flurina-
cabarete is amazing. its pretty solid for beginners, as there are many places that offer both lessons and rental gear. the wind is the BEST in midsummer (july) but still good in august. i think it starts to lighten in september. one thing to consider once it does start to lighten is surfing at Encuentro beach which is just outside of cabarete -- surf is best early AM. or find Stephane or Cedric at KiteExcite and talk to them about ParaGliding lessons. i tried to do this but couldnt just because it was always too windy
i was there for 3 months completely on my own, its definitely not all couples. there's a very active and crazy nightlife, and its super easy to meet people on the beach. living can be expensive or cheap, depending on the lifestyle you want to have. if you stay in a classy hotel and eat out every night, it can be expensive. but, if you get a cheap apartment and eat dominican food, then it can be very reasonable. one thing to note is if you can, don't bring any (or very many) valuables with you. only a laptop and stuff like that if you really have to, theft can be bad down there. make sure you don't flaunt anything you have.
otherwise, it was the greatest 3 month trip i've ever done. you'll love it
tyson