Florida trip in March

Lizzi · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 3

I'd like to take my 15 year old son to Florida this March and teach him to windsurf. I'd like a place where I can enjoy plenty of good short board days (I'm used to sailing on Cape Cod) with perhaps lighter morning breezes for learning. Does anyone have suggestions?

d0uglass · Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 1:11 pm Post subject:

The Stuart / Jensen Beach area has nice flat water and frequent shortboard conditions that time of year, and there are always some friendly windsurfers sailing from the Stuart Causeway. That would be my recommendation. It usually follows the light morning - breezy afternoon pattern, but you can't ALWAYS count on shortboarding in the afternoon. I sometimes do lessons if you need an outside teacher for the kid.

Another option would be the Cocoa Beach / Merritt Island area, especially Kelly Park where the Calema Windsurfing shop is located and the Banana River Resort where you can windsurf right from where you're staying. That's a bit further North and not always as warm.

Good luck.

Lizzi · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 3

Banana River sounds great (We're used to cold)... However, the Banana Windsurf Resort website seem to not function. Are they still in business? I will want to rent eqipment for my son (and possily for myself) as I have only very small boards and sails.
Thanks for the help.

d0uglass · Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 3:49 pm Post subject:

The BRR is a pretty small and informally run operation, but you should be able to contact one of the proprietors by phone or email from the contacts on this website:

http://www.bananariverwindsurfing.com/

There's also a stand-up paddleboarding instructor in residence at the resort if you have no wind and want to do some of that.

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

Karen Marriott is running the windsurf resort there right now. Maybe contact Larson ski and surf?

http://www.windsurfing.sailingcourse.com/index.html

http://www.larsonsport.com/brr.htm

darby76x · Joined: 11 Jan 2002 Posts: 4

Lizzi,

West coast of Florida also offers some attractive sites. Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs (Tampa area) is fantastic flat water site with shallow water for beginners.

Darby

killeen_john · Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Posts: 61

d0uglass · Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 12:08 pm Post subject:

There's no longer a shop in Stuart. I think the nearest are Liquid Surf and Sail in Fort Lauderdale...

http://www.liquidsurfandsail.com/

...and Calema Windsurfing on Merritt Island.

http://www.liquidsurfandsail.com/

However, there might be someone locally who could rent you some gear. I have done that for people in the past. You can check the local windsurfing bulletin board at:

http://treasurecoastwindsurfing.com/

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

In Stuart there's Rick Randall. He operates out of his truck and trailer. Dunno his contact info, but he is often in contact with SandyPoint Progressive Sports. 386-756-7564

Karen Marriott's school is renting stuff at the BRR. Plus, they've got a place to stay.

DanWeiss · Joined: 24 Jun 2008 Posts: 2296 Location: Connecticut, USA

Rick Randall's info can be found here: http://www.mauimalones.com/

Also, Calema's website is: www.calema.com