Imagine warm sunny beaches, steady winds and scenic view, coupled with low fare and accommodation rates, and look what you got kitesurfing in Vietnam. It is hard to reconcile how a quiet, exotic place like it could become the home for the more adventurous, thrill-seeking kitesurfers.
Kitesurfing, as they say, is not for the weak-hearted. That is why it is considered as an extreme sport for most people. Kitesurfers would swear by the adrenalin-pumping rush that they feel as they freestyle their way across the beach. Such excitement is felt by spectators as well.
But why they should choose Vietnam, you may ask. For one, the place is perfect for the sport. Mui Ne is the place where most kitesurfing activity takes place. It is an 18-kilometer strip of white sand, palm trees and nice resorts. Winds average between 18-30 knots, which is great for kitesurfing. There is also internet access, so you can keep in touch with people back home.
If you don’t feel like kitesurfing anymore, there are other water activities that you can do. You can do windsurfing and kayaking as well. Some resorts offer other activities such as sight seeing, mountain safari and golf.
Secondly, there are many kitesurfing schools in the area. But because there are many of them, unlicensed schools also abound. Make sure to check if the school is licensed, and if their instructors are certified by the International Kiteboarding Organization.
You can choose between a beginner course and intermediate course. For the beginners, they are taught of the different conditions such as the wind, water and beach. They are also taught of kite set up and handling; kite control, launching and landing; and, more importantly, safety and self-rescue information.
Payment for the courses is often inclusive of equipment rentals. This means that you need not have your own equipment to learn the sport. This is good news to beginners who are still testing the waters, so to speak. The prices of new equipment can be quite expensive, so it is best not to purchase equipment yet. And even if you insist on buying, the price is not that costly. They sometimes sell used equipment, at a fraction of the cost for new ones.
Another reason why Vietnam is popular is because of the prices. The prices are relatively low compared to kitesurfing lessons in some exotic island in the Pacific or in South Africa. They have great kite-surf packages, perfect for the tourist who likes to learn kitesurfing on the side.
Lastly, the place is not that crowded yet. Many are yet to discover how beautiful the beaches of Vietnam are. But this shall not be for so long. Kitesurfing activities in the island are slowly picking up, and the number of tourists is increasing every year. In fact, some resorts are undergoing expansion plans.
These are some reasons, and more. With the friendly people in the area, you are sure to enjoy your stay. Kitesurfing in Vietnam is a great way to relax and unwind. You need not be an expert kitesurfer to enjoy the sport.
Even as spectators you can appreciate the freestyle moves and techniques that other more seasoned kitesurfers do. So what are you waiting for? Take this much-needed vacation now. Mui Ne beach is waiting for you.