VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

anyone been to the Cook Islands, know anything about the best places to kite, when to go??

Thanks

Nimpkish-Bill wrote:anyone been to the Cook Islands, know anything about the best places to kite, when to go??

Thanks

Was there in mid 90s, on a surf trip, before kiting. We were there as a stop on a "coral route" pass....hawaii, fiji, rarotonga, NZ, Aus. Didn't really intend to go there, but ended up extending our stay a few weeks extra.

There was some fun surfing, but generally not ideal for surf. The waves are quite a ways out from shore lagoons and it was nearly always windy. In other words, my recollection is that it would be epic for kiting! Amazing flat water sailing everywhere, and a few good kitesurfing spots.

Muri Lagoon on the south east shore was a good spot for swimming, suspect good for kiting. The south west corner was where biggest waves were, but wind was always strong onshore. Also surf spots just outside Avarua on north and north east shore.

I think the sister island Aitutaki is more of a kiting destination:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qyt4-Y6yLc[/youtube]

We were there in Fall, water was a little chilly, long snorkelling session you'd be cold. Could have worn a shortie. Surf season is our summer. Not sure when best wind season is.

Culture of the area was fun, Polynesian with an attitude, what Hawaii was probably like long ago. (plus mix in NZ influence and humour) Local drinking establishments would see the whole place dancing and singing along when a popular song they liked.

I'd go back for sure, intend to eventually!

Muri Lagoon on Rarotonga is fantastic. SE Trades blowing through our summer down there. You can kite pretty much anywhere on Aitutaki as it is flat and sandy. Some epic flat water spots and some reef breaks on the outside. Unreal snorkeling on both Islands too! Worth checking out!