Hey guys:
Just got back from Ant's kite Surfari up in FNQ. It was the first trip of the year and so wasn't sure how the wind would go, and heard stories about the.. less than comfortable conditions being up on a beach which blows 20+ knots 24-7 in just a tent for 4 days.
Just have to say that the trip has been massively upgraded and completely delivered on all fronts. Ant picked us up from Cairns and we got driven 5 hours north past Cooktown. Despite the fact that Cairns and most of the way up was completely windless, it was definitely blowing more than 20 knots at the camp when we arrived. We got into the camp at around noon and kited till the sun went down. I usually fly an 11 and was out on my 7 for the entire time.
The next three days were just as windy from sunup to sundown, with only a single day being flat in the morning until about 3 PM. We still got about 3 hours of kiting on the crappy day. Definitely as much wind as you want. When Ant told me that in the years that he's been running the trips he's only had 1 windless trip, I didn't believe him at first. Definitely believe him now.
The camp itself has been completely redone. Instead of tents, there are massive cabins which have been fitted with windows overlooking the water with comfortable beds and solar lighting. There's a generator that powers eskies, and there are bush showers powered by gas. A proper flushing toilet has even been put in. There's a gas BBQ for all meals, and plenty of snacks and fruit for in between meals.
You pretty much wake up in the morning, boil water for a coffee, kite for a few hours, land and walk the 10 steps back to the camp where Ant's cooked up bacon and eggs, eat, digest, and go back out for a kite. Come back for lunch, do it again, come back for dinner, sleep, do it all over again. During the day the tides went out a bit and there was some reef out the back, but when the tides are in there is just miles of flat waist-deep water for play around in. Completely secluded beach not even accessible by road. Despite that, somehow manage to have 1 bar of reception on my Telstra phone.
All up, a fantastic trip that I am definitely going to repeat this year. It's a quintessentially Aussie trip: Run by an Aussie, on an Aussie beach, and comfortable bush living. Cost isn't that much when you factor in the fact that accom, 3 square meals, and all transfers are included. It would be a substantial amount of effort and significantly less comfortable to try to attempt it on your own. I think if you are looking for a bit of a cultural experience or adventure or whatever, PNG/Fiji would be the go for a winter trip. If you just want solid kiting for 4 days in comfort and in Australia, this trip would be the go.
Thanks Ant for a wicked time!! John from Kitepower has taken stacks of photos which will hopefully be online soon. Trip can't be recommended enough.
Kitepower Sydney still have heaps of spots left in our July trip! We will be sending one of our boys up as well to help anyone out with tips/tricks!
Hmmm memories...... Doesn't get much better than being woken up by people pumping up for 20+ knots at dawn.
Ants a great bloke as well
Select to expand quotekiterkook said..
is the July trip an eight day'er?
Eight days is a lot. We were all joking that after kiting solid for 4 there's no way you'd want to do eight. That said, Will had been kiting for 10 straight, and was ready to do 10 more so maybe all kiters aren't created equal 
Select to expand quotechino said..kiterkook said..
is the July trip an eight day'er?
Eight days is a lot. We were all joking that after kiting solid for 4 there's no way you'd want to do eight. That said, Will had been kiting for 10 straight, and was ready to do 10 more so maybe all kiters aren't created equal
... so long as you have plenty of beer on hand, 10 days straight is a breeze 
Without beer it gets a bit tough though! 
Having done the trip 3 times already I am going for another one in 3 weeks - can't wait.
There simply is no better in terms of Aussie trips and I agree with all comments above. Ant is a top bloke and he knows how to take care of everyone's needs.. well, almost 
I am going with the Sydney kite crew and there will be plenty of photos coming out. I expect to be amazed, again.. this time the camp has been massively upgraded, I am looking forward to it.
Wind, mates, great kiting, the occasional beer, warm all the time.. what else could one want?... oh, I know - waves . I heard there is a beach with a few kickers so I'll be looking forward to it. And a downwinder or two..
I have just returned from a four day Australian Kite Surfari where I finally got my board skills honed. The conditions were perfect for someone of my ability with kilometres of flat clear warm water. There was no sitting around waiting for the wind like at our local beach. The guys gave me heaps of tuition so I finally feel confident on the water.
I had heard it was a little harsh living in tents on surfari. Well I don't know about before but the cabins are awesome and as a kiter chick it exceeded my expectations by a long way.
If you want to kite until your body cant kite anymore you have to go on this surfari. I will be going back again this season for sure.
Just a big thanks to the surfari guys. This is a true Aussi adventure and I hope Australians support Australian businesses as this is a amazing kite trip
Wow. This is really awesome thread! Thanks guys.
What about kids? I know... I know... but some of us do have em. Is there any chance of being able to have a kids club up there? Maybe too soon to tell. Would be good - just like those surf trips I did to Samoa... plenty of waves and free kids clubs. Everything was catered for.
Do you have a website Ant?
Cheers
Select to expand quoteKazan said..
Wow. This is really awesome thread! Thanks guys.
What about kids? I know... I know... but some of us do have em. Is there any chance of being able to have a kids club up there? Maybe too soon to tell. Would be good - just like those surf trips I did to Samoa... plenty of waves and free kids clubs. Everything was catered for.
Do you have a website Ant?
Cheers
Hey Kazan, can I ask where did you get your Avatar photo? 
And I hear Ant's working on kids facilities too... I have a trip planned over in June so I'll have a new report coming up. This time perhaps even with Video
Sure. I don't recall exactly, but I googled night kite surfing and saw these fantastic shots. I am sure you'll be able to find it too.
Thanks for the hint that kids will be catered for. Those guys have really found a perfect spot. Secluded, lagoon flat water conditions and eco friendly nestled inside tea tree bushes. Wow. Well done.
booked my place on the Kitepower July 7 day'er ... hmm, a good excuse to buy that North Rebel 10 I've been lusting after?
Kilter kook, make that a 9 or a 7. I am 105kg and was overpowered on a 9 at Ants last month. The place is sweet and unique.
Select to expand quoteKazan said..
Sure. I don't recall exactly, but I googled night kite surfing and saw these fantastic shots. I am sure you'll be able to find it too.
Thanks for the hint that kids will be catered for. Those guys have really found a perfect spot. Secluded, lagoon flat water conditions and eco friendly nestled inside tea tree bushes. Wow. Well done.
You might have missed it but the reason he asked is because its actually a photo of night kiting at one of the kite Surfari trips
Select to expand quotekiterkook said..
booked my place on the Kitepower July 7 day'er ... hmm, a good excuse to buy that North Rebel 10 I've been lusting after?
I was overpowered on a 9 although I only weigh 70 kg. That said, Darryl was out on his 17m Zephyr - why? Why not I suppose.
Can't emphasize enough - you will not get a more Australian experience anywhere in the world. Bush living, bush tucker, bush hospitality... not to mention Aborignals driving by on the beach in broken down cars most people wouldn't drive on the road and the most solid wind conditions I've had in 5 years of kiting
Select to expand quoteSaffer said..Kazan said..
Sure. I don't recall exactly, but I googled night kite surfing and saw these fantastic shots. I am sure you'll be able to find it too.
Thanks for the hint that kids will be catered for. Those guys have really found a perfect spot. Secluded, lagoon flat water conditions and eco friendly nestled inside tea tree bushes. Wow. Well done.
You might have missed it but the reason he asked is because its actually a photo of night kiting at one of the kite Surfari trips
The REAL reason why I asked it is because it is MY KITE on that shot . I don't care he's using it, it's all in the name of fun.
And yes it was a ball shrinking adventure that night session.. every time I had to go and tack off shore I had the jitters. Nothing like a night kite in a remote area to get your adrenaline going.
I'll be there again on the 7th of June and have other adventures planned this time - keep you posted.
eheheh
As a novice wanting to learn to kitesurf in winter, the options suggested Fiji or Noumea... Until my partner suggested Australian Kite Surfari at Flattery Bay... Convenient, Australian, fantastic value, cheap travel to Cairns, beautiful location and undoubtedly most assured for wind and time on the water... We had a generous 15knts plus on our first afternoon and around a steady 20knts the rest of the time. It seems its always 5-10knts more than you would get in Cairns.
The scenic journey is a great way to explore northern Queensland, amply looked after with coffee and rolls en route!! (Did I say food was important to me?). 4x4 on unmetaled roads and access at low tide across the beach makes it a real adventure foe us city dwellers.
Conditions were amazing for a newbie (probably for any kitesurfers), acres of waist deep warm clear water, steady wind from dawn to dusk, no rocks and other obstacles. There were two novices on our trip, and thanks to Ant's wise advice and top tips, had us up at the end of the first afternoon and planing day two! Ant and his team are eager to maximise time on water, make a memorable time, ensure folk get the best kitesurfing experience and are well looked after. Thanks also for coming to the rescue after a catastrophic secondhand gear failure... I hear Ant is soon to have some competitively priced kit on demo...Kitemare averted....
Only got bitten once... By kitesurfing tumble...And not by a crocodile... The nearest salties are found in creeks and river mouths some way away from the bay... All those initial reservations were totally unfounded!
Important for me; the meals were excellent - did I say that..? Hearty cooked breakfasts, BBQ lunches, the like of lamb shanks and chops for supper with a ready flow of drinks,fruit and snacks throughout the day... Topped off by hot showers and all mod cons (if you know what I mean). The cabins work perfectly, and the beds wonderfully comfortable. Plenty of space out of the constant blow, alfresco dining and a cabin set aside to chill. Great set-up!
Must say total recommendation, great value alternative to conventional lessons... The four day option is long enough for a newbie and next year think I'll come for the week...
Went on the 16th May trip with Ian. Absolutely agree with everything he said. This was my first time kitesurfing and my aim was to get enough experience to be able to go and practice safely at my local beaches. In summary the things that really stood out were:
1) Time on the water - if you really wanted you'd only have to stop for food and sleep
2) Consistent wind - dawn until dusk, 5-10knots more than Cairns, as far as I can tell Australia's best winter conditions/reliability
3) Excellent hospitality and comfort - great food, great company, great hosts, cold beer, comfy beds and hot showers
4) Location itself - waist deep warm water, no deadly wildlife, stunning sunrises, secluded location, an adventure in itself to get there
5) Cost - compared with my other options (either a trip abroad to learn the basics, or repeated attempts to arrange lessons around inconsistent winter winds and my time off from work) it worked out far cheaper, worth every single cent!
I was happily up and riding, getting upwind, and totally hooked after the four days. I'm already working out when I can go again. Cannot recommend this trip highly enough, and for kiters more experienced than myself it has even more to offer (downwind runs with boat/vehicle support, night riding, more locations etc).
Thanks guys!
Agree with every one who has ever gone to KITESURFARI - I actually re-located to Cairns to enjoy the great winter wind
Here is a couple of pics of a 2009 trip - you can see it has come a long way - Ill defiantly be doing 1-2 trips this year!!!
Select to expand quotedefault said..
hows the water conditions? do you get butter flat water/lagoons?
No
Select to expand quoteHobie1463 said..
Any waves for those who don't like twin tips?
No
Select to expand quoteRob S said...default said..
hows the water conditions? do you get butter flat water/lagoons?
No
After posting the question I watched the vid above. Looked like there was some lagoon action in there somewhere I thought..?
Rob I see you've done cocos (I've done it too). Since you've said no lagoon kiting on the surfari, would you say the water conditions are similar to kite beach on cocos?
I'm seriously looking at going this August and just trying to feel out what to expect. I have other trip options also so want to make an informed decision
Select to expand quoteRob S said..default said..
hows the water conditions? do you get butter flat water/lagoons?
No
Have you been there mate? I guess not.. butter flat is 90% of the kiting, up to 25 knots and then it gets a few wind kickers - so I am not sure where you got that opinion from.
Don't take my word for it... have a look at the complete album here..
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151750545391018.1073741830.619161017&type=3&uploaded=32
a little teaser..
Spose the 'Surfari' name is a little confusing, but it would be harder to sell a 'Flatfari' to punters!
Select to expand quoteRob S said..default said..
hows the water conditions? do you get butter flat water/lagoons?
No
No lagoon kiting and not butter flat by my definition.
However, at the right tide height, the sandy flats will be shallow covered and you will have some flat water for a while.
Sometimes the sand shifts about a bit and forms an arm of sand out into the water. Downwind of that you will find some flat pools at the right shallow tide but generally a small area to play.
