VELA WINDSURF RESORTS - DIGITAL TRAVEL GUIDE 2014

aruba p2 margarita p8

baja p3 maui p9

belize p4 cabarete p6 brazil p5 st martin p10 NEW! philippines p11

hood river p7 NEW! tobago p12

welcome to vela Over 25 years of experience has helped to define Vela Resorts as THE SOURCE to discover windsurf travel experiences like no other. And 2014 will be no different. We welcome you back to see what we have to offer this season. Thank you! Through your support, we continue to learn and improve upon the art of what we do: create and plan high-quality windsurf vacations for you. Vela has some big plans in store, with exciting new destinations coming online soon, starting with our newest center in the Caribbean: Vela Tobago! As always, a trip to any Vela destination means you’ll find an operation featuring the friendliest, most experienced staff possible, informative lessons from trained professionals, and the latest new gear from our longtime partners at NeilPryde and JP Australia.

Hope to see you on the water!

NeilPryde / Jerome Houyvet CLICK ON THIS ARROW TO BEGIN!

aruba Amazing flat-water sailing, reliable wind, and convenience: so easy to get there, almost too easy to stay there! Aruba’s warm, jewel-blue water is an experience in itself. These conditions, along with the latest selection of NeilPryde sails and a full range of JP Australia boards make Vela Aruba an unparalleled windsurfing destination. The conditions and our instructional programs are so good that we guarantee you will learn more in one week at Vela Aruba than an entire season at home!

SKILL LEVEL Flat water and extensive shallows make Aruba ideal for sailors of all abilities. Our rescue boats ensure your safety. Learn new skills from one of our experienced instructors to complete a transcendent windsurfing vacation.

WATER Shallow, flat, 80+ degrees, crystal-blue... beautiful!

GOT KIDS? Aruba is very kid friendly - the beach is safe, wind protected, and close to the action. If you’ve been dreaming of getting your kids on the water, this is the place. Special kids’ gear boards available plus a full range of rigs and sails ideal for small hands.

FUN BEYOND WINDSURFING On those (rare) light wind days, cruise along the coastline with one of our stand-up paddle boards. Try snorkeling, scuba diving, or catamaran sailing at the Marriott watersports center.

Learn kitesurfing from our accomplished instructors, relax in the sun on beautiful beaches, or try your luck at the casinos!

GETTING THERE Fly to Queen Beatrix Airport (AUA) then a short 20 minute taxi to your hotel a short walk from the Vela center.

HOTELS: Boardwalk Hotel Aruba, Aruba Marriott Resort, Marriott Vacation Clubs, Holiday Inn and more!

CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

GOT WIND?

COOL PLACES

PRO INSTRUCTION

GREAT GEAR

All Phots: Vela Aruba MAP

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www.digital-photography-bureau.com

www.digital-photography-bureau.com

Matteo

baja

Matteo

With its beachfront location, incredible selection of gear from NeilPryde and JP Australia, and El Norte winds down the Sea of Cortez providing some of the best bump and jump conditions this side of the equator, Vela Baja is one of our most popular winter destinations.

Open mid-November to early-March, we invite you to come see it for yourself. Arriba!

SKILL LEVEL Intermediate through expert: sailors should know how to waterstart or be ready to learn.

Beginners can enjoy time on light-wind mornings or low wind days. Friendly morning breezes are perfect for longboarding, while stronger winds typically kick in around mid-day.

WATER With winds above 18 mph, a widely spaced, rolling swell provides great ramps for jumping. Mornings are usually flat. Water temp ranges from 65-74ยบF. Wetsuit recommended.

GOT KIDS? Playgrounds at each hotel make for a fun time off the beach. Small kids rig available, plus kites bikes and helmets for toddlers and young kids.

FUN BEYOND WINDSURFING Glide along clear blue waters in our kayaks or SUPs, snorkel under the sea, get in a round of tennis or golf, or mountain bike on miles of trails. Morning stretch classes, hiking excursions, and evening bonfires. Vela Baja is also a great mountain bike resort featuring our own professional bike guide, a vast network of trails for beginners through experts, and a fleet of full-suspension bikes from Specialized.

GETTING THERE Fly to San Jose Del Cabo (SJD) and we arrange a taxi for the 1 hour drive north to the Hotel Playa del Sol in the heart of Los Barriles.

HOTELS: Playa del Sol (on-location convenience) or the Palmas de Cortez (5 minute walk downwind).

CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

GOT WIND?

COOL PLACES

PRO INSTRUCTION

GREAT GEAR

www.digital-photography-bureau.com MAP

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belize Picture yourself on a private island, lost in the Caribbean. No modern conveniences. No schedules.

No problems. Sound like a fantasy? Experience it yourself at this amazing adventure-retreat in Belize!

With a maximum of 22 guests on any given week, there are no crowds in the sailing area. Ever. Perched on the edge of the continental shelf, the island base lies on the slender ring of Glover’s Atoll, 35 miles off the mainland.

In all, there are over 700 patch reefs brimming with the richest variety of marine life in the Caribbean.

SKILL LEVEL Perfect for beginners and intermediates, with varied conditions to challenge any experienced sailor. Wind speed is 10-20 mph nearly every day, so although some days will be spent on the light wind gear skimming across the flats of the lagoon, others will find you on a 4.5 sail or smaller blasting on the swells or trying your luck in the surf.

WATER Beautiful! Clear! Warm (80 degrees)! Inviting!

GOT KIDS? There is plenty to do on shore if they are too young to windsurf – kids love exploring and playing on the beach. Note that we do not have guided activities or sport equipment specifically for kids, though there are so many things you can do together as a family.

FUN BEYOND WINDSURFING! All gear is included with your package: surfboards, sea kayaks, fishing and surf kayaks, SUPs, and windsurf gear. Each day introduces a new sport: begin by paddling to magical snorkeling spots or to nearby islands, then the next day in surf kayaks shredding the waves just off shore.

GETTING THERE Fly to Belize City (BZE) then taxi to a hotel for the night, then take a 3-hour boat trip to the island in the morning!

HOTELS: Private island living in beachfront bungalows!

CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

GOT WIND?

COOL PLACES

PRO INSTRUCTION

GREAT GEAR

All photos: Slickrock MAP

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brazil

Julian Schlosser

ClubVentos

Julian Schlosser

ClubVentos

jericoacoara & icaraizinho

Incredible scenery and vistas, charming lodging, great food, sand-streets leading to the ocean, sailors from all over the world ... and tons of wind! We invite you to make the most of your vacation time and visit both destinations in one trip! Experience both Jericoacoara and Icaraizinho, including a half-day buggy trip along the coast and through the mangroves that guarantees you will experience something unforgettable. Vela is conveniently located in front of both launch sites and offers the very latest NeilPryde and JP Australia gear as well as many other services - restaurant and bar, surf shop, massage clinic and more.

SKILL LEVEL Intermediate to expert, although winds may be lighter in the morning with calmer water to arrange lessons for the less experienced.

WATER Average 80 degrees. Later in the year (NovJan) waves increase in size, making it the ideal place to learn to jump and wave ride due to the uniquely soft and friendly.

GOT KIDS? Well worth the travel time to bring the entire family along! Jeri offers plenty of activities you and your children can enjoy.

FUN BEYOND WINDSURFING! Sunsets to remember forever, horseback rides and dune buggy tours, amazing kayak and SUP adventure tours, river boat rides, sandboarding and capoeira, traditional Brazilian dancing or fishing with the locals, and more!

GETTING THERE Fly to Fortaleza (FOR) then from there Vela organizes a private 4WD taxi to bring you to your hotel.

HOTELS Over a dozen amazing hotels (or pousadas) to choose from, plus a handful of private homes!

CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

GOT WIND?

COOL PLACES

PRO INSTRUCTION

GREAT GEAR

Julian Schlosser MAP

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cabarete On the north shore of the Dominican Republic is a tropical beach-town with some of the best windsurfing in the Caribbean. Let us exceed all your expectations, with a friendly staff to help you select a sail and make your vacation at Vela Cabarete thoroughly enjoyable while you demo the best NeilPryde sails and JP Australia boards available.

SKILL LEVEL All abilities in the Summer and Fall, though Winter and Spring are best for intermediate to advanced sailors as waves and chop can be a challenge.

WATER Near 80 degrees year-round! Summer means flat water inside the bay or small easy waves outside the reef. From mid-December through March, the waves increase with chop inside and some shore break. Spring conditions bring moderate waves and chop.

GOT KIDS? We have plenty of JP Young Guns boards and sails down to 1.0, plus rigs for the smallest hands. Save with our “Kids Sail Free” program. Keep your family smiling all summer with our “Kids Camps”, including tons of watersports activities with kids from all over the world.

FUN BEYOND WINDSURFING Mountain biking, canyoning, diving, surfing, horseback riding, hiking, and many other things to do. Vela has plenty of SUPs plus a menu of tours to explore the coast. Oceanfront restaurants plus a vibrant nightlife make for memorable nights with your toes in the sand. And don’t miss the Vela bar Voy Voy for nightly specials and live shows.

GETTING THERE You will find several airports to consider, but save time and fly to Puerto Plata (POP), then take a 20 minute taxi to your hotel.

HOTELS Agualina Kite Resort, Beach Palace Cabarete, El Magnifico, Velero Beach Resort and more!

CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

GOT WIND?

COOL PLACES

PRO INSTRUCTION

GREAT GEAR

All Photos: Vela Cabarete MAP

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Cliff Hauser

Big Winds

Big Winds

Hood River Vacation Rentals

hood river The Gorge has it all - beginner lessons at The Hook, huge ramps at The Hatch, slalom sailing at The Event Site, plus long and smooth swell rides at The Wall. Enjoy the ease of rigged and ready gear at The Event Site Beach Center, or load up and head east or west to the optimum site of the day. Big Winds is home to the Vela center, with great rentals from JP and NeilPryde, plus an amazing staff to help you decide where to chase down the best conditions each day.

SKILL LEVEL Beginners through advanced ... its true!

Totally flat at The Hook and The Marina. Intermediate bump and jump at numerous other sites, some with head high swells when the conditions ramp up.

WATER Salt is for margaritas! Water temp ranges from the upper 50s in May to mid 70s in August.

GOT KIDS? Big Winds’ famous Kids Camp program for kids as young as 7. Enjoy quality time in the sun at the Waterfront Park, a perfect playground for all ages that includes a beach, swimming, and a great windsurf launch.

FUN BEYOND WINDSURFING On rare light wind days take out an SUP or try one of many other activities - world class kayaking, white water rafting, cycling (mountain and road), even skiing and snowboarding year round on Mt. Hood. Countless wine tasting rooms and brew pubs as well as tasty restaurants offer a great break after your day on the river.

GETTING THERE Fly to Portland, Oregon (PDX) then pick up a rental car. Drive one hour east past gorgeous waterfalls and hiking trails on I-84 to Hood River.

HOTELS Private homes from 1BR cottages to 5BR lofts and everything in between, plus apartments, B&B’s, and riverfront hotels.

CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

GOT WIND?

COOL PLACES

PRO INSTRUCTION

GREAT GEAR

Cliff Hauser MAP

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Tim Walker / tts-inc.

Hotel Surf Paradise

Vela Resorts / Dan Galic

Hotel Surf Paradise

margarita Located on the alluring island of Margarita off the coast of Venezuela, the lazy beach-town of El Yaque has long been a world-class windsurf destination. Vela Margarita offers an all-new prime launch site at the upwind end of the beach, first class service, knowledgeable instructors and plenty of great gear. Group dinners, happy-hours, and wine tastings – come alone and leave with new friends!

SKILL LEVEL Incredibly reliable wind and warm, shallow water make Margarita a popular choice for all abilities.

WATER Warm, flat and shallow 200-400 yards from shore, then turning into chop and rolling swells a bit further from shore with fun bump and jump conditions.

GOT KIDS? A perfect place to get your kids into windsurfing! Special kids rigs available plus our “Kids Sail Free” program. The family can stay together in this safe windsurfing environment. Windsurfing, beach, shade, hotel, and restaurants are all within steps of the center.

FUN BEYOND WINDSURFING Guided mountain bike rides, yoga sessions, SUP tours, kayak workouts, surf trips, hikes, island excursions and more can all be arranged. Duty-free shopping, a thriving night life, golfing and tennis courts can all be found in Porlamar, only 30 minutes from El Yaque.

GETTING THERE Final destination is Porlamar Airport (PMV), on the island of Margarita. Most major carriers fly to Caracas (CCS) and from there we can reserve your flights to Margarita. And with our well established Meet & Greet transfer service, we ensure a smooth connection through the busy Caracas airport.

HOTELS The new Vela Center is next to Casa Viva, and many small- and mid- size hotels and B&B’s are a short walk away.

CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

GOT WIND?

COOL PLACES

PRO INSTRUCTION

GREAT GEAR

Tim Walker / tts-inc.

MAP

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NeilPryde / Jerome Houyvet

JP-Australia / Thorsten Indra

NeilPryde / Jerome Houyvet

Paia Vacations

maui Mix nearly year round consistent tradewinds with a blend of all possible conditions, and Maui becomes an experience you simply cannot miss! The North Shore has flat water inside the reef and swells outside in summer, with waves on the reef and a bump & jump playground inside the rest of the year. The South Shore has great slalom sailing year round. Adventure Sports Maui (formerly Neil Pryde Maui) is home to Vela Maui, with the best rentals on the island plus a friendly staff to show you where to use it.

SKILL LEVEL Something for everyone year round!

Hopeful waterstarters, aspiring jibers, and back-loop dreamers alike can push themselves to master new skills with participation in our Aloha Clinics, featuring the coaching power of two celebrity instructors Shawna Cropas and Matt Pritchard.

WATER Blue and beautiful, warm and tropical, although on some winter days you may want a shorty.

GOT KIDS? So many fun family-oriented activities for all ages! Kids gear and lessons in a protected shallow cove are a great way to show the ‘next generation’ how to get started.

FUN BEYOND WINDSURFING! Too much to do in one week. Or twelve. Maui’s many attractions include world-class golf courses, great snorkeling and diving, incredible mountain biking, sunrise hikes at Haleakala, and SUP coastline trips. From tropical rain forests and volcanic craters to Hawaiian dances, luaus and shopping, there ís always something fun to do.

GETTING THERE Simply fly to Kahului (OGG), get in your rental car, and explore the island! Maui No Ka Oi! HOTELS Beachfront guest homes, private estates, downtown boutique hotels, and oceanside condoresorts!

CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

GOT WIND?

COOL PLACES

PRO INSTRUCTION

GREAT GEAR

NeilPryde / Jerome Houyvet MAP

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Wind-Adventures

Wind-Adventures

st martin

Wind-Adventures

Alamanda Resorts

Experience a new Vela favorite! A world-class freeride/ slalom destination, the sailing area stretches over 2 miles into the Atlantic and offers a unique opportunity to discover island-to-island sailing: several islands are within 5-20 minutes reach from the center. The windy season runs October through July, with lighter-winds averaging 13-18, though back-to-back days of 20+ are common. On the beachfront at Orient Bay, named “best beach in the Caribbean” many years. Vela St Martin is equipped with the latest gear including NeilPryde sails and rigs plus JP Australia boards.

SKILL LEVEL Great for everyone! Shallow, flat water in the lagoon, choppy conditions in front, and swell and waves outside. Pro instruction with certified instructors, we have private lessons or complete clinics.

WATER Crystal-clear and with an average temperature near 80 degrees. Perfect!

GOT KIDS? Something for the whole family: boogie boards, skimboards, surfing, plus a beautiful stretch of beach to play in the sand.

FUN BEYOND WINDSURFING! Plenty to get you through any light-wind days and to keep non-windsurfing guests busy! Our “All You Can Do” program includes SUP boards, kayaks, surfboards, and Hobie Cats for everyone. Ask us about our optional island-hopping daytrips and chartered overnight adventures by boat.

GETTING THERE Fly to Juliana International Airport (SXM) then take a taxi for the 35 minute drive to Orient Bay. From there, Vela St Martin is a short walk from your hotel.

HOTELS: Luxury beachfront resorts, private multi-room villas, comfortable suites: just ask!

CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

GOT WIND?

COOL PLACES

PRO INSTRUCTION

GREAT GEAR

Wind-Adventures MAP

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philippines

NEW!

Discover a hidden paradise with awesome wave-sailing conditions on a private and unspoiled beach. Located in a very small and remote town on the northernmost tip of the Philippines - no banks, no ATMs, spotty internet service, maybe cell coverage. But who cares! All of your needs are met by an amazing and friendly staff, top of the line gear by NeilPryde and JP-Australia, and in November-April, some of the most consistent winds found anywhere! Launch and sailing area is on a private beach. Never any crowds on the water! Ever!

SKILL LEVEL The reef break can be mast high when conditions are right, and advanced sailors will have the most time on the water when “surf’s up.” Intermediate level guests can sail in a flat water lagoon or tour other breaks with smaller waves on the big days.

WATER Warm and tropical.

GOT KIDS? Families are welcome and kids will love the expansive private beach and tropical backyard. Sailing conditions are not ideal for beginners except on light wind days without swell.

FUN BEYOND WINDSURFING! Explore the shore by SUP or kayak, snorkel, fish, plan day-trips with a local guide, or simply relax and enjoy!

GETTING THERE Get ready for an adventure! Fly first to Manila International (MNL) then a domestic flight to Laoag (LAO). From there we arrange the 2 hour private taxi directly to the center.

HOTELS Choose from well designed beach huts, guest rooms, and a private villa. Restaurant and bar plus watersports center are on-location.

CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

GOT WIND?

COOL PLACES

PRO INSTRUCTION

GREAT GEAR

All Photos: Kingfisher Resort MAP

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tobago

NEW!

Located far down the chain of the southern Caribbean, Tobago is blessed by plenty of strong and consistent wind November through June. The windsurf school and rental center is located at the northern tip of Pigeon Point Heritage Park, where the beach is protected by the Buccoo Reef, creating an ideal environment for windsurfing and other water sports. Although no hotels are allowed within the park, there are many hotels and private villa rentals to choose from.

SKILL LEVEL All levels as the large fringe reef protects the inside shore: flat and shallow water makes learning and free riding easy and enjoyable. The same reef creates fantastic surf breaks to explore.

WATER Flat, warm, shallow, crystal-blue... gorgeous!

GOT KIDS? In addition to the easy-entry conditions plenty of rigs and sails ideal for small hands, this is the ultimate location for families: restaurant, bar, restrooms, lounge chairs in the shade, billiards, table tennis and foosball, and more.

FUN BEYOND WINDSURFING Truly an ideal location non-sailors, an park is an ideal spot to snorkel, SUP, kayak, swim, or just relax. Try surfing, waterfall hikes, off-road jeep safari tours, zip line, scuba and so much more!

GETTING THERE Most flights to Tobago (TAB) will have a quick stop through Trinidad (POS) along the way. Then a short 5-15 minute taxi to your hotel of choice, then shuttle, taxi, bike, or walk to Vela!

HOTELS Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Coco Reef Beach and Spa, Private Guest House Villas, and more!

CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

GOT WIND?

COOL PLACES

PRO INSTRUCTION

GREAT GEAR

All Photos: Radical Sports Tobago MAP

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Vela Cabarete

gear & lessons

NeilPryde / Jerome Houyvet

JP Australia / Thorsten Indra

Vela Aruba

gear

lessons

We guarantee great gear and plenty of it! Each year we do all that we can to make sure we have the best gear on the beach. Choose from an entire fleet including many of the latest model NeilPryde rigs and top-quality JP-Australia boards carefully selected to match local conditions.

LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL CENTERS so you can learn more in one week with Vela than during a season at home! We employ only the most professional and experienced instructors with a sincere interest in your success.

GROUP AND PRIVATE LESSONS can either be reserved in advance or arranged once you get there. Let us know where you are stuck and we can help you to reach your goals!

We have boards and rigs for all ability levels and every sailing style. Learn the basics on our forgiving beginner boards. For higher performance, choose from a wide variety of wave, freestyle, and slalom / formula boards.

Exact models will vary from center to center, so check with us if you hope to demo something specific. Custom kids rigs are available at most locations.

FREE WINDSURF SEMINARS are offered many days of the week at most Vela centers: you’re sure to be surprised how much you learn!

BEGINNER DISCOUNT AND FREE LESSON! Firsttimers to select centers will receive one free lesson and discounted rental rates for beginner gear. Please ask us if the spot you want to visit is ideal for beginners, so we can get you started the right way from the first day.

With gear on-hand for all ability levels and every sailing style, you can rely on Vela to help keep you on the water!

Small: All boards 100 liters and smaller. For accomplished intermediate through expert sailors in planing conditions.

Medium: Larger freeride style boards 101-130 liters.

For advanced, intermediates, heavier freeride sailors or lighter air planing Large: Larger freeride style boards 101-130 liters.

For advanced, intermediates, heavier freeride sailors or lighter air planing XL: Over 180 liters. Full volume boards that are perfect for practicing basic long board skills and light air cruising. Not as long as they used to be, but these newer wider versions do still have a daggerboard.

For those with limited windsurf experience or light wind.

Beginners: For the first-timers the biggest board we could find. Stable as a sidewalk, yet easy to maneuver.

GOT KIDS? Please make sure to contact us to learn more about where to find the right conditions. When you make learning a positive experience from the start, you help ensure that the next generation gets “hooked in” on windsurfing!

SPECIAL CLINICS AND EVENTS will be scheduled at various Vela locations throughout the season: check in regularly for updates on a clinic at your favorite spot!

CLINICS & EVENTS

NeilPryde / Jerome Houyvet CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

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CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A GEAR

DEMO

JP Wave

JP Freeride – NEW! Magic Ride

www.jp-australia.com

JP SUP

www.jp-australia-sup.com

NeilPryde / Jerome Houyvet

reservations at vela

We hope that you have enjoyed learning about the many destinations we offer, and we invite you to contact us to learn more. From your first email or phone call, to your last turn on the water, know that we are genuinely passionate about providing you with an unforgettable vacation experience.

Our travel agents will help to match everything (your skill level, travel period, and overall vacation interests) with the best destination to suit your needs. And although we don’t reserve flights, let us assist you with finding a hotel, reserving gear, and scheduling lessons. To get started, simply call, email, or go online!

CLICK THIS BUTTON FOR A QUOTE

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