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BDEPARTMENT✫✪✬✴❀✸✸✭✼A typical view from aWhite Beach rental.Lens: Evan MavridoglouBy Evan Mavridoglou andEduard LloraBolobog is great placeto practice new tricks orwork on your waveriding skills.Lens: Evan MavridoglouSCHOOLSThere are eight kite schools in Bolabog Beach and you can findmost major brands and accessories. The largest ones are HanginKiteboarding, Habagat Kite School, Isla Kiteboarding, and OceanRepublic.Boracay was a secret spot in the 60s, when discovered by European and American backpackers. With no electricity,accommodations or formal transfers to the island, tourists were dropped off by local fishermen for days where theycamped under the stars around fires. A lot has changed since then for this 4-mile long by 7-mile wide tropical paradisein the central part of the Philippines. This exotic destination is now recognized as one of the top beaches in theworld, attracting international travelers seeking sunshine, white sandy beaches and crystal blue water.Launch in front of Hangin and Isla Kiteboardingschools. Lens: Evan MavridoglouLODGINGThere are many options in Boracay since it is a well organized touristdestination.- There are two seasons which affect pricing: November-June is highseason, and June-November is low season.- The lowest budget would be non A/C rooms in small hotels in the centerof the island (aprx. $20-30/night) to luxurious 5 star hotels($300+/night).- Alternatively you can rent houses by White Beach which offer luxuriousaccommodations for 2 to 10 people.Internet resource: visitboracay.com34What is the official site name?Boracay has two distinct sides:- White Beach: a 4-mile longwhite sand beach where all theresorts, hotels, restaurants andbars are located. Most visitorsstay here as it is only about halfa-milefrom Bolabog Beach.- Bolabog Beach: The main ridingspot on the windward side ofthe island with intense flat waterinside the reef, and small waveriding on the outside.What is the best time of yearto hit this spot? Mid-Decemberto the end March offer the mostconsistent and strong wind conditions.From April onwards thewind changes to NW whereWhite Beach is ridable a day ortwo per week. No kiting isallowed on White Beach duringthe winter months.How do I get there (closestcity to fly into, road directions)?Fly to Manila Int’l Airport.Take a short taxi ride to theDomestic Airport (exchange topesos at airport ATMs) and fly toCaticlan (flights ever hour, about1:15 min long). From Caticlan,go to the harbor (5 min) andtake the local boat ride toBoracay Island (15 min). InBoracay, porters can carry youand your gear over the water toshore. Take a local tricycle ortaxi to your hotel or cottage.What is the usual wind direction?Northeast from Novemberto March, Northwest (lighter)from April to October.What conditions should Iavoid? Locals say the full moonstops wind for a couple of days.What gear should I be sure topack? Bring your full quiver.Winds tend to be strong forextended periods of time (6-8mweather) followed by mild windconditions for a few days (1620m weather). Booties arerecommended due to coral andsea urchins on the bottom of thesea, along with water sunglassesand 50+SPF sun block.What is the water temp like(wetsuit/booties needed)?Water is warm to really warmmost of the time. There is noneed for a wetsuit fromNovember to March.What is the launch/landing?Winds blow primarilyonshore/side-onshore whichmakes it an advanced launchspot most of the time. Beginnerswalk about a hundred yards inwater for lessons and launchingpractice. The beach is narrowwith heavy palm trees whentides are high. Otherwise, thereis plenty of beach for launchingand landing.What is the nightlife like?Nightlife is active with many barsopen till early morning. Somerestaurants convert to open airbar/clubs in the late evening withlive music and people enjoyingdrinks by the beach.Is there anything else I needto know about riding thisspot? Be prepared for a tropicalparadise. Although credit cardsare accepted in some locationsaround the island, bring enoughcash with you for your stay. Thelocal language is Filipino butEnglish is common in Boracaydue to tourism. English andSpanish are also widely spokenin Manila and other major cities.The kite schools in BolabogBeach offer lessons in English,German, French, Korean andJapanese.What is the best internet siteto check the wind?Windguru.czInternet info:kiteboardingboracay.comkite-boracay.comkiteboracay.comocean-republic.comkitebora.comTIDBITS- Be cautious when launchingin onshore conditions.Don’t ride when it’s low tide.- Steak House in WhiteBeach is a kiteboarder hangoutas the owner is one ofthe kite school operators onthe island. In general, youcan have a great meal with adrink for $15 USD or less.TRIVIA- The local ‘delicacy’ on Boracay is Balut - a soft boiled egg containing apartially formed duck embryo. Otherwise known as the ‘Treat with Feet’,Balut is rumored to be an aphrodisiac.35