June 2010, by Joanna

We have just finished the Kiteboarding World Cup right in front of the LEK school this weekend. We had amazing performances by both our local Dominican riders and the international visitors.

Here are the final results:

MEN RESULTS:

1- Ariel Corniel (Ozone, DOM)

2- Kevin Langeree (Naish, NED)

3- Youri Zoon (Slingshot, NED)

4- Alberto Rondina (Cabrinha, ITA)

WOMEN RESULTS:

1- Gisela Pulido (Airush, ESP)

2- Karolina Winkowska (Slingshot, POL)

3- Asia Litwin (Nobile, POL)

4- Bruna Kajiya (Flexifoil, BRA)

A big congratulations to Ariel from Dominican Republic for his great performance.

May 2010, by Joanna

LEK Cabarete are pleased to announce an IKO Instructor Training Course (ITC) in Spanish 1 - 5 Dec and in English 8 - 12 Dec 2010

ABOUT THE ITC

During this fantastic and intensive course you will learn the latest teaching techniques and methods so you can begin your new exhilarating mission as an IKO Kiteboarding Instructor. Mixing your love of kiteboarding with your career can be a reality not just a dream! By becoming and professional instructor you will be on your way to a job you can be passionate and enegerized about, to meeting new people and working in wonderful places all over the world.

ACCOMMODATION

During your ITC you can stay at the brand-new, hip and trendy "Swell Surf Camp" Hotel, just across the street from LEK! 5 nights accommodation in this fun social environment where the common chill out area includes Wi-Fi, pool table, ping pong, table soccer, swimming pool etc includes a great daily breakfast and lunch.

For full information regarding participating in either of these ITCs please email Joanna at info@laureleastman.com

Spaces in the training are very limited and filling up fast. If you are interested in participating it's best to confirm sooner than later.

7 May 2010, by LEK

Join LEK in the beautiful Cook Islands at our two new schools. LEK has partnered with the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa, and the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa to bring you exciting South Pacific kiting action.

These beautiful destinations each have a fully operational LEK school and water sports/fitness/wellness program staffed by individuals handpicked by Laurel to provide you the ultimate in kiting vacations.

Don’t miss the opportunity to kite across the “World’s Most Beautiful Lagoon” in Aitutaki or enjoy the warm, flat, and shallow water in Muri Lagoon in Rarotonga.

The windy season has arrived so join us for an adventure you will love!

For more information on the resorts visit www.aitutakilagoonresort.com or www.therarotongan.com

Please feel free to contact LEK for details on how you can kite in these spectacular locations.

28 april 2010, by LEK

LEK Presents:

Marco Bava

3 years ago Marco was working on sails boats in the beautiful Caribbean island of the British Virgin islands, spending his days off taking photos of local kiters. When after these kiters offered him kitesurfing lessons in return for the photos! Since that day Marco has been hooked on kitesurfing! Marco left his life in the BVI's to come to Cabarete to do his Instructor Training Course (ITC) where he has become an official IKO certified instructor and has joined our LEK instructor team for several weeks.

Marco's speciality is advanced lessons for those who want to push to the next level.

This summer Marco will be traveling and kiting with photographer Seth Brown, he will be competing in the kite tour Europe, and exploring as many kite spots around the world as possible. You can follow Marco's travels by checking his website at: www.marcobava.com

21 March 2010, by LEK

LEK presents:

The Cabarete Executive's Kiteboarding Club

A brand new service for the busy kiteboarding elite of Cabarete

Membership includes:

- Equipment storage
- Phone call/text message/Skype IM/email when the wind picks up/dies down
- Rigging and pre-flight check of your kite and bar
- Gear pack down after your session
- VIP repair service if ever needed
- LEK lycra
- Complimentary water and coffee
- Free wifi on site so you will always be connected
- Ability to open an LEK account to run a tab for any drinks, gifts, lessons, gear etc

This exclusive service is available to VIP visitors on a weekly basis, and to busy Cabarete residents who are fully engaged in their businesses and investments but still want to enjoy kiteboarding without losing precious time.

Our service obsessed LEK team contacts you when the wind is up and you just let us know when to have your equipment ready. All you have to do is keep your kiting clothes/towel in your car, show up at LEK and change, take your harness and board from our staff member, pick up your bar and launch! After your session just hand your bar over to our team, they pack up and you can either relax with a post-session drink amongst the other kiters or be straight back to your work or family.

For more information including weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual rates please contact us:

email: info@laureleastman.com
skype: lekcabarete
landline: +1-809-571-0564
mobile +1-809-853-8466
address: Millennium (between Ocean Dream and Vista del Oro on Cabarete Bay)

See you on the water very soon!

The Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding (LEK Cabarete) team

10 March 2010, by Laurel

Instructor training - finally!

This blog is about why I finally decided to take the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) Instructor Training Course (ITC).

I have owned my IKO affiliated kiteboarding school(s) since 2003, and for some reason have always managed to avoid actual teaching. Maybe it's fear of the sun and what being on the beach too much will do to my skin??

My justification has always been: I hire great instructors and my talents are better used for things like PR and business development.....

Well, a few things in the past months have transpired, and FINALLY (much to the relief of the IKO's CEO Sandrine) I have decided to participate in the official instructor training.

HOWEVER, I am doing it on my terms, the LEK way.

Next month we are hosting the IKO Training Master (the highest of high up on the IKO ladder) Mariano Lorenzetti at LEK Cabarete to lead our very special VIP ITC.

All these acronyms! IKO, ITC, LEK, VIP....whew!

Candidates for this VIP training include myself, kiteboarding model Gretta Kruesi (try a google image search), and Superyachting kiteboarding star Elyse Gaynor, so you will be amongst great company!

The classroom portion of the training will be held in the meeting room of IKO's International headquarters here in Cabarete, and the practical riding/teaching portion directly on the world cup event site of Cabarete Bay.

This is a great opportunity for anyone who is keen to learn the very latest teaching methods from the very best instructor in the world!

Training starts on April 16th and spaces are extremely limited.

For more information, including pricing and course pre-requisites, please send us an email and of course check out my website and the IKO website:

www.laureleastman.com

www.ikointl.com

Photo of Gretta, myself, kiteboarding legends Kristin Boese and Tuva Jansen and our captian Mark in the BVI's....

7 March 2010, by Laurel

The BVI Kite Jam 2010 Trip Report

In my 9+ years of kiting I have participated in a ton of events of all kinds, shapes and sizes and I went into it knowing that if billionare kiter/business man Richard Branson (Virgin Group) throws an event it is probably going to be quite special.

However my expectations were blown away. Helicopters, superyachts and Billabong. What can I say, kiteboarding has entered into a new level.

I think it really hit when the awesome journalist we were hanging with all week finally told me what magazine he is writing for. The Robb Report. Ok, kiting will never be the same.

After YEARS of pleading with people to pay attention to our silly awesome sport, it seems that thanks to Richard Branson's star power, the world is starting to take notice. Awesome.

The parties were incredible, Necker Island and Mosquito Island (Richard's TWO private islands) were stunning, our Sunsail boats and in particular our captains were fantastic, but 2 main things really stood out to me during this event.

First was the amazing natural beauty of the BVIs (British Virgin Islands). It became very clear very quickly why everytime I asked people how long they had been living there they would causually reply, "oh 7 years", or "10 years". This place is a keeper. Big time. You all need to put it on your bucket list, and move it up towards the top.

Second was something I have known for a long time but was so obvious over the past week. Kiteboarding people are fabulous. You all are what keeps me stoked about kiteboarding after so many years. Thank you all, for being you, for being stoked on kiting, and for being AWESOME.

Ok a few personal highlights to share:

- Having a glass of wine with Richard and Denny the famous model from the "naked piggy-back" photo shoot on Necker Island

- Our insane 2 helicopter photo shoot with about 10 pro riders all excitingly close to conch covered mangrove islands and dueling helicopters buzzing

- Cocktail parties on M/Y Resolute and Richard's S/Y Necker Belle, being in that environment with my original kiteboarding friends like Kristin, Susi, Jason Slezak, Aaron Sales and more was just the coolest feeling in the world

- Jumping into the sea just off Eustacia Island, bouncing off the water trampoline into crystal clear water

- Sunset from the bow of our yacht

- Being at the top of S/Y Necker Belle's crows nest with Susi and Kristin

- Sharing that week with everyone but a very special thank you to my boat mates: Geza, Laurent, Derek, Captian Chris and our GloboTV film crew Christiana, Rafael and Cleber - you guys are just the best, really the best EVER.

To be really blunt and to the point: as soon as they announce registration for next year's (BILLABONG) BVI KiteJam event, sponsored by legendary surf company Billabong, you would be insane not to register immediately.

Trip of a lifetime - thanks Scotty, Charlie, Abby and Jo - you guys are my heros.

And a very special thank you to T.J. and Will from Phillip Stein watches for the great photo!

24 Feb 2010, by Laurel

The Second Annual Kiteboarding 4 Kids Charity Event was held at LEK, right here in front of our shop, on Cabarete Beach, Dominican Republic, from the 11th to the 14th of February 2010.

It turned out to be a superb event with over 85 participants competing in various watersport competitions, while enjoying tasty meals and entertainment in the evenings!

LEK was a proud sponsor, donating hours of man-power (thank you Andrea and Joanna!!), Laurel as Race Director and MC, and we were so proud to also give a BEST kite to the winner of the Sportsmanship Spirit award.

This special event is such a win-win, its fun for us, great for the kids, and we raised over 20,000 USD to give away to local charities working to educate and provide medical care for poor children in Cabarete.

Stay tuned for the 2011 date announcement and check it out online, including an AWESOME VIDEO: KB4K website

29 Jan, by Laurel

Check out this awesome video shot with me at LEK Cabarete a few months ago and the amazing professional team from Voyage.TV

LEK and Voyage: Intro to Kiteboarding Video

27 Jan 2010, by Laurel

Hi everyone!

Just a quick update from Rarotonga, here in the beautiful South Pacific Seas....

We've had awesome winds, tons of fun and getting quite a lot of work done towards opening of the third LEK school (here in Raro - tentative opening mid-March 2010!)

It's a true paradise here! Check out my Facebook gallery for photos!

LEK Raro Gallery

Come and play!!

27 Jan 2010, by Jo

So after a bit of a wet rainy Christmas and New Year we are now back to the bright sunny weather we expect from the Caribbean. We did however experience a large swell with big waves upto 8 feet tall this week - so only for the brave kiters ones amongst us!!. Forecast looks good for the next few days so something to look forward to.

5 Jan 2010, by Laurel

Happy 2010 everyone - I have a feeling this is going to be the best year EVER!!

Just a quick note to say: Check out the new photos of the beautiful luxury condos for rent here in Cabarete. They are located directly next to LEK and a stone's throw from the beach.

See photos in our gallery, or on our Facebook Page: KiteDrive Cabarete.

Email the LEK girls to find out more and to book your stay in our little kiteboarding Oasis!

A VERY Special thanks to Jay Newman and Robin Hagen for the photos.

1 Dec 2009, by Jo

Just to prove that working in the Caribbean is not all about chilling out and drinking Pina Coladas, kiteboarding, kitesurfing, and giving kite lessons! Check out Maxon making our shop nice and bright for the coming Winter season.

6 Nov 2009, by Jo

Our friends at the British Virgin Islands are holding a Spring Kite Jam in March 2010 and selling tickets fast so be quick to book your place. For more information see www.bvikitejam.com. Why not come to Cabarete to perfect your kiting skills before going !!

1 Nov 2009, by Jo and Andrea

Here is a photo of Jo testing out her Haitian fruit seller hat for Halloween. She found it quite difficult to keep the fruit in the basket whilst dancing!!

1 Nov 2009, by Jo and Andrea

Party time in the bars in Cabarete is great fun. Make sure you behave yourself or Andrea, the school mistress will spank you with her ruler!!!

October 27 2009, by Andrea & Jo

We are happy to invite you to visit our friends at the Naomi Day Spa, an awesome place to relax and be pampered! Check out their new web site: http://cabaretespa.com/index.html

19 Sept 2009, by Joanna and Andrea

LEK is happy to have supported the Dominican National Beach Clean up day. Andrea was the leader of the beach area in front of the school all the way down to Villa Tania. Andrea along with around 25 employees of Fedex Santiago collected 5 full black garbage bags full of rubbish making Cabarete a clean place to hang out.

13 July 2009, by Laurel

Experience full fitness!

Compliment your kiteboarding with yoga, pilates, SPINNING, and more.

Located next door to LEK (on the road in between Tropicoco and Viva Wyndham Tangerine)

Summer Class schedule as follows

Monday, Wednesday, Friday:
6:45am - YOGA
8:30am - SPIN
9:30am - UPPER BODY SCULPT
11am - PILATES
4:30pm - YOGA by RESERVATION ONLY
5:30pm - YOGA/STRETCH
6:30pm - SPIN


Tuesday, Thursday
6:30am - SPIN
7:15am - YOGA
6:30pm - SPIN - FAST CLASS!

Saturday
9:30am - SPIN
10:30am - YOGA

Come train and achieve your fitness and relaxation goals whilst having a ton of fun!!

6 May 09, by Laurel

Join Laurel and the LEK team in Cabarete, DR for an awesome week of kiteboard training, camaraderie , and fun! Open to women of all levels (complete beginners to intermediate kiters) the event includes 4 days of kiteboarding lessons at LEK in a non-threatening, encouraging environment and culminates with the legendary all women all water sports down winder know as “The Butterfly Effect.”

18-22nd July 2009

$1050 USD for 6 nights in Ocean Dream, 4 days kiteboarding lessons (and equipment), 1 hour massage with Michelle, 2 group dinners, and more! Does not include airfare to the Dominican Republic.

To make your reservation or for more information contact Laurel:

Email:laurel@laureleastman.com
Skype: laureleastman
Phone: 305-831-4842

14 April 2009, by LEK

Starting June 2, all My IKO members will have the chance to win a kiter vacation pack including luxurious 6 night stay at a 2-bedroom condo at Ocean Dream in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, courtesy of Sea Lane Luxury Condo Rentals, and a 6-hour beginner or intermediate/advanced kiteboarding course courtesy of Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding school. Now that’s a vacation!

For more info or to become an IKO member visit them online - www.ikointl.com

Good luck to everyone and can't wait to welcome the winner here in Cabarete soon!

March 25, 2009, by Jason

Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding is now offering advanced coaching with Laurel Eastman herself. This is a great opportunity to learn advanced techniques from a successful professional rider. Besides instruction, Laurel will also be able to provide you with tons of insight, as she has been kiteboarding all over the world, both in vacationing and professional competition. You can find more information about this opportunity in our packages section.

March 9, 2009, by Jason

Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding is happy to announce the addition of two new beautiful standup paddle boards to our school. Standup paddle boards are becoming quite popular and are a great activity when there is no wind and the waves are calm. We invite you to come and try this exciting new sport. The standup paddle boards are available for rent anytime during normal business hours.

9 Feb 09, by LEK

We are honored and stoked to have one of the very first Kahoona kites ever released here at LEK....

If you want the easiest to relaunch kite that we’ve ever made then the Kahoona is for you. The Kahoona has been designed for all riders and all riding styles, from beginners to big-wave surfers everyone is going to fall in love with the Kahoona.

Come down to give it a try!

29 Jan 2009, by LEK

We are delighted to announce our new partnership with PickettCRM, Inc.

Working together, we hope to help improve performance of client services, marketing and more.

PickettCRM is the catalyst for clients to make lasting improvements in these business areas, achieve their full potential, and be the leading organization they could be....

To learn more about their services please visit their site online

www.pickettcrm.com

We at LEK are ooking forward to a fruitful partnership with many great things to come!

14 January 2009, by LEK

It's the pre "soft opening" announcement...official opening news to follow...

In record time (2.5 weeks) the new LEK structure as part of the Millennium Resort and Spa was constructed and delivered.

Just in the nick of time for high season and the Christmas holidays!

More news to follow and if you want to get in on the action there has never been a better time to leave the world behind and come hide out in Cabarete with the LEK team....

See you here in 2009!

14 Nov 08, by LEK

LEK is currently being re-built in our exact same location, in order to be properly incorporated into the gorgeous new Millennium Resort and Spa!

We plan to be in our new building and back up and running full speed ahead during the first weeks of December 2008.

Until then we are offering lessons, to make an appointment call 1-809-853-8466.

Good winds!

Laurel and the LEK team

3 Sept 08, by LEK

LEK's own Laurel Eastman will be making a very special appearance at the brand new Best Kiteboarding Lesson Center in Long Island, NY at the end of Sept.

Joined by her dear friends (3x world champion Kristin Boese and Best kiteboarding team manager Stacey Fonas) Laurel will be on hand to run an advanced kiteboarding clinic.

For full details visit the news page of the Best Kiteboarding website!

Spaces are limited so sign up soon for your opportunity to be trained by two of the top women kiteboarders in the world.

10 Aug 08, by Laurel



Cindy Mosey Island Odyssey 2008 CONFIRMED!

October 2nd - 8th 2008

Aitutaki, Cook Islands

The CMIO is the ultimate women's kiteboarding event....Building on the success of last year, the world's top riders are competing for the biggest prize purse in women's kiting, and will share their knowledge and skills with the free-riding amateur fleet.

Calling all women kiteboarders to join and participate!

Event Location:

The Cook Islands is the center of the Polynesian Triangle on the Eastern side of the International dateline. Rarotonga is the capital of the Cook Islands. It lies in the Tropic of Capricorn with 15 islands scattered over 2 million square kilometers.

The Rarotongan International Airport (RAR) is serviced by

Air New Zealand www.airnz.co.nz

Great flights leaving from New York and Los Angeles!

The Organizer: Cindy is a 33 year old New Zealander who took the World Champion Professional Kite-Rider title for three consecutive years. A former New Zealand gymnastic and windsurfing champion, Cindy’s determination and charismatic personality make her a powerful and attractive role model.

For more information and to register visit -

http://www.cindymoseyislandodyssey.com

30 July 08, by Laurel



We are delighted to announcing the new Spinning Studio location here in Cabarete, at the gorgeous Breezes Resort Hotel.

Spinning is (in our opinion) the best work out ever to complement your kiteboarding.

Join a class during your vacation and keep with your fitness routine, or try something new....

For more info visit the website:

www.cabaretespinning.com

Also, you can have the pleasure of joining one of Laurel's classes - every Wednesday morning at 8:30 am and the special Saturday "Warm up for the Party" class at 7pm!

Ask Laurel for details and we hope to see you there!

24 June 08, by Laurel

The Association of Cabarete Wind Sports and the local Tourism Department representatives met earlier this week with the shared goal of making Cabarete Beach safer.

Main points include:

Kiting only downwind of Azzuro Hotel, leaving the upwind section of the Bay for windsufers and swimmers

Respecting the 50m - no kite zone - please no kiting close to the shore

Encouraging visitors to take lessons only from accredited kiteboarding centers that are operating officially inside the rules and regulations of the Dominican government.

Updated signs showing zoning, signs with a clear map of Cabarete Bay and the local rules, increased communication with independent kiters thru their hotel check in, Tourist Police training to help them enforce the rules and keep Cabarete safer, and a full scale media campaign are in the works....

Together we can keep Cabarete Bay safe for everyone!

For for info see the article below and thanks to John Bryja from SBC Kiteboard!

http://www.sbckiteboard.com/News?news_id=528&uniqid=1015

21 June, by LEK



LEK's namesake, Laurel Eastman, is the offical host and presenter of the 2008 PKRA Kiteboarding World Cup here in Cabarete!

18 June 08, by laurel

The PRKA world cup kiteboarding contest will be on the beach in front of LEK again this year....

June 25th - 30th.....

It's a great opportunity to be inspired by the most progressive and aggressive kiteboarders on the water....

See you here!

6 April 08, by Laurel

Greetings from Cabarete!

Our new phone numbers are:

Dominican Republic: 809-853-8466

USA numbers:305-831-4842 Waiting to hear from you!

Windy regards,

Laurel

06 Feb 2008, by LEK

The prestigious Master of the Ocean competition selects the world's best overall water sport athlete - surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding in waves.

For the 6th consecutive year the contest returns to the North Shore, Dominican Republic.

Feb 26th - March 3rd is the most exciting time to be in Cabarete....a perfect opportunity to check out some of the best wave riding of all time.

For more info check their site: www.masteroftheocean.com

To book accommodation email LEK - info@laureleastman.com

Enjoy and Aloha!

LEK Team

1 Dec 07, by LEK

Laurel and LEK hosted the awesome new show - Island Hoppers - at our kite school here in Cabarete!

The crew were here to film surfing with our friends from Carrib Surf Tours - and we were lucky enough to have the chance to show them what kitesurfing is all about!

Lexi, the show's lovely hostess is a keen kiter from Florida who is learning how to transfer her polished surfing skills to kiteboarding....

The show should be online in Jan, and also on the Sun Network in Florida - so look out for it....

In the meantime check out awesome photos on their website...

http://www.islandhopperstv.com/Site_2/Dominican_Republic.html

Surfs Up!

25 Aug 07, by Laurel

Our kiteboarding school has been featured in a really lovely article online on

Go NOMAD

Click on the link to see Laurel on the homepage of Go Nomad and to read the fantastic story!

9/8/07, by Laurel

LEK is hiring IKO level 1 instructors to begin working in September in our kiteboarding school in Cabarete.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an energetic and friendly person to live and work in paradise while gaining valuable experience kiting and enjoying kiteboarding and life.

Please send a CV with photo and introductory letter to us - info@laureleastman.com

Good winds and Aloha from Cabarete!

Laurel, Shay, and Peter Pan

24th of July, by Laurel

Laurel Eastman, and my kiteboarding school here in Cabarete is going strong and getting better and better!

Windy summer regards from Cabarete,
Laurel

PS - you can see below Peter Pan working hard right now in the LEK office - charming all the guests and waiting for his turn to go kiteboarding!

14 Sept 07, by Laurel

Calling all Women to come down and kite!

We have two upcoming weeks - one over Thanksgiving and one just before Christmas.

Our packages include:

Transfers to and from the airport (best airport to fly into is Puerto Plata - POP)

Accommodations in lovely condos just next to the our kiteboarding center and our beach (4 nights)

Daily kiteboarding lessons in the afternoon, 3 hours of training each afternoon (3 days)

Morning seminars and gentle stretch classes

The price for the Womens Week is:

Thanksgiving Session
Single Occupancy/Private Lessons - $875 US dollars
Double Occupancy/Group Lessons - $720 US dollars per person

Christmas Session
Single Occupancy/Private Lessons - $955 US dollars
Double Occupancy/Group Lessons - $810 US dollars per person

To make a booking or get more info send me an email - info@laureleastman.com!

Good winds and Aloha

11 July 07, by Laurel

Join us for a VERY Special Event

August 6th 2007

6:00-9:30pm

An Evening With Kevin Seaman

International Mental Performance Coach

Make a decision that can change your life forever… Train with one of the leading authorities in the field of Mental Focus…one day only in Cabarete!

TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY

Increase your confidence and clarity immediately using these valuable secrets of Internal Communication revealed to you tonight!

Break through barriers with the same Powerful Visualization skills taught to professional and Olympic Athletes!

Learn how to accomplish amazing things you never thought you could by creating a Systematic Goals Program and Action Plan customized just for you!

Mental Performance Expert and Author Kevin Seaman will guide you using proven strategies that have produced World Champions, Business Icons and Top Achievers!

To Register Go To www.thewinningmindset.com/cabarete.html

14 July, by Laurel

Join in the fun and help protect the environment with Cabarete’s Coastal Clean Up Day!

Tuesday July 17th

Meet on the beach in front of Hotel Villa Taina at 9am

Sponsored by the Cabarete Bay Kiteboarding Schools:

including of course - Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding!

4 July 2007, by The LEK Team

Pre-book your kiteboarding lessons with LEK and receive the very special offer of your first 4 hours of intensive training with the BEST gear and the top IKO instructors for only $199.

To take advantage of this sizzling summer special - send an email to info@laureleastman.com with the dates you will train and your phone number.

Payment is accepted via our secure virtual terminal provided by Paypal - our team will phone you to get the CC details and confirm your booking!

There has never been a better time than now to learn the sport of the summer - come and kitesurf with us in paradise!

1 July 2007, by LEK

The PKRA World Cup tour returned to Cabarete for the 7th continuous year last week, and it was by far the best competition/event to date!

Perfect Cabarete conditions and for the first time in history, we had a Dominican rider standing on the top of the podium!

We are also super proud of the Best Kiteboarding team riders - Alvaro Onieva and Bruna Kayija. Bruna won the Freestyle contest, and Alvaro placed 2nd! Alvaro won the Best Trick Board Off and Bruna finished 2nd!

We also loved having Stacey and Chichi from the Best Crew down here for the event - keeping us well fed, well watered (or wined!) and providing the daily pics and stories for the world on the Best Kiteboarding Website!

The summer has started, and with a BANG!

Thank you to Gavin from Sailfish Images/Best Kiteboarding for the pic!

22 June 07, by LEK

The top women kiteboarders in the world gathered in the North Coast of the Dominican Republic prior to the PKRA event to honor their friend and fellow competitor Silke Gordlt in a girl’s only downwind ride from Cabarete Bay to Encuentro Beach.

Organized by two of the Best Kiteboarding team riders - current world champion Kristin Boese and Cabarete’s own Laurel Eastman - the women circled together on the beach, remembering their friends spirit and smile, tossed tropical flowers into the sea in her memory, and set off from in front of Laurel’s kiteboarding school in a friendly and fun downwinder.

A star-studded occasion, the top 4 women from last year’s PKRA tour: Kristin (Best, Germany), #2 Bruna Kajiya (Best, Brazil), #3 Ania Grzelinska (North, Poland), and #4 Jo Wilson (Naish, UK) ensured that the action on the water was hot. Having this caliber of rider was a great inspiration to all the participants, who included the newly wed Mrs. Ben Meyer (formally known as Jill Cervi) and her wedding guests!

Silke died 5 years ago during a kiteboarding competition when two kites tangled and she was dragged onto the beach. Her death inspired the industry to develop many advances in safety, like the quick release on the chicken loop, and through her friends memories and stories her spirit lives on forever!

For more information please contact laurel@laureleastman.com and thank you to Hege Holt (www.hegeholt.com) and Carrib Surf Tours (www.carribsurftours.com) for the photos and support!

4 May, by Laurel

Kristin’s Cabarete Camp

Two time world champion, author of her own training book, and stellar role model professional Kristin Boese from Germany/Best Kiteboarding, is gracing Cabarete with her presence for a very special kiteboarding event series!

June 2007 at Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding – A Best Kiteboarding School and Test Center.

Join Kristin on June 15th and 16th for an intensive clinic open to men and women of intermediate kite level or above…

Tentative schedule as follows: 11am meet at LEK for theoretical coaching and visualization led by Kristin followed by stretching and afternoon coaching on the water and on the beach.

End the day with sunset cocktails at Marabu and a group dinner of the night of the 16th. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be coached by the woman who won the PRKA tour two times!

On June 18th and 19th Kristin will be chilling out on site at LEK to show off the latest Best Kiteboarding gear – the new 07 Yarga Hybrid and of course the Waroo…

On the afternoon of June 19th Kristin and Laurel will lead a “girls only downwinder” to Playa Encuentro, a memorial ride for Silke Gordt, a German kiteboarder who died in competition in 2002…Join us for this special and significant ride.

For more information or to make a booking in the exclusive and limited Intensive Clinic on June 15th and 16th please contact LEK- info@laureleastman.com.

Full packages including accommodation are available – the two day camp on the 15th and 16th is only 90$ per person - Book Today!

Good winds and Aloha,

Laurel, Kristin and the Best Kiteboarding/LEK teams

5 April 2007, by Laurel

After almost 14 great years, Hotel Caracol has decided to close their doors.

The news came as a shock to our entire community, but we trust that the decision is a good one, that our future will be brighter with the planned project - Millennium - and the owners of Caracol will be able to enjoy more holiday and less work here in Cabarete!

Our operations will continue here in the beach club, as will Marabu restaurant (lunch and dinner only).

For alternative accommodation for our guests we are now offering packages with Ocean Dream condos (next door) and other lower budget options.

Send us an email or an inquiry here on our website and the team will put together a great package for you...

Wishing everyone great winds, and a small reminder that change is good!

Aloha,

Laurel and the LEK team

May 1st, 2007, by Laurel



We are delighted to welcome Caribe Surf Tours to the LEK Family....

Offering awesome quality printed photos and digital CD's - now you can capture the memories that will last a lifetime!

Check out your pics every afternoon at LEK....more updates about this exciting new addition to come!

15.12.2006, by Florian

LEK's new partnership Instituto Intercultural del Caribe (IIC) / Casa Goethe offers the best spanish lesson in Cabarete Area. Check out the links on LEK website and you will find them.

28.11.06, by Flo

LEK Kids Camp starts December 23rd and is scheduled 7 days per week.

It´s specificly adapted for kids from 7 - 14 years. In combination we offer many activities for kids such as: pool games, boogie boarding, sand castle building, beach games, art projects and many more.

Daily lunch special is also available. For further information contact us:

809 - 571 0564 ; info@laureleastman.com

See you there and Happy Holidays from LEK!

October 31st 2006, by Guru

Wind is back in full force and whole Cabarete is smiling again. Happy HALLOWEEN

October 20th 2006, by Guru

G'day We are having a little break from the wind at the moment. But we are keeping our guests entertained with other activities. Flo went today with a group of our clients to amazing waterfalls just an hour away from the school and we are organizing everyday wakeboarding on beautiful Yasica river. And there is nothing like starting a day with a morning surf. Wind is coming but we are not gonna let you be lazy until ;) Cheers

5th October, by Guru

Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding and Caracol apart-hotel are offering great deal in months of October and November. You can stay for 6 nights and pay for 5 or over 8 nights pay 2 nights less. Kiteboarding school offers 110 US$ worth of lessons if you buy a new complete best package.

5th October 2006, by Guru

Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding is making a sale of 2006 gear. We offer the best sold kite and one of the best kites on the market Waroo starting from 300 US$

27 July, by Laurel

The Best Odyssey is a radical and unique Yacht Share concept designed specifically for remote kitesurfing exploration on a 60' catamaran. It is the first and only dedicated kiteboarding expedition on the planet.

This November 2006, they will embark on a 5 year worldwide itinerary with a limited number of carefully chosen individuals and their title sponsor, Best Kiteboarding.

These are water men and women passionate about exploring some of the few remaining untouched areas of the world- and doing it in style - doing the things they love while contributing as positively to the environment and the communities they will visit.

Watch out for special Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding Adventure or Epic trips on Offshore Odysseys in the very near future and check out their website - www.offshoreodysseys.com to see how you can become involved in this amazing global adventure.

20 July, by Laurel



Cindy Mosey Island Odyssey - a Women's adventure expedition combining kiteboarding, friendship, island life, and pushing your ability in a supportive all-girl environment.

The event will be held from October 15 – 22, 2006.

There are places for 12 of the top ranked women kiteboarders in the world (including Laurel Eastman) and 28 recreational riders.

You will sleep in beachfront bure's after full days spent kiteboarding and a choice of activities including snorkeling with turtles in the marine reserve, hiking to the spectacular Kadavu waterfall, getting coached by the professional kite girls, spending time with local children, and manta-boarding.

Please contact Cindy to register cindy@cindymoseyislandodyssey.com

15 July, by LEK

Kite Adventures, Laurel Eastman and Ozone Travel present Kite-With-A-Pro Downwind Adventure with Laurel Eastman!

From October 1-7, eight (8) girls will enjoy the best of northeast Brazil, traveling downwind from Cumbuco to Jericoacoara, visiting such amazing places as Lagoa do Cauipe (a flat water dream!), Pecem (for wave-hounds), Paracuru (everything you can ask for!) and the world famous Jericoacoara, voted as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world!

The girls only tour is priced at US$1399, and includes return airport transfers from Fortaleza, accommodations, breakfast daily, all transportation for you and your gear, an awesome guide and a selection of 2007 Best kites and gear, for your testing and riding pleasure!

Ozone Travel – The Kiteboarding Travel Company offers packages to some of the hottest kiteboarding destinations in the world, and is proud to be the exclusive booking agent for Kite Adventures’ Kite-With-A-Pro Downwind Adventure with Laurel Eastman. For reservations and information, as well as air-inclusive and special add-on package pricing, please contact Karen@Ozonetravel.com

See you in Brazil!

10 June 2006, by Silke

Session all summer long:

June 18-30 / July 01-31 / August 1-25

10am - 4 pm, Monday - Friday

Open to all kids ages 7 - 14 years

Activities include:

• Kite Flying

• Karate

• Soccer

• Kayaking

• Beach Games • And More!

• Boogie Boarding

• Pool Games

• Sand Castle Building

• Art Projects

• And More!



Price for the week: 100 USD per child

Price for one day: 25 USD per child



Daily lunch Dominican food available for 90 pesos per day or Pasta / Pizza for 150 pesos

For more information contact Laurel Eastman,809-571-0564 www.laureleastman.com silke@laureleastman.com

11 February 2006, by WKA

Spring Chicken Kiteboarding Camp

April 18-22

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Cabarete Spring Chicken Camp: $980 10 spots available in each camp.

WKA, in conjunction with Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding in Cabarete, is excited to announce our first camp of 2006!

The WKA strives to introduce women to kiteboarding in a friendly, safe, non-threatening, non-egotistical, camarederie-driven environment.

This camp is focused on just that, and what a better place for learning than in beautiful, tropical Cabarete! Whether you have never flown a trainer kite before or you're ready for your first body-drag, this camp will teach you everything to get up and riding.

The WKA and Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding's team of instructors will give students four days of personalized instruction on and off the water.

Camp Includes:

• 5 Night stay at the Hotel Caracol
• Transfers to and from hotel
• Breakfast daily
• 4 Days of kiteboarding lessons
• 5 Days of kiteboarding clinics by Pro Kiteboarder Laurel Eastman, WKA Directors Stacy Boggs and Tonia Farman
• 2 Pilates Sessions
• Evening Group Dinner Excursion to the Mountains above Cabarete
• Membership to the Women's Kiteboarding Association
• WKA t-shirt
• 1-year subscription to SBC Kiteboard Magazine
• Goody bag with gifts from these sponsors and more:

* Dakine * * SBC Kiteboarding * * Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding *

Price: $980 based on double occupancy Single Occupancy: Add $175

To book this camp, you can email us: tonia@womenskiteboarding.com or Book through PayPal with any major credit card:

Cabarete Spring Chicken Camp $980

6 January, by Laurel

Pilates and Stretching classes are now available here in Cabarete.

Join professional fitness instructor Karine Bergeron from Montreal, Canada, for one of her amazing classes.

Also available are Yoga, Aquafitness, and Toning - Abs, Thighs, and Buns (ABT)

Group classes are available in the lovely garden at Residencia Dominicana in Pro Cab, OR have a private class with your friends in the privacy of your own home.

Group Class Schedule at Residencia

Monday - 9am Pilates and 4pm Yoga/Stretch

Tuesday - 9am Toning (ABT)

Wednesday - 4pm Pilates

Thursday - 9am Pilates and 10am Yoga/Stretch

Friday - 9am Toning (ABT)

For more information including class contents and prices please contact Karine on her mobile phone 809-627-6995 or email her kuaubay@hotmail.com

2 November 05, by LEK Team

Located 15 min from Cabarete, The Dominican Project is a jungle oasis.

Wakeboard in the perfectly flat water, play paintball in the jungle, or hike up to the 8 m cliff and dive into the clean river water...

Whatever you do, it's a great afternoon escape from Cabarete, and a fantastic adventure for those no wind days.

An afternoon with the Dominican Project is the perfect way for hard-core kiteboarders to re-connect with their kiting widows....

Guys, nothing like a romantic champagne picnic by a wild river where you can swim in complete privacy to make up for all the extended kite sessions when your love is left on the beach....

25 October, by Laurel

Our dreams have come true, our prayers have been answered….Marabu is now part of the LEK/Caracol family!

Not just good, but AMAZING food, great service, and very reasonable prices combined with their incredible remodel of the beach club into a full on chill out zone make Marabu THE place to be and be seen on Cabarete beach.

Gaitano, Antonello - BIENVIENDOS!!

Come and have lunch with us!!

Good food, good wind, good people, good music…..GREAT LIFE!

11 October 2005, by LEK TEAM

LEK is hosting an IKO offical Instructor Training Course (ITC)at our school this December.

Dates are Dec 11-15.

Join the ranks of the most respected kiteboarding instructors in the world and have the opportunity to train (and then work) with our team here in Cabarete this winter!

All candidates must meet the Candidates Prerequisites of IKO:

Be an IKO kiteboarder level 3 for at least 6 months and be able to perform a jump, perform a controlled turn and switch riding, ride constantly upwind and ride between other riders

Have an IKO assistant instructor certification or a water or aerial sport teaching experience

Attest a valid first aid certificate

Have a powerboat license or equivalent skill level if no obligatory license in the home country

Be at least 18 years old

For more information email us - info@laureleastman.com

9 October 2005, by Laurel

LEK has teamed up with the Dominican Republic's very own SOULSTATION.TV in a super exciting project to show the world just how fun the kiteboarding in life in Cabarete really is.

Director and Producer Wellington Valenzuela is making television history with the Soul Station Reality Show, for the first time ever a reality TV show will be broadcast on Mango TV (DR) twice per week at prime time - COMMERCIAL FREE!!

But don't worry if you miss the show on Mango, you can always download it and watch whenever you like!

Just visit www.soulstation.tv and remember to register - you could win a 6 hour kiteboarding course with me and my team here in Cabarete!

We are so stoked to be a part of this incredible movement, revolutionizing the way people are entertained and giving them a chance to be part of the entertainment!

6 August 2005, by Laurel

Ozone Travel.com with Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding, Hotel Caracol, And RDCA present:

Kick-Ass Kiteboarding – A 4-day Martial Arts intensive training paired with kiteboarding and yoga to sharpen your body and mind and to let your spirit run free!

Sensei Robert Duzoglou has over 33 years of experience studying and teaching the Martial Arts, and created RDCA, which educates students with the best the Martial Arts world has to offer, including: Karate, Kickboxing, Jui-Jitsu, Aiki-Jitsu and Combative Escrima.

Join Sensei Robert for a seriously intense and a seriously fun 4 mornings (90 minutes a day), working the body and mind to develop physical fitness and mental strength. Classes will be using fun training tools like kicking bags, punching bags and escrima sticks!

Following each 90-minute training session will be 30 minutes of ashtanga-based yoga.

After lunch, when the wind kicks-in, join Laurel Eastman and her crew for an afternoon of kiteboarding! Whether you’re just learning, want to practice your skills, or heading out to the reef, the LEK team will make sure that your Cabarete kiteboarding experience is fantastic and fun!

The 4 day and 4 night program includes:

· 90 mins of Martial Arts training with Sensei Robert Duzoglou + 30 mins of yoga daily · Accommodations at the Hotel Caracol, taxes, breakfast daily overlooking the ocean · Return airport transfers from/to Puerto Plata · Kite For Fun with LEK (Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding) · Dinner (including transportation) at the Blue Moon Indian Retreat

Full (8 hours) or half (4 hours) beginner learn-to-kite courses are available for purchase separately. Also available for purchase are surf lessons with 3-2-1 Takeoff.

Package price as listed above, per person based on double occupancy: US$310 Additional nights at the Hotel Caracol may be purchased for US$76 per night.

Martial Arts training only: US$25 per day or US$100 for 4 days

For RT air from Miami – add US$525.00 For RT air from New York – add US$465.00 For RT air from LAX – add US$635.00

For air from other cities, please contact karen@ozonetravel.com.

31 July 2005, by Laurel

LEK Cabarete has its own forum!!

Brand new and very exciting, we are so happy to announce the launch of our very own forum....a place for information and sharing about our kite school here in Cabarete, Dominican Republic.

Please pass by, register, share, and enjoy!

http://laureleastman.com/kiteforum/

8 June 2005, by Laurel

Ranked #1 in the USA and #1 in the heart of LEK, Clinton Bolton paid a quick visit to Cabarete last weekend.

Clinton, originally from South Africa, has been training in the states and recently kicked ass in both the Islamorada Invitational and the Velocity Games.

Now in Germany, Clinton will be back next week to train before the PKRA. It was great having him here and we look forward to welcoming him and all the BEST team in the next weeks!

23 May 2005, by Laurel Eastman

Spanish can be learned now easily with SpanishCabarete, our language school partner.

Get the best out of your staying in Cabarete, take spanish lessons while kiteboarding.

You can easily combine spanish lessons and kite with flexible schedules and convenient packages.

If you ever thought about taking your first steps or improving your spanish language skills this is the opportunity!

20 May 2005, by Kevin Seaman

Syracuse area LifeWave Team Leaders Kevin Seaman and Donna Feeley are bringing LifeWave Energy Patches to The 2005 World Cup Kiteboarding Championship in Cabarete, Dominican Republic June 20-26.

Syracuse area LifeWave Team Leaders Kevin Seaman and Donna Feeley are bringing LifeWave Energy Patches to The 2005 World Cup Kiteboarding Championship in Cabarete, Dominican Republic June 20-26.

Representing LifeWave as exclusive sponsors for the international event, they will be supplying the athletes with a different kind of POWER. LifeWave Power! Well, youre probably asking, whats a LifeWave Energy Patch? LifeWave, as the company terms it, is Software for the Human Body.

LifeWave is a new technology and a new company offering unconventional thinking to an age-old problem: How to increase energy, strength and stamina in a safe non-invasive manner.

Inventor, David Schmidt, has achieved this break through by combining modern Western nanotechnology with Eastern Oriental knowledge.

LifeWave is not just a product but a whole new patented technology that is absolutely unique in nature. LifeWave is a non-transdermal technology (nothing enters the body) that resolves the harmful issues of steroids, stimulants, protein packs and other questionable products that enter the body.

LifeWave Energy Enhancer enables athletes and everyday people to increase the energy, stamina, and performance in their daily lives. Well, if nothing enters your body, how does it work? It works through a well known scientific aspect called "Resonant Energy Transfer."

Although relatively new, the Patches have undergone extensive testing and double-blind studies. These patches have also been thoroughly tested by the USADA and the US Olympic Committee. The results consistently show that there are no banned substances as nothing enters the body.

LifeWave patches have also been cleared for usage, but not endorsed by the NCAA. The Patches have been used by hundreds of athletes including over 130 PGA/LPGA Members, select members of the Tour De France and 2004 Olympics, and numerous professional, amateur and collegiate athletes.

This years 2005 World Cup Kiteboarding Championship will be as exciting as ever, with the speed, jumps, turns and aerial acrobatics that you would expect to see from this extreme sport.

Kiteboarding evolved through mans primal need to do something completely outrageous and use the earths natural energy to power him/her, or should we say empower him/her

I think LifeWave is an absolutely outstanding technology and we are very excited to introduce the Energy Patch at the 2005 World Cup, Seaman commented. Seaman will also be working with the athletes to gain the Mental Edge with a series of workshops geared towards athletic performance.

Through his critically acclaimed Winning Mind Set Strategies, Seaman has helped thousands of athletes find the mental key to unlock the power of their mind in competition and personal performance with The Winning Mind Set.

Now he is integrating the extraordinary qualities of the LifeWave Patch creating a powerful union to unlock athletic performance potential to a new level. For more information on the LifeWave Energy Patch go to: www.lifewave.com/boostyourenergy or email info@boostyourenergy.net

27 April 2005, by Laurel

We are stoked to announce our partnership with BEST Kiteboarding for 2005!

LEK Cabarete decided to partner with BEST Kiteboarding for our school and test center equipment because our companies share very similar values and missions. Both LEK and BEST are run by passionate kiteboarders who eat, sleep and breathe this sport 24 hours a day. Our shared mission is simple – bring kiteboarding to as many people who can stand to have the most fun possible!

BEST products are high quality, affordable, and accessible – a powerful combination. Oh yeah, and they make pink kites and boards (Laurel’s prayers are finally answered – thank you Alex!!)

Working together we hope to share our world with you – if you are a never-ever coming down to learn on the Grunt kite or an experienced kiteboarder taking advantage of our new BEST Kiteboarding Test Center. Our commitment is to work hard, ride hard, and help bring this sport to the next level. Welcome to our world – we think you are going to LOVE it here!

26 April 2005, by LEK

Pre PKRA World Cup Cabarete

Women’s Kite and Yoga Week

Sponsored By Caribbean Winds and Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding

16-19 June 2005

Calling all Girls to join in the fun at the 2005 Cabarete PRKA World Cup! Come down to learn, train together, practice yoga, and have FUN! Stay for the World Cup the next week, June 20-26, right in our own front yard!

The 2005 Pre-PKRA Women’s Kite and Yoga Week is open to ALL levels of kiteboarder/yogi

For beginners: Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding is offering a special discounted 6-hour group course with one of our excellent female instructors. Price: 230$ USD

For intermediate and advanced riders: the 4 days of riding, testing, training, seminars and fun is only $120 USD.

Both packages include 4 sessions of Yoga with Carolyn from Amber Coast Adventures!

* Flights/Accommodation/Airports Transfers/Meals are extra

Contact Karen@ozonetravel.com. Ozone Travel, the kiteboarding travel company, has the best deals to Puerto Plata airport!

Caribbean Winds can help you book your hotel and pick you up from the airport! Just book your reservation directly through www.caribbeanwinds.com or email Paula: info@caribbeanwinds.com

12 April 05, by Laurel

I am so stoked to have the PKRA World Cup back in Cabarete this summer!

Registration will be on June 20, followed by the trials on the 21st, and the Main Event from the 22-26th of June.

LEK and Caracol will be offering some FANTASTIC packages for rooms and kiteboarding during June.....stay tuned or email the LEK team at info@laureleastman.com

Check out the event website www.cabareteevents.com

and the PKRA website www.pkra.info

See you all here I hope!

21 March 05, by Laurel Eastman

Aloha! Check out the awesome schedule of events for the girls camp and we really hope all the ladies enjoy! Thank you to everyone who is giving time and energy to this camp!

17 Feb 2005, by LEK

Cabarete Kite Show Girls Camp Sponsored By Kite Chicks and Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding

Calling all Girls to join in the fun at the 2005 Cabarete Kite Show! From March 31 – April 3rd, come down to learn, train together, test the new 2005 products, and have FUN!

Event Schedule
31. March
Yoga by Carolyn from Amber Coast Adventures Riding, Testing, and Training Kite Beach Hotel Opening Party

1. April
Spinning Class Seminar by Karen from Ozone Travel: kiting around the world as a woman Old School Big Air Contest at Kite Beach Agualina Party

2. April
Seminar by Michelle from Cabarete Massage: Sports Stretching Kite Chicks Expression Session Cross-Dressing Party @ Caracol and Fashion Show

3. April
Seminar by Sandrine from IKO: working in the kite industry Kite Show Down winder Closing Party at Extreme Hotel

The Kite Show Girls Camp is open to ALL levels of kiteboarder

For beginners: Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding is offering a special discounted 6-hour group course with one of our excellent female instructors. Price: 190$ USD

For intermediate and advanced riders: the 4 days of riding, testing, training, seminars and fun is only $80 USD.

We are also offering special deals for local Cabarete girls! If you would like to help or participate, please contact laurel@laureleastman.com or call 809-853-8466.

As a special offer to all Kite Show Girls Campers, Cabarete Massage is offering a 10% discount on pre-booked massages during this week! Treat yourself like the princess you are and indulge in one of Michelle’s world famous massages!

Spaces are limited, to reserve your spot in the camp please contact either:

Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding info@laureleastman.com 809-571-0564
or Kite Chicks – Petra Schaefer petra@kitechicks.com +49 172 8429687

Looking for a flight to Cabarete to join our camp? From the USA contact Karen@ozonetravel.com. Ozone Travel, the kiteboarding travel company, has the best deals to Puerto Plata airport!

From Europe try www.condor.com or www.ltu.com or contact Petra@kitechicks.com directly.

Hotel and Ground transportation Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding can help you book your hotel and pick you up from the airport! Just email Nathalie: info@laureleastman.com

31 Jan 2005, by LEK

LEK's beach sign with our logo was recently featured in none other than the New York Times! In a story about kiteboarding in Cabarete! We are here waiting the surge of New Yorkers keen to learn with us!

30 January, by LEK

Feb 10-13

Join us for 4 days of advanced kiteboarding tips, lessons, and intro's to kitesurfing, stretching, core strenghtening and more....prices start at 1200RD with a pre-paid discount....

Enjoy special extended ashtanga power yoga and core strenghtening pilates training....

15 January, by LEK

Upcoming WIC Events: WIC-Cabarete Deals:
LEK Cabarete now offers 20% of any money spent on lessons to be applied to purchase of new 2005 Wipika gear! Events:

1. Wipika Christmas Madness...come check out the new Wipika gear that Santa dropped off in Cabarete. (Dec 22-29)

2. Yoga & Kite Camp...come improve your balance and learn to kite with the LEK team (Feb 8-13)

3. Family Kite Camp...bring the kids along for some family fun and kiting. (March 14-20)

4. Kids Camp...its never to early to get them started. (April 26-May 1)

5. World Cup Kite Camp...come learn to kite with the pros and check out the competition (June 12- 18)

6. Surf & Kite Camp...early morning surf sessions, followed by a kite course that well get you smacking the waves in more ways than one. (Nov 1-7)

Monthly events starting Jan 2005 1. Apres Kite BBQ at Lek...come have an after kiting beer and burger with the LEK team (First Friday of every month starting Jan 2005)

2. 50% off lessons with the purchase of new 2005 Wipika gear.

3. Photo shoot day available on request...do you ever wonder what you look like on the water?

4. Internet connection at LEK...bring your laptop and stay in touch.

5. Kite excursions and downwinders available upon request.

6. Other excursions also available...Motocross, Canyoning, Rafting, Mtn. Biking, etc...

Check the www.wipikakiteboarding.com for all of the contact info and start planning a trip today!

15 November 2004, by Laurel

Cineforce Films has with much excitement, launched the trailer of their new film, a kiteboarding documentary.

The first of its kind, this film was shot in the island paradise of Puerto Rico last July with some of the top riders in the world, including yours truely (Laurel Eastman).

It was a fantastic experience to be involved in a production of this caliber, and when you check out the trailer on their website: www.cineforcefilms.com I am sure you will be stoked to....

Look for the full length film coming soon to DVD, television and a film festival near you!

22 September, by Laurel Eastman

Top 10 Reasons to vote for John Kerry on Nov. 2nd

10. People like you and me truly will make the difference in this election and in the next four years on planet earth.

9. Kerry has a strong environmental record and will no doubt make protecting the beaches (including your favorite riding spot) a high priority.

8. Having the leader of the free world also be a kiteboarder can only be good: for kiteboarding, and for the free world!

7. When Kerry is President the excuse “it’s a great wind forecast for this week” will surely excuse you from jury duty!

6. In campaign promise, Kerry vows to drop our medical insurance premiums by 1000$, and being kiteboarders, we need insurance! And just think, you can spend that money on kite gear or your next kite holiday!

5. Having a kiteboarding president may very well likely stop bans on your local beaches!

4. Within his 4-year term those mainstream journalists will finally figure out the difference between kiteboarding and windsurfing.

3. It’s easy; you don’t even have to be there to do it! Just pop into your local voter registration office and ask for an absentee ballot. That way if it is windy that day, there is no panic, you can vote by mail and still have your voice heard.

2. It would be rude not to. Just think of all those global citizens around the world who would LOVE to have the right to vote in this election….do it for democracy, do it for the world!

1. Did I mention he’s a kiteboarder! (Say no more!!)

In all seriousness, now is the time for action. I don’t want to hear excuses, I want to see results…American kiteboarders just might be the group which tips the scale in Washington DC this November 2nd…so, GO REGISTER!

20 September 2004, by Laurel

LEK, all our team's houses, and the beach in Cabarete have all survived tropical storm Jeanne thanks God! And man, do we have some good stories to tell from that night!

Only the wind has been seriously damaged, we are all going crazy for lack of kiteboarding...although a canyoning trip with Mike at Get Wet! should help to cure some of our restlessness....

Wow, they don't call it hurricane season for nothing! Luckily it should all pass in the next weeks, setting us up for an incredible winter of wave riding on the outer reef in front of our club!

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and prayers, we are all good and safe an having fun as usual here in Cabarete!

15 June, by Laurel

The PKRA has arrived into Cabarete, right into our front yard! Its a very exciting time for us here and we are just stoked to be a part of this awesome event.... Good luck to all the competitors and let the games begin! Aloha, Laurel

27 May, by Laurel

http://home.btconnect.com/EscapePhotograph/thecrossing/index.html Check out the website above to see all the news about our attempt for the World Record in women's distance kiteboarding crossing! We are attempting it today, so wish us luck! Aloha! Laurel

18 May 04, by Laurel

Downwind tours are now available for kiteboarders in Cabarete!

This is an experience not to be missed, the huge truck with pumping stereo system, the air compressor, the cool local guides and riders, and best of all, the miles and miles of waves to play in....

www.downwindtours.com

Trips are everyday, many times per day and they will pick you up here from LEK!

11 May 04, by Laurel

Sorry guys, this trip is for girls only! Join pro-rider and Wipika International Team Rider Laurel Eastman (and some other of her pro women friends!!) on an amazing kiteboarding trip to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands July 6-13!

No camp. No clinics. Just girls who live and love to ride. Stay in a big, beautiful house overlooking the ocean; ride different spots every day; relax and hang with the girls after epic days on the water. The trades are on in the summertime, so don’t miss this great experience!

Open to 7 girls only, so book now! Contact Ozone Travel – The Kiteboarding Travel Company at www.ozonetravel.com or karen@ozonetravel.com. Go Fly High for Less!

2 May 04, by Laurel

The entire team here at LEK are very excited for summer events here in Cabarete....

June is shaping up to be a fantastic month...starting with the Kite Chicks Cabarete Weeks, June 11-25th. Laurel and the team will be joining the week to provide expert coaching for intermediate and advanced riders. Also planned is a not to be missed trip to some secret spots of the Dominican Republic.

This is a great opportunity for women kiteboarders to get together and enjoy riding and having fun! For information on the event and booking, check out the website Kite Chicks

And of course is the world famous PKRA event, right in our front yard...talk about inspiration and fun!

Bottom line: Cabarete is THE place to be in June....so get in touch and make your bookings now for a very exciting and sure to be windy month!

7 Feb 04, by Laurel

The Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots, community based research and education organization working hard to understand and protect coastal environments world wide

Education is a core mission at the Surfrider foundation, and their website has a wealth of knowledge and information including how to become a member and help protect this treasured resources....our oceans...

1 Feb 04, by Laurel

Kelly and Tom just quietly cruised by Cabarete on the Quicksilver Crossing boat, and decided to stay around for a couple days surfing at Encuentro. Its like the equivalent of having Robbie Naish and Martin Vari just show up at your local kite beach. Many of the LEK staff are avid surfers and were stoked to say the least to have the opportunity to catch some waves with Kelly and Tom. I am just waiting for them to rock up at the school, wanting to learn kiting! Aloha, Good waves and good winds! Laurel

29 December 2003, by Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding

Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding is proud to announce our partnership with the DREAM (Dominican Republic Education and Mentoring) Project. The DREAM project is a 501c3 non-profit org committed to improving educational opportunities in the Cabarete area.

From building bathrooms, classrooms and libraries to providing volunteers, collecting textbooks, and giving hope to young Dominicans, the DREAM project is actively making a difference in the lives of children in need.

LEK founder Laurel Eastman says, “The mission and focus of the DREAM project is 100% congruent with the social and educational values of our business, therefore the partnership is a natural progression. It is an honor to be able to support such an amazing project, and we encourage everyone to be more involved in education and nurturing of kids here in the DR and back at home.”

The focus in 2004 is on 3 programs: Sports, Basic Hygiene, and Reading. LEK will be hosting Dominican school children at the beach here in Cabarete to teach them kite flying and all the joy associated with this fantastic sport.

If you are interested in helping, with a monetary donation, collecting school/sports supplies and bringing them down, or volunteering at a school during your stay, please contact the DREAM project directly through their website
www.dominicandream.org

22 December 2003, by Laurel Eastman

Aloha Everyone! Laurel, Leslie and the entire LEK Cabarete team are wishing you a happy holiday season filled with love, peace and joy. (And great wind!) Hope Santa brings you lots of toys to play with in 2004...come down to visit and enjoy kite paradise with us here in Cabarete! Aloha, Laurel

23 Oct 2003, by Laurel Eastman

The Women’s Sports Foundation held their annual fundraising dinner, A Salute to Women in Sports, at the beautiful Waldorf=Astoria in New York City last weekend. 100 athletes from all sports are invited to the dinner where tickets go for over $1,000

For the first time in history, a kiteboarding athlete was included in the champion line-up. Laurel Eastman (USA – Wipika/Da Kine) was invited by the foundation to help in raising over one million dollars for women in sports.

This event was massive for the sport of kiteboarding. At the national press conference, WSF president and first woman to captain an America’s Cup yacht, Dawn Riley introduced the event to the press by saying: The Women’s Sports Foundation is for all sports, even new ones, like kiteboarding, we even have a kiteboarder here today.

Ms. Eastman, who has recently started her first kiteboarding school at the Caracol Kiteboarding Center in Cabarete, spent the weekend introducing our sport to some of the most powerful women athletes of all time. Many sparks were lit last weekend, look out for women’s kiteboarding, windsurfing, and surfing camps in Cabarete this March and April (check out www.laureleastmankiteboarding.com for details)

Having an organization like the Women’s Sports Foundation on the kiteboarding team is an amazing blessing. The foundation (started 30 years ago by tennis legend Billie Jean King) provides grants for girls to train and travel, and distributes educational material, provides motivational speakers and reaches millions of women each year with the mission to ensure equal access to sports and leadership for women.

The WSF also is producing the book: Superwomen: 100 Women, 100 Sports by Jodi Buren which features Laurel Eastman and will be released with the 2004 Olympic Games. Check it all out on www.womenssportsfoundation.org

09/12/2003, by Cyril (webmaster)

The first version of the website has been launched today. We all hope you will like it. If you find some errors, or if you have any comments about the website, feel free to send an email at : webmaster@laureleastmankiteboarding.com.