Hi Jim,
I'm with the school Kitexcite. If you are still here, why don't you come by and introduce yourself and we'll show you the rooms, etc. at Kite Beach Hotel and try to help with any other questions you might have? I'm sorry if we were busy when you stopped by but on top of normal business, we have had a lot of walk in rentals and students, in addition to the kiteboarding.de staff, testers and manufacturers. We have been a bit understaffed as one of our instructors is in Europe for 3 months and our manager went out of town for a few days. Also, FYI, John, our manager, is British:-)
I have just a few comments re: your post......
RE: storage at Kite Beach hotel, there is FREE storage for hotel guests. People store there gear underneath the stairs on the ground floor, or on their balconies and patios on the 2/3 floors. It seems to work for everybody and there has never been any theft. We have never had a complaint. However, when low season kicks in (after Easter) both Kitexcite and the hotel will be building storage lockers for guests who are staying at other places but want to keep their gear at kite beach. Kite Beach Hotel also has a pool and area to rinse off yourself and gear. Plus a grassy area to fold up kites, fix bladders, etc.
RE: gear, we also recommend that people bring their own gear either because they're familiar with it or need to dial it in. But, I think it is a little misleading to say that you may be shortchanged when someone is using the "good kites". Kitexcite rents Booster and Rhino kites, all of which are turned around every 4-8 weeks. Numbers are limited so when we're out, we're out but most people make reservations ahead of time so that they're guaranteed to have equipment upon their arrival. We are also the test center for Brunotti boards so people can try a variety of different types of boards from big to small (mostly all twintips) which I think is great. Many people start on the bigger boards and work their way down to the smallest size. They usually find something that works for them so that when they go home, they have a better idea of what board is best for their home conditions, skill level and riding style. I know Cabarete Kite Park (which is the old Wipika school) will soon or is currently renting Takoons and boards. Vela has Cabrinha and I'm not sure what the other schools have......
RE: lodging, Caracol is a great hotel (studios to 2 bedroom apts, laundry facilities, internet access, quiet/off the street location, 24 hour reception), the Villas in front of Caracol are also a great deal ($100 per night for nice 3 bed/3 bath villa plus private pool for instance), as well as Nanny's Estates (next to Caracol). These are the best places for people to stay who want to be close to Kite Beach and away from the scene in Cabarete. Guests of these hotels are also using seeking something nicer than KB Hotel/Olas de Oro, longer term accommodations with kitchen facilities, have large group of people, families, etc. . Also, experienced kitesurfers can launch right in front of these hotels which has a nice reef break similar to Kite Beach for wave riding. Cabarete offers a variety of lodging options from budget to luxury, between Kite Beach and Cabarete Bay. Also, the ProCab (off the main street) area has lodging options from camping to bungalows.
RE: motoconcho taxis, you are being ripped off. Don't give these guys 20 pesos! Just give them 5 each way during the day, and 10 each way during the night. If they complain, just give them their money and walk away. There are plenty of others to take their place. Re: Dominican tatoos burns, I can verify this! I am now sporting a huge burn on my calf which will keep me out of the water for 1 week. They hurt and can be very painful so yes, be careful when taking this mode of transportation! Also, go for the guys in the blue jackets as they are usually more reliable, careful than the others "freelancers".
RE: Schools, I'm glad that you had a good experience with Jordy's school. He runs a very good operation and has nice, knowledgable instructors as well. However I think you will find that the majority of schools, including the Wipika school (which is Cabarete Kite Park) and Vela run good operations too, but each has small differences in terms of location, instruction style, equipment, languages spoken, etc. Most are very helpful and friendly as far as helping guests tune equipment, etc. or they wouldn't be in business for very long!
RE: food, perhaps you had a bad experience. However, I think it's a stretch to say that Olas de Oro is the only safe place to eat a salad! I eat at Kite Beach Hotel almost daily and have never been sick. I also greatly enjoy the salads at Lux, GriGri, Hexencastle, Tropicoco, along with a variety of other restaurants in Cabarete including "the ghetto," and again, have never been ill.
The Dominican Republic is a third world country and you must take precautions here you like would in any other undeveloped area of the world. I went paragliding in Ecuador for one month and have traveled extensively through China and had to take similar precautions re: food, water, safety, health, etc. You just have to use common sense. But I would say for consistent conditions and inexpensive lodging and food, Cabarete is a choice location to learn, tune up skills, meet other kitesurfers from all over the world, and vacation.
Marina
KITEXCITE
http://www.kitexcite.com