South Padre vs. North Padre?

[J64TWB]

Thinking of a late October trip. I know, still the risk of a Hurricane, but so be it. It's a good time of year for me and wanted to get there a little off season.

Looking for that flat shallow water, accessible rental gear to try out some new equipment and less crowds.

What are the options? Also, I assume North Padre is more accessible to any culture that may exist with non windsurfing wife who is dying to go! Scenic beaches and good housing are also a plus with her.

[johnl]

For "things to do" SPI in a heartbeat. After all it is the "tourist Padre". But if you are renting, then that gets tougher. I think you will get better gear at Bird Basin than you will at SPI. After 4 - month long trips to SPI in spring using my own gear, I think it's time for me to move on to other places. Too many low wind days to justify it (unless of course you kite)...

[hilton08]

If you are windsurfing, like flat water, and need rental gear it is hard to beat Worldwinds in Corpus Christi (Bird Island Basin - North Padre).

http://www.worldwinds.net/

For kiting, most people seem to prefer SPI.

[isobars]

I've asked serious locals whether the winds are generally better at N vs S PI. The consensus was little difference overall, maybe some timing difference. Realize that PI can go for years with distinctly different weather patterns, often associated with Pacific Ocean temperature oscillations (El Nino vs La Nina, for example).

For MUCH more PI info, search the forum archives with keywords such as Corpus or Padre, with the "Posts", not "Topics", button selected. You will find, for example, that locals call a day on which the peak momentary wind was 21 mph a "21 mph day". Caveat Emptor.

[BoomBra]

I live in Texas and recommend Corpus Christi for a trip this time of year. The wind is more consistent than SPI.

Worldwinds in Bird Island is a great shop with good equipment. The spot is shallow, warm and very user friendly. You can get to the beach in just a few minutes.

For culture it depends what you're looking for. SPI is a lot of fun during the spring and summer months but start to quiet down in the fall. Since CC is a larger city, the night life will be a bit more consistent.

[dllee]

Corpus is a real town, so it wins for your wife. Theaters, restaurants, traffic, yuppie scene, spread out windsurfing with driving time.
SPID is more laid back, and with it, that lack of "culture". We don't consider drunk teenager's as part of "culture". Port Isabelle is across the bridge from SPID, with a theater, bowling alley, and 6 fast foods and 3 restaurants.
Free beach camping, 50 dollar motel rooms, walk from sailing flats to surf, and long easy "surf" sailing are plus's to SPID.

[konajoe]

To me, getting the wind you want is about playing the percentages. Much of the wind at those places is thermal driven. At that time of the year, the water has already warmed up to it's max, and the land is starting to cool down. At that point, the thermal effect is gone. That doesn't mean you'll get skunked. It just means that your percentages aren't so much in your favor.

Look at tripadvisor for activities and nightlife. SPI is a true resort town with high rise condos, and restaurants/bars on the bay and beach. Most tourist activity is done after school is back in session. But empty can be cool and inexpensive.

Bird Island is isolated. There are very few nice places to stay and eat near the sailing spot. Corpus is about a half hour drive away.

Water access for rental gear is easier at Bird Island. But it is by no means difficult at SPI.

[J64TWB]

Just to throw a wrench in the discussion. How does Hatteras compare to Bird Island late October? Again, looking for access to rental gear to try new equipment, flat shallow water and less crowds. I am used to light midwest air, big sails, so anything around 5.5 - 6.5 is windy to me.

[konajoe]

Here's a curve ball for you. Kona Worlds is being held at the end of October in the Florida keys. Charter boards are still available.

Check here: http://class.konaone.com/Event/210/2014-kona-world-championships

Video from the recent Kona Europeans is here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=776839822373709&set=vb.165556806835350&type=2&theater

Expect a similar scene.

All ages and all skill levels. It will be like a week of lessons, and your wife would love Islamorada. The launch is right at the host hotel.

[konajoe]

I just re-read your last post. This would be REALLY good for you, since the board and skills are something that you could regularly use at your home sailing spot.