Travel – CRYSTAL VENESS

Destinations• Kitesurfing• Lifestyle + Wellness• Love The Journey• Travel

Finding my way in Brazil // TRAVEL STORY

This year has been a wild ride. From starting the year out in Cape Town, South Africa to writing this blog from Viana do Castelo, Portugal… it feels like I haven’t stopped moving.

It hasn’t all gone to plan. Being off the water for nearly 6 months meant a lot of canceled flights and kitesurfing events. I found myself sitting in Dubai lost, frustrated and wondering why I was there and where I was going next.

When all your plans break down, it’s like standing in front of an empty whiteboard with a marker in your hand.

And then Bowen Dwelle walked up and wrote Brazil on it.

On August 29, 2018 • By Crystal Veness

Destinations• Kitesurfing• Travel

Never-ending coastline in Portugal // TRAVEL STORY

“What if this is the last time I’m here?”

It’s a thought that hadn’t really struck me so hard before. But as I stood on the cliff overlooking the spectactular coastline of the Algarve region of Portugal, it became very clear to me that I would probably never stand in this spot again.

There’s a big, wide world out there with many miles to travel and many beaches to look upon, and this was very likely my only opportunity to look at this one.

So I savored it. And then I tweaked my travel plans so I could take the long road to Lisbon – a drive that would take two days instead of just a few hours. Snaking along the coastline, pulling into little villages, and absolutely enraptured by the history and charm of old Portugal.

The only thing we can’t buy more of is time.

On August 14, 2018 • By Crystal Veness

Destinations• Kitesurfing• Travel

East coast beach vibes in Cape Hatteras, USA // TRAVEL GUIDE

There are a few places in the world that just kind of reel you in, and before you know it… you’ve been lapping up those tasty east coast beach vibes for weeks! It’s not hard to get lost in the layback lifestyle on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Sand dunes, warm wind, friendy folk, and miles and miles of pretty coastline are hard to resist. What’s not to love about Cape Hatteras?!

My time in Hatteras has been a lot of highs and lows, without a doubt. The first time I went was with kiteboarding progression in mind. Unfortunately, the wind was so hit and miss that I pushed it a bit too hard on one windy day and broke my foot. I left with new friendships and connections, but also with some fear.

I don’t think I’m an accident prone person, but I also happened to break my leg this year. This latest trip to Hatteras would be my first session back on the water in five months. On the first day of wind, I stood at the launch spot with my gear in hand and felt the panic building to an overwhelming level. I walked off the beach in tears. It took a while to compose myself, and I couldn’t get it together that day to kite. But this whole thing is a journey, and it’s a long one… with the support of friends and loved ones, I was able to get back on the water first thing the next morning!

On June 20, 2018 • By Crystal Veness

Destinations• Travel

Blown away in Tarifa, Spain // TRAVEL GUIDE

Traveling to new Destinations feels like discovering new worlds. It can be like walking into a storybook where the pages are empty and waiting for you to fill them with your own adventures. This is what Europe feels like to me… actual magic.

I grew up in the new world – in a city that was only just finding its way into being 100 years ago. Visiting cities that have been alive for more than 1,000 years is like stepping into the past. One such place located at the southernmost point of continental Europe is Tarifa, Spain.

Historically rich Tarifa is now a major hotspot in the kiteboarding community, and I’ve been hoping to visit this windy coastal city for years. If you’re planning a kiteboarding trip in Tarifa, check out the Tarifa Kiteboarding Spot Guide at MACkite.

For those who wish to explore the Andalusian region of Spain and take some time to revel in the journey to Tarifa, keep reading… Like any good story, it’s the journey that makes this trip unforgettable.

On June 6, 2018 • By Crystal Veness

Destinations• Travel

Summer in the mountains in Squamish, BC // TRAVEL GUIDE

When summer comes to Canada, nothing beats an escape out into the wild. Sometimes you just need to flee the city, stand atop a mountain, and take a deep breath of that pure alpine air. Simply taking that moment to step outside and appreciate the immensity of nature is enough to clear your head and get centred.

Sometime last year I found myself feeling totally disconnected from reality with no clue what to do or where to go next. I needed some serious grounding, and I knew the best place to find that was in my home country of Canada.

There’s a place on the west coast of Canada that had been popping up into conversation amongst my kiteboarding community over the past couple years, and I knew this was where I needed to be…. Squamish.

In the shadow of the Stawamus Chief lies the small town of Squamish, the outdoor recreation capital of Canada. This is British Columbia at it’s finest. This guide will take you through a few sunny summer days in Squamish. And if you’re planning a longer stay? This is a great way to kick it off.

On May 22, 2018 • By Crystal Veness

Destinations• Kitesurfing• Travel

Get your adrenaline fix in Hood River, OR // TRAVEL GUIDE

The Pacific Northwest has this element of outside that seems to be firmly entrenched in the hearts of everyone who lives there. But away from the busy big cities and the coast is a small city whose residents and vistors have taken outside to the next level. Perched along the Columbia River is the city of Hood River, Oregon.

When you’re looking for that hit of adrenaline on your summer getaway in the PNW, look no further than Hood River!

Alright, maybe a little further… there’s a lot of cool stuff to see nearby too!

On May 9, 2018 • By Crystal Veness

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