You can learn kiting!  We believe kitesurfing is a sport for everyone.  No matter your current fitness level (and you don't need upper body strength) we specialize in transforming YOU into a kitesurfer!

How it works

At Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding we tailor your lessons to suit your individual goals and abilities.  If you have previous kite experience we build on what you already know.  If you are brand new to the sport we take you though the process step-by-step in a safe, fun and easy manner.

What we teach

The basics of learning kiting are the same for everyone (see the bottom of this page for an outline).  We specialize in transforming people who have never flown kites into becoming kiteboarders.  We also have some other tricks up our sleeve:

 Advanced Lessons:  Take it to the next level!  Jumping, Tricks, Surfing Waves

 Kiteboarding for Kids:  Our LEK instructors have been specially trained to teach kids as young as 8 years old

 Women Specific Lessons:  As a female owned/managed company we love getting more women into the sport!

 Refresher:  Been a while?  We can get you back up to speed quickly and safely, growing your confidence & skills

 Yacht Crew:  As previous yachties ourselves, we understand the special lifestyle and cater to YOU!

 Photo Package:  Show off your hero kite skills to friends and family back home - hire our professional photographer!

 Lessons + Gear:  Our team of specialists work hard to match you with the right gear for you and for your kiting goals

How we bill differently to save you money

At LEK we are very precise about only charging you for the time you spend with your coach and your equipment. We bill to 5 minute increments.  If you spend 1 hour and 40 minutes then we only bill you for that time.

On the first day of lessons you learn to set up your gear, after that day you become independent for "Set Up" and for the rest of your training you get the gear yourself (we help you choose the right size kite), and you rig it independently.  Once you are rigged and ready then your instructor joins you to double check it's done properly, and only then does the billing clock start ticking.

How much will it cost?

Your hourly rate starts at US$66 per hour.  There are three ways to receive a discounted hourly rate.  

1. Take more hours, if you take 10 hours of lessons then the hourly rate is $10 less per hour ($56 per hour).

2. Take lessons with your friend/family member/loved one.  Group lessons start at $56 per hour per person and go down to $51 per hour per person at the 10+ hour rate.  

3. Pre-book a 4 hour lesson package for only $199 (saving $55).  Reserve your place with the LEK coaches and gear right now!  Additional hours are billed at the normal rates.

Here is the LEK lesson price list for 2012

Here is a short outline of the steps you will make on your journey to becoming a kiteboarder

Set Up, Safety and Kite Flying
The first day you learn how to pump the kite and attach the lines, in the right place and in the correct way.  Next learn the Safety Actions (LET GO, EJECT, LEASH), and a bit about steering properly.  Safe launching is up next and then Kite Flying!

Body Surfing
As soon as you are ready (showing great kite control) it's time to get wet.  The kite pulls you through the water and you get to experience the thrill of power!  Controlling the kite with one hand in the water is the pre-requisite to the board.

The Board
Handling the board in the water and getting it on your feet is an accomplishment in itself.   Standing up for the first time is one of the most rewarding experiences ever!  Once you are up we increase your kite flying line length and give you power to RIDE.

Safety

Throughout the entire course our number one focus is keeping you safe.  Since 2003 when we began we've had a 100% successful track record!  The LEK teaching method uses SHORT LINES, allowing you to learn kite flying without much risk.  We emphasize safety including prevention (choosing the right day, the right place, and the right gear) and teach important safety skills like EJECT/Kite Recovery and Self Rescue.  You will wear safety equipment (helmet and life vest).  Your training location (Cabarete Bay) is an incredibly safe place - no dangerous sea creatures nor obstacles in the warm blue water.

Testimonials from our LEK students via Trip Advisor

Reviewed January 1, 2012

Reviewed December 29, 2011

Everyone at LEK was awesome! My 17 year old son took lessons and really loved it! My 16 year old son and I hung out on the beach and took advantage of LEK's beach chairs, their super clean bathroom, the cold water and Gatorade! It was a wonderful place to just relax and chill out or be adventurous and kiteboard.

“LEK is AWESOME! Friendly, helpful, and reasonably priced!”

Reviewed December 26, 2011

I went to LEK for a December getaway from freezing San Francisco. First, I started by calling all the kite centers, LEK was the most helpful over the phone. Meghan very patiently explained what Cabarete is like and what I can expect and recommended different lodging options.

When I actually went to LEK, I unexpectedly got SO much more. Everyone there, Laurel, Pete, Meghan, Maxon are all so friendly! It's much more than a Kite center, they were able to offer help with lodging, a locker for all my gear, advice for activities, and tips for how to navigate around Cabarete. They are SO much more helpful than the *adventure* shops around Cabarete. 

I've gone to a lot of remote places, and sure, there's great people everywhere, but this LEK team extraordinarily special and the MOST memorable.

For whatever reason you are going to Cabarete, LEK is a team you should get in touch with. Just one phone call can make your experience so much better!