Aj profile
level 2 IKO instructor and school owner operator
age 36
home town
Melbourne Australia borne in port of Spain Trinidad and Tabago
where I live and ride and teach
Nassau Bahamas and the islands of the Bahamas
married
with 3 kids (who would of thought)
years kiteboarding 9
Worst thing that ever happened to me kiteboarding:
Getting Tea bagged on some rocks..I lost a lot of blood and ego that day and was truly humbled by nature. and it made me take a step back and look at what was and is important to me. I have a gnarley scar on my forehead to remind me to be humble.
fav trick
massive kite loops and S bends..big waves and to ride with my friends and push each other.
things I do other than kiteboarding and teach kiteboarding:
Art..music..and chasseing my kids around and building my house. Whilst trying to answer the phone check the weather reports and email..(mad skills at multi tasking) and spend some time with my trouble and strife (wife).
what are my goals.. to spread the stoke of kiteboarding to as many people as possible. and hopefully when I?m old and to injured to to ride or teach my kids will take over the school, and have as much fun/stress as I have had through out the years. And be as ethically balanced as possible when it comes to biz ,life and my use of the environment.
Religious Views
Christian ( but a gnarley one) Political views
None at the moment Best thing that has ever happened to me :
Leaving Australia to go walk about. Getting lost and finding myself
Kite camp Spanish wells nov 2009 Explore the islands of the Bahamas and shred it up kiteboarding.
See the real Bahamas . Kite Camp this winter starts in November 20th 2009 in SPANISH WELLS Bahamas.
We will be Based in Spanish Wells We will stay in an awesome little house on the beach and spend our days island hopping.
You will have a great experience of real island culture and see the best of the Bahamas with our experienced friendly local crew from Cross-Shore Bahamas Kite Boarding School.
We are proud to have guest Pro Rider (Bucky Ashcraft) with us coaching advanced courses and showing you how to take your kitesurfing to another level.
Don’t worry you don’t have to be an advanced rider to join us on this great camp. Beginners and Intermediates are also welcome.
Take Nothing but Photos, Leave nothing but Wake. Details Price USD2,500.00 p/p book before july1st and get 10% OFF. There may be variations in the above price depending on if you would like a separate room. Please contact us to confirm exact price.
Price Includes All island transport in spanish wells BY van and dune buggy Meals, Snacks and Drinks Use of latest 2009/2010 school gear and Instruction High res digital Pics and Video Accommodation IKO rider certification
::Price Excludes::
Alcohol! Sunscreen Flights Travel insurance for kiteboarding Spanish Wells, Bahamas.
Duration 7 days 6 nights to 10 days 9 nights Suitability / Level ..All Levels from beginner to advanced rider
Minimum Age14
Max Group Size 10 Available only for November 20th to 30th.
Itinerary & Highlights we are limiting the group size to 10 students/riders ( per 7 to 10 day trip) so the trip will not lack in the personal touch .
You will get the most out of riding ..and instruction .
Also the riding area will not be crowded. if your wondering what the food will be like Spanish wells …it’s a world renound fishing village. fresh seafood daily from stone crab claws to a fish so nice the named it twice mahi mahi..
You will see the real Bahamas with the local crew cross-shore Bahamas kite boarding school Accommodation & Center Details We will be staying in a beautiful newly renovated house which is 8 footsteps away from one of the best kiting beaches on Spanish Wells! The house sleeps 8 comfortable….. shared bedrooms and Kitchen. Wifi internet access cable tv. Compressor for pumping up kites.
Nov 20 – 27 $2500.00 for total beginner intermediate to advanced riders with there own gear will be $1900.00 Nov 20 – 30 $2800.00 for total beginner ,intermediate to advanced riders with there own gear will be $2500.00
Well it’s winter time already, the water temp has dropped about 4 deg to 74 deg it’s so cold I have to where a rash guard.
kite camp Spanish wells is just around the cnr ,while I’m on the subject of kitecamps, we at cross-shore love to explore the Bahamas as much as anyone eles..kitecamp is not a bunch of tents on the beach ,we rent a nice house ,cook good food ,have good vibes and great kiteboarding,I love to show tourists and new visitors to the Bahamas the islands of the Bahamas,and we do so in style (affordable style).
the ease of travel whether is be a charter plane, boat ,Bahamas feries makes it easy to travel from the Free port ,the berry islands ,Abaco’s to Nassau Bahamas to the Exuma Cays.
Cross-Shore Bahamas kiteboarding school is based in Nassau Bahamas but not limited to Nassau,as I said we love to ride and explore.
here is a link to some hotel option In Nassau Bahamas ..
if you need any help with travel plans and kiteboarding trips to the Bahamas give me a hail,I answer emails with in 24hr and because I am on the water most of the day I can’t return phone calls until after 5 pm so leave a message and I will get back to you asap.
cheers AJ Watson owner operator cross-shore Bahamas Kiteboarding school
its been a while since i have posted anything on my #bahamaskiteboardingschool blog so here it is..
yes I’m still #kitesurfing and teaching lessons, I am mainly focusing on private lessons one on one,i am #IKO #seniorinstructor now, its been 14 years of teaching kitesurfing and #watersports in the #bahamas,i think i have paid my dues.
I have been enjoying teaching #private #kiteboarding #lessons because it is time better spent for the student and the instructor,my prices are very fair for instruction and i am still #renting #kiteboarding #gear to #IKO level 3 riders and including kite caddy service (pick up from and to the hotel and help setting up and launching) all sessions are 4hrs long.
off island instruction is more expensive because I have to allow for transport and accomidation.
for all inquiry regarding #kiteboardinginstruction and #kitesurfinginstruction through out the bahamas islands please contact me 1(242) 422 0756 I’m on whats app and Viber as well or email info@cross-shore.com
We are offering a Kitecamp in Nassau for the 2010 season. Will will book you all inclusive hotel accomodations and provide you with pick up and drop off daily plus 20 hours of professional instruction and 20 hours of assisted riding over the seven days (wind dependent). The camp kicks off with a group BBQ meet and greet and tour of the island. Guests can spend the days kiting and the nights relaxing poolside or partying the night away. This is the city version of the very popular Spanish Wells Kite Camp. Students will learn on the latest 2010/11 school gear and high reslolution pictures and IKO certification cards are included in the package price. Packages starting at $2500 based on double occupancy for rooms with garden view. Ocean view and Ocean Front Accomodations also available for $2700 and $2900 respectively ( based on double occupancy).
For families looking for a more homestyle experience we have a poolside , fully equipped , 2 bedroom apartment (self catering) available. Apartment accomodations (sleeps four), 20 hours of instruction, 20 hours of assisted riding and all transportation to and from riding spots for $7000 (based on 4 person occupancy for 7 nights).
Bookings require 30% non refundable deposit and balance due 7 days before upon arrival.
The season runs from October ( when the first cold front comes through) until June ( the beginning of hurricane season). In season winds average 12 – 15 knots, with most days at 12 – 18 knots with higher winds during cold fronts. Water temp is average 79 F . Cross-shore is closed for kiteboarding from June 1 – October 1 but you can still call or email during the off season to see if you are lucky enough to have picked a windy day. You can contact us year round for booking information. Office hours are 8am – 6pm EST, every day of the week. Phone Contact : 242. 362. 4702
cross-shore would like to thank http://www.katsiedesign.com for the new new web site looks awesome.the spanish wells Bahamas kitecamp was a blast this year , good food,good crew, good times and good wind.the next camp is in spring some time,other than that it is lessons as usual here in Nassau.
Woman’s Kite camp Spanish Bahamas wells November 2009
November 10th through 20th
November 21th to 31st coed kite camp. Spanish wells Bahamas
Explore the real Bahamas and shred it up. You will have a great experience of real island culture with our friendly local crew from cross-shore Bahamas kiteboarding school.
Don’t worry you don’t have to be a advanced rider to join the trip.
The wind direction for the riding area is good from west to East North east. 15 to 25kts
Warm turquoise water, white sandy bottom , and decent wind to shred it up in.(generally we do not leave Spanish wells because it is the best place to ride in that part of the Bahamas because of the wind direction and the flat water)
Great meals,kewl people full immersion kiteboarding.
Accommodations: newly built houses right in the waters edge dorm style accommodation…
(Separate rooms can be organized but will be more expensive.)
The group size is limited to 10 kiteboarders of all levels.
Kite boarders will have the option to stay for 7 to 10 days
7 days 6 nights $2500.00 USD
10 days 9 nights $3,000.00 USD
if you are a advanced rider with your own gear no instruction needed $1800.00 for 7 days $2300 for 10days.
all meals and drinks and accommodations are included. (No alcoholic beverages or sun screen included dose not include travel to and from Spanish wells Bahamas)
Lessons if you are a beginner to intermediate level are included .
All riders will be IKO certified to the skill level by cross-shore IKO instructors.
If you would like to travel light and use the cross-shore gear “not a problem”
If you would like more info on the kite camp please contact
INTRO – Shallow, flat, warm and safe water off the beaten path away from
tourists on a Caribbean island measuring seven by 21/7 miles…
THE LURE
Nassau is the capital city of The Bahamas and is located on the tiny
island of New Providence. Although it is less than 150 square miles in
area, the island is packed with activities and attractions for visitors
to enjoy, not least the blossoming kiteboarding opportunities.
From flatwater riding to waves..awsome down winders.
THE SET-UP
160 miles east of Florida the weather conditions in the Bahamas are
perfect for kiteboarding during the windy season (October through June)
with steady trade winds and warm, clean, clear water. The teaching area
is shallow and flat with an almost constant cross-shore wind. The kite
beaches are virtually deserted with less than 20 local riders! Students
and riders have all the space they need and want.
RANGE FINDER:
WIND AND WEATHER:
Winds in Nassau are warm and steady, with about 20 days a month bringing
winds of at least 15 knots during the season. The best time of year for
advanced riding is early spring (April/May) when riders can take
advantage of stronger winds and awesome wave riding.
WATER:
flat
chop
waves
The water is in the high 70s (25°C+) year round, so no need for a
wetsuit; board shorts and rashy will do the job!
FACILITIES:
ACCOMMODATION: 5 stars
EATING OUT: 4 stars
NIGHTLIFE: 3 stars
FAMILIES: 4 stars
SINGLES: 3 stars
After a long day at the beach Nassau has world class dining and
nightlife, where you may spot a celebrity eating at the table next to
you, or stumble across a movie or magazine shoot. From the simplest
roadside restaurants offering local delicacies at budget prices to
gourmet restaurants serving signature cocktails, you can find a meal to
suit every taste and budget. For those days when the wind is lighter, or
if you just want to take a break, there is always lots to do, from
excursions to other islands, deep sea fishing, helicopter rides, diving
with sharks or world class golf. Just be sure to book extra excursions early.
ATM: There are international ATM machines in Nassau and the local
currency (the dollar) is interchangeable with the American dollar.
AIRPORT:
Nassau (NAS) – Just hop in a cab and you’re a short ride away from your
hotel.
GETTING ABOUT:
We offer a kite caddy service to all of our visiting guests wich includes pick up and drop off to and from the hotel to and from the beach..
On no wind days you could rent a scooter/moped or easily rent a car and cruise around discovering the island.
Also there is a great interisland ferrie system, weekly we do day trips depending on the wind forecast.
SCHOOLS:
CROSS-SHORE
Cross Shore Bahamas has developed the kiting industry in Nassau, with
the only kite school and gear supply in the area. They have Ego free IKO
instructors available for private 1:1 lessons or group lessons up to
four students per group. They teach all levels from complete beginner to
advanced riders. A kite caddy service is also available for advanced
riders and general kite and board rental is another option. Store your
kite with them and they’ll even repair it if you prang it, too! Besides
being a full service kite school, they are happy to act as your personal
tour guides.
Language spoken by instructors: English
Tel: +1 (242) 362-4702 http://www.cross-shore.com
info@cross-shore.com
There are plenty watering holes in Nassau depending on if you have a champane taste with beer pockets or visa versa..we locals like quench our thirst at a bar called the green parrot on the Nassau side good food good drinks plenty hot chicks..
Then, if you could just give me some rough prices/costs on these three things that would be great:
Riding conditions: most of the time riding in Nassau we ride in a flat water area with the wind cross-shore to side on shore the wind in season is 15-18 knots higher with incoming cold fronts 20-30kts locals call it Blue hill, the name of the beach is south beach..water temp in the high 70’s F.
The best tide to ride in is a out going tide (butter flat) the difference in tide from high to low is 3-4 feet depening on spring high or spring low tide or full moon.
(the place shallows out to nothing at low tide so you have to walk out to the right about 600 yards to get calf depth water.
The beach is prity small but there is heaps of space to ride the flat water area is about 1000 meters out by 6000 meters long..best wind direction would be ENE to East.
The area is good from ene to SW.
If the wind switches to the west or North to North east we ride an area called “goodmans bay” cable beach..choppy deap water ..waves on the outer reef and we also have a spot call “goslow bend” the jewel in the Bahamian kite crown flat water with sick little kickers coming through.
It can be crowded at “goslow” if there is more than 5 riders out..if you cant do tricks on left side you have to stay out of the slick and stay down wind or way up wind..(local educate)
The average cost of a beer in a bar: $2.00
The average cost of a meal in a restaurant (no alcohol):$10.00 for a burger and frys..
$6-$8 for a conch salad
The average cost of a single/double hotel room per night:$75-$150
cross shore "kiteboarding,kitesurfing" school 