Tour Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What is the best time to go on one of your tours?
Each tour run by Smile Kitesurf is booked when there is historically the most reliable winds for that location. The kitesurfing season goes approximately from November to March (summer) on the West Coast of Oz and from April to November (winter) on North Queensland (Bowen and Whitsundays as such).
Can I get lessons, hire gear or pay for boat support without going on one of your tours?
We carry out lessons in Bowen where our school is based. For people who have booked a trip, we are offering refresher lessons before heading out there to ensure you have the skills and confidence required.
Due to us having a small group of dedicated instructors our ability to service people outside of our tours are limited and they have our top priority.
Get in touch and we’ll see what we can work out!
Do I need to bring my own gear or do you supply in your package?
All Smile Kitesurf tours are here to help you progress and have a good time. Our goal on these tours is progression at your pace, be that of a rocket or a mellow sloth, we will work with you to make it happen. Therefore, it is important you are riding the right equipment for your style of riding, size, ability, goals and the prevailing conditions available.
We believe it is best to bring what you ride normally as long as it is in good condition. Some of our locations will require you to be rescued/pack down from a vessel if something goes wrong so ensuring your gear is up to scratch is a must.
If you feel it is time to upgrade or you would like new equipment for the tour then get in touch with us and we will help and guide you to what gear is best suited for you, your goals and your perceived style.
Get one of our Smile and Kite Travel package specials that we will deliver to your door so you can bring it with you or it can be waiting for you when you arrive on your chosen adventure.
If you wish to hire equipment for the trip, we will need to know well in advance to ensure that we have the equipment for you. If you loved the gear you hired and want to buy it afterwards, no worries, you can purchase it minus the cost of hire.
Hire Terms & Conditions
Hire duration is calculated on total number of days booked through Smile Kitesurf plus any additional days you’ll be using the gear – this will be cross referenced with your Smile Kitesurf booking.
A credit card for security will be kept on file with Smile Kitesurf until the gear is returned and inspected.
General wear and tear is expected with hire equipment, however, any damage or loss that requires repair or replacement will be charged to your card – the charge amount will be decided by Smile Kitesurf on a case by case basis.
Return of your equipment needs to be arranged with Smile Kitesurf within 7 days of your return.
Failure to return the equipment (all or part of) within 7 days of your return, will result in you purchasing the gear at the agreed hire/buy rate and automatically charged to your card. We understand that there may be difficulties and we will liaison with you if this happens.
Items can only be shipped and collected from within Australia. If you are coming from outside Australia the gear will be available for you on arrival at your tour.
What is the cost of your tours?
All of Smile Kitesurf Tours are priced differently based on location cost and amount of time spent on site. All details are found on each tours information page.
Our tours do not include flights to the location the tour departs from. Exception to the Abrolhos Island trip where flights are included from Geraldton to the Islands. Please take this into consideration before booking one of our tours.
Can I come early or stay longer around your tour dates?
If you would like information on extending your stay let us know beforehand and we can get you sorted for the exact accommodation, gear and vehicle that suits your needs.
If you do extend, unfortunately our team won’t be able to offer the same services unless organised beforehand.
Will there be time for me to do other activities like snorkeling, diving, surfing or fishing if they are not included?
With every one of our trips packed with extra activities there’s no shortage of things to do if we happen to get unlucky with the wind. Each tour page has a list of activities that are also on offer. Or stay a little longer and partake in some of the other epic tours.
What do I need to bring and how much luggage can I pack?
Everything you’d normally kite or wing foil on. Please be sensible and don’t bring ALL your equipment, i.e. 5 kites, 3 boards etc. Bring the equipment that you ride in most conditions and that will be most suitable for the location of the tour. Get in touch if you are not sure or advice!
clothing, swimmers, hat, toiletries, water bottle.
Please be sensible and don’t bring ALL your equipment (i.e. 5 kites, 3 boards etc. Bring the equipment that you use in most conditions). For the best sun protection and health for the reef we recommend long sleeved tops, rashies, jackets along with leggings. For best reef safe sunscreen options, check the link below:
https://www.auski.com.au/blogs/news/best-reef-safe-sunscreens-in-australia
If taking small planes we will tell you your luggage limits in your booking confirmation.
There will also be a packing tips and tricks email sent just before the voyage to let you know what weather and conditions we are expecting for the trip.
I have just hurt myself before the tour and need to cancel, can I get a full refund?
Once you have booked your trip we highly recommend you take out travel insurance from the day you pay your deposit or purchase flights (whichever is first). This will make sure you are covered before and whilst on tour. Our cancellation policy is in your booking confirmation email. We hate knowing that someone can’t make our tours, so even if we cannot fully refund the tour, we will always give you some credit to use on the same tour in the future.
What is your cancellation policy for Kite tours?
Terms and conditions for Smile Kitesurf tours can be found here.
Can I bring my non-kiting partner or family on tour, will they have fun and is it cheaper for them?
All of our tours a suitable for non kiting partners or guests. Each location we take you to has other activities apart from kiting. Contact us for a chat if the tours page doesn’t answer all of your questions.
I want to come on tour on my own, will there be others like me and in my age group?
All Smile Kitesurf Tours are suitable for solo kiters and most age groups. We have solo kiter options to share with others or choose the single supplement to get you own room. Each location specifies what ability is recommended, not age group.
What if there is no wind?
Well the chances of us not having kiteable wind is very low as each trip is planned around when each location has the highest chances of wind. In saying that it is the weather and the weather does what it wants. So each of our tours have more than enough other activities for you to do if by chance we were to be so unlucky as have no wind for the trips. Including but not limited to fishing, foiling, surfing, freediving, snorkeling, jet skis, diving… and treasure hunts!
I have some food intolerance, can you cater for me?
Yes we can! We know the importance of eating healthy and providing everyone with the best food, so on checkout, we ask you what you can and can’t eat to ensure you are fully catered for. If you require super special ingredients, we recommend you bringing them with you as most of our destinations are remote and options can be limited.
Just let us know what you need and we will endeavour to make it happen
If you have anymore questions for team Smile please give us a call on 0458718809 or email us smile@smilekitsurf.com