Kitesurfing in the south of Japan, Okinawa, Ishigaki, Kohama

[yaimatako]

Is it possible to kite from Taiwan to Ishigaki?

You will probably need a passport and a visa.

To jan_hou: the shortest straight line distance is about 250km. Depending on where in Taiwan you start, the overall direction you'd be going in would range between east-southeast and northeast. What kind of wind angle do you prefer? We might find a time of the year to match your wind preference.

If there is no suitable wind, you could travel in a zig-zag line like a yacht, but your stamina might not be up to the increased mileage and travel time. You would also have to travel part of the way in the dark - probably not much fun far away from land, and also not safe...

[jan_hou]

Ishigaki might be far from Taiwan, 與那國島 is only about half way, 120 KM from Suao.

On a northeast wind day, it might be possible to cross it in 6 hours.

The question is "who want to be the first one to do it?"

Bruno has done Franc- Ireland crossing with total distance of 432 KM (240 nautical miles).

[yaimatako]

see you in december

Great!

My contact info: http://dechat.ai-no-yado.info/kontakt.html

[yaimatako]

Ishigaki might be far from Taiwan, 與那國島 is only about half way, 120 KM from Suao.

On a northeast wind day, it might be possible to cross it in 6 hours.

The waves are choppy with that wind, so it might be too tiring to stay up for the whole distance - but, yeah, would be interesting to try it and see how far you get.
(An accompanying boat would be a good idea, of course. )

[mr_daruman]

Ishigaki is a beautiful island with lots of things to do. Kitesurfing is possible however from what I hear it is a bit limiting in terms of wind direction. Not too many spots and it is very rocky around the beaches.
Personally I think there a whole lot of better choices on the main Okinawa island, if your willing to drive a bit up north from Naha, it is beautiful there with many more spots. Though everyone usually just stays around the main Kaichu road spot since its closer to the cities.
Here's an album of the different areas throughout the main island :
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 212&type=3

[yaimatako]

Ishigaki is a beautiful island with lots of things to do. Kitesurfing is possible however from what I hear it is a bit limiting in terms of wind direction. Not too many spots and it is very rocky around the beaches.

The rocks cold be the reason why Ishigaki seems more popular with paragliders than with surfers. Although, a 10-minute boat ride from Ishigaki there is Taketomi Island with a wide and flat sandy beach with no rocks in the water (Kondoi Beach). Maybe ripper tom can try it out next month and give us a first-hand report.

everyone usually just stays around the main Kaichu road spot since its closer to the cities.

For some people that is the disadvantage of Kaichu: you have cities nearby and an industrial scenery. Those people probably go to the Kerama Islands that someone had mentioned in another thread, or they might go south to Miyako Island or the Yaeyama Islands (Ishigaki, Iriomote, and the small islands between the two): not urban, not industrialized, and with a slower pace of life.

[ripper tom]

...

[ripper tom]

http://vimeo.com/83442953

tom
www.kiteshop.at

[Youfie]

Hi eveybody!
I planned to go kiting in japan on 22 NOV !
I am a bit confused: what should I choose between Okinawa, Ishigaki or Miyakojima? I have a good kiting level, don't like overcrowded places.. I love kite but I also love hiking, diving..
Can you help me?
I will be also really happy to meet some of you there and share some kite session !

Isabelle:)

[ripper tom]

best place for you is miyakojima
november is the best month in south japan !
go to hirata shuzo ! miyakojima guesthouse
https://www.facebook.com/groups/4192177 ... 1/?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/hirata.shuzo?fref=ts

http://surfforum.oase.com/showthread.ph ... ost1121502