for beginners...

schakleton · Joined: 21 Feb 2001 Posts: 21

Im looking for a nice spot with a steady 10-15 kt wind and flat water to start with the harness ( and maybe straps)in the Caribean, Florida Keys, Central America, Hawaii...can you recommend some place?

spyder · Joined: 24 Sep 1996 Posts: 2790 Location: oahu

Lac Bay in Bonaire

schakleton · Joined: 21 Feb 2001 Posts: 21

Thank you, spyder.
Ive already been there ( diving, only) and next time i will of course try the windsurfing...
...but i would like going to a new place (for me): dont you know another spot - with this profile - to add on?

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Lac Bay in Bonaire

spyder · Joined: 24 Sep 1996 Posts: 2790 Location: oahu

bonaire is very consistent, getting skunked is no fun.

I too did Bonaire as diving first, then did windsurfing there 4 times after. The windsurfing experience is much different than the diving. Lac Bay is fun to hang out if you go to Jibe City. There is excellent snorkeling there too (upwind).

As for other places, Hatteras in the summer is an idea, and maybe Cayman (very lite trades)

Id recommend Aruba, but its more hectic sailing there (gusty & typically strong)

spyder · Joined: 24 Sep 1996 Posts: 2790 Location: oahu

caberete is also a choice spot in the summer.

schakleton · Joined: 21 Feb 2001 Posts: 21

Yeah, im convinced to give Bonaire another shot...if you get back here, tell me which season do you think it will be better ( for beginners).

Thank you again!

spyder · Joined: 24 Sep 1996 Posts: 2790 Location: oahu

bonaire blows good mostly all year except for around october-dec.

best season is May-July
good season is Feb-April

stumpp · Joined: 20 Apr 2000 Posts: 15

I agree that Bonaire is good for beginners and also strongly recommend that you avoid the Carrib. between late Sept and early Dec as the wind tends to really be iffy. Avoid the siren song of cheap travel then (its cheap because nobody wants to go there when it rains). I would also avoid Hawaii - much to tough at your level. Hatteras is good - lots of waist deep water in the sound. Id also consider aruba - instruction is really good there and there is a fairly large shallow area to work on harness etc. The gear is good (at Vela), nice folk, good food and its easier to get to than Bonaire. The wind can get strong and gusty as you get close to the peak in June, but its generally 5.0-6.5 sailing in the spring. Where are you from? There are also good spots that are off the beaten path around the usa...