One summer day……
on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches marked the beginning of a transformative journey for me. I was in Tulum, enjoying the sea, beaches, and friends on my day off. Amid a typical tropical storm with tremendous waves and strong winds, I spotted something extraordinary. In the distance, someone was connected to a massive kite, flying over the ocean and reveling in the extreme conditions. I was mesmerized. From that moment, I couldn’t stop thinking about learning and practicing this thrilling new sport called kiteboarding or kitesurfing.
Determined to learn…..
I faced significant challenges in the first year (2003) since there were no schools, instructors, or videos, and the equipment lacked the safety systems we have today. Through a friend, I had my first chance to fly a kite on the beach. Unfamiliar with the power of the kite, I was dragged through the sand until I crashed into a palm tree. Despite the shock, I was hooked. My first steps in kiteboarding evolved into a lifestyle and, ultimately, my work.
Thus began the journey of Extreme Control Adventure…..
During the summer of 2005, with the help of my girlfriend, Heather Froeming, we opened Tulum’s first kiteboarding school. That summer, we faced hurricanes Emily and Wilma, the latter arriving just two days after we opened. Despite our initial disillusionment, we decided to stay and reorganize the school with the help of friends. We dug out over a meter of sand that had filled our little school and prepared for our first students. Tulum soon became a kiteboarder’s haven with an empty Caribbean beach, kiter friends, and clients. Our school thrived, growing to employ 6-8 instructors each season, hosting numerous events, and creating countless memorable experiences.
I recall an expedition with friends…..
to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve south of Tulum to catch the strong north wind. The conditions were perfect, but an unexpected wave dislocated my shoulder. Despite the excruciating pain, I managed to relaunch my kite and body drag back to the beach. My friends rescued me, and we embarked on a long, painful journey to find medical help. Eventually, a specialist in Playa del Carmen helped put my shoulder back in place, marking another adventure in my kiteboarding story.
In 2007…..
we embarked on a scouting mission to Brazil, exploring the Ceará coast’s best kiting locations. We discovered a kiteboarding paradise in Cumbuco, Brazil, and returned annually for eight years. Each year, we rented a beachfront penthouse and enjoyed incredible kiting adventures, forming close bonds with friends and newcomers.
The best part of our job…..
is being immersed in nature daily, witnessing amazing marine life like turtles, rays, and occasionally sharks. However, the increasing plastic pollution in the ocean prompted us to start the campaign “No Mas Plastik” to educate people on plastic pollution and advocate for immediate change. My dream is to kite in a clean, beautiful ocean alongside marine life, especially dolphins.
Reflecting on ten years of adventures…..
with countless students, teachers, friends, and visitors, I am continually surprised and grateful. I owe much to the many instructors who made Extreme Control possible, especially Heather Froeming and Robert Nahuat, who supported and encouraged me from the beginning.
Today……
after a decade of dedicated work, kiteboarding remains my passion and lifestyle. We continue to share the sport with people worldwide, respecting the environment and having fun. Since 2007, we have explored areas around Tulum, from Sian Ka’an to Bacalar, Holbox to Celestun, discovering incredible kiting conditions, deserted beaches, and amazing people.
The future of Extreme Control Adventures is bright…..
with a focus on the kiting paradise of El Cuyo, Yucatan. In the summer of 2015, we opened a kiteboarding and paddleboarding school in El Cuyo, renting a small beachfront wooden house reminiscent of Hawaii. This location, with its incredible wind conditions, pristine beaches, and beautiful houses facing the sea, promises to become a haven for sport and nature lovers.
El Cuyo’s community…..
mainly dependent on fishing, is well-organized and offers kite services and rental houses. I see an opportunity for sustainable growth here, promoting environmentally friendly sports like kiteboarding and paddleboarding, which rely solely on the forces of nature. This could attract people who respect and cherish our beautiful natural world.
Casa Mía Eco Boutique Hotel…..
Marco Cristofanelli
