EP8-Wait!...What?...Where??- Wind- and Kitesurfing the Abrolhos Islands with Mick Steffan Indian Ocean Charters

Having one of the most rugged coasts , some of the roughest winds, the biggest waves, and the highest concentration of “Great Whites” on the planet, on his doorstep, Douglas had a plan. He , then a pretty novice kitesurfer, set him self the ambitious goal to kitesurf the coast of South Africa from the Southern most point ( Cape Agulhas ) all the way north to the border of Namibia. Together with his team mate Greg Thijsen and Captain Loob Rabie they set out to complete the different stages, and almost completed the trail. Next to this episode being a great adventure story, full with funny twists, it also has a number of great tips ,that could support you in case you are thinking about embarking on a long distance kitesurfing adventure. ENJOY !!!! http://www.ultradistancekitesurfing.co.za/index.htm SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST website : http://herebedragons.earth/subscribe/ Itunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/here-be-dragons-kitesurfing-travel-guide/id1207572419?mt=2&at=1010lHcy Android podcast apps: http://subscribeonandroid.com/herebedragons.earth/podcast?format=rss Google Play (only works for US Listeners) : https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/In6izxoiecwz6xt5fjnyx6bnlca?t%3DHere_Be_Dragons--Kitesurfing_Travel_Guide%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16 Outro Music courtesy of PEEZ @ https://soundcloud.com/peezismyname

The Philippines is a famous destination for Kitesurfing in the winter. In this episode with speak to Kathrin Borgwardt, who ran a kite-center and lodge for over 10 years in Boracay. She decided that it was time to search for a beautiful and less crowed destination to open a kite-center in the Philippines….and guess what!!!! she found a great new destination on the Island of Mindoro. Beautiful beaches , a number of islands just off the coast for doing kite-surf expeditions and long distance downwinders. Unspoiled scenery and a great landscape comes included in the package. ENJOY !!! GOOGLE MAP WITH PINPOINTS https://drive.google.com/open?id=1fW5KY2nXvxs_X7wjMAEsgBJ06rTtDOVE&usp=sharing VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfn0tvEYj9M ( not kitesurfing but give you an impression about the area) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyiLid-UtFg (Seco Island) CONTACT DETAILS KATHRIN: Web : https://www.kitesurf-mindoro.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesurfmindoro/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitesurfmindoro/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST website : http://herebedragons.earth/subscribe/ Itunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/here-be-dragons-kitesurfing-travel-guide/id1207572419?mt=2&at=1010lHcy Android podcast apps: http://subscribeonandroid.com/herebedragons.earth/podcast?format=rss Google Play (only works for US Listeners) : https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/In6izxoiecwz6xt5fjnyx6bnlca?t%3DHere_Be_Dragons--Kitesurfing_Travel_Guide%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16 Outro Music courtesy of PEEZ @ https://soundcloud.com/peezismyname

Count on the Australians to come up with some "kick ass” idea to go wind-and kitesurfing in some remote and “sick" locations. In this episode we take you to the Houtman Abrolhos Islands. They are located around 80 km west of the Geraldton ( mainland Australia) and next to getting very consistent strong winds, they also get a massive swell origination in the Southern Ocean. It is well known as the site of numerous shipwrecks, the most famous being the Dutch ships Batavia, which was wrecked in 1629, and Zeewijk, wrecked in 1727.The islands are uninhabited with the exception of some fisherman. As a tourist you are not allowed to stay on the islands so the only possibility is to stay on a boat. Every year Mick organizes a 3 days wind and kitesurfing “expedition” to the Islands for like minded fellow water-sports and wave addictes. We talk about the trip , what to expect, the wind conditions , some of the spots,  and some other interesting and funny topics. ENJOY!!!! Google Map with Pin Points and Time Stamps https://drive.google.com/open?id=1EKlrGkistx9A3bWcJtMUTBxWTqI&usp=sharing CONTACT DETAILS MICK https://www.facebook.com/IndianOceanAdventures/ [email protected] Subscribe to the podcast: website : http://herebedragons.earth/subscribe/ Itunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/here-be-dragons-kitesurfing-travel-guide/id1207572419?mt=2&at=1010lHcy Android podcast apps: http://subscribeonandroid.com/herebedragons.earth/podcast?format=rss Outro Music courtesy of PEEZ @ https://soundcloud.com/peezismyname

GO BACK TO PART 1 BEFORE YOU LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE !!! This two-part episode is about kitesurfing as a means to explore uncharted territory, and to travel long distances, about making a journey entirely using the power of the kite. We speak to Bowen Dwelle, a real Outdoor Adventure Athlete, and avid Kitesurfer, who has completed several long distance Kitesurfing trips. Bowen was one of the principal athletes documented in the movie Surfin Sem Fim on a 600km journey over the course of seven days along the NE coast of Brazil. We pick up the journey at day 4 In the second part of this two part interview we talk o.a about: -How important is land support -How Foil boards are a game changer for exploring and doing long distance kite surf journeys -What to carry with you on the water -What does Surfing Sem Fim offer -Bowen’s upcoming and projects under development -the "Athletic Mind" the upcoming podcast Bowen is about to release, and about how being an athlete improves your intuition in your daily life. About Bowen: Bowen has a rich background in entrepreneurship, he started his first company at age 9 and sold his most recent company in 2015. He is also a full time outdoor sports enthusiast partaking in sports such as; kitesurfing , paragliding, trail running, climbing, and open water swimming. He became a passionate kitesurfer 10 years and now is practicing the sport ( especially long distance kitesurfing ) on a semi-professional level. Check out Bowen’s full bio on his website ( links below) Please check out the movie Surfing Sem Fim : https://vimeo.com/220552327 Bowen riding the San Fransisco bay with a 4.8M Kite and a Foil Board : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GBSq1OTdzk&t=83s  For more videos also check out the Surfing Sem Fim website ( details below)  Google Map with Pin Points and Time Stamps ( for both part 1 & 2) https://drive.google.com/open?id=1WAInG7vJbwXEmr5rDECf7bLKR0M&usp=sharing Map from Surfin Sem Fin website ( Iron Man Route)  http://www.surfinsemfim.com/controle/content/fotos_rotas/7c540f41e9f744b28b23c5c362a8152b.jpg Contact Details Bowen Dwelle bowendwelle.com  8meter.com  instagram.com/bowendwelle Contact Details Surfing Sem Fim http://www.surfinsemfim.com/ https://www.facebook.com/surfinsemfim/ ENJOY !!!!! Outro Music courtesy of PEEZ @ https://soundcloud.com/peezismyname

This two-part episode is about kitesurfing as a means to explore uncharted territory, and to travel long distances, about making a journey entirely using the power of the kite. We speak to Bowen Dwelle, a real Outdoor Adventure Athlete, and avid Kitesurfer, who has completed several long distance Kitesurfing trips. Bowen was one of the principal athletes documented in the movie Surfin Sem Fim on a 600km journey over the course of seven days along the NE coast of Brazil. -how did such a great movie get made -What makes long distance kitesurfing so special -Description of Day 1 to 3 of the journey -What skill do you need to undertake such a trip -How much distance can you cover in a day -What Kite and Board to take - and more…….. About Bowen: Bowen has a rich background in entrepreneurship, he started his first company at age 9 and sold his most recent company in 2015. He is also a full time outdoor sports enthusiast partaking in sports such as; kitesurfing , paragliding, trail running, climbing, and open water swimming. He became a passionate kitesurfer 10 years and now is practicing the sport ( especially long distance kitesurfing ) on a semi-professional level. Check out Bowen’s full bio on his website ( links below) Please check out the movie Surfing Sem Fim : https://vimeo.com/220552327 Bowen riding the San Fransico bay with a 4.8M and a Foil Board : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GBSq1OTdzk&t=83s  For more videos also check out the Surfing Sem Fim website ( details below)  Google Map with Pin Points and Time Stamps ( for both part 1 & 2) https://drive.google.com/open?id=1WAInG7vJbwXEmr5rDECf7bLKR0M&usp=sharing Map from Surfin Sem Fin website ( Iron Man Route)  http://www.surfinsemfim.com/controle/content/fotos_rotas/7c540f41e9f744b28b23c5c362a8152b.jpg Contact Details Bowen Dwelle bowendwelle.com  8meter.com  instagram.com/bowendwelle Contact Details Surfing Sem Fim http://www.surfinsemfim.com/ https://www.facebook.com/surfinsemfim/ ENJOY !!!!! Outro Music courtesy of PEEZ @ https://soundcloud.com/peezismyname

Sumatra Indonesia, although know for some famous surf waves, is not really know for getting a lot of wind. Well be surprised…at the northern tip of Sumatra ( Aceh) the “Trade Winds” take a right turn and provide a consistent wind during the summer months. Flat water spot and Wave spot in front of the Lodge and Jungle await you. We speak to  Maurice from SEABREEZE KITE CLUB how operates a Kite Center ( including lodging ) there since 4 years.  The also operate 2 kite centers in some superb locations in the Philippines, so check those out  on their website. More details about that in a future podcast  Enjoy ! Map with the Spots and timestamps:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wCplQQ5P2-vMzmo6QLSu8Zc3zmU&usp=sharing Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abanr8nP8xk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH_ZKT14J2U Contact details SEABREEZE KITE CLUB: https://seabreezekiteclub.com/ https://www.facebook.com/SeabreezeKiteClub/ https://twitter.com/seabreezekite Outro Music courtesy of PEEZ @ https://soundcloud.com/peezismyname Published by : www.herebedragons.earth

The Humboldt current brings cold water up from the Antarctic, combine this with a high pressure system over the south pacific and warm weather over the Chilean land mass, and wind is guaranteed. In the summer months of the Southern Hemisphere this combination is almost a certainty so windy days are plenty. Add to this  a swell that originates 1000's of kilometers South, in the Antartica, and you have your perfect Kitesurfing destination. Matanzas offers several spots from beginners to expert wave riding, all within 20 Min drive, and on the rare none windy days to some SUP, surfing.,or some great wine tasting. We talk to Mike from KITE CHILE who offers Guided Kietsurf Tours ( all Inclusive ) to Mantanzas. Enjoy !!! SPOT MAP URL: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IlQ6p4rsGqdkbp1FpUOgVsetswY&usp=sharing VIDEOS https://vimeo.com/128207330 https://vimeo.com/125150596 https://vimeo.com/53898963 CONTACT DETAILS KITE CHILE Web :https://www.kite-chile.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitechilewavekiting Outro Music courtesy of PEEZ @ https://soundcloud.com/peezismyname

Barrels, barrels, left handers, right handers, beach breaks and reef breaks. You can ride your Twin-Tip here , but you you will miss out on the best WAVE action. Durban probably one of the finest wave riding locations on the planet. From a wind sport perspective far less know then Cape Town, and unjustly so. In this episode we talk to Rob Crystal from OCEAN2AIR and try to answer the question — Durban…. is it the Cooler Cape Town ?---- Oh yeah and before I forget…..Some amazing natural Reserves parks within 2-3 hours drive, where you can see the BIG FIVE, just in case you get bored from Kitesurfing every day. Rob is the MD of OCEAN2AIR and since 2002 they run a large KIte-shop right on the beach in Durban, and in addition to this they offer kite trainings starting from beginners courses to advanced wave riding techniques. The are THE meeting place for kiters in Durban, visit them and grab a beer with Rob after you did some top and bottom turns on the waves in Durban Enjoy !!! SPOT MAP URL: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aWwr2Vwnw4woj7mjWqdT3tDRDf8&usp=sharing VIDEOS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2WLE6akuAs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peLb-CHkfEc&t=100s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xHC7uuFE-I https://vimeo.com/49226669 https://vimeo.com/85681153 CONTACT DETAILS OCEAN2AIR Web: www.ocean2air.co.za Email:  [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ocean2air/ Instagram: ocean2air_durban Outro Music courtesy of PEEZ @ https://soundcloud.com/peezismyname

In this episode we will take you to Masirah Island in the Sultanate of Oman. The island is located roughly 350 KM S from the Muscat and 20 km off the main land of Oman. Big waves, crystal clear flat water lagoons, camels, giant sea turtles and howling winds await you. The juwel of kitesurfing on the Arabic peninsula  We speak with Alexander Friesl , who is the MD of KITEBOARDING-OMAN,  giving us a insight look where to go , where to stay , and what makes Masirah so special. Alex opened up KITEBOARDING-OMAN in 2007 and they operate 3 kiteboarding centers. Two are located around the capital Muscat and one on Masirah island. In addition to this they also organizie some truely amazing kitesafaries to the even more unknow spots in Oman. Enjoy !!!!!! SPOT MAP URL: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_6AYkBSfwIXHb-aCm5dETCvfPco&usp=sharing VIDEOS: https://vimeo.com/28585007 https://vimeo.com/101202731 https://vimeo.com/51897665 https://vimeo.com/182592417 CONTACT DETAILS KITEBOARDING-OMAN GSM: +968 96323524 www.kiteboarding-oman.com [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/KiteboardingOman Outro Music courtesy of PEEZ @ https://soundcloud.com/peezismyname

In this episode we will take you to the Cocos-Keeling Islands. They are made up of 27 Island and are located in the Indian Ocean. Cocos Keeling is roughly 1000 KM S of Sumatra and 2800 NW of Perth/Australia. It is truly a kitesurfing paradise with one of the most pristine conditions and spots on the planet. The Island has a population of around 600 and a very interesting culture “mix”. We talk to Jen Phillips , who is the owner of Zephyr Kite Tours. They have been offering Kite Tours to the Cocos-Keeling for the past 12 years and have an in-depth knowledge about the islands. We talk about the Islands, the spots, the wind conditions, and some other interesting and very amusing topics. Map with the Spots and timestamps: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JtOq6xrf7kqx99oiWL1-2IOtqKo&usp=sharing Videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVTD6m2WiSghttps://vimeo.com/105636796https://vimeo.com/134918341https://vimeo.com/125603064https://vimeo.com/103511200 Contact details Zephyr Kite Tours:https://zephyrkitetours.com/www.facebook.com/Zephyrtours/www.instagram.com/zephyrkitetours/ Outro Music courtesy of PEEZ @ https://soundcloud.com/peezismyname