NY Kite Center’s owner John Pereira fully takes advantage of the butter-flat conditions in the Great South Bay.
By Marina Chang | Tkb Staff
I’m not a big city lover and have never had a burning desire to experience New York. However, I recently traveled to the Big Apple for the first time to participate in the 5th Annual Dream Extreme event which raised $225K for the nonprofit STEPS to End Family Violence. It was an amazing experience and the start of a trip that now has me asking myself, “when can I go back?”
NY Kite Center has a great selection of new and used gear and accessories from Best, Cabrinha, North, Liquid Force, Slingshot and more. Pictured are (L to R) Marina Chang/Tkb, John/NY Kite Center, Linda Argila/Dream Extreme, Rich Sabo/Best Kiteboarding
After Dream Extreme, I made a side trip with the event’s founder, Linda Argila, to check out NY Kite Center, owned by John Pereira. Located in Amityville, roughly an hour by train from Manhattan, NY Kite Center is the only brick and mortar retailer in the greater New York area. Rich Sabo, a coach at Dream Extreme and rep for Best, also stopped by so the bonus was we were going to get try some new 2015 gear!
John recently added a boom to his boat so he can teach board skills on no wind days or help riders that are having problems water starting.
Situated directly on the Great South Bay with a dock out the back door, the center has a sweet set up where you have the luxury of trying before you buy; a real service when you’re trying to choose the best harness or wetsuit for your needs. The shop also offers full boat and jet ski support, changing rooms and hot showers for students and visiting guests which were very welcome after a day of riding.
The Great South Bay offers miles and miles of ankle to knee deep butter-flat water, perfect for beginners and learning new moves.
As we taxied out of the harbor into the Great South Bay, I was blown away by the wide open riding space and scenery in every direction. John took us out to a little spot in the middle of the bay, chosen for the day’s wind direction and strength. With ankle to knee deep water all around, we quickly rigged our gear and stepped into the surprisingly warm water for fall.
Best Kiteboarding’s Rich Sabo putting the new 2015 Best gear to use.
Conditions were light so I rigged a new 2015 Best Cabo and grabbed John’s 6’1″ surfboard. I was a little underpowered so just explored the bay and took in the natural beauty of the area. Linda was perfectly content on her 11.5 Kahoona — a day of riding after pulling off her three-day event was a much welcome reprieve! Meanwhile, Rich had set up the new 12m TS and John the 2015 17m TS so both were perfectly powered to take full advantage of the butter flat conditions. We spent the next two hours riding and ended the day with huge grins on all our faces. On the way back to the shop I commented that the riding conditions seemed similar to Hatteras. Rich confirmed with a hearty “absolutely!” while John said it’s better with more variety. I’m not sure if I believe him or if it was pride in his local spot coming through — I suppose I will just have to go back and find out for myself!
The Center is in a residential neighborhood. Look for the sign and truck!
New York exceeded my expectations. The city was so alive and vibrant, the people were helpful, the subway wasn’t as intimidating as I expected, and the riding conditions are ideal for beginners, freeriders and freestylers. The best months for kiteboarding in New York are April through December. I encourage you to experience it!