do any of you guys have any good recommendations for kiting over Christmas - I have been to El Yaque around that time of year but it gets busy as hell and the beach is tiny

Cape Town or Forteleza in Brazil. I'm in Cape Town every year Dec/Jan. Windy 20-30 knts 6-7 days a week every week.

Excellent - do you need a wet suit in Cape Town though? Is SA safe and friendly.

Cheers mate.