Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding (LEK)
Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding (LEK)
Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding (LEK)
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding (LEK) has been providing high quality kiteboarding lessons in gorgeous Cabarete Bay since 2003. Founded by American professional kiteboarder Laurel Eastman, the LEK flagship school in Cabarete teaches kiteboarding in a safe manner with a big emphasis on fun! A fully accredited IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) center, all of LEK's qualified and multi-lingual instructors are highly trained experts and ready to share their passion for kiteboarding with the guests visiting Cabarete. Visit LEK inside the gorgeous Millennium Resort and Spa, located on Cabarete Beach, and experience for yourself the LEK style of service.
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Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding (LEK)
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
369 reviews
Excellent
345
Very good
19
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Cinch7095
Grafton, MA3 contributions
Oct 2021
Laurel's team is fantastic. This school has an excellent system for teaching beginners, and though the wind was generally light this time of year, the instructors had us body surfing and starting to stand up in 10 hours. Instructor Alex was excellent at making technical corrections after observing mistakes; very concise, very methodical, great english and communication. Laurel goes above and beyond to get to know her students and make them feel at home. Bojana was amazing at organizing the trip, lodging, and all travel details prior to the trip. She also had excellent recommendations for food and other activities. All the staff is friendly and makes sure you are having fun while learning. Though I have not kite surfed prior to this trip, I do partake in other water sports, and the location was excellent. I highly recommend LEK to anybody looking for a great vacation and a solid start in Kite surfing.
Written November 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this detailed review!
On behalf of myself and the team thank you for choosing LEK and we hope you return to our Cabarete paradise very soon.
Until next time, good kiting, and enjoy!
xx Laurel
Written December 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
beatrice b
Houston, TX4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Nice place, just unlucky that the wind was not present...
Maybe the equipment need to be some update: as I am freezing in any water after 15 min, I was surprise that there was no neoprene suit to borrow for the lesson. I was surprise too that no woman teacher were present... But all in all a great place and the personal is very friendly and helpful
Maybe the equipment need to be some update: as I am freezing in any water after 15 min, I was surprise that there was no neoprene suit to borrow for the lesson. I was surprise too that no woman teacher were present... But all in all a great place and the personal is very friendly and helpful
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write this review!
We do appreciate your feed back and l am sorry to hear the wind was not great at the time of your visit.
We do hope you continue on your kiteboarding journey.
Until next time!
Laurel.
Written January 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Esther M
New York City, NY30 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Wilder was a fantastic instructor! AnD everyone at the store is so incredibly pleasant. It seemed like everyone loves their job!
Written July 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giraffe73
Miami13 contributions
Jul 2011 • Friends
We came to Cabarete for the first time this July to learn how to surf, kite, and just to enjoy, hangout and relax in a little beach town. LEK happened to be the kite school attached to our hotel (the Millennium Resort) and when we went in to check it out, the staff was so proffessional, welcoming, and easy-going that we decided not to look any further! We loved the atmosphere, adn were very pleased with our decision. Our instructor, Johnathan, was very patient and clear in providing direction in a way that made sense to us since we had no previous experience. Laurel is also very hands-on and genuinely cares how your kiteboarding skills are developing. Additionally, she is full of great suggestions on what non-kiteboarding activities to try, where to eat and drink, hang out, etc. We cannot wait to come back!!
Written July 25, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roy-In-Transit
Royal Oak, MI7 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
Dangerous, because of bad equipment. My first day on the water the line to the kite broke(bad equipment) and left me about 150 yards from shore with a “life jacket” that was in fact a big bag of water. (bad equipment) The instructor swam in and I managed to get in, but the life jacket dragged me down. I just made it in. The next day with enough wind, I was given an old seat harness that lacked two straps from the leg straps to the metal bar that holds the kite. I pointed this out and was told to just tighten it around my waist tighter. (BAD Equipment) The force of the bar riding up under my ribs, bruised my ribs, tore stomach muscles and wrenched my back. For the next three days of my vacation I could hardly move. Two weeks later my back still hurts.
Written April 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Roy-In-Transit,
Thank you for your feedback, please accept our sincerest apologies, we feel terribly upset you didn’t enjoy your kiteboarding, and we are so so sorry. We really care about our students, and their safety and happiness is our main priority.
Moving forward, we will offer a higher volume vest to students who feel more comfortable with extra flotation. Also I have scheduled a company-wide training on tips to finding the best possible harness for every student. At LEK we inspect our school equipment daily, but we take your feedback very seriously, and are working on ways to improve our process.
We hope to see you again in Cabarete and wish you all the best in your kiteboarding and travel adventures. You can always contact us by email: info (at) laureleastman (com). I will also follow up with you via PM/email.
Best regards,
Laurel Eastman
Founder and Director of LEK Kiteboarding
Written April 18, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melissa C
Burlington, Canada1 contribution
Jan 2013 • Couples
We recently enjoyed a week's vacation in Cabarete, Dominican Republic and learning how to kiteboard at LEK was the highlight of our trip. Their staff was knowledgable, friendly and very helpful. My husband who is more advanced had an intro lesson to get to know the area and to get some tips on going in and out of the big surf, which he felt was very worthwhile. I am more of a beginner and my teacher Adrienne took time to answer all my questions, teach me all the skils required, help build my confidence and get me up on the board. She was very conscientious and also taught me everything I needed to know to play safe and have fun.
For the advanced kiteboarder who doesn't need lessons, this is a great place to store your gear and forget about it while you enjoy the action on the beach. There is even compressed air to share!
The location was the ideal set up in our opinion. We stayed at the Millenium Resort and lounged by the pool until the wind came up and lessons started to get going. They have everything set up on your account so you can easily purchase a snack or beer for apres kiteboarding relaxation.
Before we left we were already planning our trip for next year. Thank you LEK!
For the advanced kiteboarder who doesn't need lessons, this is a great place to store your gear and forget about it while you enjoy the action on the beach. There is even compressed air to share!
The location was the ideal set up in our opinion. We stayed at the Millenium Resort and lounged by the pool until the wind came up and lessons started to get going. They have everything set up on your account so you can easily purchase a snack or beer for apres kiteboarding relaxation.
Before we left we were already planning our trip for next year. Thank you LEK!
Written January 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bobtomaz
Brookfield, WI2 contributions
Aug 2011 • Solo
First of all I like to thank everyone at LEK,for there warm hospitality,and who made my vacation so memorable..This was my first visit to cabarete,as I wanted to learn how to kiteboard. The area is absolutly beautiful,and lek is located next door to the Wydman Hotel and also various other condos for rent.When I arrived I had checked out other kite schools on kite beach but my first impression of the these schools I felt intiminated as I was just a beginner. That area is very crowded and there is not much room on the beach.I decided to check out LEK,they have a very relaxed approach,excellent location about 5 minutes from central cabarete. I felt right a home.My instructor Merijn,who was by the way very patience,funny,very detailed in instruction,and who went that extra mile in instruction.In the first 20 minutes I was fustrated but merijn put my mind at ease and from that point on it was so enjoyable.Before I left I was up on my board ,what a thrill! Im already making plans to go back in feb.2012 to continue my lessons at LEK, I look foward to seeing you all again!
Written August 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel_Ctechmssv
Zwolle, The Netherlands3 contributions
Jul 2011 • Friends
It was the second time i have been there, the last time was almost 2 years ago but they still remembered me. (been there for only 8 days first time). They changed up the store and it looks better now. The people are great, took me 5 hours of lessons untill i could rent my own material.
Since i was partying allot and i often got there quiet late, they compensated that since i could not fill entire days. That was great. The dutch instructors are both great guys and i'm shure you will have a laugh with them when you are there. Also the rest of the crew is great and very kind.
The domincans that work there are less kind, they proberly don't know english as good i don't know. The guy that does storage is a bit grumpy and managed to give me a wrong bar 3 times on a row.
Overall a great experience, and in the in the end the bill i had to pay was a pleasant one.
Since i was partying allot and i often got there quiet late, they compensated that since i could not fill entire days. That was great. The dutch instructors are both great guys and i'm shure you will have a laugh with them when you are there. Also the rest of the crew is great and very kind.
The domincans that work there are less kind, they proberly don't know english as good i don't know. The guy that does storage is a bit grumpy and managed to give me a wrong bar 3 times on a row.
Overall a great experience, and in the in the end the bill i had to pay was a pleasant one.
Written July 20, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Daniel_Ctechmssv,
Thank you for the review and for sharing your experience with us – it’s great to hear about opportunities to improve, as this is our favorite thing to do at LEK. We have addressed our gear room attendant’s (Maxon) grumpiness and thankfully he immediately improved his attitude and has made a consistent effort to provide the proper gear to all of our guests.
Your feedback has also helped me to improve LEK’s procedures and our official training manual now emphasizes that all instructors need to be more aware of, and interactive with, all LEK guests (not just their students), and to actively “touch base” with guests when they are on the beach teaching – making sure that everyone is ok and most importantly having FUN! They were very receptive and willing, so hopefully when you come back next time you will see a big difference.
Sending big hellos from all the team and most of all a big smile (and a perfect kite bar) from Maxon ☺ . Thanks again for your input.
Written July 22, 2011
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cfk906
cfk90611 contributions
I learned to kiteboard in Cabarete, from an IKO certified instructor at LEK. Having taken classes at several other schools and now having kited at dozens of spots around the world, I can firmly say that Laurel operates one of the best kite schools in the world. The team of folks that work at LEK are all very customer focused and extremely friendly. I love Cabarete and one of main reasons is LEK.
Even when the wind is not blowing, the LEK team is there in full force suggesting alternate activities such as kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding. And, in addition to always have a great day planned, Laurel & her team regularly throw the coolest parties on the beach for their guests & friends.
Laurel has helped us plan entire trips to Cabarete, from arranging pick up at the airport to helping us find a condo. And, now, what started as a regular vacation spot for me & my fiancee has now become a regular destination for a dozen of my friends -- all thanks to Laurel & her charisma!
Cabarete is a great place to visit, it has beautiful beaches, wind sports, cheap food, affordable lodging, and a great nightlife. There is no better value in the Caribbean and few other places that can cater to the diversity of interests that people have.
If you're thinking about a beach vacation and are interested in kiteboarding, LEK in Cabarete is the first place I would point you to!
Even when the wind is not blowing, the LEK team is there in full force suggesting alternate activities such as kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding. And, in addition to always have a great day planned, Laurel & her team regularly throw the coolest parties on the beach for their guests & friends.
Laurel has helped us plan entire trips to Cabarete, from arranging pick up at the airport to helping us find a condo. And, now, what started as a regular vacation spot for me & my fiancee has now become a regular destination for a dozen of my friends -- all thanks to Laurel & her charisma!
Cabarete is a great place to visit, it has beautiful beaches, wind sports, cheap food, affordable lodging, and a great nightlife. There is no better value in the Caribbean and few other places that can cater to the diversity of interests that people have.
If you're thinking about a beach vacation and are interested in kiteboarding, LEK in Cabarete is the first place I would point you to!
Written August 4, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madeleine V
London, UK14 contributions
Dec 2020 • Solo
I rented kitesurf from LEK in December 2020. Maxine and team super helpful and friendly and good range of equipment. We will be back!
Written December 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review! Renting gear sure does make life easier when traveling.
Myself, Maxine and the team will be delighted to hear you will visit us again
Until next time, good kiting, and enjoy!
xx Laurel
Written April 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hi there thinking of heading over late April. is the wind still good?
Written March 24, 2017
Hi there, The two best seasons for optimal wind conditions in Cabarete are winter (end of December through end of March) and summer (June through mid-September). we would love to send you more information on lessons, wind conditions and much more. For more information please see our website and send us an email. Unfortunately we are unable to put a link here due to the posting guidelines from TA.
Written March 24, 2017
Hi, is the wind enough good in february in cabarete to learn kitesrfing? How many days is the wind enough strong to be able to practice this sport in a week?
Thanks!
Written December 20, 2016
Hi there, Yes the wind is great in February and we would love to send you more information on lessons, wind conditions and much more. For more information please see our website and send us an email. Unfortunately we are unable to put a link here due to the posting guidelines from TA
Written December 20, 2016
Hello, is July or August good for Kiteboarding? My husband has some experience but I'm new and we both need classes
Written May 26, 2016
Hello there, Yes July and August are great months for wind. For more information please see our website and send us an email. Unfortunately we are unable to put a link here due to the posting guidelines from TA
Written May 27, 2016
Quel sont les prix pour février 2015
Written January 15, 2015
Bonjour!
The price for kite lessons depends on how many hours you take, between $71 and $61 USD per hour.
We have excellent French-speaking kiteboarding instructors.
February is a great month for wind in Cabarete.
Good winds!
Laurel
Written January 15, 2015
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