Los Barriles vs La Ventana

[JasonD]

Hey all!
My girlfriend and I have just booked our flights and are all set except for the Los Barriles or La Ventana question?!?!

I've been to Los Barriles(not for wind) but never to La Ventana so I know what to expect at one but not the other. We only have 8 days and are planning on surfing a bit so we will only be at which ever location from Dec. 29th 'til Jan. 1st/2nd ish...

-Which location do you think would be better suited for her to take lessons at such a busy time?
-Wet-suit debate?! I hear board shorts/3-2's/shorty etc... ???
-Better for camping??

General opinions on each location would be much appreciated. We're hiring a rental car and buying a tent and gona go where the wind blows or the surf is!!!! This may be my only chance to get her to take lessons and start kiting?!

thanks in advance!!!

[Vik]

I've only camped and kited at LaV, but I have been through Los B a few times over the years. LaV is a small fishing town invaded by windsports junkies. Lots of camping opportunities [some free and some pay]. Lessons available from Elevation KBing at Baja Joes...my GF has taken lessons from Elevation in LaV and Nitnaht - she's been very happy with the quality of instruction. She tried to get KBing lessons on a trip to the southern US and was so appalled at the lack of safety/professionalism compared to Elevation she cancelled her lessons. LaV is a huge bay so it's safe and easy for beginners...worst case is you walk back along the sandy beach if you don't stay upwind.

I have friends that love LosB which is a much bigger more developed town. I know a Mexican who gives KBing lessons down in LosB and he is very competent/professional. I've never put a kite in the air there so I can't speak to the riding conditions.

I'm headed down to LaV after NYE for another 4-6 weeks this year. I like the smaller town vibe and I am happy to camp for free without services on the beach. My GF is coming down for 10 days to complete her Kbing instruction with Elevation and get some good practice days in on the water.

I generally wore a 5/4/3 [3/4 legs] wetsuit at LaV because that's what I had, but in Nov and later Jan a 3mm shorty or even less would be fine. Dec gets a bit chilly on some days and others are hot. I'm going down with a 3mm/2mm shortie this year and some kayak shorts from MEC with neoprene liners as well as a 2mm neoprene kayak t-shirt. I'll hav my full wetsuit along, but likely won't use it much.

I use booties at LaV so I don't have to worry about urchins and sharp stuff in the shallows.

[JL]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SQRGp_IM6Q

[Vik]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SQRGp_IM6Q

Nice...I'm just getting my gear sorted...that video cranked up the anticipation a couple notches!...

[kitesick]

Shark bate (Mark F.) Rob Paton and myself (Darwin) are booked to go to La Ventana at the end of Jan. We have alway heard how great the wind and location is. Very stoked !!!!!!

[BK]

You guys won't be dissapointed...!

[JasonD]

Thanks Vik for the opinion! With only a 8day holiday, sounds like I'd better stick with LB and west coast as I'd prob wana quit school and stay the winter in LV.

[BK]

Yeah... That sounds about right!

[Vik]

Thanks Vik for the opinion! With only a 8day holiday, sounds like I'd better stick with LB and west coast as I'd prob wana quit school and stay the winter in LV.

Dante runs a KBing school in Los B and is a nice guy to deal with.

[KUS]

my guess the GF will prefer LB over LV, nice to have a few more amenities (but which may foil your getting her hooked on kiting plan) and waves are better in LB tho not windy as often....