THE SET-UP:
A wave spot is accessible straight out from the 2Elements centre. When the Atlantic swells push in, the cross-shore conditions are great for experienced kiters. A couple of flat water spots are close-by and monitored by safety boat. A little further along, Anse Sables (meaning 'Sandy Beach') is a crescent-shaped bay, enclosed by reef. Another school, Reef, are based here. The beach curves gently into the wind on the downwind end, so you will always end up back on the beach should you not be able to make it back to your start point. Bump and jump conditions here are good for all levels. Occasionally there's a little shore-break, but no heavy duty waves.

The steady east or northeasterly trade winds come in cross-shore from the left, historically blowing from late November until April, but regularly now running to July. The best month is December. During the main season you can expect frequent 20 - 25 knot winds. Bring either your eight and ten, or nine and twelve metre kites. Air temperatures are just perfect: 27 - 33°C / 80 - 90°F all year, cooling off a little at night, especially December / January when you might want some long jeans rather than shorts. Water temperatures vary only very slightly, from roughly 25°C / 77°F at Christmas, to 27°C / 80°F in August. Obviously no wetsuit required; just a rash vest to keep the sun off.

Two airports service St. Lucia: Hewanorra International (UVF), which is very close to spots on the south coast and George F.L Charles (SLU) which is over an hour away. All visitors over 12 years-old leaving St Lucia through either airport have to pay a departure tax of EC$68 ($35). Vieux Fort is the island's second largest town and is just a walk away from the kite spot. A modern city, it still boasts an old town with colonial homes from the days of French and English rule. Local markets sell spices, fruit and fish on certain days but there are also two large supermarkets. Most people eat out during the day at the many local food stalls (that usually close in the evening), unless they are staying in the all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort, where you'll be fed and watered like kings and queens. Interestingly, the resort has a unique two-worlds-in-one feel, accommodating both families, couple and singles, with a family water park area and a tucked away adult-only 'Harmony' area. Car hire is fairly expensive (around US$65 per day), but it's worth hiring one for a day or two to explore the rest of the beautiful island. Taxis are expensive but more relaxing than the local bus, which follow no particular time table. In general St. Lucia is a friendly island.

Coconut Bay Resort have a dedicated children's club to keep them out of your hair for a bit. The island is a tourists dream, offing paddleboarding, snorkelling and horse riding locally as well as zip-lining, mountain biking, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, golf, whale watching, hiking in the Pitons World Heritage Site as well as visits to a botanical gardens, rain forests and the world's only drive-in.

2 ELEMENT centre is part of the Coconut Bay Beach Resort in Vieux Fort and teaches all levels all year. An official test centre for RRD, you can test all the latest gear in quality conditions. Instructors use the radio helmet systems to improve learnig times of students. Windsurfing and SUP lessons also available as well as snorkelling trips.

REEF kite and surf school is based in Anse Sables and teach all levels from November to July, mainly on Cabrinha gear. They also use radio helmets. Equipped on-site with a restaurant and cafe' with wifi, they also offer windsurfing, SUP, kayaking and beach hut accomodation.