Category Archives: Kite Repairs

does what it says on the can!

Holbox, Mexico windy season.

This years windy season in Mexico will soon start once again, so the time is right to tell you all about the wind seasons in Isla Holbox.

 Holbox is blessed with a long windy season which normally runs from November until the end of May.

Leon Lever sunset dark slide on Holbox

The Main season is made up of two overlapping but very different seasons, the winter season and the spring season. Both seasons show off the different characters of it’s beautiful kite spots.

Link to Holbox Kiters GuideClick Here

The Winter Season is the season of the Norte and is just about to start on Isla Holbox.

During the winter season (November – February) we get winds ranging from 12-25 knots.  Usually starting from the North, strong and fierce (20-25 knots) and then gradually veering and weakening through NE and then Easterly. The cycle usually lasts 4-5 days and then repeats.    A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for all but the hardiest of riders during the Nortes.   During the Norte the skies will turn grey, the wind will blow strong and you’ll find us riding at Kite beach during these storms enjoying the flat water in the lagoon.

Cathy flies high in Holbox Lagoon

As the Norte passes us and the winds veer more Easterly we’ll head off to Punta Mosquito by boat.

Spring Season (Mid February – End of April) This season sees water temperatures rise and the consistent NE – E winds kick in that usually blow from 12-20 knots.  The Nortes of the winter continue to periodically blow, but much less often and usually finish late March. Nothing beats a good March Norte – Strong winds, flat  and warm water.

In April the wind is predominantly from the East and sees near daily boat trips to Punta Mosquito…

or you could stay behind on Main beach to enjoy some epic flat water kitefoil conditions with me.

Holbox is a kitefoil paradise

May is the last month of the traditional wind season and usually sees a alot of spring pattern winds for the first two weeks and then gradually transitioning to our thermal summer pattern with lighter but more Northerly winds. In June the rains often start.

Summer Time – There can be wind in the summer but it is much less predictable. If you are on Holbox during the summer and lucky enough to find wind, quickly grab your kites and enjoy a ride in empty waters. The usual spots will work but don’t expect the schools to be there as they usually shut down for the summer.

Check out next weeks article on the kite spots of Holbox.

If you cant wait that long please contact me via

jonny@whenitswindy.com

or contact Holbox Kiteboarding School directly

teachme@holboxkiteboarding.com

www.holboxkiteboarding.com

WhatsApp +5219841795021

Kite Repair – Ripped, blown out, leaky kite. What now?

Kite repairs

You finished your last session with a bang?

You’ve ripped your kite in two, blown out the leading edge or just made a small tear in the canopy.

You have a few options:

  1. DIY Repair – often possible with small rips, scuffs and leaks.

  2. Kite Doctor – Professional Repairs are normally needed for bigger rips, blow outs etc. The repair should be as strong as the original kite and aesthetically pleasing.

  3. Recycle – Nearly all damage can be repaired, though sometimes the cost may exceed the value of the kite or the canopy may be worn out. If you choose this option please get in touch and throw it my way, I can recycle it.

Its always a good idea to carry a kite first aid kit for those little easy to fix emergencies.  Click  here for details.

Whatever you do, no matter how tempting it is. Do not fly the kite again until its fixed.

Where are we now?

We’re currently based in Ulcinj, Montenegro for the summer at Sandbox Kite Club. The wind has been light for a week or so but has just really started to kick in again. We’ve had 3 solid days teaching students from Switzerland, Germany and Austria how to ride, and all of them are ripping along nicely now.

Jonny’s sewing machine has been running regularly as there has been a high demand for repairs. Canopy rips, leading edge blow outs, leaky valves. You name it they’ve been put back into the sky and are flying once again.

Just a couple of km down the beach there is a river mouth. Its a stunning place to ride with flat water and wind against current set against reed lined banks and wooden shacks with traditional fishing contraptions erected outside. Can’t wait to get back down there for some freestyle and photo sessions. Here are a couple of pictures from our season at Sandbox so far.

nuskoo2lCathy riding her new Axis Nuskool down at the river

 

Axis limited
Axis limited

Jonny flying overhead on his Axis Limited

Jonny having fun waiting for students to arrive.