Cocos

My wife and I am planning on going to the Cocos Keeling Islands in a couple of weeks time and I would like some advice from someone who has been. Firstly, I have heard that you need booties, are these necessary just when you are entering the water or do you need to wear them all of the time when kiting? (we are both using foot straps rather than boots obviously) Secondly, what size kites will we need, my wife is about 60kg and I am about 100kg, will 8m, 11m and 14m cover us or do we need smaller and/or bigger?

Thanks.

Thanks for the response. Neither my wife nor I are absolute beginners (she can jump/ride toe-side, I am unhooking (badly)), but I have heard mixed responses re the need for booties so we will buy some and decide there if we need them.

Can you catch good eating fish from shore? What gear is needed? Better off spear fishing or using a line?

I was there a few years back. Definitely wear booties. Lots of shallow reef. The sand is made of coral not silica and is very abrasive. Any cut, abrasion or scratch will, in days, turn to a festering sore if left untreated. Take lots of betadine or similar antiseptic. Even a scratch to your leg can send you to the medical centre if not treated immediately and result in days off the water.

But, that said, it's a great place to kite.

A couple of tips, especially if you're not on the "tour".
Make sure you prepay extra baggage with Virgin for your kite gear. You'll save $$$ and way less hassle at the airport.
if not on "tour", add another bag and grab a foam container to take food in. Frozen meat on the bottom, then fresh veggies, cheese and other items on top. Food is both fairly expensive and can be in short supply. The locals tend to clean out the co-op when the planes come in and it can be slim pickings. Fresh food may not be all that fresh. If you have any special dietary requirements/only eat organic then this is a must.
Have fun. It's a great place to kite.

Brewcie said... Hey there StKKiter I'm also heading over in a couple of weeks what dates are you going to be there? I'm there from the 18th till 29th August. Getting excited!!
StKKiter said..... We will just miss you unfortunately, we leave on the 18th! Have a great trip..
Cheers I think I'll do just fine traveling solo for a bit of peace and quiet! Enjoy your trip mate.

I just got back from Cocos island (second time), wish I could go straight back?? .. Take booties, most people wear them, there are places you will find them useful even when not kiting. take Mask and snorkel to.

Sadley the wind was not so good (not the norm). out of two weeks we managed 4 days kiting with wind around 15/18knts..the rest of the time it averaged 10knts... all kiting was done on 17m for my 105kg friend, and I ( 75 -80 kg) managed to use my 10 and 12m.
The 17m was the difference between no kiting and kiting For my heavier friend.
Enjoy...its a great place ... hope the wind howls for you guys.

I'll be there from 18th! Taking 12m SB and the Zephyr. Maybe the 9m but looks like it would never get used.

Will 1mm reef booties be okay for Cocos, I have FCS ones now, or should I get thicker?

Ocean Addicts head kite boarding instructor Ben Strowger is over there right now teaching with Jen and the Zepher crew.

Im sickened to my core with jealously on a weekly basis from the reports and pics Ben gives me! Cocos really dose look like the ultimate kiteboarding tropical paradise.

Im going next year guaranteed, no more excuses, hands down, for sure, lock it in, last thing I do, no ifs, no butts, see you there!

Luke

Been back from Cocos for a week now. Awesome spot to kite when the wind blows. Yes it maybe a little choppy at times but the scenery more than makes up for it. The zephyr crew are awesome if you're traveling alone or have never been I would highly recommend going with them. They have the facilities to do big downwinders look after most of your meals. And the best part duty free rum! I'm going back for sure.