Eric Rienstra: 2012

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Nitro City Panama

This place is insane. After the hour long drive from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, the first signs of Nitro City came into view. First up was the Motocross track, built by Travis Pastrana himself, and right behind it, one of the biggest kiting slicks I have ever seen. Now I was excited, flat water is at the top of the list of things I look for in a good kite spot. We continued down the road towards the tip of Punta Chame, and arrived at the Hotel. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, a beach front hotel with a bar and grill, pool, hot tubs, arcade, skatepark, mini bike track, and a two tower cable system.

Our first day there we woke up early and drove about a half hour north to a sick surf spot called Tits, and it was tits. I surfed for like 5 hours just lapping perfect waist to shoulder high lefts. After passing out in the car on the way back. I was just refreshed enough for the start of our first kite session in front of the hotel. As the tide rolled in kickers started to form off the point at the perfect angle to load into. We rode for a bit then hit the restaurant, Nitropolis, for a burger and beers. Live music was jamming, kegs were flowing, and Norman was kicking my ass with Buffalo. Then the lights came on and the Cable session was under way. I was pretty faded but riding fucked up is nothing new to me. Only had one close call when I went for an air trick and ended up on the ground under the lounge deck. All good though. We finished off the night with some more beers and a Big Buck Hunter tournament.

The rest of the trip was pretty much a blur of sick riding and partying. We got to ride behind a boat in the Panama Canal which was irie and I rode a dirt bike for the first time. I'll definitely be returning to Nitro City every windy season (Jan-April).