Going where the wind blows

By:  Carina Forster – Intern from Austria

Punta Chame is one of Panama`s best kitesurfing spots and has made its name to the world for its excellent conditions from November to April.

The spot is a strap of land with constant N-NE and side-onshore wind, perfectly suitable for all levels, as you will always end up back on the beach and not out in the sea.

My session on this wide sandy beach spot started with the mixture of excitement and respect I always feel when the powerful strength of wind is lifting up my kite. After walking a few steps in the crystal blue water, shuffling my feet to avoid stepping on the only danger of the spot – the sting ray – I got on my board and started moving over the ocean. Going faster and faster over the large and uncrowded bay, I felt the salt and heat of the sun on my face while the coastline was getting smaller and smaller. It is pure happiness you feel when every single part of your body and mind is becoming one with the kite in the sky and the board on your feet, using the power of the wind to move forward. It always astonishes me, how I control this phenomenon without having a single thought on my mind, except this foolish song that keeps coming up when I`m happy.

In Punta Chame you can have several sessions a day, starting in the morning and finishing with a sundowner surrounded by the golden lights of dawn. It is a dream spot with constant wind for smooth freestyle or speed rides.

The Spot

• November- April constant wind
• N-NE and side-onshore
• All levels, great for beginners
• Soft sandy beach, no currents, small waves
• No crowds, large space for launch
• Hot weather, warm water (sunscreen!)
• Dangers: sting rays, small jellyfish

Facilities

There are four kite schools with equipment rentals and repairs, different kinds of places to stay (hotels, hostels, apartments, guest houses), a restaurant and a supermarket.

Getting there and away

• By car: (1.5 hours) take the Panamericana from Panama City south and exit at the Punta Chame “sign”. Rough road for half an hour till Punta Chame.
• Public transport: take a bus from the bus terminal on direction of “el Valle de Anton” or “Penonome”. Step out in Coronado when you see the big sign ‘REY’ (a supermarket on the main road). From there take taxi to Punta Chame.

Kite Board World Cup in Panama

Punta Chame (Panama) – The Professional Kiteboard Riders Association (PKRA) and the Panamanian event production company Action Alliance announced that the first stop on the 2014 Kiteboard World Cup Tour will be held at Nitro City Resort in Punta Chame, Panama, from February 18 to 23, 2014.

For the first time, the PKRA World Cup of Kiteboarding will take place in Central America. More than 60 of the world’s best freestyle kiteboarders, from nearly 30 different countries, will be coming to compete in this highly anticipated event on the world-class beaches of Punta Chame.

Punta Chame (Panamá) – La Asociación Profesional de Kiteriders, conocida por sus siglas en inglés como la PKRA, y la compañía panameña de producción de eventos, Action Alliance, anunció que la primera Parada del Tour Mundial de Kiteboard 2014 se celebrará en Nitro City Resort en Punta Chame, Panamá, del 18 al 23 de Febrero de 2014.

Esta es la primera vez que la PKRA World Cup of Kiteboarding se ha organizado en América Central y donde más de 60 de los mejores kiteboarders del mundo de estilo libre, provenientes de casi 30 países diferentes, vienen a competir en este evento muy esperado en las playas de clase mundial de Punta Chame.