Kitesurfers Paradise
2024-02-01Planning a kite trip with small kids
Some couples are prepared to change their lifestyle once having a baby, they’re ready to organize their lives completely around the new family member, no sacrifice is too big. Others are firm believers, that nothing has to change, that their child would adapt seamlessly to their everyday lives, and they would find the time for their hobbies and every fun thing they were doing before. And there are the ones who try to find the golden mean and balance between the needs of each family member.
I belong to this latter group. I believe that we don’t have to give up on anything that’s important to us, especially if that activity helps us dissolve stress and recharge our batteries. Healthy parents, healthy children, both physically and mentally.
It is, however, important to acknowledge that certain things are changing with the arrival of a baby.
Even though babies and toddlers adjust to new conditions surprisingly quickly, it is important to have a good daily routine which can be adapted in different situations, like on holidays.
Traveling and experiencing everything that comes with it, can add so much value to the life of a child and to the whole family. Before a certain age they won’t have specific memories of the trips, but they constantly learn by exploring. Having to adjust to different conditions, listening to foreign languages, sleeping in an unfamiliar bed, tasting new food are all laying the foundation of flexibility and curiosity. Characteristics that all children should develop for a balanced adulthood and for leading a successful life later on.
With a bit of extra care and planning, I think the whole family can benefit from traveling together and have a great (the luckiest ones even relaxing) time on a family kite trip.
So, let's see how to plan ahead to score a kite trip that's fun for the whole family:
1. Choose a destination within reasonable distance.
I know, some families are always up for a challenge and are willing to take their few months old babies even to long-haul flights. It’s surely managable and with certain kind of babies it might be effortless, but let’s be realistic, it’s not for everyone. If you are planning your very first family trip, or you know from experience that traveling with your kid is a bit of a hustle, I’d suggest to find a kite destination you can reach within a few hours.
Another reason not to go too far from home, especially with babies, is health related. Kids have to get all kinds of vaccines in the first 2 years of their lives. Some of them are mandatory worldwide, but many of them vary depending on the country’s epidemic situations. The further you go the most probable that you have to get extra vaccines for your baby, which means even more organization and of course the risk of having a couple of sick days afterwards.
I’d also mention here the health insurance. Even if you don’t normally take out insurance for your holidays, consider having one when traveling with children. Not necessarily because they are more likely to use it (they’re actually much tougher than we think), but because we are more likely to worry about them, than about ourselves. So, if you know an insurance would give you a sort of serenity, take it, it will be worth it.
2. Prepare for the journey.
Whether you travel by plane or by car, being prepared with snacks and toys is key. Crackers or anything that make kids chew for a while come in handy on a flight during take-off and landing, since chewing and swallowing helps to prevent ear blockage.
Make sure to have enough age appropriate toys – something brand new for the occasion or something of their favourites – , so time flies a bit faster. Coloring and reading books usually works quite good in these situations. Sitting still however is not the strong suit of any child, so plan a few stops in case you choose to go by wheels. On flights, I’d recommend choosing seats next to the corridor, so you’ll be able to stand up and walk a bit whenever it’s needed. Keep it in mind that under 2 years, kids have to sit in a parent’s lap during the flight, and their seatbelt has to be connected to the adult’s when the fasten seatbelt sign is on. You’ll probably feel like stretching your legs a couple of times.
3. Find an accomodation that's comfortable in every aspect.
I was not a big fan of all-inclusive resorts before, but now that I’ve become a mom, it finally makes perfect sense. There’s nothing more relaxing for the parents on vacation, than knowing that every meal is taken care of and you won’t need to spend a minute cooking or washing the dishes. Also, having a pool can be a bliss for kids. I know, you are probably by the sea since you are on a kite holiday, but believe me, it’s never enough of water time.
If you are on a budget, booking an apartment works fine as well. In this case, make sure there’s a well-equipped kitchen and a washing machine.
Consider the location as well when choosing an accomodation. Most kids under 3-4 years sleep at least once during the day, so you will probably go back and forth between the kite spot and your rooms. Providing these daily naps should be a priority even on vacations, since they are really beneficial for the development of their nervous system and for their mood in general. The more eventful their days are and the more time they spend outdoors, the more rest they need.
If you are one of the lucky ones, your children are able to fall asleep anywhere, and they don’t wake up to sudden noises (like a deflating kite), then you only need to find a comfortable place for them on the beach and you’re free to use this time for kiting.
4. Find a kite spot that's ideal for families.
Depending on the amount of time you are planning to spend on the kite beach, there are different requirements. Having a toilet, shower, some shade and some wind shade are the most important ones.
Ideally, there is also a chill out area, with comfy seats, a restaurant or a bar to grab a cold drink and some snacks for the kids.
Sandy and pebble beaches both offer several adventures for toddlers. Building sand castles, collecting small shells and pebbles, playing with water are endless fun for them. You finally don’t have to worry about damaging furnitures, their clothes, or cleaning up after the game. They can get their hands dirty, use all their senses, make all the mess they want and play totally carefree.
Paying attention to the kiters however, needs to be taken seriously. Make sure you don’t play with your children in the designated launching/landing area, and only enter the water with them where noone is riding.
5. Bring along help if you want to make sure, you get some rest and freetime as well.
The only thing couples are usually missing when travel with their kids, is kiting together. Taking turns on the water, while the other is watching them works fine, but if you have the opportunity to invite a grandparent or a babysitter, you’ll be able to have some well-deserved alone time with your partner.
Eventually, my best advice is probably: seize the moment and let go of the things you can't control
If despite of all your efforts and planning, something still goes south, don’t get discouraged. Small kids are often sensitive to weather changes and strong winds (yepp unfortunately it is an issue for many). Teething, digestion problems, sleep regression etc. are only a few things that can occure basically any time in the first 3 years of a child. So, be prepared every way you can, but accept the fact that life happens, and our job is simply making the most of it.
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What a fantastic place to kite. Flat and shallow water make this such a great place for all levels from total beginner to pro. Will definitely be coming back soon.
2018-05-18From beginner to intermediate in 3 hours 👍🏼 - Ребята - команда профессионалов. Несколько сезонов в попытках встать на доску научили меня выбирать места с качественным обучением. В этой школе я встала и поехала уже в первый день.
... read more /> Тренеры, оборудование, внимательность ребят и дружелюбность - это была моя лучшая неделя каталки! 🤙🏼
It was an amazing experience! I definitely suggest choosing this school if you want to have quick and qualitative progress.
The spot Stagnone is perfect for kitesurfing and Follow the wind Team made it even better with friendly atmosphere, qualified coaches and good equipment 👌🏼
2023-10-02I really like active holidays so this was a perfect vacation. Learning Kite with Lilla was an awsome experience - first time for me. Aaand I had some success tho.... read more Also there are so many places to visit around Birgi. I'll go back this june...More
2018-05-10 -
Best place if you want to learn kitesurfing, - especially for kids. Very accurate and kind instructors. You can learn kitesurfing with the latest RRD equipment. Very pleasant accomodation. Beautiful... read more places to visit around. Follow the wind kitesurf school is highly reccomended.
2020-08-09What a great team of people! I have been there multiple times and I think it is the best spot on the Lagoon to launch from and to take lessons.... read more I have been around multiple spots on the lagoon, but I like this spot the most...why you think launching is direct on water level (lot of spots are on higher level, so pack up your lines again and walk into the water to roll them out again) and they are always there to help you! I did not take lessons myself but I know a lot of people that did they all really liked it. Thanks Gabor and the rest of the team !! I will see you next year for sure ! Go to follow the wind !
2023-10-31 -
Great experience! - Took private lessons with Follow the Wind as a beginner for a couple of days. They have a perfect spot for kite surfing with great equipment and a very nice... read more crew. On top of the lessons and rental, they also helped with finding accommodation, recommendations etc. We really enjoyed our time there and can only recommend this team! Hope to be back soon!
2022-08-29FTW was recommended by Trip Advisor and it totally lived up to expectation . Gabor gave me a quick lesson on “ toe side turns” and I had it mastered... read more in a few hours. Excellent training, super nice people and awesome equipment. Cheers dude.
2018-07-08What a great kitesurfing school. So friendly and helpful for me as a solo rider learning how to waterstart . They were so patient and knowledgeable about how to teach... read more the sport-in English although this isnt their first language. The kit is all new and in perfect condition and they are so happy to change the kit if it isn't perfect for the conditions. The lagoon is so perfect for tuition as it is shallow so safe for beginners. I cannot praise Gabor and his team highly enough. See you next year!
2021-10-01 -
Super safe place with shallow water perfect for beginners. Gabor and Lilly are super nice persons, they will show you the best way to enjoy your time in Sicily. I... read more recommand 1000%.
2018-08-03Gabor and Lilla are great people. My boyfriend and I were visiting Sicily for the first time and squeezing in a kite weekend in Marsala. Gabor was super helpful leading... read more up to our trip giving me advice on wind conditions, kite sizes and so forth....More
2019-06-19Just genuinely nice people, who would go the extra mile to make you feel special and get the most of your stay there e.g., offering lay day activities, making drone... read more videos of you riding...
2021-10-04 -
Me and my friend stayed one week in Sicily. We took lessons with Gabor and Lilla. They were super professional and really focused minded. Gabor and Lilla well organised our... read more week. Every day after kitesurfing they planned activities for us ; grill party, bowling, paddle...More
2017-08-30Thanks Gabor and Lilla for a fantastic week! You guys really are awesome people as well as gifted instructors. First of all, they do everything to make you feel at... read more home. They invited us to have dinner/breakfast or go see things in the area in...More
2017-09-23Great instructors, great location, great equipment! Nothing but positive things to say! Equipment was brand new or nearly new, location is perfect for learning, instructors were top notch!... read more My 12 yo daughter also took her first lessons here, she was a bit hesitant at first,...More
2019-04-20