KITESURFINGKA'A POINT AT KANAHA BEACH PARK, MAUI, HAWAII: One look at the advanced kitesurfers at Ka'a Point (known as Kite Beach) and you might wonder whether you should even try the sport. In Hawaiian, Ka'a means "twisting." Beginners, however, are prone to a more painful phenomenon"tea bagging"so sign up with the Kiteboarding School of Maui to learn how to control the giant kite, cables, and board. Soon you'll be spinning like the wind instead of getting dunked like a pouch of Earl Grey ($240 for a private three-hour lesson; 808-873-0015, www.ksmaui.com).
BEST SEA-KAYAKING ROUTE
British Virgin Islands to U.S. Virgin Islands
Cross the pristine waters these parts are famous for, camp on remote beaches, and stop for lunch at funky beach bars, like Ivan's Bar on Jost Van Dyke. Ferry over from St. John to the BVIs and paddle from Peter Island through reef-protected waters from island to island, stopping to snorkel. Then kayak the six miles to the USVIs, returning to St. John via Lovango and Henley Cays. Contact Arawak Expeditions ($995 for a five-day guided trip;
800-238-8687, www.arawakexp.com).
SAILINGABACO ISLANDS, BAHAMAS: Pick up your boat (crewed or bare) in Marsh Harbor on Great Abaco and make your way up this 130-mile-long island chain. Navigating is easyyour next harbor is always in sight. Trade winds are consistent, and empty beaches common. Visit Little Abaco via Man-O-War, Treasure, Green Turtle, and Spanish cays, stopping for beach-bar pit-stops along your merry way. For charters, contact the Moorings (36-foot bareboats are $470 per day, crewed catamarans are $1,278 per day; 888-952-8420, www.moorings.com).
WINDSURFINGCABARETE, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: The outer coral reef protecting the Bay of Cabarete, plus powerful trade winds, make this an ideal windsurfing spot. Wave action on the reef keeps the experts happy while ensuring that beginners don't drift out too far. Come weekend nights, check out Cabarete's Calle Principal, where locals from Santo Domingo pack the bars and nightclubs. Contact the Carib Bic Center ($240 for seven-day rental packages, $45 for half-day; 809-571-0640, www.caribwind.com).