Issue 319 - SEPTEMBER 2012
TRAVEL GETAWAYS
GETAWAYS Jericoacora’s friendly peeling point wave and inside lagoon in all its glory from on up high Photo Gary Crossley
By Brian McDowell
Often the seasons amalgamate seamlessly. The change is deceptive. Summer melts into autumn and then, before you know it, the leaves have left with the sparrows and icy air’s sucked into our weather systems and keeps a frozen grip over us until spring. Sure, modern wetsuits make colder weather more comfortable than ever, but the real enemies are the shorter days and limited water time. So, for those with the strictest of no-boots rules and serious Vitamin D deficiencies, there’s only one thing for it - follow those migratory birds south and soak up some summer sun on the flip-side. Here’s our guide to destinations perfect for dodging frosty footstraps, agonising re-heats and bitter cold beaches – just hurry up and book before you’re caught out by that misleading morph into midwinter...
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Brazilian Beach Buggy adventure Swifty enjoying a bowl in Chile
Lancelin from the air during the Ocean Classic event Photo JC
LONGHAUL OPTIONS
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
For the independent traveller, especially for a longer stay, few locations rival an austral summer trip to WA. Rocking-up, arranging a vehicle and bumping along from spot to spot along the seemingly endless west and south coasts with a mixture of hostel accommodation and great outdoors style camping experiences is almost a must-do, right-of-passage pilgrimage for any self-respecting windsurfer. WA truly has something for everyone. Metropolitan flat water blasting and freestyle spots along Perth’s waterfront, dozens of safe warmwater lagoons for improvers, speed freaks and tricksters alike plus, of course, waves, waves and more waves (99% port tack). Powered by the reliable ’Freemantle Doctor’ breeze from November to March this vast coastline is a true paradise. The downsides for those who don’t enjoy road trips are that a lot of driving is necessary to see everything on offer between the desert north and greener south. The exchange rate is not ideal right now but the hostel and camping nature of WA trips keep costs in-in check. If you flit from well-known zone to zone the distances are manageable and the laidback Ozzie experience more immersive. The key spots outside of Perth with the widest range of conditions in one area, the best accommodation options and windsurfing spares and rental services are around Lancelin and Geraldton. The landmark areas for wave heads are Margaret River (experts only) Esperance (south coast) and a certain famous break for (again, experts only) in the remote North West...
PHILIPPINES, KINGFISHER
New on the block this private resort in Pagapud in the northern province of Ilocos Norte is perfect for a one-spotdoes-it-all-no-need–to-travel-around holiday. Those with non-windsurfing or keen-to-learn partners should take note of this fixed sunbed-by-the-sea closedaccess tropical sandy beach option. On the doorstep of your fancy huts are flat water (there are more spots nearby if you feel like venturing away from the secluded grounds), worldclass waves and bump and jump. The lagoon is perfect for beginners and Pro wavesailor Fabrice Beaux, who’s opened an RRD and NeilPryde Rental centre there, loves the thumping righthand reefbreak so much he had to make it his new home. The wind blows consistently from the right (starboard tack) Oct-April with warm tropical water temps and everything you need, including meals available on-site. You can either fly from Manila to Laoag where Kingfisher can arrange pickups, or take the scenic route from Manila by bus.
CHILE
Chile’s exposure to swells born of the Southern Ocean and reliable winds from Nov – March is another superb option, particularly for wavesailors fond of long lefts, and independent travellers looking for a dose of adventure. The line-ups of now-famous breaks such as Matanzas and Topocalma are growing in popularity but are generally quiet in numbers and the long rides tend to sort out any crowding issues. There are options for boutique hotels on the beach through to camping and organised tours and most of the Pros who’ve adopted this as a training ground and built homes there – such as Klaas Voget and Robby Swift – would
recommend a 4WD vehicle to handle the bumpy access roads to all the hotspots. Despite being in the Pacific Ocean the water’s not boardshort-warm but a summer suit will easily suffice.
NORTHERN BRAZIL
Originally Northern Brazil was all about just one place but now there’s a host of spots to choose from. Jericoacora is of course the most-famous with flat water and friendly waves in a stunning setting, plus recent seasons have seen new centres in Icaraizinho and Sao Miguel do Gostoso – home to Kauli Seadi’s new centre and a useful training spot for the former World Wave Champ. There’s also lots of sailing around Fortaleza – where you’ll most likely fly into – this is the home of Brawzinho and his Pro racing brother Gabriel and Formula maestro Wilhelm Schurmann – and the up-and-coming resort just 45 mins north of here called Cumbuco. The Natal and Ceará region’s winds are consistent from November to January but still reliable until March. If you like Caipirinhas, stunning beaches and regular wind fanning balmy-warm waves that won‘t kill you and perfect flat-water freestyle or blasting spots this is a true paradise. We’d recommend leaving your own gear behind and renting – loads of the Brazilian centres now use Pro Edition boards and lighter weight gear. Many of the operators offering trips here will recommend picking a two centre-option with awesome beach buggy shuttles between your two chosen locations, plus the ride just to Jeri itself a grand adventure! If you‘re sick of reading about and seeing the amazing shots from northern Brazil it’s only because you’re jealous and should immediately rectify this by booking a trip out there to see what all the fuss is about!
www.windsurf.co.uk
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GETAWAYS CAPE TOWN
With so many Pros and brands choosing South Africa as their mid-winter testing and training ground do you really need a list of reasons to visit Cape Town? Alright then, if you insist...
Skyeboy maximising Cape Town’s conditions for some serious testing
1. No jet lag – overnight flight from the UK 2. Favourable exchange rate. 3. Variety of spots without tonnes of driving 4. Consistent wind and waves (mainly port tack) Nov – March plus flat water options 5. Full-on nightlife options or chilled evenings 6. Wide range of affordable accommodation options for all budgets 6. Suits lone or group travellers, good independent travel choice. Need any more motivation? Thought not.
VIETNAM MUI NE
When the world’s biggest board brand pinpoints a testing destination with consistent wind and the PWA have it on their schedule then you know you‘re onto a winner. Mui Ne (pronounce Moonie) has plenty of beach club style accommodation options with Vietnam renowned for being easy on the pocket. The regular conditions at the main spot are reliable strong port tack winds with choppy conditions and rolling swell outside and some shorebreak waveriding action thrown in for good measure. The Starboard presence is clear in most of the gear rental options and with costly excess baggage fees on long haul flights renting is the recommended option. There are plenty of other ‘undiscovered‘ spots nearby and tours available to sample a taste of Vietnam’s other palm-fringed beaches with the inevitable tasty local food and a quenching post-sailing beer in time for sundown!
Phil Soltysiak sending home a postcard from Vietnam
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www.windsurf.co.uk
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GETAWAYS SHORTHAUL
DAKHLA, WESTERN SAHARA/MOROCCO
First publicised by the Wave Classic event Dakhla has grown to be a popular , warm short haul alternative to the generally more summer-friendly spots further north in Morocco. With a wide variety of conditions from ironed-flat speed and freestyle strips in the lagoon to good quality surf on the Atlantic side of this narrow peninsula, Dakhla is a strong option for a midwinter break. You can either choose to immerse yourself into what’s arguably one of the most exotic cultures available on the end of a short flight or choose to switch-off from the entire world by staying within your resort. There are options for either traveling with your own gear or renting, plus transport can be arranged so that you can make the most of both types of sailing on offer. The wind is reliable all year round and crowding is not an issue with the gigantic lagoon and lengthy beaches.
Jericoacoara • Icaraizinho
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EGYPT
Unless you’re a dedicated wave-head then there’s few options to rival Egypt at any time of the year – especially since flights ( Sharm el Sheik/Cairo/Hurghada) are cheap and plentiful year round and the water as warm as the wind is consistent. Egypt has two key areas – the Sinai Peninsula, home to famous spots such as Dahab (Gulf of Aqaba), El Tur and Ras Sudr (Gulf of Suez), plus the mainland Red Sea resorts of Safaga and Hurghada. Pretty much all destinations in Egypt cater for all abilities and rental availability is plentiful. The vast majority of windsurfing visitors to Egypt travel on a package via a specialist operator but more and more people are offering places to stay for independent travellers.
FUERTEVENTURA
Known especially for reliable summer trade winds, winter trips to Fuerteventura have much to offer the windsurfer looking for a wide choice from either specialist or general package holidays, and an abundance of competitive flights from most airports for those going it alone. Of course the north shore is famed for its waves in mid-winter, but for mere mortals
it’s worth remembering that the south of the island has an accelerated wind effect around Sotavento that offers a wide spectrum of sailing conditions – including powerful surf at times. Good quality roads link up the north and the south of the island well and the Sotavento area is also useful for accessing nearby Gran Canaria by fast ferry and has a lot of general family holiday attractions nearby. Two centre locations equal a choice of sailing so don’t overlook the south as a viable option outside of the stronger wind season.
The vast sailing areas at Sotavento give everyone plenty of space to breathe
rvice 100% se
. The t centres all your ater spor sfy e than w planned to sati family. or m h ur muc t is ronmen e for you and yo We are tos envi ClubVen ires. Full servic es d h beac
100% pro equipment
centre in the world ClubVentos is the only windsurf in Pro (carbon/kevlar) with 100% of the rental fleet JP and Starboard. from boards. The latest models Neilpryde RDM rigs.
100% atmosphere
At our beautiful bea ches you will experie authentic Brazilian culture, in charming nce the villages. Warm wea ther, blue skies, goo fishing d vibes. True beach lifestyle !
+44 (0)1273 844 919 www.sportif.travel
+44 (0)1243 374 615 www.oceansource.net
Super Promo: In September, December and January, rent two weeks, pay only one! clubventos.com
WINTER travel DIRECTORY Club Dahab
Club Ventos
The One and Only! The only British centre in Dahab offering inclusive rental and tuition with Club Vass top instructors. Club Dahab, located on the stunning windy shores of the Red Sea, offers over 300 days of force 4+ a year. Just a short haul flight away, it’s ideal for a quick ‘fix’ any time of the year, with many flight options. Our centre commands a prime beach position, with easy access to all sailing spots and it’s the only place rocking the unique Club Vass vibe!
www.clubvass.com info@clubvass.com
Lancelin Lodge
Harry Nass
Jericoacoara and Icaraizinho. Brazil’s premiere windsurfing destinations. Reliable wind, warm weather, beautiful beaches, friendly people. ClubVentos now offers 100% PRO (carbon/kevlar) boards in the rental fleet, with latest Neilpryde RDM rigs. Don’t miss our promo-months: in September, December and January, you pay for only half of the days you sail. And you can share your days between both spots! Trade icy winter for a chill-out in the Brazilian culture, windsurfing every day!
www.sportif.travel www.oceansource.net
Mi Secreto Pousada
A windsurfer’s home base in sunny, windy Western Australia. Only 130km from Perth city and 300 metres to windsurf and surf beaches, the award winning Lancelin Lodge offers an affordable windsurf holiday base. No car needed - walk or bike to beaches, pubs and Lancelin town. Transfers from Perth and airport (fee applies) available public bus service. Kit hire and lessons available.
www.lancelinlodge.com.au accom@lancelinlodge.com.au
At Harry Nass Dahab you will find everything you need for your perfect windsurf holiday; 300 windy days a year, 4 centres, 4 windsurfing areas, the latest equipment, professional courses and helpful staff for unlimited action on the water. We have the biggest JP/NeilPryde centres in the world with over 550 JP boards and 600 NeilPryde sails we never fill our centres to maximum capacity to ensure you have plenty of choice.
Mi secreto INN is a wonderful luxurious inn inaugurated in September 2009. It is situated in a village of Sao Miguel do Gostoso (Rio Grande do Norte) and located in the front of Punta do Santo Cristo (strategical point for practising windsurf and kitesurf ). Every suite has an excellent view, either to the sea, beach or garden of palms and banana trees that surround the inn, creating a lovely contrast of colours. The exceptional location and the warm and simple decoration provide our guests with the peace and rest they are looking for.
www.misecretopousada.com info@misecretopousada.com
www.harry-nass.com info@harry-nass.com
Moon Beach Catering for all standards and abilities, offering top class coaching and constantly upgraded kit from Ezzy, Fanatic, North, RRD, Starboard and Tushingham, Moonbeach have enough toys for even the most exacting of windsurfers. Small enough to know your name, accommodation yards from the waters’ edge, reliable cross shore winds, sail straight from the beach, windsurf until the sun goes down, daily flights from the UK from only £220 – there’s no easier way to windsurf.
www.moonbeachholiday.com bookings@moonbeachholidays.com
Oceansource.net 2012/13 Winter Destinations: Brazil/Philippines/Chile/Tenerife (new)
Rene Egli René Egli Fuerteventura offer excellent Windsurfing Holidays at the immense Playa Sotavento with its tidal lagoon and optimum wind statistics year round. Rent the latest equipment from JP, Starboard and NeilPryde - 400 boards and 1000 sails – all completely renewed annually. All courses are held with licensed instructors in small learning groups. From spring 2013 we will welcome you in a whole new Center with endless amenities for perfect windsurfing holidays.
www.rene-egli.com info@rene-egli.com
Oceansource.net provides unique windsurfing experiences to some of the finest locations on earth. We have a ‘less is more’ approach to ensure we combine excellent product knowledge with unrivalled customer service. Jericoacoara & Icaraizinho, Brazil Frequented by watersports lovers from all over the world, Jeri’s super reliable trade winds blow from September to January. Gostoso, Brazil Sao Miguel do Gostoso is a small fishing village located approximately 100 km from the city of Natal offering a large, flatwater bay with sandy beach launch and outer reefs providing shelter.
Boracay, The Philippines Boracay’s beaches are consistently listed as one of the top 10 beaches in the world and winds blow consistently from November to April. Matanzas, Chile Exclusive to Oceansource.net, the region in and around Matanzas offers some of the best wavesailing in the world. Not for the faint-hearted, El Medano, Tenerife (new) All year-round wind and sunshine. El Medano is a windsurfer’s paradise. Look out for new Oceansource clinics coming in Spring 2013!
www.oceansource.net +44 (0)1243 374615
sportif SPAIN & CANARY ISLANDS/CAPE VERDES/MOROCCO/RED SEA/KENYA/ZANZIBAR/MAURITIUS/RODRIGUES/ BALI/BORACAY /VIETNAM/CARIBBEAN/BAJA MEXICO/MAUI/HAWAII/brazil
With over 30 years’ experience, Sportif have 50+ destinations worldwide, professional windsurfing centres in the world’s best locations with the latest kit & instruction. Call for expert advice on local conditions & hotels to suit your budget. Tarifa, Lanzarote & Sotavento Quick winter getaways. SC studios from £399, 5* hotels from £499. Long weekends, 9 & 10 nights available. Red Sea - Dahab, Safaga, El Gouna, Marsa Alam, Soma Bay & Hurghada Best Value, best wind! Kitesurf & Dive too. Dahkla – Morocco Desert adventures on vast flat water lagoon & awesome wave break. WAVES 92
SEPTEMBER 2012
FLAT WATER
Boa Vista & Sal – Cape Verdes Boa Vista for flat water and intro waves then head to Sal for bigger conditions & nightlife. Caribbean – Aruba, Bonaire, Tobago, Nevis, Cabarete, Margarita & St Martin. Flat water, slalom/freestyle meccas with surfing & multisport packages Brazil – Gostoso, Jeri & Icaraizinho Travel with the Brazil specialists. Luxury transfers, hotels & pousadas on the beach. Mauritius & Rodrigues – Indian Ocean Paradise islands with twin centre options. Flat water lagoons plus choice of wave conditions. Multi Centre, Multi Sport & Cultural tour options.
SPORTIF CLINICS – NEW 2013 DATES Early Booking Offer £50 0FF pp (£25pp Land Only) if booked before 30 Sept 12 Peter Hart: Jeri, Brazil Intro to Wave Sailing Jan 2013. Jem Hall: Marsa Alam Spring Tune Up March 2013. Simon Bornhoft: Margarita Flatwater/Slalom/Freestyle Jan 2013 Marsa Alam, Int+ to Adv Feb, Mar & Sept 2013 Family Clinic (Marsa Alam) Easter 2013 Moulay, Morocco – Freewave Clinic May 2013 Alacati, Turkey Freeride Clinic Int-Adv June 2013 NEW Multi Sport ‘Thrill & Chill Weeks Samos, Greece with Rob Horne June-Sept 2013 All travel fully ATOL guaranteed.
www.sportif.travel