This year we already visited Cabarete in april and again in november. One of our most favorite places to stay is the Hotel and Spa Resort Millennium.
Right in front of the hotel is LEK, Laurel Eastman kiteboarding. Quite obvious that if you are interested or already into kiteboarding you visit their school and shop.
Just like in april, the staff is very professional and helpfull. Just too bad there wasnt any wind, till the day we left ;-)
I just like it there, if you are around, pay them a visit, they will answer all your questions. Want to take on some lessons, don't be afraid they will guide you through it in every language if needed.
Need gear , you can get the BEST kitesurf material and some other goodies here :-)
You can start there as a 5 year old or even an old man like me ;-)
Roger
We visited the school during the Easter holiday. The beach was jumping with activity. Laurel and her crew were helpful with all things beyond an obviously very professional group of instructors situated in a beautiful location. Her advice about Cabarete and the surrounding neighborhood was invaluable. It's a great place to hang out even if you not a very good kiter.
Cant say enough great things about my friends at LEK. As was off season the wind was a bit patchy but had a great time playhing volleyball and drinking beers with the crew when the wind wouldnt cooperate. Santos-my instructor was super positive and knowledgealbe.
They are the best!
Team is Profesional and Kind. They care about their customers. Location is also very good.
Cabarete + those guys is a sure bet.
Don't hesitate.
Raphael
Having had quite a number of bad experiences of kitesurfing lessons, I consider myself well qualified to appraise them. I could not praise L.E.K. more highly.
Initially, I was nervous when it came to kitesurfing (with good reason!), but L.E.K. oozes responsibility, safety and security, whilst also exuding a sense of fun. That's no mean feat. I enjoyed the time I spent at the school, and (almost - it's a frustrating sport!) every minute of my 11 hours of lessons.
The lessons themselves were well structured and very well taught; although not the cheapest school on the beach (DO NOT go to the cheapest school on the beach!), there is no doubt L.E.K. offers the best value for money in terms of quality of teaching and standard of equipment. They even have a cannister to pump your kite - that's water time saved, already.
My instructor, Merijn, was hugely patient, and developed me from a terrified imbicile to a vaguely competant kiter, over the course of 8 or so hours. My friend commented that he jumped up and down with delight, when I finally went racing across the bay, on the board. (Apparently he also howled with laughter when I wiped out at the other end, but I'd never deny a man that kind of job satisfaction!).
You get the vibe that L.E.K. really want to be the best kite school, and in doing that they really care about their kiters. It is clear that they want to grow based on a reputation for quality and consequently have thought of everything: you can buy food, drinks, leave your bag in a secure locker, use their tab system, etc. etc. Their instructors are the only ones to wear a uniform, which is more helpful than you might think, when you get washed up on the beach, with a mouth full of sand and seaweed in your eyes, and need to find a helping hand...
A month later, in Morocco, I still heard Merijn's voice in my head "keep your arms straight!; stop pulling like a windsurfer!" and I carried on improving, as all the tips he imparted were hammered home. That's good teaching for you. I'm now pretty decent, for a girl!
What more can I say? Go to L.E.K.! I'll be going back, A.S.A.P. :-)
