2014 CARIBBEAN TRAVEL GUIDE
EXODUS
OK, so convincing you to take a winter windsurfing trip to the Caribbean isn’t that hard, is it? The lure of palm-fringed beaches, azure water, balmy sea breezes, sparkling surf and sunsets accompanied by local delicacies and, of course, the rum (how can we forget the rum?) is hardly difficult to sell.
But where should you go? With about 700 or so islands to choose from it’s not easy to decide. But we can help …
A, B, C, …
You could start at the beginning with the ‘ABC’ islands in the far south – the Netherland Antilles – consisting of world famous PWA locations Aruba and Bonaire and neighboring island Curacao – all offering consistent trades Nov-March.
The ABCs have a nice mix of Dutch and local ‘Papiamento’ cultures and, mainly, flat water to die for. Close by is Margarita, a Venezuelan island that pulses Latin rhythms as the green water laps on a sandy shore.
The ABCs and Margarita are home to perhaps more World Champions than anywhere else on the planet, so the wind reliability speaks for itself.
If you’re a budding freestyler, racer or just a happy-go-lucky freerider with a penchant for Cuba Libres then a trip to one of these paradises is a MUST.
Not a million miles away are the more surf-exposed islands of Barbados and Tobago, both of which have their own unique cultures and blissful mixes of flat water and waves.
The wind here is generally moderate and so mellow wavesailing and cruising are usually the order of the day – but if you look around you might find some spellbinding breaks for experts and danger freaks!
HEADING NORTH – AND WINDWARD
As the archipelago extends in a luscious arc towards Hispaniola and Cuba, more heavenly hotspots for windsurfers reveal themselves in the sophisticated resorts of St. Lucia and St. Maarten with their chic European style and upscale mix of salty, sun kissed days on the water with chic nightlife and fine dining by dark.
The flavours turn Hispanic and the wind levels crank-up once again further north as the Dominican Republic looms large out of the ocean with Cabarete’s mesmerizing meringue beats, solid trades and consistent windblown surf.
Read on for some in-depth detail on where the best deals and conditions are.
But wherever you head, you’re guaranteed a good time. Just make sure you pack your sunblock and a copy of Windsurf Magazine!
PS. Send us a postcard!
El Yaque, Margarita Island, Venezuela
Club Z @ Killer Loop
El Yaque, Margarita Island…
The name implies fun and El Yaque is home to some of the top wind and kite sailors in the world. Lighter morning side on-shore winds are ideal for the novice, yet the wind builds throughout the afternoon for superb bump ‘n jump and rolling swells.
Peak Season varies as it is Mother Nature, but historically the strongest, most consistent winds are from late Feb to August – but don’t count out Christmas / New Year as the town rocks and the wind blows at that time of year as well.
While there are numerous hotels, rooms for rent, and posadas, Club Z @ Killer Loop is the only truly top-end, on-the-beach accommodation. An ideal spot for both sailor and non-sailing companions seeking a clean, quiet, amazingly comfortable place to stay with absolutely spectacular views.
Approximately 10 centres are a short stroll from the beach gate with expert instruction well versed and fluent in most languages.
At least 8 very good restaurants are all within a 5 minute stroll. Charter Flights from many European destinations either directly to Porlamar ( 8 minutes to El Yaque) or connections via Caracas. The Bs. is the local currency, you will be utterly amazed how far the £ or $ lasts.
About the property: This overly spacious 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bathroom, air-conditioned condo is one of four in a gated complex.
The unit is probably the finest on Margarita Island with spectacular ocean views through massive picture windows. It has all the finest amenities from granite counter tops and tiled showers, to a full kitchen, nearly every kitchen appliance you should desire from coffee grinders and maker, to food processors and top of the line cookware and cutlery.
Club Z has Direct TV already set to English and there is a stereo with an iPod base station along with VHS and DVD players. It is not Blu-Ray compatible yet.
The unit also has its own laundry room with a washer and dryer. The bedrooms could sleep 6-8 comfortably. On premises is a shaded yard and outdoor workout area, along with a private patio area on the beach for outdoor entertaining.
There are hammocks located in the lower closet along with portable beach chairs for your convenience. NOTE: No smoking indoors please.
Contact Details: www.windsurfingmargarita.com // info@clubzproperties.com // Tel 303.415.0074
Sportif Windsurfing Holidays in the Caribbean
Antigua // Aruba//Barbados //Bonaire//Dominican Republic //Margarita// Martinique// Nevis // St Martin // Tobago
Establish in 1982, British company Sportif has been offering windsurfing holiday packages for over 30 years. With over 50 of the world’s best windsurfing locations to choose from, there’s a Sportif holiday to suit everyone – from beginners to experts.
Sportif Centres offer a choice of the latest equipment from all the leading manufacturers on the best beaches. Experienced, professionals help with rigging and prove flexible instruction from 1 hour to intensive courses and clinics.
Sportif pre-reserve rental equipment with discounts of 40% on shared boards, 70% on 2nd sport kit (kitesurfing, surfing or SUP) and free for kids if sharing with an adult.
There’s a wide choice of 3*, 4* or 5* hotels, apartments and villas, located right next to the sailing areas and centres. Your Sportif rep will meet you at the airport, with accommodation, transfers, visas or car hire all pre-arranged – with the security of an ATOL protected package.
Best for All Levels – El Yaque
An ideal location for learning to windsurf or improving your technique with shallow, flat water directly in front of the centre.
This is a small Caribbean island, close to Venezuela, with a unique charm, small hotels and perfect for a group holiday. Famous for its beach party scene.
Join Simon Bornhoft’s pro coaching clinic in Jan/Feb 2014 – limited to 10 spaces.
Best for Freestyle – Bonaire
World class conditions provide the training ground for world class champions. Bonaire, part of the Dutch Antilles ABC islands, is an eco island with outstanding wind stats and flat, flat water.
Several hotels and centres are right on the 4km long bay with shallow water protected by the off-shore reef.
Explore the island with eco mangrove kayaking, cycling or amazing snorkelling. Great for families.
Best for Waves – Barbados
Some of the best waves in the Caribbean are found in Barbados. Stay at Silver Point in a uber cool boutique hotel or apartments with the waves on your doorstep.
Then head to Oistins on Friday for the weekly jump up or up to Silver Sands to see where the rich and famous hang out.
This is not a venue for novices but is ideal to perfect your wave sailing from Dec to May.
Best for Luxury – Nevis
If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion, honeymoon or wedding with some windsurfing too, Nevis has spa resorts from colonial style to luxury 5* hotels.
A flexible, personal windsurfing service will bring equipment to the beach, with a private instructor, at a time to suit you.
Your personal coordinator on the island makes sure everything is planned as your want it.
Best for Multi-Sport – Cabarete
The Sportif centre in Cabarete offers the latest Fanatic and Mistral equipment plus options for kitesurfing, surfing and SUP.
1-week multi-sport packages with rental and lessons are £295. Cabarete has flat water and wave areas that are good for all levels.
Accommodation ranges from budget self-catering to luxury apartments and hotels with bars and restaurants close by.
Best All-Round – Tobago
Ideal flat water and some bump and jump from November to June, with choice of budget apartments, boutique and luxury hotels.
Perfect for all levels of windsurfer and good for beginners, not overly developed with lovely beaches and multisport options for kitesurfing, SUP and diving.
The best value with 1 week from £599 and 2 weeks from £799 including flights & transfers.
Contact Details: +44(0) 1273 944919 // info@sportif.travel // www.sportif.travel
International bookings welcome.
Vela Caribbean Windsurf Resorts
Aruba//Belize//Cabarete//Margarita//St Martin//Tobago
Vela Windsurf has nearly 30 years of experience to help to define itself as THE SOURCE to discover windsurf-travel experiences like no other, and this year is no different.
We welcome you back to see what we have to offer this season. We continue to learn and improve upon the art of what we do: create and plan high-quality windsurfing vacations customized to your needs.
As always, a trip to any Vela destination means you’ll find an operation featuring the friendliest, most experienced staff possible, informative lessons from trained professionals, and the latest new gear from our long-time partners at NeilPryde and JP Australia. Hope to see you on the water!
Aruba:
Amazing flat-water sailing, reliable wind, and some great lodging options: almost too easy to stay forever! Aruba’s flat, and crystal-blue water is an experience in itself! Add in the extensive shallows to make Aruba ideal for sailors of all levels.
Belize:
Picture yourself on a private island, lost in the Caribbean. No modern conveniences. No schedules. No problems. Sound like a fantasy? Experience it yourself at this amazing adventure-retreat in Belize! With a maximum of 22 guests any week “crowds” simply do not exist here.
Cabarete:
Where is some of the best windsurfing in the Caribbean? Cabarete, where you will find a tropical beach-town like no other on the north shore of the Dominican Republic. Add in mountain biking, canyoning, diving, surfing, horseback riding, hiking, and plenty of SUPs plus a menu of tours to explore the area.
Margarita:
Venezuela’s alluring island of Margarita is where you’ll find the lazy beach-town of El Yaque, a world-class windsurf destination. Vela has just moved to a new spot at the upwind edge of the beach and offers a prime launch site, first class service, knowledgeable instructors plus plenty of great gear. Incredibly reliable winds December – May.
St Martin:
This is a world-class freeride / slalom destination has a sailing area that stretches over 2 miles into the Atlantic and offers a unique opportunity to discover island-to-island sailing: several islands are within 5-20 minutes reach from the center. The windy season runs October through July, with lighter-winds averaging 13-18, though back-to-back days of 20+ are common.
Tobago:
Located far down the chain of the southern Caribbean, Tobago is blessed by plenty of strong consistent wind November through June. The water sports school and rental center is located at the northern tip of Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Tobago. Absolutely great conditions for all levels.
Contact Details: www.velawindsurf.com // info@velawindsurf.com
READ MAKE THE MOST OF A WINDSURFING VACATION WITH PETER HART