saw the advertisiment here on seabreeze. sounds like a great idea. but then i checked the wind charts for the months they "gaurentee" wind it was an average of around 10 knots with 1 day in the month having 18. this was like the highest recording i saw for all 3 of the months. Now i understand bom is not always that accurate and it was at the airport im not sure what that is like in relation to the lagoon where you kite. has anyone ever been? was it windy enough? can you do it yourself with out going on the tour? they ask 3k when i found other packages for literally half the price. basically a friend and i want to go but want wind if we pony up the cash :)
Well I went there in 2006, and I doubt you'd be disappointed.
I was there almost two weeks, and kited every single day, both in the morning and afternoon. Actually I lie, I missed two days because I injured my foot, but everyone else in my group kited those days. I took a 14m and 10m and only used the 10, although there were a couple of days when I probably would have been better off on the 14.
I assume you were looking at this: www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_200284.shtml
Keep in mind this is an average, and they do look a little on the low side to me. The wind is very consistent - almost no gusty-ness. I figure this is because Cocos is this tiny dot in the middle of the Indian ocean and so nothing to induce any turbulence. Also note that the averages for the morning are barely different for the afternoons. Its not really a howling wind, but its plenty for an average guy on a 10+m kite. Most kiters there were usually on 11-13. You'd never need a really big kite.
The wind is on constantly. In fact, its on 24 hours a day. Its actually kind of weird. You keep thinking it'll die down after the sun goes down, but it just doesn't. If you wake up at 3am, its still blowing the same as it is at 3pm. Its the trade winds. They seem to very reliable in the Indian ocean.
I live on the east coast and its quite expensive to get there. But the reason I forked out for it was because I'd read numerous reports of people trying out Pacific destinations and only getting 2 days of wind out of two weeks. Not that would always happen, just a risk. That would never happen on Cocos. I'm glad I went there.
Couple of downsides, one being you have to be very careful with your baggage. They have a 25kg maximum (from memory) and they're very strict. If I go again (and I may again this year) I think I'll have some stuff shipped over before hand.
If you want more info, PM me and I'll be happy to chat about it.
been there 3 times
two were great
wind all day everyday, does sine abit periods of more and less but 8-11m stuff
other time was disappointing windwise for early august, but had surfing and fishing to fall back on
last visit had epic 6-8 surf, indo style winding down th e reef, but usually smaller offshore all day everyday thou, water clear as and warm
watch the weight, they will charge xs, not mega bucks thou
For half the price you get a cheap hotel room with no cooking facilities (and have to buy your meals at the only resturant) and the flights to Cocos... thats all!
BUt in the Zephyr Kite packages. You pay for quality accommodation, car hire (2 twin cab utes between 6 max - Cars are essential unless you like to ride your bike 6km each way to kite beach (and 1 way is into the 15-20 knt wind) and to get picked up or dropped off from the down winders). You also get Zephyr Membership where you can store your kite at kite beach, use the demo equipment, have free back up equipment if your breaks or is the wrong size, cheap lessons & free coaching to all levels and heaps more. www.zephyrkitetours.com for more info
I've been two years running with the Zephyr group and had an excellent experience both times. ITS well worth the cash.
www.seabreeze.com.au/News/Kitesurfing/Zephyr-Kite-Tours-Info-Night_1582473.aspx
For anyone interested get along to one of the info nights, Jennie will be there in person and you can get all the info you want.
I've known Jennie for several years and she is committed to giving a quality experience in all her commercial endeavours.
I really want to go along myself, just need some more locals in Sydney to come along, I'm thinking July/August?
The info night at the sailing Club is informal and its a great venue with good food and drink at club prices. Come early and join us for a beer and a meal.
Cya and
Goodwinds
Steve
Hey steve if you want to contact her and see if she wants to hold one of those info nights here in perth I work at the hillarys Yacht Club and could give her my boss' number to book the place?
have been to cocos 4 times and would recommend august and september. In reality the wind is always awesome from july to october. you will not be disappointed
hally, i fully agree.
Anyone needing to drown those winter blues should go , its a special place. I'm still naggin the misses about going for my 3 rd consecutive year, she's got a choice: a motor bike or a holiday: i'm given her a choice. I've told her sometimes we have to go without to get what we want, anyone on this site would agree with me, a few morgage repayments isn't going to loose the house, shorly.
cheers mate.
Cocos Islands is a sweet spot. I lived there for 4 years when i was bout 5ish. i didnt know about kiteboardin then tho. Go by yourself because it will be cheaper. You will defs need a boat to get around to all the islands and hit the good spots. there is a guy could Jeff over there who has a glass bottom boat he would probs be happy to take you round everywhere. great fella. If you cant get a boat there is surf all over the place along with wind on the outside of the lagoon. Best time of my life!
