We start each morning with Pilates at 7, followed by an incredible hearty breakfast of fresh fruit bowls and an authentic mexican dish. Before the wind comes up we do some standup paddling, or maybe just resting in a hammock with a book. Kiteboarding sessions kick off when the wind picks up around 11 and continue until 4. Then it's happy hour, dinner, and lights out around 8-9 pm. Every day is full and active. 

On no wind days, we do SUPilates, snorkel in beautiful crystal turquoise water, swim with sea lions or maybe whale sharks (one of the most amazing experiences ever!!), or watch the humpbacks as they migrate up the coast! 

Cost: $1600

Includes:

• 6 nights/7days accommodation - 3 girls per specialty casita; solo casita is additional. 
• All meals and 2 dinners on the town 
• 4 days of 4-5 hour kiteboarding instruction sessions with Tonia Farman and the Kitemasters staff, one-on-one and two-on-one instruction
• Downwinder pickups and transportation back to kite school or Palapas Ventana resort.
• Transportation to kite instruction spots
• 3 Pilates and/or SUP Pilates sessions focused on core strength and flexibility for kiteboarding.
• Unlimited use of standup paddleboards, snorkel gear, and kayaks
• Standup paddling instruction
• Evening socials and chalk talks

Kiteboarding Instruction: Open to ALL levels, beginner through advanced. 
We pair two students at the same level to one instructor, with instruction mostly one-on-one. This allows us to focus on personalizing the learning experience to your level but also being able to be exposed to other levels. Everyone learns something from every level! 

Optional activities include Massage, Spanish Cooking Classes, Whale trips, Diving, Snorkeling & Fishing trips.

Price does not include 14% Mexico tax and transportation to and from the airport. However, once we have your itinerary, transportation and price will be determined and arranged for you. This ranges from $60-$150 depending on which airport you fly into and how many other camp attendees we can combine on the same shuttle from the airport. 

Airport info: La Paz airport (LAP) is the closest and first choice airport to getting to La Ventana (35 minutes). Cabo San Lucas (SJD) is also an option but is a 2 hour drive from La Ventana. Flights into La Paz are commonly more expensive but the shuttle to La Ventana is only about $30-$60. Flights into Cabo are typically much cheaper but the shuttle to La Ventana costs $75-$150 depending on number of passengers. Alaska Airlines often has sales to both destinations. 

Check out our Camp Reports from past years: 2009 | 2010 .

Email Tim Hatler of Palapas Ventana for more information on accommodations and bookings - tim (at) palapasventana.com

Email Tonia for questions about Kiteboarding, SUP, and Pilates instruction - tfarman (at) gmail.com

 7 am Yoga and pilates under the Palapa

A spectacular view for morning movements -- Bahia de La Ventana, aloe and a variety of flowering cacti in the background.

Our beautiful kite beach

Humpbacks surfacing and diving in the bay.

On a snorkeling trip to see the sea lions, we were greeted by this beautiful breaching humpback whale!

Humpback Whales on our way to swim with sea lions from Tonia Farman's Vimeo page.

Taking Jen out for her first ride of the camps. Goal: go out and come back to the same spot!

Kiteboarding with the GoPro wide angle camera on the board!!

Brittney runs through launching a kite with Annie.

Brittney picks up Katie from her downwinder on the quad.Our other instructor Brittney on the ever-important white board!

Tonia, Rochelle, Jen, and Brittney at camp.

A fine day at the office... Tonia instructs via radio helmets, following on the ATV from the beach. You go downwind, and we pick you up!

Board meeting. Rochelle, Annie, and Ingvil get instructed on board starts in the water.

A no wind day means there's always something else to do! How about swimming with whale sharks?

This guy free-dove down under the whale shark. These fish are absolutely beautiful!

Following the big swaying tail from behind.

• $150 per person
• 2 1/2 hours including on-land instruction
• Students will use radio helmet instruction two at a time
• Limited to four students
• Fee is due in full at the time of booking.
• All students must use their own equipment, with modern quick release and leash systems.
• Lessons will run out of our Stevenson, Washington location.

Wednesday, June 8th - Transitions

Wednesday, June 22nd - Ollies & Airs

Wednesday, July 13th - Backrolls

Wednesday, July 27th - Jump & Grab

If you are serious about stepping up your kiting and doing some new moves this summer, you don't want to miss this clinic series. Email info@cascadekiteboarding.com for more info. 

Cascade Kiteboarding just added a 2nd IKO instructor training course May 24-28th in Hood River. The first course at CKB this season, May 10-14th, filled immediately, with demand for a second course. IKO Examiner David Dorn of Action Sports Maui will run the course with Cascade Kiteboarding assistance and support.

Instructor Training Course: ITC -- This course has filled twice already, so if you're interested, start the process right away and send your $975 course fee to CKB. Here are the requirements and steps: 

1. Must be at least 18 years old
2. Have a minimum of one year kiteboarding riding experience and be at an IKO Level 3n for at least 6 months (jumping and riding toeside). See the IKO levels here.
3. Must have IKO Asisstant Instructor Certification OR have a minimum of 40 hours of shadowing a Level 2 IKO Instructor. Candidates must have a letter of recommendation for the latter option. Interested in becoming an Assistant Instructor? See below.
4. Must have current CPR and First Aid certificates prior to course.
5. Must have a boater's safety card/certificate. http://www.boat-ed.com/Oregon/index.html 

1. Provide a copy of your instructor diploma
2. Submit a copy of current First Aid/CPR certification
3. Submit proof of boater's safety/powerboat certification OR take the IKO's online power boat course.
4. Letter of recommendation and one year's teaching experience.

• Email tonia @cascadekiteboarding.com to register.
• Full course fee of $975  is due as soon as possible because of the short notice of this course. This course will fill up fast.
• There is a First Aid/CPR course being run on Monday, May 9th from 9:30 am-3 pm. This is required prior to taking the ITC course, so make sure you get it.

Feb 27-March 5
March 6-12

If you haven't been to one of my camps in La Ventana, you are in for an adventure you'll never forget! Check out the slide show from the 2010 camps! The 6-day camps focus on full days of kiteboarding instruction (as soon as the wind starts blowing!) but that's not all. Here's a typical day:

We get started at 7am with a Pilates-at-Sunrise session, have a yummy home-cooked breakfast with fresh fruit, proteins, strong coffee and fresh Jamaica (Hibiscus juice), then it's snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddling until the wind comes up around 11.

For the rest of the day we take advantage of the wind and get 2-to-1 kiteboarding instruction focused specifically to everyone's level. After kiteboarding, there's a little down time, then Happy Hour back at Palapas Ventana with the best margaritas in Baja! Authentic, home-cooked mexican flavors are served at 7 for supper and then whatever you want to do until you can't stay up anymore! Days are usually so full and active that most guests are out by 8pm! We call it "Mexican Midnight!"

 All camps are open to all levels of riding. Because we pair two students to 1 instructor, we can accommodate all levels of riders in one camp, with a maxiumum of 8 guests per camp. You are paired with another student who is your same level.

Some of our before-wind activities: Swimming with the whale sharks (amazing!!!) and Standup Paddling!!

Beginners > Never flown a 4-line LEI (Leading Edge Inflatable) kite or minimal experience with 4-line kite.
Intermediate Beginners > Can control a 4-line LEI kite and body-drag
Advanced Beginners > Can confidently board start and get going in both directions
Advanced Intermediates > Can ride both directions, stay upwind, starting to execute transitions and jumps.

Personal land-based and tons of on-the-water instruction! Tonia does board start drills on-land with the girls.

Until October 1, get $100 off your booking, so $1390 per person!

Camps are $1490 per person (Or $2800 for 2 weeks) and include:

- 6 nights, 7 days accommodations at Palapas Ventana - 3 girls per specialty casita
- All meals at Palapas Ventana and 2 dinners out on the town
- Evening socials and chalk talks at the PV bar
- 4 Days of kiteboarding instruction with Tonia and the Kitemasters Kite School professional staff- Lesson gear included
- Transportation to kite spots for lessons
- Downwinder transportation
- 3 1-hour Pilates sessions focused on strength & flexibility for kiteboarding
- Use of kayaks and snorkeling gear
- Optional activities include massage, cooking classes, spanish classes, standup paddling, snorkeling, diving and fishing trips, daytrip to the Pacific.
* Price does not include 13% Mexico hotel tax
* Price does not include transportation to and from the airport, however we will arrange the transportation for you once we have your travel itinerary.

Morning pilates, pilates and yoga on the standup paddleboards for balance and strength for kiteboarding

To make reservations or if you have any questions, please contact me tonia(at)cascadekiteboarding.com or email Tim(at)PalapasVentana.com.

Happy campers!!

Women's Kiteboarding & Pilates Camps in Baja Mexico! on Vimeo.



A beautiful left hander at Lobitos

Cascade Kiteboarding is headed to beautiful Mancora Peru for the some of the best wave riding in the world this November 12-21!! And... we want you to come!!

If you are a goofy footer, this is a dream riding spot for you! The world's longest and cleanest left-hand waves line the North coast of Peru, creating a playground of endless ocean corduroy and turns that will leave you drooling for more. Not a goofy-footer? You'll quickly forget and then realize that this will be some of the best backside riding of a lifetime! Just learning to ride waves? No problem! These waves are clean, friendly, and great for learning and improving in the waves!

In addition to epic waves, Mancora's mild temperatures and friendly conditions make for a great spot to progress all of your kiteboarding. Tranquil, sandy beaches, flatwater lagoons, and warm water surround you!

This expedition is for intermediate-advanced riders who can consistently ride and stay upwind.

CKB PERU guests stay at the waterfront Samana Chakra Surf & Yoga Resort in Mancora, Northern Peru.  Cascade Kiteboarding PERU Kite Expedition includes: 

• 9 nights, 10 days at Samana Chakra Surf & Yoga Resort
• Transportation to and from airport
• Three freshly-prepared gourmet meals each day
• Daily kiteboarding support plus six downwinders and excursions to/from Organos, Lobitos, and/or Cabo Blanquillo
• Riding tips and technique instruction from the Cascade Kiteboarding staff
• Beers & beverages post-kiteboarding!
• Daily pilates and/or yoga sessions for strengthening and flexibility!
• 2 60-minute massages during your stay

Dates are November 12-21. Travel days from the states would be November 11th from the West Coast, arriving in Lima on the 12th. All guests will fly from Lima to Piura, arriving together.

Daily yoga and pilates for increased strength and flexibility for kiteboarding!

Cascade's PERU Kite Expedition will run November 11-21 only, with limited availability to 12 people.

Miles and miles of beautiful empty beaches!

Accommodation Options: Prices are per person.

Shared Garden view villa: $1660
Shared Oceanfront villa: $1875
Oceanfront one person: $2301
Oceanfront couple: $1660

This is a trip of a lifetime. To reserve, a 50% deposit is required by September 1. Call Tonia at (541) 490-9621 or email tonia@cascadekiteboarding.com.

• IKO ITC Level 1 : May 21-25, 2010 with IKO Examiner David Dorn.
• IKO Assistant Instructor Certification : May 12-14 with Level 2 IKO Instructor Tonia Farman.

To register, please first check the requirements below and email tonia(at)cascadekiteboarding.com for further details and to reserve a spot.

Prerequisites :

Candidates to take the ITC Level 1 must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Kiteboarding for at least 1 year and be a certified IKO kiteboarder Level 3 minimum
• Have an IKO Assistant Instructor certification (Water only) or provide a letter of recommendation from a teaching experience in a water or aerial sport. There will be an Assistant Instructor certification course prior to the ITC course in Hood River, May 12-14.
• Have a valid first aid and CPR certificate or complete it before the ITC with the IKO Examiner running the course
• Pass online Pre-ITC course
• Kiteboarding only: complete the IKO powerboat certification course or have an outside powerboat certification.

Course Costs: All fees must be paid in full to Cascade Kiteboarding 2 weeks prior to course start date.

IKO ITC Level 1: $850

IKO Assistant Instructor: $250

Other Relevant Info:

First Aid/CPR Course : May 4th and 18th, Hood River. Call 503-284-1234 to reserve a spot.

WA State Boating Safety Course: http://www.boat-ed.com/wa/index.htm

OR State Boating Safety Course: http://www.boat-ed.com/or/index.htm

After attending an ITC, you will be qualified as IKO Instructor level 1 and will be able to continue your pro training to become a Level 2.

Cost:  $250 for the 3 days. Payment is due in full 2 weeks prior to course start date.

To book: Email tonia(at)CascadeKiteboarding.com

Becoming an Assistant Instructor  is a great way to gain experience to prepare for a professional career, or simply discover what an Instructor's job is all about.
If you intend on registering for the ITC (Instructor Training Course to become a Level 1 Instructor) but have no prior teaching background in a water sport, then this course is mandatory.   In sum, it is the best way to unite your passion with your job – and you can start your training as young as 16 years old.

Not only does the Assistant Instructor program provide you with hands-on experience, but it also helps build great teaching and organizational skills. In addition, you will learn more about the equipment, how to prepare and use it properly, how to follow the fundamental safety principles, and much more. 

An Assistant Instructor is qualified to:

• Manage the equipment organization and maintenance
• Manage the kite launching and landing of a group of 2 students*
• Teach one student at a time up to level 1/C*
• Supervise the safety of 4 kiteboarders from level 2/I and above who rent equipment or kiteboarders who need assistance
• Assist an Instructor level 1 or 2 for launching and landing procedures and information transmission during a course



A mellow paddle along the clear shoreline in the Sea of Cortez

John Ashley from Paddlesurf.net, Tim Hatler of Palapas Ventana (The Best of Baja), and I will be your instructors and your guides for the week! I will also be teaching daily pilates sessions!

We start day one with some core strengthening in Pilates. In fact, everyday starts with Pilates!! We then take to the water with the basics of SUP, including paddle strokes, turns, positioning, and balance.

On day two, we take our first expedition in the Sea of Cortez, a stunning long-distance paddle to a beautiful remote beach, where we will camp for the night.

On the morning of day 3, we head back to La Ventana, then in the van for a road trip to Mag Bay on the Pacific Coast! After crusing out to the island, we hit happy hour and a stunning sunset right before dinner.

The water is soooooo clear! You're snorkeling above the water!!Day 4 we wake early for morning Pilates and some paddling in our first surf of the trip!! If the surf doesn't pan out, we can hit the other side of the island for some flatwater cruising.  After a full day of paddling, we head back to La Ventana for our last day of paddling.

Day 5, we go for an island expedition to Cerralvo Island, an uninhabited and pristine island with stunning marine life all around.

Camps are $1690 per person and include:

- 6 nights, 7 days accommodations at Palapas Ventana - 3 girls per specialty casita
- All meals included.

- Evening socials and chalk talks at the PV bar
- Accommodations on expeditions
- 5 Days of SUP instruction and expeditions in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.
- Daily morning Water & Mat Pilates sessions focused on strength & balance
- Use of kayaks and snorkeling gear
- Optional activities include massage, cooking classes, spanish classes, diving and fishing trips.
* Price does not include 13% Mexico hotel tax
* Price does not include transportation to and from the airport, however we will arrange the transportation for you once we have your travel itinerary.

2010 Camp Dates:

Sept. 27-Oct. 3
Oct. 4-10

To make reservations or if you have any questions, please contact me tonia(at)cascadekiteboarding.com or email Tim(at)PalapasVentana.com.

Water pilates will become part of your daily routine!



Cascade Kiteboarding's Tonia Farman, in conjunction with Kitemasters Kite School and Palapas Ventana are once again hosting Women's Kite Camps in La Ventana, Baja Mexico for 2010:

Feb 21-27
Feb 28- 6
Mar 7 - 13

Last year's camps went so well, we're adding one more week to the schedule! If you haven't been to one of my camps in La Ventana, you are in for an adventure you'll never forget! The 6-day camps focus on full days of kiteboarding instruction (as soon as the wind starts blowing!) but that's not all. Here's a typical day:

We get started at 7am with a Pilates-at-Sunrise session, have a healthy home-cooked breakfast with fresh fruit, proteins, strong coffee and fresh Jamaica (Hibiscus juice), then it's snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddling until the wind comes up around 11. For the rest of the day we take advantage of the wind and get 2-to-1 kiteboarding instruction focused specifically to everyone's level. After kiteboarding, there's a little down time, then Happy Hour back at Palapas Ventana with the best margaritas in Baja! Authentic, home-cooked mexican flavors are served at 7 for supper and then whatever you want to do until you can't stay up anymore! Days are usually so full and active that most guests are out by 8pm! We call it "Mexican Midnight!"

All camps are open to all levels of riding. Because we pair two students to 1 instructor, we can accommodate all levels of riders in one camp, with a maxiumum of 8 guests per camp. You are paired with another student who is your same level.

Beginners > Never flown a 4-line LEI (Leading Edge Inflatable) kite or minimal experience with 4-line kite.
Intermediate Beginners > Can control a 4-line LEI kite and body-drag
Advanced Beginners > Can confidently board start and get going in both directions
Advanced Intermediates > Can ride both directions, stay upwind, starting to execute transitions and jumps.

Camps are $1390 per person and include:

- 6 nights, 7 days accommodations at Palapas Ventana - 3 girls per specialty casita
- All meals at Palapas Ventana and 2 dinners out on the town
- Evening socials and chalk talks at the PV bar
- 3 Days of kiteboarding instruction with Tonia and the Kitemasters Kite School professional staff- Lesson gear included
- Transportation to kite spots for lessons
- Downwinder transportation
- 2 1-hour Pilates sessions focused on strength & flexibility for kiteboarding
- Use of kayaks and snorkeling gear
- Optional activities include massage, cooking classes, spanish classes, standup paddling, snorkeling, diving and fishing trips, daytrip to the Pacific.
* Price does not include 13% Mexico hotel tax
* Price does not include transportation to and from the airport, however we will arrange the transportation for you once we have your travel itinerary.

To make reservations or if you have any questions, please contact me tonia(at)cascadekiteboarding.com or email Tim(at)PalapasVentana.com.

Taking place in Hood River, Oregon on August 29, 2009, this intermediate clinic will focus on intermediate manuevers from transitions and chop-hops to rolls and raileys. All riders must be able to stay and ride upwind. Clinic is limited to 25 women. Here are the details...

Dates & Times: Saturday, August 29 meet at 10am, Sunday as a backup for wind.

Food & Bev: Lunches from South Bank Kitchen, Bevs from Water from the Hood.

Gear: Liquid Force, Dakine, and Best -- Kites, boards, harnesses and swag!

This clinic will fill up quick, so register now! Just register online at Active.com.

Just added!! Windance is throwing a party for the girls! 7-10pm Saturday night 8/29! Well, I guess others are invited too. Where is Windance? It's in Hood River, right next to Tum-a-Lum Lumber and Lampoei's Thai. 108 Highway 35. For more info, email tonia@CascadeKiteboarding.com!