Q. When is the best time to go on one of your tours?
We have designed each tour to be in the most reliable times for that location. For example, The Cocos and Torres Island have a consistent trade wind from July to September, our tours will always sit within this time frame.
Q. Can I get lessons, hire gear or pay for boat support without going on one of your tours?
Lessons, hire and boat support are offered to people on our tour only. With small groups and a dedicated team we can only service those on tour who have paid for an all-inclusive package.
Q. Do I need to bring my own gear or do you supply in package?
All Zephyr Tours focus on your kitesurfing progression so we want you to have the best chance of putting your new skills to the test; and the best way to do this is on the most suitable equipment for your size, ability and style of riding.
If you have gear you are happy with and it’s in good condition, take it with you.
But if you are a beginner or are thinking of upgrading, take advantage of our PREMIUM HIRE/BUY PACKAGES only available from the Ocean Addicts kitesurfing specialists.
HIRE/BUY PACKAGES
Choose the perfect package then purchase at the hire rate and an OA kitesurfing specialist will call you to ensure you are getting the right gear to suit your level and kitesurfing goals.
You’ll have the pleasure of receiving brand new equipment from DUOTONE or NAISH delivered to right your door and packed perfectly for your kite tour.
Once on Island, you get to POP the TAGS, feel the crispness and experience that tingly feeling we all get with brand new toys!
To return the equipment, Ocean Addicts will arrange freight pickup from your home within 7 days of your return.
Or if you loved the gear, you can purchase some or all what you used at a discounted rate – less your hire fee!
Terms and conditions
• Hire duration is calculated on total number of days booked through Zephyr Tours plus any additional days you’ll be using the gear – this will be cross referenced with your Zephyr booking.
• A Credit card for security will be kept on file with Ocean Addicts until the gear is returned – the Zephyr Team will check your hire gear before leaving the tour and report back to Ocean Addicts on its condition.
• 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 Ocean Addicts on a case by case basis.
• Return of your equipment needs to arrange with Ocean Addicts 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
– Items can only be shipped and collected from within Australia. If you are coming from outside Australia we can arrange for the gear to be on tour for your arrival.
Q. How much does a tour cost?
Each tour is priced differently to suit the location. When possible, we offer an all-inclusive package so you don’t need to reach into your pocket or worry about a thing while on holiday. You can see the tour prices at the bottom of each page in the booking widget.
Tours do not include flights however we do offer an indication of price before you commit to join us from the closest major city.
Q. Can I come early or stay longer after your tour dates?
Extending your stay is encouraged on all of our tours (except Yorke Island) and we are happy to arrange additional accommodation if added to consecutive dates from our tours. If you wish to extend, our team will not be available for additional services, so all kiting and other activities will need to be personally arranged.
Q. Will there be time for me to do other activities like diving, surfing or fishing if they are not included?
All of our tours are jammed-packed with adventures based around kitesurfing and leave little time for extra activities. You are welcome to arrange other things to do outside of the group, but you might miss out on a kiting session. Alternatively, we recommend you extending your stay to play.
Q. What do I need to bring and how much luggage can I pack?
For all of our tropical destinations we hope you will help us keep the reef alive by limiting the amount of sun cream you wear in the water. Tights/leggings (even for men), long sleeve rash vests, hats, gloves and booties are essential along with your kitesurfing gear (unless you want to hire). We will let you know what your luggage capacity is for each destination as this may be limited due to some of our remote locations. Packing tips and tricks will be sent to you well before your tour.
Q. I have just hurt myself before the tour and need to cancel, can I get a full refund?
It is essential that you take out travel insurance from the day you pay your deposit or purchase flights (which ever is first). This ensures you are covered before and whilst on tour if you are injured. Our cancellation policy is on your booking or can be seen below. We hate knowing anyone cannot make their tour so even if we cannot fully refund the tour we always give you some credit to use when you recover on the same tour in the future.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR ZEPHYR TOURS 2019-20
By paying your deposit we understand that you have read & accepted the Zephyr Tours terms and conditions below in its entirety. Take special note of CANCELLATIONS, INSURANCE, CHANGES TO PACKAGES & HIRE.
Prices are subject to change until paid in full.
PAYMENTS
All tour bookings require a deposit within 7 days and full balance due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Bookings made within 60 days require full payment.
New Caledonia Private charter: requires just $500 holding deposit with balance due 60 days prior.
All other tours: If booked 9 months prior: a 33% deposit within 7 days
Within 9 months prior: a 50% deposit is required within 7 days
All balances due or full payment due 2 months prior to departure.
Regular payments are accepted with a pre-approved payment plan – please ask.
PAYMENT METHODS
- COMMONWEALTH BANK – Zephyr Kite Tours – BSB 06 2821 – ACC 1023 3508 – PREFERRED
OVERSEAS PAYMENTS – CommBank’s SWIFT code is CTBAAU2S. - CREDIT CARD – Supply card number, expiry date, CVN & name on card by email or phone.
ALASKA ONLY – CITIBANK $USD ONLY – Jennie Phillips – BSB: 242200 ACC:490175486 – SWIFT code (non-Australians) CITIAU2X
TOUR CANCELLATIONS
The following cancellations charges will STRICTLY apply for tours more than 7 days from the date of any deposits paid.
Upto 90 days prior to departure:
$500 per PERSON cancellation fee plus any cancellation fees incurred by the accommodation providers or other tour operators; including non-refundable flights and/or travel arrangements. The balance refunded as a bank transfer.
Between 90 and 31 days prior to departure:
$1000 per PERSON cancellation fee plus any cancellation fees incurred by the accommodation providers or other tour operators; including non-refundable flights and/or travel arrangements. The balance refunded as a bank transfer.
PLUS, Zephyr Tours will create a good-will credit note of $200 per PERSON to put towards another tour to the same destination (if available) to be used within 2 years. Conditions apply.
Within 31 days or after travel has commenced:
NO REFUND = 100% withheld of total invoice.
ZEPHYR TOURS will create a credit note of $500 per PERSON to put towards another tour to the same destination (if available) to be used within 2 years.
Zephyr tours less than 7 days:
50% refunded upto 30 days prior to tour then 100% withheld within 30 days of tour. No good-will credits allocated.
ZEPHYR TOURS reserve the right to cancel a booking where payments have not been received by the due date & cancellation fees may apply. ZEPHYR TOURS must be advised in writing of any cancellations by you or any member of your group.
Cancellations within a group is the responsibility of that group and all payments or deposit transfers etc. must be privately arranged.
ZEPHYR TOURS also reserve the right to cancel a tour due to insufficient numbers or any other reason. ZEPHYR TOURS will endeavor to find an alternative tour if this occurs or your deposit/balance will be fully refunded.
Any changes to flights or accommodation due to TOUR CHANGES are not covered by ZEPHYR TOURS and no refunds, fees or cancellations will be given under any circumstances.
INTERNATIONAL TOURS (USING FOREIGN CURRENCIES)
Tours organised outside of Australia are based on the current exchange rate from the time of development. Should this exchange rate change drastically, additional payment or a reduced rate may apply. Notification will be sent 2 months prior with the final payment request.
CHANGES TO PACKAGE
Any changes to the package may incur an extra charge. Please check with us before making extra arrangements or changes.
Changing to another tour within the same season is possible for NO FEE if there is availability on the ZEPHYR TOURS tour but may incur extra accommodation/flight fees.
Q. Can I bring my non-kiting partner or family on tour, and will they have fun?
Some tours are suited to bringing non-kiters and we have provided the information on each tour page if we know they will have a good time. If you bring your non-kiting partner they will have the option of fully joining in as a deluxe non-kiter i.e taking a kiters spot in the car or boat or a basic non-kiter where they will be included in some socials but not fully catered for. We are happy to arrange alternate accommodation and transport to suit if it is inline with our tours.
Q. I want to come on tour on my own, will there be others like me and in my age group?
All Zephyr 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 recommend, not age group. At Zephyr, we have a reputation of providing quality, safe instruction to everyone from 7 years old right up to 70!
Q. What if there is no wind?
All of our tours are planned in the windiest season for the location but in the unlikely event of no wind we have so much planned. We get so embarrassed if we can’t get you kiting, but if there is no wind there is always fishing, freediving, snorkeling, golf or games. Don’t worry, we will make it all worth it.
Q. I have some food intolerances, can you cater for me?
Yes we can. We know the importance of eating healthy and proving 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.
Q. How many questions can I email you about before I need to look at this FAQ page?
Well, you’ve made it to the bottom of this page, so if you have any more questions, please give us a call on 0400 800 838 (EST within work hours) so we can help explain things more easily.