VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

Hey guys, I will be moving back to the Island in December and I'm excited about the idea of living so close to the beach so I can get out kiteboarding.

I will be going to school in Nanaimo but was thinking of renting a place close to Parksville for the ease of access to Columbia beach.

I learned to kite (with lessons) 3 years ago and probably got out 10 times in total and have had to take the last few years off. I would like to take another lesson to get the hang of things again while staying safe. Do any of you know of a kite teacher in that area? I've looked up the victoria kite schools and they seem to shut down in winter time which is understandable but not ideal for me.

Thanks a lot guys

Sandra at Inflowence Kiteboarding ( http://inflowencekiteboarding.com/index.html ) in the Comox Valley may be your only option, as I think the other Island kite instructors head south about now.

Thanks Greg, yeah it seems like the two schools I had found in Victoria were closed down for the season. If only we could all just travel south when we wanted to!

Hi Wooderson.
I'd be happy to help get you back on the water! Inflowence Kiteboarding is a year round kite school located in the Comox Valley with the best winds between September and June, so you are just in time.
I even have a drysuit available to keep you warm and comfortable if you need to borrow one.

My cell number is 250.702.7041

Cheers,
Sandra

Hey Sandra! I think I met you and Reuben at Nitinaht, I was the Indian looking guy, my name is Nimai, and I'm from Parksville/Qual. I may also need to get a lesson from you eventually! Or at least a kite sesh ;)
Cheers!

Hey Nimai! Yes, I remember meeting you at our campsite at Windfest. It was a great weekend with so many kite friends, regardless of wind or competition. I look forward to seeing you and your girlfriend again. Maybe at the Spit in Comox. Give a call when you are thinking of coming up

Awesome Sandra, can't wait to get back and get out on the water with you.

Does anyone have any advice for the go to beaches around Nanaimo? I am looking at places for rent right now and would like to get one close to a consistent local spot, Dec - May.

For Nanaimo, check out Pipers Lagoon
http://www.bigwavedave.ca/wiki/index.php/Pipers_Lagoon
However, it isn't great for kiteboarding on a NW wind (offshore, gusty).

Also look at the beaches near Lantzville
http://www.bigwavedave.ca/wiki/index.php/Myron_Road
http://www.bigwavedave.ca/wiki/index.php/Eby_Road

It seems that kiters prefer the Parksville area.

That wiki style page is a great resource. That's exactly what I was looking for. It looks like there's quite a few options around that area which is great.