To assist destinations or tour operators interested in creating a kiteboarding adventure itinerary, this product development brief contains basic information for evaluating conditions for kiteboarding and starting points for marketing kiteboarding-focused trips to western travelers.

To appeal to international adventure travelers originating from North American and European markets, the itinerary should take care to integrate the kiteboarding feature sport into a creative package, with a strong mix of the kiteboarding sport as well as opportunities to explore the local culture, and a range of soft nature experiences such as trail walks or birdwatching, for example.

To create such a well-rounded itinerary, an inventory of resources should be conducted, for example using the Adventure Tourism Development Index’s 10 Pillars method.

Kiteboarding is considered an extreme sport, however, unlike most extreme sports it appeals to a broad spectrum of individuals outside of the extreme sport niche.

Consistently windy conditions averaging above 15mph are preferable.

Water temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit are preferred.

Water access should be free from obstructions, i.e. trees, rocks, buildings

Water suitable for swimming should not contain objects such as rocks, shells, and sticks, which are potential dangers for both the kiteboarder and the equipment.

Diverse water landscapes accessible within a reasonable travel time are useful from a product development perspective: i.e. flat water, waves, lakes, rivers, oceans and bays.

The best sites for kiteboarding will include some areas of shallow water for beginners and no strong currents, and preferably no offshore winds.

Launch areas — sand or grass is favored at launch areas

Kiteboarding sessions on the water average 1-3 hours, throughout the day. During respites Kiteboarders would like to find food and shelter close by.

Kiteboarders want to be located as close to the water access area as possible so dining and accommodations near the water are preferred for those days dedicated to kiteboarding. Accommodations can range from camping to five star hotels.

It should be easy for travelers to visit other kiteboarding areas – short distances easily traveled by either by car or boat with flexible departure times are advisable.

If wind conditions are not favorable during the day, other activities should be available.

Kiteboarding trips can cross-marketed to surfers: many now-popular surf destinations around the world often become too windy for good surfing. Kiteboarding compliments this perfectly in that you can surf in the morning, and kiteboard in the afternoon. New trip operators can also build awareness for their services by offering kiteboarding lessons with partners offering standard tour packages.

To build international awareness for your destination once you have a product ready to sell, invite reporters or pitch stories on your destination to kiteboarding, windsurfing, and surfing magazines. Advertising online on websites dedicated to selling kiteboarding and surfing gear is also recommended.

For suggestions on surfing magazines and websites suitable to kiteboarding see Xola’s Product Development Guidelines for SURFING.

Below are a few websites that have begun to market to Kiteboard vacationers. Dare2fly also offers packages for places to stay and lessons.
www.myskyriders.com
www.dare2fly.com