Fire destroys NativoKite School Cartagena,Colombia

It is with immense regret that I am writing that Nativo Kite in Cartagena, Colombia suffered a complete and total loss of their kite school to an unprecedented fire overnight on Feb. 8, 2024. At around 01:30 there was yelling of ‘fuego’ throughout the street. As people came out to look the whole kiteshop was engulfed in flames in minutes. They are unsure what started the fire but except no foul play. The fire spread to the two neighboring businesses on each side which suffered immense loss as well. However, thankfully there was minimal wind overnight and the fire did not reach the other surrounding buildings, all of which were housing families, travelers and children.

Along with the estimated 70 kites, 20 boards, 8 foils, 30 set ups and 3 paramotors - 15 instructors lost their main source of income and identity. The instructors are all locals who have been raised kiting this beach for the last 16 years this establishment has been here. The launch and landing crew are a group of ‘next generation’ kids as young as 10yrs old. This kite shop is the definition of a family.

In the two days since the fire they have spent sunlight to sundown cleaning the space with minimal tools, safety gear and no recoverable equipment. They are hurrying to rebuild as January - March is normally the busiest time of the year in tune with the best wind.

This gofundme is on behalf of Nativo Kite since gofundme doesn’t operate in Colombia.

We know the kiteboarding community is a unique one. Kiting inspires friendship, care and connection in ways that are wordless but understood by all who have a passion for it.

ALL donations will be wired to Ken and Christina (owners) who will be able to supplement the income loss to the instructors, purchase gear back to start small scale lessons and continue to rebuild this staple to the La Boquilla community.

I am aware how common it is to see gofundme pop up in our daily routines but a little goes a long way here. Ten USD is equal to $40K Colombian pesos and the average weekly pay in Colombia is $95USD so if you are financially able to contribute even a few dollars it adds up!

Please share with your kiting community near and far! Let’s help get them back in the water and kites in the air!

Be well friends.

(Pictures are of what is left after the fire and before)

Before: