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nesheh Apr 24th, 2005 04:33 PM

Best Island for Windsurfing
 
Looking for the best island for windsurfing in June or July for a windsurfing husband and non-w/s wife and 2 small children. Any suggestions and recommendations for lodging?

christiegr Apr 24th, 2005 04:41 PM

Definately Aruba.Maybe Bonaire or Curacao also but not sure.

Lodging on Aruba would be the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino..wonderful service,it has its own nice private island,2 pools..one with swim up bar,the islands only 24 hour casino,a movie theatre,vegas style shows,the private island has a restaurant,fitness center and they also offer childrens programs.

The hotel is in Oranjestad it sits in a very nice shopping mall,also close to very good dining.The Cafe Brasserie..in the hotel has a good lunch and dinner buffet.
I highly recommend the Renaissance if you go to Aruba.

christiegr Apr 24th, 2005 04:43 PM

If you have any more questions...fill free to ask..

nesheh Apr 24th, 2005 05:11 PM

Thanks Christie; unfortunately my husband doesn't care for Aruba; however, he would like Bonaira or Curacao but I don't know what the windsurfing is like.

christiegr Apr 24th, 2005 05:20 PM

I have to agree with him...I did not care for Aruba either.I did enjoy the food and the hotel was great.I just thought I would mention Aruba because it is known for windsurfing.

Maybe check out the USVI's not sure how windsurfing is there...but there's a breeze so maybe good.

What about Hawaii??Not in the Caribbean..but absolutely gorgeous and the windsurfing on Oahu is said to be good.I went to Kauai which was paradise and not so commercialized.

Good luck!!!!!

Lois Apr 25th, 2005 04:44 AM

Barbados has excellent windsurfing.

Besides Hawaii, Barbados is one of the best wave windsurfing spots of the world. The chances of wind are high and the waves are perfect for jumping and waveriding in sideshore winds. Not only wave cracks, speed freaks and beginners as well will find dream conditions in the 27°C warm waters of the South Coast on this most easterly situated Caribbean island.

The best time to spend your windsurfing vacation in Barbados is the period of time when the cooling trade winds blow with high consistency over the island's shores, namely from mid November to the end of June. But that does not mean the rest of the year couldn't be as good or even better. During the hurricane season which starts 1st of June all the way through to November all sorts of conditions are possible. The trades usually blow at a moderate windspeed.

Mostly used sails are 5.0 - 5.5 m2 followed by a sail size around 4.7 m2. But it definitely does not mean you should leave your 4.5 m2, 4.0 m2 or 3.5 m2 at home.

The waves in Barbados are by far not as mighty and powerful as in Hawaii, although they can reach mast high and above. They can be excellent quality waves and they are forgiving. Compared to Hawaiian waves, they are slower and not as powerful but as perfect to be good enough to let a top wave professional have a good time. On the other hand, wave beginners don't have to really fear anything. Get information from a local before your first ride out and you will be fine.

The spot to windsurf in Barbados, is the area of Silver Sands, where the conditions are challenging yet forgiving. To describe Silver Sands in one sentence: it is a wonderful spot for beginners and top guys alike.

Hope this information helps.

Lois

doug_stallings Apr 26th, 2005 09:59 AM

All the above advice is good. The constant winds and relatively rare rain in the summer make the ABC Islands very attractive for a July trip. But one of the centers of windsurfing in the Caribbean is Cabarete in the Dominican Republic, which no one has mentioned. There are several good resorts in the Cabarete area that are family-friendly.

Sunnyboy Apr 26th, 2005 10:16 AM

St Barth's has some excellent widsurfing.

nesheh Apr 26th, 2005 10:31 AM

thanks all... Barbados in early Dec. is looking real good!


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