Featured Retailer: Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding (Cabarete, Dominican Republic)

You may have heard about Cabarete on the north coast of The Dominican Republic as a famous kiteboarding destination.  With consistent winds and a variety of conditions to meet beginners and advanced riders paired with the coolest beach vibe around, Cabarete should definitely be on your list of kite spots to visit before you die.  However, if you do one thing right on this vacation, make sure your entire Dominican kiting vacation revolves around the Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding school and here are the 5 reasons why:

1.  Location

Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding is located on Cabarete Bay which is traditionally where everyone learns to kite.  It's very user friendly even though the conditions are a little challenging.  A bit of a surf break upon entry, teaches students to master arguably one of the most important skills in kiting - Kite control right from the get-go.   The location is also walking distance (on the beach!) to all of the beach front restaurants, bars, and shops of Cabarete proper.

2.  Service

Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding is so much more than a cool kiteboarding school on the beach.  It's a place to hang-out before or after your session or when the wind has yet to arrive.  There is a great lounge area on the beach with fun beach games and ALWAYS someone to chat with.  If you're shy, you can always start with, "What's the wind like today?".  LEK has fantastic and secure lockers so you don't have to lug your gear to the beach every day as well as free wifi to post your awesome kite sessions, and of course fresh water to stay hydrated.  Make sure you ask about their VIP service - seriously, your every need is catered to here!

3.  Instructors and Assistants

Laurel Eastman takes good care of her Instructors and continually organizes professional development especially focusing on teaching styles.  Many of these coaches have been working with Laurel since the beginning over 10 years ago!  You can feel at ease and safe with these instructors who will take you to the next level and never have to worry about language barriers.  The kite crew here have also been trained as Lifeguards!

4.  Shopping!

In addition to being a cool hang-out, offering great service, and awesome teachers and staff, Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding also has a gorgeous little retail store featuring some amazing brands (including Truli Wetsuits!).  You can purchase your entire kiteboarding gear from board, to kite to harness, or pick up fun sunglasses and an LEK t-shirt.  Or grab a beer or gatorade post kiting and watch the sunset from the beach benches.  Stay tuned for their online kiteboarding gear store which should be going live very soon!

Photo by:  Jay Newman

5.  Accommodations

Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding actually sits directly in front of the Millennium Luxury Beach Resort and Spa which is SO BEAUTIFUL and will totally make your dream kiteboarding vacation a reality if you stay there!  Another perfect option is right next door at Ocean Dream Condos, which also offers gorgeous condos to stay in and is walking distance to the beach! 

After I just wrote this, I checked-out the Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding school's Facebook page and they've got a ton of 5 star reviews.  Definitely check out what people are saying on Trip Advisor too!

Drop a line to their team at info@LaurelEastman.com and let them make your Dominican Kiteboarding vacation a reality!