuck in a tree in that last picture?
Ha ha ha! That last picture isn’t Michael. It’s my teacher, Butter. He’s doing a flip on his kiteboard!
Just WOW. Can hardly believe how fast you achieved this level. That is so impressive.
Congratulations and big hugs from
Wiebke & Ralf
SY Flora, currently in Puerto Rico
Thanks! Fast? okay, sounds good 🙂 We miss you!
Wow🤩 🤩🤩🤩 Great pictures and videos. I am so impressed by your kiteboarding skills. It is awesome how fast you learned this difficult new sports. Looking forward to seeing your next pictures from the Grenadines. Greetings from Antigua, Annemarie
Do you remember, watching the kiteboarders on the Columbia River gorge, during our girl’s trip to Portland and Hood River? I remember thinking I’d never do that. I can watch them and you for hours. Watching you and Michael I am in awe. So relaxing to just watch. But I can only imagine exhilarating to participate. Proud of you for sticking it out. I bet it was all worth it. Love, you. Me
No idea how I missed this blog post but I am VERY VERY impressed with your kiting skills! That is amazing. You master everything you set out to do. So proud of you. xx
Thank you! Miss you!