What Should I Bring to My Kiteboarding Lesson?

Your Ultimate Guide to Shredding in Cabarete

Yo, future kiteboarding champion! If you’ve booked your lesson in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, you’re in for an epic ride. But before you hit the beach, you might be wondering: “What should I bring to my kiteboarding lesson?” Well, no worries, bro, I’ve got you covered. From the essentials to those extra little things that make the experience way smoother, here’s your complete guide to packing for an unforgettable kiteboarding adventure.

1. Comfortable Waterwear – Keep It Chill

First up, let’s talk about what you’re gonna wear on the water. Cabarete’s tropical waters are warm, so you don’t need anything heavy-duty. Go with comfortable waterwear like board shorts, bikinis, or a light surf suit. You want something that moves with you and doesn’t weigh you down, because trust me, you’ll be doing a lot of moving during your lesson.

Remember, you’ll be in and out of the water, getting wet, and riding hard. So, whatever you wear, make sure it’s comfy and dries relatively quickly. You don’t want to be sitting in soggy clothes after your session.

2. Rash Guard with SPF – Protect Your Skin and Stay Cool

A rash guard is your best friend when you’re spending hours under the Caribbean sun. Not only does it protect your skin from sunburn, but it also helps prevent rashes from your harness rubbing against your skin. And let’s be real, kiteboarding is all about comfort and style—so a rash guard with built-in SPF protection is a total game-changer.

Why SPF, you ask? The sun here is no joke, and if you’re not careful, you can end up looking like a lobster after your first lesson. A rash guard with SPF saves you from constantly reapplying sunscreen on your torso and arms and keeps you feeling cool and protected.

Our all-time favorite rashguards are by Platinum Sun.

3. Zinc-Based Sunscreen – Keep That Burn Away

Speaking of sunscreen, it’s absolutely essential. But here’s the kicker: not all sunscreens are created equal, especially when you’re out in the ocean. You want to bring zinc-based sunscreen. Here’s why:

• It lasts longer: Regular sunscreen tends to wash off easily when you’re getting splashed by waves. Zinc-based sunscreen sticks around, so you won’t have to worry about constant reapplication.
• No burning eyes: You don’t want your sunscreen running into your eyes when you’re looking up at your kite. Trust me, regular sunscreen can burn like crazy when it drips into your face, and that’s a quick way to ruin your day.

Pro tip: Apply it before you even hit the beach so it has time to settle into your skin. Focus on the nose, cheeks, ears, back of your neck—and don’t forget the tops of your feet! These often-overlooked spots get a lot of sun when you’re riding, and burnt feet are a total bummer.

4. A Hat (with Straps, If You’ve Got One)

Alright, here’s the deal with hats: they’re not a must, but they’re definitely nice to have. A hat helps keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes, which is a solid move when you’re hanging on the beach between sessions. But, if you do bring a hat, make sure it’s got straps, bro! The wind here is no joke, and if you don’t have a way to keep it on your head, it’s gonna fly off faster than you can say “kiteboard.”

No strap? No hat. It’s as simple as that. But don’t sweat it if you don’t have one—your sunglasses will have your back.

5. Sunglasses with a Strap – Don’t Lose Your Shades (Bonus Points if They Float!)

Speaking of sunglasses, you’re gonna want to bring a solid pair, but here’s the key: they must have a strap. Why? Because you’ll spend a good chunk of your lesson looking up at the kite, and without a strap, those sunnies are likely to end up in the ocean. No one wants to lose their favorite shades on day one.

Go for polarized lenses—they cut down on the glare bouncing off the water, making it easier to see what you’re doing. Plus, they protect your eyes from all that UV radiation bouncing around. And hey, if your shades can float, even better! That way, if they do manage to slip off, they’ll be bobbing on the surface waiting for you to scoop them up.

Our favorite floating sunglasses are by Platinum Sun

6. A Good Towel – You’ll Be Glad You Have One

This one might surprise you, but finding a good towel in Cabarete is harder than you’d think. I’m still scratching my head trying to figure out why! So, be sure to bring your own towel from home—something absorbent and big enough to dry you off after your session. Whether you’re heading out for another round or chilling on the sand, a good towel is a lifesaver.

7. Dry Clothes – Change and Chill

After your kiteboarding lesson, you might want to hang out at our on-site restaurant and grab a drink or a bite to eat (you’ll have earned it, bro!). That’s when dry clothes come in handy. Pack a fresh t-shirt, some boardies, or a light sundress—whatever makes you feel comfy and relaxed after a killer session on the water.

8. Flip-Flops – Easy On, Easy Off

You don’t need anything fancy for your feet when you’re on the beach. Flip-flops are perfect for the vibe down here. They’re easy to slip on and off as you go from the sand to the water and back again. Plus, they’re lightweight and won’t take up much space in your bag. Keep it simple, keep it beachy.

9. Stay Hydrated – Bring Water (or Buy Some at Our Restaurant)

Kiteboarding is thirsty work, bro. Between the sun, wind, and physical effort, you’ll get dehydrated faster than you think. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up before your lesson, or grab some water from our restaurant after your session.

Staying hydrated is key to keeping your energy up and making sure you feel your best on the water. And hey, if you forget your water, no worries—you can always grab a drink from our spot right on Kite Beach.

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Final Thoughts: What Should I Bring to My Kiteboarding Lesson?

So, to sum it all up, when you’re heading to your kiteboarding lesson in Cabarete, here’s the list of essentials you need:

• Comfortable waterwear (board shorts, bikinis, or surf suits)
• Rash guard with SPF protection
• Zinc-based sunscreen to protect your skin (don’t forget the tops of your feet)
• A hat with straps (if you’ve got one)
• Sunglasses with a strap (bonus points if they float)
• A good towel for drying off
• Dry clothes to change into after your session
• Flip-flops for easy beach living
• Water to stay hydrated or grab some at our on-site restaurant

Now that you’re prepped and packed, all that’s left to do is hit the water and enjoy the ride. Cabarete’s waiting for you, dude—let’s shred!