Kiteboarding is becoming increasingly popular in Turks and Caicos and around the world, and it’s easy to see why. This exhilarating water sport involves skimming across the water at high speeds propelled by just a kite, a board, and the wind. If you’re looking to ride the waves in the Turks and Caicos, Long Bay Beach is the best kiteboarding spot for beginners and advanced kiteboarders alike.
What is Kiteboarding?
Most people agree that modern kiteboarding began in the 1980s when the Lagaignoux brothers designed an inflatable kite that was meant to pull people across the water. Over the years, the kites and equipment have evolved into what we see today, which is essentially a large kite with bars attached to lines for steering, a harness that wraps around the waist, and a board for gliding across the water.
Where to Kiteboard in Turks and Caicos
The island of Providenciales is the most popular place for kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos because it has excellent wind and water conditions. However, you can also find some great areas to kiteboard off the coasts of North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos.
Kiteboarding Lessons
The majority of kiteboarding schools in Turks and Caicos are located on Long Bay Beach and they employ instructors certified by the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO). A typical lesson lasts anywhere from one to three hours and includes equipment rental. Beginners will learn the basics, while advanced riders can set off on excursions to little-known kiteboarding destinations and learn new tricks.
Kiteboarding vs Kitesurfing
Kiteboarding and kitesurfing are two different names for the same sport. Generally speaking, North Americans tend to use the term kiteboarding, while Europeans prefer the term kitesurfing.
What Gear do You Need to Kiteboard?
There are three essential pieces of gear you need to kiteboard: a kite, a board, and a harness. Any kiteboarding school in Turks and Caicos can set you up with equipment that is suitable for your body type and skill level. Inflatable kites are the most common and they include a steering bar attached by lines and a harness. Most kiteboarders in Turks and Caicos also use twin-tip boards with foot straps.
The Best Kiteboarding Spots in Turks and Caicos
Long Bay Beach on Providenciales is by far the best place to kiteboard in Turks and Caicos because it is suitable for all levels. Experienced riders can also try Grace Bay, Leeward Beach, and the barrier reef on the north side of Providenciales. Cedar Point and Wild Cow Run are popular kiteboarding spots in Middle Caicos. East Bay Beach on South Caicos also offers good wind conditions, as does Whitby Beach on North Caicos.
Turks and Caicos Tides
Turks and Caicos experiences easterly trade winds most months, which makes it a great year-round kiteboarding destination. Under normal conditions, the tides do not change drastically, meaning you know what to expect on any given day out on the water.
Benefits of Kitesurfing
Kiting offers many benefits for the body and mind. Not only does it burn calories and tone the entire body, but it can also improve balance and coordination and help relieve stress by releasing endorphins. In addition, there is a large global kiteboarding community, so it is easy to meet new people wherever you kiteboard.
Why is Long Bay Beach Great for Kiteboarding?
Long Bay Beach is ideal for kiteboarding because the winds are consistent and it has clear, shallow water with a soft, sandy bottom. The shallow depth makes it easy to stand up if you fall down, which is great for beginners. Advanced riders love that the area is not crowded and there are few boats, so long, uninterrupted rides are possible. Long Bay Beach also has gorgeous rental villas like Triton Luxury Villa, which is just steps from the water, making it a kiteboarder’s dream accommodation.
With a beautiful stretch of pristine white sand, calm turquoise waters and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Long Bay Beach is such a popular spot to invest in property. Turks and Caicos is currently experiencing a very strong real estate market, and Long Bay Beach real estate, in particular, is highly sought after. Whether you’re looking to purchase a finished beachfront villa or home or buy a piece of land and build your dream home, there are plenty of real estate opportunities in the Long Bay Beach area.
Turks and Caicos Real Estate
Turks and Caicos consists of 40 islands, of which eight are inhabited. These include Providenciales, Salt Cay, Grand Turk, North Caicos, South Caicos, East Caicos, West Caicos and Middle Caicos. The island of Providenciales is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos and this is where you’ll find the vast majority of real estate opportunities. That being said, the lesser developed islands also have vacant plots of land available as well as residential properties.
Triton’s Structural Design, Pools, and Solar Power
Triton Luxury Villa is a prime example of a high-end luxury vacation property along Long Bay Beach. This lavish seven-bedroom holiday home features modern tropical architecture and design with bright open spaces, eco-friendly solar panels, expansive landscaped grounds, and two swimming pools including an ocean-facing glass-fronted main pool and an infinity-edge hot tub and pool. Additional facilities include an outdoor cinema with a fire pit, breezy cabanas, a gym, a tennis court, and a bocce ball court.
Buying Real Estate in Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory that does not place restrictions on foreigners owning property. Individuals can purchase vacant plots of land as well as finished villas, single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, duplexes, and commercial properties. However, foreign corporations and trusts cannot own property in Turks and Caicos.
Buying a Beachfront Home on Long Bay Beach
Long Bay Beach is the ideal area to buy a beachfront home because it has not been as intensively developed as other areas on Providenciales such as Grace Bay. Therefore, you can still find many oceanfront properties and plots of land. Moreover, Long Bay Beach is the perfect locale for a family home or vacation property because it features a beautiful three-mile stretch of white sand, calm shallow waters, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as kiteboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Building a Home in Turks and Caicos
If you’re planning on building a home in Turks and Caicos, there are a few steps you will need to take. First, you will need to acquire planning permission and a building permit. Once you have those, you can begin working with an architect and project manager to construct your home or villa. When the project is completed you will need to have your home inspected and obtain an Occupancy Certificate before you can connect the utilities and move in.
How Much Does a Luxury Beachfront Home Cost in Turks and Caicos?
The price of a property in Turks and Caicos varies depending on a number of factors including the location, size of the land, and previous developments. Like anywhere in the world, beachfront property is more expensive than inland property. Real estate in Providenciales is typically more expensive than real estate on the other islands. However, no matter which island you decide to build on, you will have to pay taxes and fees including a stamp duty to the government that ranges from 0% (for properties under $25,000) to 10%. In addition, real estate agent fees range from 6% to 10%.
Disclaimer: Tritonluxuryvilla.com is not offering investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This information is meant to be a helpful guide as opposed to official guidelines on buying, renting, or investing in property in Turks and Caicos.
