February 2011 KITESURF MAG & OCEANPROKITE organize the test of 100 boards & kites in Tulum Mexico

At the end of May, 2011, during a paragliding adventure with friends in the French Alps, I finally got my hands on the ‘Kiteboarding Test 2011’ issue of KITESURF MAG from France. The ‘Test’ is a special annual publication of the magazine, and it so happens that OceanProKite was an integral part of producing this latest publication in the series. Back in February we were honored to assist the magazine crew during its kiteboarding production journey all over Yucatan, Mexico. Several months passed since then, and as our good friend and instructor of past two years – Guillaume - entered the chalet with the precious trophy, a copy of the 2011 Test issue, so many memories flooded back into my mind...

Reading the written lines of ‘Petit Poulet’ (aka Caroline Adrien) and ‘Lopez’ (aka Hugo Badaroux) once again I was reliving the adventure. Of course it was preceded by several months of organizational e-mails starting in the fall of 2010, so by the time we actually met face-to-face, the anticipation and excitement levels were peaking. And finally it was February 2011, when at last we were welcoming the ‘JTD’ Team and manager of ‘Fun & Fly’ agency at Cancun International Airport. The entire month was going to be dedicated to these guys. We were going to test a multitude of latest kiteboarding gear, show the best kitesurf spots of Yucatan Peninsula, chase the wind and enjoy an absolute maximum days on the water. At the same time it was going to be a fantastic opportunity to present the French crew with rich culture and high biodiversity of Mexico, give the best of Tulum, and promote the truth about what our destination has to offer - good kitesurfing, friendly local people, beautiful coastline, crystal-clear water, fun at the pristine beaches but also downtown, where Tulum nightlife offers plenty of live music band performances in the numerous little bars and restaurants.

When the month-long adventure ended, our sincerest wish was to have succeeded in initiating the French team into the unique mix of Mexican and Caribbean vibe that Tulum offers its visitors and locals alike. Though to find out the crew’s real impressions of the trip, we would have to wait for the 2011 Test issue to actually come out in print… And at some point we even forgot all about it, until now, in the middle of the Alps, with Guillome handing me the magazine copy. Well, what can I say? Reading the May ’11 edition of Kitesurf Mag, I am happy to confirm that the French crew not only liked and promoted the hell out of our destination (20 pages + 50 pages wXith the test!) but more importantly – they really shared a common spirit and passion with OceanProKite crew as well! After all, ever since the early days of kitesurfing, this is what the sport has always been about - hunting for spots, sharing with locals, jumping on good local food and having a couple of beers after a good session in the water. And what can be better after a nice shower and a little rest, than hitting the dance floor of a great party or listening to live music under the stars!

Tulum, Sian Kaan, Rio Lagartos, Holbox, Isla blanca, Xpu-Ha, Punta Allen… So many beautiful places, sometimes difficult to reach, but all offering what we initially promised - a great kiteboarding session on flat or wavy, all unique spots. Thank you to Matthieu Deltour, who made this adventure possible. Thank you to the entire JTD team for the good time, to Anna Fishkin for her beautiful pictures, and to Pierre, Nadia, Ysa, Pierre-Jean, Raphael Salles and all the people who shared our spots and common spirit and passion! This was an unforgettable kiteboarding experience - MADE IN MEXICO!

 

PICTURES OF THE EVENT .....click

 

Juan el Belga aka John el Belga, Johan,...

OPK TEAM